South Island 13 Day Coast to Coast Highlights Tour

13 days
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4.9/5 Excellent
40 reviews  
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Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
Cancellation Policy
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Experience the best of the South Island of New Zealand. New Zealand has so much to offer, the world in one! The diversity of accommodations, scenery, activities and attractions are like no other destination. Mighty glaciers, fiords and spectacular mountains, get ready to have your breath taken away! We can give you the best advice for free for your Self drive...
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$2,075
From$1,820
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • All inclusive tour package prepared by New Zealand based specialists so you sit back and relax
    • An exciting itinerary will be customised to suit you - let us help plan and perfect your dream vacation
    • We offer self-drive trips (rental car) we arrange all your accomodations, activities, attractions (you select) we book your car (fun, freedom, independence, flexibility) you set the pace each day or, select a private driver trip (fully guided) or, escorted coach tours (daily commentary).
    • Either way, you will have an awesome time we promise!

What's this trip about?

    Experience the best of the South Island of New Zealand. New Zealand has so much to offer, the world in one! The diversity of accommodations, scenery, activities and attractions are like no other destination. Mighty glaciers, fiords and spectacular mountains, get ready to have your breath taken away! We can give you the best advice for free for your Self drive independent trip.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizePrivate - your group only
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityChristchurch
End CityQueenstown

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Sailing
  • Photography

Destinations

  • New Zealand

Attractions

  • Christchurch
  • Dunedin
  • Fiordland National Park
  • Milford Sound
  • Mount Cook
  • Queenstown

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Kayaking
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Rafting
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Small Ship Cruises

Trip includes

    • Suitable preferred accommodations
    • Personal airport meet & greet service on arrival
    • Private transfer to your first night accommodation
    • Access Geoffs’ personal mobile - phone 021-177-9526
    • 24/7 Freephone helpline support in New Zealand
    • Expert professional planning and tour management services
    • Maps, guidebooks, brochures and dining guidebook - everything you need
    • G.S.T. (Inland Revenue Department Government Goods and Services Tax 15%)

Itinerary

Travel Map
Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch city

Personal airport meet and greet, and private transfer to your accommodation.

On arrival, you will be met by one of our team and driven to your Christchurch accommodation. We will discuss your itinerary and provide you with maps and detailed information to help ...

Day 2: Explore Christchurch

Today you have time to explore Christchurch or maybe take a day trip to Akaroa.

Following the 2011 earthquake that razed its centre and much of the outlying suburbs, Christchurch is well into a billion-dollar makeover. In the middle of the Canterbury Plains, bo...

Day 3: Today we will enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is: 350 km / 217 miles: 4.1 hour

Today we will drive through the heart of the South Island, crossing the vast Canterbury Plains. Catch your breath in Geraldine before continuing through Fairlie. Ascen...

Day 4: MacKenzie Country, Waitaki River to the coast to Dunedin

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is: 318 km / 197 miles: 3.7 hours

Today you'll leave Mt Cook National Park and travel past Twizel, one of the locations for the Lord of the Rings films. Go through Omarama - gliding capital of New Zea...

Day 5: Discover the history of Dunedin or the wildlife on Otago Peninsula

Known as the Edinburgh of the South, Dunedin City has a heavy Scottish influence. Surrounded by rugged coastal plains and windswept beaches it’s home to an eclectic mix of historical and modern architecture as well as industrial technology. Renowned for its Flemish Ba...

Day 6: Travel through the rich farmland of South Otago and Southland to reach Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is: 387 km / 240 miles: 4.7 hours

The drive to Te-Anau takes you through classic Southland farming scenery. Head off-the-beaten-track today and follow the coastline instead of the inland route. Go thr...

Day 7: Today you'll journey along the Milford Road to Milford Sound. Allow plenty of time for this stunning road trip.

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is: 233 km / 145 miles: 3.6 hours

The road to Milford Sound offers some of the most beautiful and iconic scenery in the country. From crystal clear lakes and towering mountains to lush glacier formed ...

Day 8: Te Anau to Queenstown

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is: 164 km / 102 miles: 1.9 hours

Today you’ll cross vast tussock lands on your way to Queenstown. Pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of the nation. Continue on through the Southland countryside ...

Day 9: Explore Queenstown and surrounds

Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a pletho...

Day 10: Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier (via Wanaka)

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is: 350 km / 217 miles: 4.6 hours

From Queenstown you'll cross the Crown Range - the highest sealed road in New Zealand - to arrive in the Alpine town of Wanaka, gateway to Mt Aspiring national park. ...

Day 11: Today is free to explore the glacier region, why not take a scenic flight for breath-taking views

Franz Josef is a small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12 km long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice up close walk along the valley floor to the termina...

