15 days

Experience New Zealand: The South Island in Depth

Start Location Christchurch
End Location Christchurch
Code
CGSI
Places Visited

Christchurch, Kaikoura, Nelson, Punakaiki, Queenstown, Dunedin

Tour Overview

Explore the Beauty of the South Island.

Start Location Christchurch
End Location Christchurch

Top Highlights

Whether it's biking through iconic cities, exploring stunning coastlines, marveling at natural wonders, or getting up close with fascinating wildlife, these top picks promise an unforgettable journey through the heart of the land Down Under. Here's what awaits you:

  • Dolphin watching cruise in Kaikoura
  • Full day kayak and watching tour in Abel Tasman National Park
  • Franz Josef Glacier valley walk
  • Queenstown highlights tour
  • Walter Peak evening cruise with dinner
  • Milford Sound guided tour and cruise
  • City tour of Dunedin
  • Half day peninsula encounter tour
Download Brouchure

Make this trip matter and reduce your carbon print.

As a responsible tour operator, we believe in creating experiences that not only enrich your life but also contribute to the well-being of our planet and its communities. That’s why we will be planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us. 

A person standing in a serene forest surrounded by tall trees

An unforgettable journey awaits you

Embark on a travel experience that will stay with you forever. We offer a blend of culture, adventure, and tranquility, ensuring every moment is filled with wonder. Whether you’re seeking thrill or relaxation, we create journeys that are truly unforgettable.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Customizable Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive Christchurch

    Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation.

    Overnight: Christchurch


    Meals: Dinner

  • Day 2: Christchurch - Kaikoura (Rail)

    Take the Coastal Pacific Train to Kaikoura.Take a whale watching tour, Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales, and Southern Right Whales. Orcas and Hector's dolphins are common sightings.

    Overnight: Kaikoura


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 3: Kaikoura - Blenheim - Nelson (Rail & Coach)

    Continue your train trip to the top of the North Island and continue over to Nelson.

    Overnight: Nelson


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 4: Abel Tasman National Park

    Welcome aboard the Vista cruising catamaran. Relax with comfortable seating around tables and panoramic views from open or enclosed viewing decks and enjoy the onboard cafe and bar. With your flexible cruise and walk day pass, choose to spend from three to eight hours exploring the spectacular granite coast. Stay on board or disembark at a golden beach fringed by lush forest and azure waters, ideal for swimming. Enjoy quality beach time with walking options up to four hours. Your friendly crew takes care of your comfort and safety with interpretative commentary and maps.

    Overnight: Nelson


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 5: Nelson - Punakaiki

    Take a coach to Punakaiki to view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. You'll stay in an eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront. Enjoy dinner while watching the thundering surf at your doorstep!

    Overnight: Punakaiki


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 6: Punakaiki - Franz Josef

    Visit the small town of Hokitika, the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast, for a greenstone (jade) jewellery demonstration by a local carver. Then visit the West Coast's newest attraction, the Treetop Walkway through the canopy of this lush rainforest. Now you're off to the gold-mining town of Ross before arriving at Franz Josef.


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 7: Franz Josef Sightseeing

    Today enjoy an interpretive walk to the glacier to have the perfect opportunity to learn the role of the Franz Josef Glacier in shaping this remarkable landscape. After a short walk through the regenerating rainforest, the trip continues along the glacier valley with your guide calling stops to explain the unique features of the Franz Josef Glacier and its surroundings.With the emphasis more on geographical information and the glaciers history, you're able to venture beyond the public barriers and right up to the dramatic terminal face of this advancing glacier with your experienced and knowledgeable guide.


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 8: Franz Josef - Queenstown

    Your coach today will take you to the adventure capital of New Zealand - Queenstown.

    Overnight: Queenstown


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 9: Queenstown Sightseeing

    Today you will be collected from your hotel by Limousine South for your Queenstown Highlights tour. Enjoy Queenstown's diverse attractions with your friendly, knowledgeable local guide. You will be captivated by the amazing views over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. Watch the fearless jumpers hurl themselves off AJ Hackett's original Bungy Bridge while learning about the history and excitement of bungy jumping. Enjoy a wine tasting tour at Gibbston Valley Winery savouring the flavours of fine local wines. You will also see where key scenes from Lord of the Rings were shot and re-live the 1860s gold rush at beautiful Arrowtown, where remnants of that fascinating era merge with modern, speciality shopping, before being dropped back off to your accommodation.

    Overnight: Queenstown


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 10: Milford Sound Tour & Cruise

    Today you will travel by luxury coach on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound. Located within the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, this region is rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. Travel through the Southern Alps via the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km tunnel drilled through a solid mountain of rock. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board your vessel for a spectacular cruise on New Zealand's most famous waterway. At the end of the cruise you will return by coach to Queenstown.

