We’ve brought together all the must-see highlights of the South Island New Zealand into eight unforgettable days, blending epic scenery with authentic local experiences. Short on time but don't want to miss the best bits? Our Classic South Island Adventure is your perfect shortcut — you'll love where this adventure takes you.
Start - End: Christchurch - Queenstown
Total trip: 8 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 2
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Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime, exploring New Zealand's most iconic and remote wilderness, with every detail carefully planned on our 8-day Classic South Island Adventure. It'sthe perfect adventure if you're short on time but don't want to miss the South Island's greatest hits. You'll be blown away by the incredible array of activities and landscapes you will experience in just over a week.
We’ve handpicked the South Island’s most breathtaking hikes, scenery, and experiences and wrapped them into one unforgettable adventure, from turquoise lakes and soaring peaks to hidden trails and New Zealand’s iconic Great Walks. Each day brings a unique experience, a new adventure, and a chance to see the South Island in ways very few experience. From flying into the remote Siberia Valley and hiking through Mt Aspiring National Park before jet boating out the same day, to taking in views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, walking part of the legendary Routeburn Track, cruising the world-renowned Milford Sound, and exploring the alpine town of Queenstown — it’s all part of our Classic South Island Adventure.
Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
Hike the trails beneath New Zealand's tallest mountain, spectacular Aoraki Mt Cook.
Mount Aspiring National Park
Experience New Zealand’s true backcountry in the pristine heart of the Southern Alps.
Routeburn Track
One of New Zealand’s best loved Great Walks, the scenery will steal your heart hiking through lush beech forests and vibrant alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers.
Hawea River Trail
This beautiful trail weaves through lush riverbanks, open farmland, and offers breathtaking views of the Southern Alps.
Journey through the Lindis Pass
A stunning alpine pass meandering through golden tussock-covered hills.
Cruise Milford Sound
Witnessing the epic beauty of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and bottlenose dolphins swimming alongside your boat is a real 'pinch me' moment.
Explore Queenstown
Welcome to the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown! Enjoy activities from bungy jumping to savoring a leisurely wine tour in the surrounding vineyards.
Jet boat in Mount Aspiring National Park
Jet boating the Wilkin River is a truly unique, exhilarating, and fun experience you'll never forget!
Scenic Mountain Flight to Siberia Hut
For a birds eye view of the spectacular Southern Alps we'll fly into Siberia Valley to a pristine, untouched world of breathtaking alpine scenery.
Stay in Aoraki McKenzie Dark Sky Reserve
Stargaze in wonder at the crystal clear skies of the McKenzie Basin.
Each day you’ll be immersed in the real New Zealand, experiencing the very heart of one of the world’s most spectacular and unspoiled destinations.
Click the map below to explore.
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Leaving the city behind, we head to Lake Tekapo for a hike along the lakeshore before emerging above the treeline on Mt. John for breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Tonight, we’ll spend the night in the Mackenzie Country basin, with stunning views stretching across the Southern Alps. The area is known for the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, with light pollution strictly controlled, so it’s the ideal spot to stargaze!
Accommodation: Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel, Twizel or Mt Cook Lodge and Motels, Mt Cook
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 5 miles (8 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,080 feet (330 meters) ascent, 1,080 feet (330 meters) descent
This morning we’ll journey to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, home to Mt Cook, named Aoraki or ‘cloud piercer’ by South Island Maori, the highest mountain in New Zealand. On a clear day, the views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook are stunning, and we’ll have a few hike options available depending on the day.
After our mornings hike, we’ll head south, driving through the tussock-country of Lindis Pass to a small mountain village called Makarora, where we’ll enjoy some local fare.
Accommodation: Wonderland Lodge, Makarora
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Up to 3.3 miles (5.3 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up to 328 feet (100 meters) ascent, 328 feet (100 meters) descent
You’ll head out for a mind-blowing scenic flight into Mt. Aspiring National Park, with a bird’s eye view of the lower Southern Alps, landing in the remote Siberia Valley. After crossing the Wilkin River you can choose to have some downtime at the Sibera Hut or a walk upstream past a waterfall and amazing views of the mountains.