Day 12: Franz Josef to Christchurch Tranz Alpine Train Greymouth to Christchurch

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is: 170 km / 106 miles: 2.1 hours

Today you’ll head north through the historic gold mining region of Hokitika. Known for its Greenstone (Pounamu) this seaside town has a rich history dating back to th...

Day 13: Depart Christchurch today

You will be collected from your accommodation and a private transfer will deliver you to Christchurch airport in time for your departing flight.

Depending on when your flight departs you might have time for one last Christchurch adventure before dropping your car off at the airport and catching your flight.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $1,820
Price per day$140
Last Updated: 4/26/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Real New Zealand Tours.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Real New Zealand Tours Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
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Other Real New Zealand Tours Reviews

M

Mike

Mar 2024

Written on

Self-designed 21 day trip to NZ

Geoff helped my wife and I to put together an itinerary that customized to our particular interests and preferences. At the outset he asked us where we'd like to go ...

B

Ben and Danielle

Dec 2023

Written on
Real New Zealand Tours Company Reviewsby Real New Zealand Tours

Real New Zealand Tours provided a great service!

Real New Zealand Tours provided a great service! They made themselves available at every turn while we on the road and checked in regularly to make sure everything w...

C

Corry & Joe

Dec 2023

Written on
Real New Zealand Tours Company Reviewsby Real New Zealand Tours

Thank you so much for your assistance and support during our trip to your fabulous country.

Geoff, Libby and team, Thank you so much for your assistance and support during our trip to your fabulous country. Everything was perfect. The hotel in Wellington,...

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Tour Operator

Real New Zealand Tours

Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
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Tourism New Zealand Accredited Qualmark Gold Standard Itineraries - Get inspired.

We include a personal airport meet and greet service on arrival into New Zealand - also a private transfer to your first night accommodation.

Please note: We also include 24 hour 7 days per week FREEPHONE helpline support while you are in New Zealand - and Geoff's (Director, owner, founder) personal mobile number - 021 177 9526 (+64 21 177 9526).

Our promise to you is that every day will be an exciting new journey. We do not make promises we cannot keep! - you will not be disappointed.

Wake up in paradise, meet friendly locals, and enjoy majestic landscapes. All you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your dream vacation.

Immerse yourself into our unique culture, heritage, nature and wildlife. Whatever the occasion, Real New Zealand Tours will make it happen for you!

Why we love this operator
They are dedicated to providing personalized, authentic, and sustainable travel experiences that showcase the best of their country.
What they’re known for
Customized itineraries to New Zealand crafted by real local experts that are passionate about their country and understand all the ins-and-outs.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Lunches, dinners, drinks, laundry, personal expenses

Accommodation

,New Zealand accommodation options are diverse with something to suit everyone. We will arrange accommodation which suits your desired level of comfort.

Transportation & Flights

Rental car: Comprehensive vehicle Insurance for 2 drivers included in all our itineraries also GPS and unlimited mileage.,

Transportation & flights

Rental car: Comprehensive vehicle Insurance for 2 drivers included in all our itineraries also GPS and unlimited mileage.
Guides
When not Self-drive - all Private driver trips we include a professional experienced local driver who will share their vast Kiwi knowledge with you. They will ensure you have the trip of a lifetime!
Cancellation policy

You may cancel your tour for any reason at any time, however please do so in writing as soon as possible. Please bear in mind our cancellation costs. Accommodation and other third party providers may have cancellation policies that impart fees for cancellations at anytime. Particularly in peak time the need to fill rooms is paramount to individuals businesses and in many cases their livelihood. With this in mind please be aware that cancelling your tour or making major changes you may incur additional fees.

Real New Zealand Tours Limited cancellations are subject to the following penalties of the full trip price -

All and any deposit is 100% non-refundable

  • Cancelling 90-70 days prior to date of arrival - 50% penalty
  • Cancelling 61-69 days prior to date of arrival - 75% penalty
  • Cancelling 60 days or less prior to date of arrival - 100% penalty

Please note: The above is totally separate to your non-refundable deposit.

While we understand that cancellations may at times be unavoidable we highly recommend you purchase comprhensive Travel Insurance to cover the unforeseen, we can help you with Insurance quotes.

Additional cancellation fees may be incurred for, but not necessarily limited to, reservations for other activities and accommodation. Real New Zealand Tours Limited reserves the right to reclaim these costs from you.

If you do not pay the full balance of the cost of your trip 90 days prior to your arrival date Real New Zealand Tours reserves the right to cancel your booking. When any refund is payable there will be an administrative fee of NZ$75.00 per person per booking.

Additional Terms and Conditions may be found at this link: https://www.realnewzealandtours.com/Terms-and-Condition/

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

Breakfasts

Age Requirements
18 years and up
Optional Activities

https://www.realnewzealandtours.com/Planning-Your-Trip/Adventure-Activities/

Additional Information
Trip ID
realne-realne-SoIsDaCoToCoHiTo

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