New Zealand South Island Adventure
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Sunday, Dec 22, 2024 | Thursday, Jan 02, 2025 | $5,270 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
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Sunday, Nov 09, 2025 | Thursday, Nov 20, 2025 | $4,284 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
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Sunday, Dec 21, 2025 | Thursday, Jan 01, 2026 | $5,185 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
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Sunday, Mar 08, 2026 | Thursday, Mar 19, 2026 | $5,040 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
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Sunday, Jul 05, 2026 | Thursday, Jul 16, 2026 | $5,280 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Sep 06, 2026 | Thursday, Sep 17, 2026 | $5,280 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Sep 20, 2026 | Thursday, Oct 01, 2026 | $5,280 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Oct 04, 2026 | Thursday, Oct 15, 2026 | $5,280 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Oct 11, 2026 | Thursday, Oct 22, 2026 | $5,280 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Oct 25, 2026 | Thursday, Nov 05, 2026 | $5,280 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Nov 01, 2026 | Thursday, Nov 12, 2026 | $5,280 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Nov 08, 2026 | Thursday, Nov 19, 2026 | $5,490 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Nov 15, 2026 | Thursday, Nov 26, 2026 | $5,490 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Nov 22, 2026 | Thursday, Dec 03, 2026 | $5,490 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Dec 06, 2026 | Thursday, Dec 17, 2026 | $5,490 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Dec 13, 2026 | Thursday, Dec 24, 2026 | $5,490 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Dec 20, 2026 | Thursday, Dec 31, 2026 | $5,705 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Dec 27, 2026 | Thursday, Jan 07, 2027 | $5,705 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Jan 03, 2027 | Thursday, Jan 14, 2027 | $5,705 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Jan 10, 2027 | Thursday, Jan 21, 2027 | $5,705 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Jan 17, 2027 | Thursday, Jan 28, 2027 | $5,705 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Jan 24, 2027 | Thursday, Feb 04, 2027 | $5,705 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Jan 31, 2027 | Thursday, Feb 11, 2027 | $5,705 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Feb 07, 2027 | Thursday, Feb 18, 2027 | $5,705 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Feb 14, 2027 | Thursday, Feb 25, 2027 | $5,705 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Feb 21, 2027 | Thursday, Mar 04, 2027 | $5,705 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Mar 07, 2027 | Thursday, Mar 18, 2027 | $5,490 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Mar 14, 2027 | Thursday, Mar 25, 2027 | $5,490 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Mar 21, 2027 | Thursday, Apr 01, 2027 | $5,490 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Apr 04, 2027 | Thursday, Apr 15, 2027 | $5,490 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Apr 18, 2027 | Thursday, Apr 29, 2027 | $5,490 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, May 02, 2027 | Thursday, May 13, 2027 | $5,280 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Jun 13, 2027 | Thursday, Jun 24, 2027 | $5,280 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
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Cyber Sale offers apply to new bookings made and deposited between 12:01am EST November 14 2024 to 11:59pm PST December 05 2024, for select trips departing between December 1 2024 - December 14 2025, excluding travel between December 18 2024 - January 5 2025
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Tour Itinerary
From an ancient world of forests and glaciers to a culture of hospitality that has long defined New Zealand's people, discover the best of the South Island on a 12-day adventure. Take in highlights from Reefton to Fox Glacier, Pancake Rocks to botanical gins, kayaking to spa soaking. Make your way to the shores of the South Island's biggest lake and sail the silent waters of glacier-carved Fiordland National Park on an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound. Cross to the cliffs of the Catlins and hike to coastal caves, then span the gap to untouched Stewart Island to explore the wilderness, listening out for the call of the kiwi. When it comes to natural wonders, it doesn't get better than this.
Christchurch , Fox Glacier , Milford Sound , Punakaiki , Queenstown , Stewart Island , Te Anau , Wanaka
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Day 1
Christchurch / Reefton / WestportWelcome to your Intrepid exploration of the South Island! Your adventure begins in Christchurch, where a welcome meeting will take place at 8am for you to meet up with your local leader and fellow travellers. After your meeting, it’s time to hit the road, first heading to Hanmer Springs in the Lewis Pass national reserve. Check out the natural hot pools surrounded by greenery as the snow dusted peaks of the Southern Alps look on. You can even opt to take a dip. Next up, travel to Reefton, a tiny town that punches above its size. Step back in time and meet a local story-teller, learning about the town's gold mining past, the miners' families, the storekeepers, and embrace the Cornish influence. You'll even have the opportunity to see the water powered gold stamping battery working. Head into the town centre proper where you'll meet the 'bearded miners' for a cup of manuka enhanced black billy tea and to watch the technique of gold panning. Finally, drive through the spectacular Buller Gorge to the town of Westport and perhaps round off the day with a group dinner.