    Overnight: Queenstown


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 11: Queenstown at leisure

    Enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm onboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. On disembarking at Walter Peak, you are welcomed and escorted through the lakeside gardens to the Colonel's Homestead where you are seated for dinner. The Gourmet BBQ menu, designed by Kiwi Celebrity Chef Josh Emett, incorporates fresh seasonal produce and locally hunted game and seafood so famous in the Central Otago region. All meat and seafood is cooked on the outdoor BBQ and rotisserie, in front of you and served immediately. A locally influenced wine list and other beverages are also available to purchase at the bar. Following dinner, you have the option of a brief farm show or relaxing at the bar before returning onboard the TSS Earnslaw to Queenstown. A tradition is the TSS Earnslaw's sing-along around the piano on the return journey.

    Overnight: Queenstown


    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 12: Queenstown - Dunedin (Rail & Coach)

    Travel South to Dunedin

    Overnight: Dunedin


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 13: Dunedin Sightseeing

    Start the day with a one hour city tour of Dunedin, before departing for the Otago Peninsula to see the Yellow eyed & Blue Penguins.

    Overnight: Dunedin


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 14: Dunedin - Christchurch

    Travel by Coach back to Christchurch.

    Overnight: Christchurch


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 15: Package ends

    You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.


    Meals: Breakfast

Download Full Itinerary

DATES & PRICES

Availability:  
AVAILABLE ALL YEAR

Title

Interested in this trip? Contact Us for 2026 dates and prices

Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.

Star Icon

OUR KEY TO EARNING TRUST IS

Transparency

What’s Included

  • 14 nights of accommodation
  • Airport transfers throughout
  • Coastal Pacific train Christchurch to Blenheim
  • Coach service Blenheim to Nelson
  • Coach service Nelson to Punakaiki
  • Coach service Punakaiki to Franz Josef
  • Coach service Franz Josef to Queenstown
  • Coach and train service from Queenstown to Dunedin
  • Coach service Dunedin to Christchurch
  • Sightseeing and attractions as listed

What’s Not Included

  • Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
  • Taxes as applicable
  • Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
  • Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
  • Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
  • Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tour Questions

Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a ‘Classic Tour’ up to 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers. If the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction’ only up to 18 persons may join the tour and many 'Tours of Distinction' travel with 12 to 18 travellers.

After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours. Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Only select departures of tours are 'pre-Guaranteed'.

We pride ourselves on providing “a small shared group experience.” In the event that we have fewer than ten participants on a tour we will offer a “small-group surcharge” to ensure that the tour runs as scheduled. This fee, which is up to 15% of the “land” portion of the tour, will be offered to you as an option to continue with the trip. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling a smaller group.

Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+.

Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.

Yes, we do accommodate dietary restrictions (within reason) such as, food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.

Booking & Flight Questions

Yes, we can assist you with airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please contact us for more details.

Yes, we can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. This is available upon request and subject to availability. Please inquire for further information and prices.

Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.

There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel room with another same gender traveller. In this case, you will not be charged for Single Supplement.

Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire or contact us regarding this option, as prices and availability vary from tour to tour.

Yes, you can! Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to traveller’s needs. Please contact us for more details.

For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate) and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.
Icon of chat

Do you have more questions?

If you still have questions or need more information, feel free to ask! Simply fill out the form below, and our team will get back to you with the answers you need

Ask A Question

or

YOU CAN CALL US AT
1-866-347-6881

An unforgettable journey awaits you

Embark on a travel experience that will stay with you forever. We offer a blend of culture, adventure, and tranquility, ensuring every moment is filled with wonder. Whether you’re seeking thrill or relaxation, we create journeys that are truly unforgettable.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Customizable Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive Christchurch

    Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation.

    Overnight: Christchurch


    Meals: Dinner

  • Day 2: Christchurch - Kaikoura (Rail)

    Take the Coastal Pacific Train to Kaikoura.Take a whale watching tour, Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales, and Southern Right Whales. Orcas and Hector's dolphins are common sightings.

    Overnight: Kaikoura


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 3: Kaikoura - Blenheim - Nelson (Rail & Coach)

    Continue your train trip to the top of the North Island and continue over to Nelson.

    Overnight: Nelson


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 4: Abel Tasman National Park

    Welcome aboard the Vista cruising catamaran. Relax with comfortable seating around tables and panoramic views from open or enclosed viewing decks and enjoy the onboard cafe and bar. With your flexible cruise and walk day pass, choose to spend from three to eight hours exploring the spectacular granite coast. Stay on board or disembark at a golden beach fringed by lush forest and azure waters, ideal for swimming. Enjoy quality beach time with walking options up to four hours. Your friendly crew takes care of your comfort and safety with interpretative commentary and maps.

