New Zealand 7 Days and 6 Nights South Island

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Day 1: Christchurch – Oamaru (250km / 3 hours)

Welcome to Christchurch, the "Garden City." Our guide will meet you at Christchurch International Airport (pick-up at 9:30 AM or 12:00 PM). Enjoy a city tour, visiting the historic Cathedral Square, Canterbury Museum, the beautiful Avon River, the Botanic Gardens, and more. After lunch, drive to Oamaru, known as the "Penguin Town." Stroll along the streets of Oamaru, where you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairy tale, with its unique historic buildings, Roman columns, old shop signs, and ancient brick walls.

Hotel: 3-star Brydone Hotel Oamaru or equivalent

Day 2: Oamaru – Dunedin – Te Anau (400km / 4.5 hours)

After breakfast, head to Dunedin, known as the "Edinburgh of New Zealand." En route, stop to see the Moeraki Boulders scattered across Moeraki Beach. These massive spherical boulders weigh several tons and reach up to two meters in height. Dunedin is renowned for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture, surrounded by rolling hills. Visit the magnificent Dunedin Railway Station, Octagon Square, St. Paul's Cathedral, and First Church. After dinner, arrive in Te Anau, the largest town near Fiordland National Park, and enjoy the world’s largest glowworm cave (optional, at your own expense).

Hotel: 3-star Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau or equivalent

Day 3: Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown (400km / 5.5 hours)

After breakfast, embark on a Milford Sound Cruise for a scenic 1.5-hour tour. Milford Sound, located on the lower west coast of the South Island, is renowned for its dramatic fjords and glaciers, often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Enjoy the stunning sights, including waterfalls and glaciers, and perhaps even taste pure glacier water. Continue your journey to Queenstown, the "Adventure Capital" of New Zealand, nestled on Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps.

Hotel: 4-star Copthorne Hotel or Holiday Inn or equivalent

Day 4: Queenstown

Enjoy a relaxed morning with optional activities, such as visiting the Middle-earth location of Glenorchy, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. Queenstown offers several world-class hiking trails, like the Routeburn Track. Alternatively, opt for thrilling adventures like a skydive from 15,000 feet, bungee jumping at the historic Kawarau Bridge, or a classic steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw. In the evening, take the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views of Queenstown.

Hotel: 4-star Copthorne Hotel or Holiday Inn or equivalent

Day 5: Queenstown – Mount Cook – Tekapo (360km / 4 hours)

After breakfast, head to Lake Wanaka, surrounded by majestic mountains, and experience the serenity of this picturesque town. Continue your journey to Mount Cook (Aoraki), New Zealand's highest peak. Weather permitting, enjoy an optional scenic flight over the Tasman Glacier or explore the Hooker Valley Track. Arrive in Tekapo, the world’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. Visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, set against the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps and Tekapo Lake. If weather permits, you may also opt for stargazing or visit Tekapo Springs.

Hotel: 3-star Godley Hotel or equivalent

Day 6: Tekapo – Christchurch – Kaikoura (400km / 5 hours)

Sleep in and enjoy breakfast before heading back to Christchurch. After lunch, proceed to the charming coastal town of Kaikoura, famous for whale watching. Kaikoura offers a coastal walking trail where you can spot seals and sea birds. Explore historical sites and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Hotel: 4-star Sudima Hotel or equivalen

Day 7: Kaikoura – Christchurch (180km / 2.5 hours)

Kaikoura is renowned as a top whale-watching destination, where you can observe the world’s largest toothed whale, the sperm whale (approx. 2.5 hours). These massive creatures can reach up to 18 meters in length and weigh over 50 tons. They swim and hunt in Kaikoura's waters year-round, spouting water columns several meters high and often displaying their enormous tails as they dive. During the tour, you may also have the chance to see schools of dark-colored dolphins and endangered wandering albatrosses. In the migration season, you might be lucky enough to spot humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales, and southern right whales. Kaikoura is also known for sightings of the world’s largest species of dolphin, the orca, and the world’s smallest dolphin, Hector’s dolphin, along with a variety of seabirds, including 13 species of albatross and 14 species of petrels.

As your journey comes to a close, enjoy the emotional final moments of this beautiful South Island adventure. Afterward, drive back to Christchurch for your flight.

• Suggested flight time: Book a flight departing after 7:00 PM.