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Day 2
Tauranga Bay / Charleston / Punakaiki / KumaraStart your day with a stop at the wild Cape Foulwind and admire incredible views of the mountains and rugged coastline. The headland is home to a fur seal breeding colony so keep your eyes peeled, they can easily blend in with the rocks! Continue to Charleston this morning to join a train ride in open carriages through primeval rain forest. ‘The Nile River Rainforest Train’ recreates a bygone era where bush trams once prevailed. Experience the spectacular wilderness of the Nile River Canyon in Paparoa National Park. Next up is Punakaiki, a town with less than 100 residents, but famed for its so-called Pancake Rocks. These layers of fossilised animals and plants, formed over 30 million years ago, were thrust above the surface by the moving earth and sculpted by wind and water. At high tide the sea is forced through blowholes in the limestone to burst metres into the air – it’s an entertaining sight! Continue to Kumara, a former goldrush town with an intriguing history (this little place was the home of New Zealand’s longest serving Prime Minister!). On arrival, settle into your hotel, then head out to meet the town’s brightest residents. Just behind your hotel, you’ll find dazzling glow worms lighting up old mineshafts. Once the sun has gone down, be sure to look up. With very little light pollution, the stargazing in Kumara is absolutely out of this world (literally!).
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
Hokitika / Okarito Lagoon / Fox GlacierToday begins with a visit to the Hokitika Gorge, one of the West Coast’s most stunning spots. Shimmering turquoise waters wreathed with lush native bush make a sight to remember. Then it’s on to the Okarito Lagoon, alive with the calls of over 70 unique species of birds. Head out on a nature walk culminating in a lookout point from which, on a clear day, you can enjoy an unbeatable view over Westland (Tai Poutini) National Park from the snow-capped Southern Alps (Ka Tiritiri o te Moana) across extensive native forest to the lagoons and beaches of the coast. Continue your journey south to the Fox Glacier township, your gateway to the dramatic and enormous Fox Glacier and your base for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
Fox GlacierKick off the day with a gentle walk around the glittering Lake Matheson, dubbed the ‘mirror lake’ for its dark waters which perfectly reflect the towering Southern Alps – if you take one picture of your West Coast adventure, this should be it! The rest of the day is yours to make the most of what this amazing slice of the country has to offer. Perhaps take a shuttle back to Franz Josef Glacier or you may want to visit a pounamu (greenstone) workshop and learn how to carve your own original piece. Alternatively you can book a helicopter ride up to the glaciers, with the potential to add on a hike through the spectacular landscape. There’s also no shortage of interesting walks and cosy pubs if you fancy a more low-key afternoon – have a chat to your leader about your options for the day.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 5
WanakaMake tracks for Wanaka, making plenty of interesting stops along the way. First up is Ship Creek, where you’ll take a walk through quintessentially rugged West Coast scenery. You can either walk through shady swamp forest, or explore windswept sand dunes and coastal forest. Then it’s on to Mt Aspiring National Park. Make the short walk to the incredible Thunder Creek Falls, featuring an impressive 96-metre-tall cascade. Arrive in Wanaka and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6
WanakaWith Lake Wanaka as the star of the show and surrounding mountains only complimenting its beauty, there’s no doubt this is one of the most attractive towns in New Zealand. Today is completely free for you to enjoy the surroundings of Wanaka, and there's certainly no shortage of amazing things to see and do here, so be sure to chat to your leader for their top tips. You may like to take a pleasant bike ride along the shores of Lake Wanaka or get on the water and cruise to Mou Waho Island, where you’ll find an island in a lake on an island in a lake! There are heaps of beautiful short walks in the area, and a visit to the famous #thatwanakatree is a must. Or simply find a cosy cafe to admire the view.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 7
Queenstown / Te AnauDepart Wanaka this morning and drive through the magnificent scenery of the Crown Range. Arrive in Queenstown in the late morning, then a meeting will take place to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next leg of your journey. After the meeting, head to the lovely lakeside town of Te Anau – gateway to Fiordland National Park. Watch the stunning landscapes pass by as you round the bottom of Lake Wakatipu with the aptly named The Remarkables mountains in the background. The five-hour drive will take you to the shores of the South Island’s biggest lake, which extends into the fiords and deeply forested mountains. Tonight you there's an optional chance to head underground by boat and see thousands of glow worms illuminate subterranean caves, to spectacular effect.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 8
Milford Sound / Te AnauThe stunning, unforgettable sights of the fiords are best experienced by boat, so today you’ll set off for a memorable cruise on Milford Sound, known locally as Piopiotahi. Sail along the waters that pour out into the Tasman Sea, and look out for bottlenose dolphins and fur seals at play. Nature feels close here in the silence of the sound as you make your way past countless tumbling, misting cascades, soaring icy peaks, lush rainforest and twisting inlets. Soak up the surrounds so stunning that they feel almost fake, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Afterwards get a different perspective of the sound, surrounded by native bush, as you take on the lookout track with your leader. There’s a bit of a climb, but the views are more than worth it to look down on the water and up at the peaks. The spectacular views keep on coming with a Mirror Lakes walk, where the peaks and greenery reflect in the clear lake waters. Return to Te Anau in time for dinner this evening – maybe seek out some local fare like venison or even lobster for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 9