After lunch, you’ll hike downstream along the Wilkin River, through beautiful silver beech (Nothofagus menziesii) forests to a jet boat rendezvous. Then it’s a thrilling ride back to Makarora for dinner and perhaps a well-earned drink at the local pub.
Accommodation: Wonderland Lodge, Makarora
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 4.1 miles (6.6 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 460 feet (140 meters) ascent, 1,050 feet (320 meters) descent
This morning, we'll take a beautiful drive through spectacular glacier-carved valleys. The landscape changes rapidly from dense beech forests to semi-arid mountainous terrain.
When we arrive at Lake Hawea, you’ll be fitted with an e-bike for a scenic ride along the Hawea River Trail. This gently undulating track follows the Hawea and Clutha Rivers through the rugged Central Otago landscape to the charming lakeside town of Wanaka. Lake Wanaka is the fourth largest lake in New Zealand and surrounded by an amphitheatre of mountains. Whether you’re skipping stones on the lake’s edge or exploring the shops, Wanaka is a great spot to rediscover simple pleasures.
We’ll have lunch and spend time here before a short but dramatic journey over the Cardrona Saddle to Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu where you’ll sleep sweetly tonight in this alpine town.
Accommodation: Heritage Hotel or Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Biking: 18 miles (29 kilometers), 1-2 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 370 feet (115 meters) ascent, 524 feet (160 meters) descent
Today you have two options – a full day hike or a free day to yourself. For those keen for an alpine hike, you’ll meet your guide downtown at 8:30am, ready to head up the Ben Lomond Track. To save our legs a little, we’ll take a short gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak, which is 1,476 feet (450 meters) above Queenstown. From there, we’ll head out along the trail through alpine tussock-land towards the summit of Ben Lomond. From this vantage point, you’ll find yourself immersed in amazing views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, which are themselves dwarfed by the surrounding mountains including Mt. Aspiring.
As an alternative, you can have a free day to explore on your own. Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the world!) and all the comforts of civilisation are packed into this tiny resort town: restaurants galore, sidewalk cafés, stylish lounge bars, day spas, and boutiques. You’ll also find incredible optional activities here including horse trekking, kayaking, fishing, winery tours, hang gliding, mountain biking, bungy jumping, jet boating and skydiving. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere or lounge about reading a book.
Your guides will happily share their favourite haunts and point you in the right direction if you choose to have a free day today.
Accommodation: Heritage Hotel or Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Queenstown
Meals: No meals
Hiking: 5 miles (8 kilometers), 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,208 feet (978 meters) ascent, 3,208 feet (978 meters) descent
This morning we’ll make our way around Lake Wakatipu, leaving behind the towering Remarkables and head west to the small town of Te Anau, the gateway to Milford Sound. This afternoon we’ll take a hike on the famous Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks - we follow the track through mountain beech forest and along the Waiau River. It’s an awesome hike with spectacular views!
Tonight we’ll stay on the edge of Lake Te Anau, enjoying the scenery and the delicious local fare.
Accommodation: Matai Lodge, Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 6 miles (9.5 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 165 feet (50 meters) ascent, 165 feet (50 meters) descent
It’s an early start this morning as we set off for our largest and perhaps most spectacular national park, Fiordland. We’ll take a short drive through the Homer Tunnel and emerge at the top of a spectacular glacier-carved valley for a memorable descent to the shore of Milford Sound. Rudyard Kipling rated this fiord as the eighth natural wonder of the world and it is truly breathtaking, with steep granite walls plunging over a thousand meters to the Tasman Sea and waterfalls cascading into the deep inky water.
We’ll jump on board the first boat cruise of the day, where we’ll have the water to ourselves, as we gaze in wonder at the waterfalls tumbling down enormous vertical rock faces all around and journey right out to the entrance of the fiord. We may be lucky enough to encounter the friendly fur seals and dolphins that are sometimes in the area.
Afterwards, we’ll explore the Fiordland wilderness on foot again, with a hike to Key Summit on the famous Routeburn Track. The panoramic views are incredible from this vantage point and you’ll probably get to meet New Zealand’s notoriously cheeky and intelligent alpine parrot, the kea (Nestor notabilis).
After our hike, we’ll continue heading out of Milford Sound to return for our last night on the shores of Lake Te Anau. Tonight we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner for our last night.
Accommodation: Matai Lodge, Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise: 2 hours
Hiking: 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1540 feet (470 meters) ascent, 1540 feet (470 meters) descent
After breakfast, we’ll return to Queenstown. This is the end of your trip and you’ll have had an exhilarating week. We’ll leave you buzzing with excitement, but feeling relaxed and refreshed as well!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
If you're keen to extend your trip and see what the North Island has to offer (Maori culture, pristine beaches, and geothermal areas) check out our 11-day Ultimate North Island Adventure (5-day options also available).
Read our Frequently Asked Questions to find answers to what to pack, what accomodations to expect, and much more.
On the first morning of the trip, please meet us in the lobby at Rydges Latimer Square Hotel at 9:00am, our designated departure point for all guests on your trip. Please make your own arrangements to get there. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Christchurch - that's up to you. Be prepared with your daypack and hiking boots, ready for this afternoons hike up Mt John.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Queenstown Airport (ZQN) in time for flights below or at the Queenstown Central Bus Terminal located at 61 Stanley Street, Queenstown, around lunch time.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Christchurch the day before your trip begins, or earlier, to accommodate potential flight delays and give you time to explore the city before your adventure starts.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Queenstown after 1pm for domestic and 2pm for international flight departures. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character or adventuresome feel – this trip is not designed to be tour of the fanciest hotels in New Zealand. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable B&Bs, lodges and apartments, some of which have private bathrooms and some shared bathrooms. Some places are fairly basic – like the chalets at Wonderland Makarora Lodge in Mt Aspiring National Park – though the crisp, clear nights, perfect for stargazing, make it all worthwhile.
Where you’ll be staying each night is detailed on the trip itinerary above. Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may stay somewhere different, which will always be a similar standard and just as comfortable.
While there are laundry facilities at most locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only have to do laundry once during your trip, if at all. The best time will be during our two night stay in Queenstown (during your free day).
Getting from one breathtaking destination to the next in New Zealand means road travel is essential. That’s why having comfortable, reliable transport plays a big role in making your adventure vacation enjoyable.
We own and operate our very own fleet of medium-sized coaches — perfectly suited for New Zealand’s unique roads. They’re ideal for accessing the country’s iconic highlights and venturing off the beaten track to the lesser-known places most travelers miss.
So sit back, relax, and let us take the wheel. Your New Zealand adventure is calling — and we’ll make sure you travel in comfort and style.
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.
*Terms and conditions apply - read more here.
Our passion for exploration is rooted in a strong connection to the natural beauty of our home, New Zealand, and the drive to venture beyond its shores to discover a world different to our own.
We believe the best journeys don’t just take you places, they inspire you and ignite your spirit. Our unique and thoughtfully designed itineraries ensure you'll experience the very best of each destination.
Feel the heart and soul of each place you visit with our local people on the ground and knowledgeable guides, who take great care to ensure a truly authentic and immersive experience. This is the real deal.
We take the time to get to know you to ensure you have the very best experience on our trips. Our small group adventures are big on flexibility. No matter what your version of "active" is, we have options on each trip to suit every individual.
Traveling solo, as a pair, or as part of a group? No worries, you'll be comfortable on our trips. Every trip is personalized with care by our team so everyone feels supported and free to enjoy their unforgettable adventure.
Imagine a vacation that's fully guided, and everything is taken care of and included in the trip price — all accommodations, activities, transport on-trip, most meals, and more! Effortless and value-packed.
New Zealand might feel like a world away, but it’s closer than you think — just a 12-hour direct flight from the Pacific Coast of North America. Major airlines, including Air New Zealand (our national carrier), offer non-stop flights to Auckland on the North Island and Christchurch on the South Island from cities like New York, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Vancouver.
Need a hand with your travel plans? Like to arrange a tropical stopover? Our trusted partners at Fuzion Travel are here to help make getting to and from New Zealand hassle-free and easy.