The CatlinsThis morning it’s time to swap one side of the island for the other as you make your way to what feels like a forgotten corner of Otago – the Catlins. This untamed coastal wilderness is home to rugged cliffs, dense forest, and some spectacular hidden waterfalls. Visit Nugget Point and its lighthouse, situated on a rocky outcrop jutting out into the South Pacific Ocean, and hike through dense forest to pretty McLean Falls. In the afternoon take the time to soak up the sights of pounding surf, windswept beaches and sunbathing sea lions as you stroll the sands with your leader.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 10
Stewart IslandHead to the very bottom of the island and take a ferry across the Foveaux Strait to the country’s third largest landmass, remote and rugged Stewart Island. It takes about one hour to travel the 30-kilometre strait. The island is almost entirely national park, which makes its unspoiled forests, beaches and bays a haven for hikers of all abilities as well as birdwatchers – it’s home to endangered brown kiwi and the flightless Stewart Island kiwi. In the Maori language the island is known as Rakiura, which means ‘the land of glowing skies’.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 11
Stewart IslandEnjoy a full free day to explore the island as you discover the coast and Rakiura National Park. Optional activities include cruises on the bays and inlets spotting penguins and seabirds and walks along forested coastal tracks past early Maori settlements. Learn about the local flora and fauna, and relax on the beach for a picnic lunch. Take in the views over glistening William Bay and see if you can spot the mountains of the South Island in the distance. Return to your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the evening to relax after your full day of island exploration. Perhaps join the group for dinner at a local restaurant tonight.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 12
Stewart Island / QueenstownHead back over to the mainland, then continue back to Queenstown. Your trip comes to an end today when you arrive back in Queenstown at approximately 2pm. If you have extra time to spend in Queenstown, make sure to get out and take advantage of the numerous adventure activities on offer. The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu not only serve as spectacular props to get your adrenaline fix, they’re also beautiful to look at. The town is also a great base for exploring Central Otago’s excellent vineyards and historic mining towns.
Meals: Breakfast
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- Reefton - Historic Town Visit
- Reefton - Goldfields Museum with Local Storyteller
- Reefton - Billy Tea with 'The Bearded Miners'
- Punakaiki - Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Walk
- Charleston - Nile River Gorge Rainforest Train Ride
- Westport - Seal Colony at Tauranga Bay
- Westport - Cape Foulwind Walkway & Lighthouse
- Hokitika - Gorge Visit
- Okarito - Okarito Lagoon Walk
- Fox Glacier - Lake Matheson Walk
- Milford Sound - Nature Boat Cruise
- Milford Sound - Leader-led walk to Milford Lookout
- Milford Sound - Walk to Mirror Lakes & Lake Gunn
- The Catlins - Leader-led walk to Nugget Point & McLean Falls
- Stewart Island - Scenic Ferry Crossing
- Stewart Island - Scenic Ferry Crossing
Meals
11 Breakfast(s) Included
Style: Original
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Everything was wonderful but the Itinerary spelled out we would be staying in Refugio Domo Francis and Refugio Torre Central, but we ended up staying in the tents. We did not hear that until the night of the tour meeting. That is a mis-representation of the accommodations and cost. I understand why they might not have been available because those accommodations are limited, but you should put in the itinerary that the tour most likely stays in tents (with a photo). The itinerary also does not say that the dinner at the Camping Francis will be a box dinner sitting on the floor. The experience was wonderful but you should not promise a refugio if it is not available. The Camping at Francis was wonderful.
Intrepid is awesome. Our guide was superb. Everything went smoothly!
Our tour guide was wonderful. She was knowledgeable, fun, energetic, and made our week run very smoothly. The trip itself was fantastic! We saw a lot and the islands are absolutely beautiful. Great food, great new friends made on the tour, and would absolutely book with Intrepid again.
Intrepid tour is great company. Will use this company again.
The trip was both both educational and exciting. I very much enjoyed the sights and culture.
The itinerary was just as I expected! The guide was very good as were the accomodations
Intrepid did such a great job. I never had to worry about where I was supposed to be and it felt so good not to worry about a thing but just to enjoy myself. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about culture and history.
Taiwan people very friendly. Accommodation were centrally located and easily accessible. Did extra activities then in brochure which was greatly.
Larus our tour guide did an excellent job and was very attentive to our needs. He is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor.
Our guide Tarang chandola was exceptional. Courteous, knowledgeable, organized, polite, professional and went above and beyond taking care of our needs and requests offen anticipating what that might be. He made sure we all had the best possible time and offered suggestions to meet the needs of everyone on the tour. This made the trip even more enjoyable.
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I had a wonderful experience during the culinary journey in Morroco. I experienced the beauty of Morroco and its wonderfual and hospitable people. Our guide, Tariq Hammoudi, was a great guide and provided us with valuable information and advice along the way. The countryside and desert were absolutely stunning. The desert visit was the highlight of the trip for me. I took many photos which I shared with friends and family, and all of them expressed amazement and envy that I was actually vacationing in this wonderful country.