    Overnight: Nelson


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 5: Nelson - Punakaiki

    Take a coach to Punakaiki to view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. You'll stay in an eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront. Enjoy dinner while watching the thundering surf at your doorstep!

    Overnight: Punakaiki


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 6: Punakaiki - Franz Josef

    Visit the small town of Hokitika, the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast, for a greenstone (jade) jewellery demonstration by a local carver. Then visit the West Coast's newest attraction, the Treetop Walkway through the canopy of this lush rainforest. Now you're off to the gold-mining town of Ross before arriving at Franz Josef.


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 7: Franz Josef Sightseeing

    Today enjoy an interpretive walk to the glacier to have the perfect opportunity to learn the role of the Franz Josef Glacier in shaping this remarkable landscape. After a short walk through the regenerating rainforest, the trip continues along the glacier valley with your guide calling stops to explain the unique features of the Franz Josef Glacier and its surroundings.With the emphasis more on geographical information and the glaciers history, you're able to venture beyond the public barriers and right up to the dramatic terminal face of this advancing glacier with your experienced and knowledgeable guide.


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 8: Franz Josef - Queenstown

    Your coach today will take you to the adventure capital of New Zealand - Queenstown.

    Overnight: Queenstown


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 9: Queenstown Sightseeing

    Today you will be collected from your hotel by Limousine South for your Queenstown Highlights tour. Enjoy Queenstown's diverse attractions with your friendly, knowledgeable local guide. You will be captivated by the amazing views over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. Watch the fearless jumpers hurl themselves off AJ Hackett's original Bungy Bridge while learning about the history and excitement of bungy jumping. Enjoy a wine tasting tour at Gibbston Valley Winery savouring the flavours of fine local wines. You will also see where key scenes from Lord of the Rings were shot and re-live the 1860s gold rush at beautiful Arrowtown, where remnants of that fascinating era merge with modern, speciality shopping, before being dropped back off to your accommodation.

    Overnight: Queenstown


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 10: Milford Sound Tour & Cruise

    Today you will travel by luxury coach on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound. Located within the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, this region is rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. Travel through the Southern Alps via the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km tunnel drilled through a solid mountain of rock. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board your vessel for a spectacular cruise on New Zealand's most famous waterway. At the end of the cruise you will return by coach to Queenstown.

    Overnight: Queenstown


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 11: Queenstown at leisure

    Enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm onboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. On disembarking at Walter Peak, you are welcomed and escorted through the lakeside gardens to the Colonel's Homestead where you are seated for dinner. The Gourmet BBQ menu, designed by Kiwi Celebrity Chef Josh Emett, incorporates fresh seasonal produce and locally hunted game and seafood so famous in the Central Otago region. All meat and seafood is cooked on the outdoor BBQ and rotisserie, in front of you and served immediately. A locally influenced wine list and other beverages are also available to purchase at the bar. Following dinner, you have the option of a brief farm show or relaxing at the bar before returning onboard the TSS Earnslaw to Queenstown. A tradition is the TSS Earnslaw's sing-along around the piano on the return journey.

    Overnight: Queenstown


    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 12: Queenstown - Dunedin (Rail & Coach)

    Travel South to Dunedin

    Overnight: Dunedin


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 13: Dunedin Sightseeing

    Start the day with a one hour city tour of Dunedin, before departing for the Otago Peninsula to see the Yellow eyed & Blue Penguins.

    Overnight: Dunedin


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 14: Dunedin - Christchurch

    Travel by Coach back to Christchurch.

    Overnight: Christchurch


    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 15: Package ends

    You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.


    Meals: Breakfast

Download Full Itinerary

DATES & PRICES

Availability:  
AVAILABLE ALL YEAR

Title

Interested in this trip? Contact Us for 2026 dates and prices

Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.

Star Icon

OUR KEY TO EARNING TRUST IS

Transparency

What’s Included

  • 14 nights of accommodation
  • Airport transfers throughout
  • Coastal Pacific train Christchurch to Blenheim
  • Coach service Blenheim to Nelson
  • Coach service Nelson to Punakaiki
  • Coach service Punakaiki to Franz Josef
  • Coach service Franz Josef to Queenstown
  • Coach and train service from Queenstown to Dunedin
  • Coach service Dunedin to Christchurch
  • Sightseeing and attractions as listed

What’s Not Included

  • Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
  • Taxes as applicable
  • Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
  • Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
  • Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
  • Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Download Itinerary

Get Full Itinerary with all includes and exclusions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tour Questions

Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a ‘Classic Tour’ up to 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers. If the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction’ only up to 18 persons may join the tour and many 'Tours of Distinction' travel with 12 to 18 travellers.

After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours. Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Only select departures of tours are 'pre-Guaranteed'.

We pride ourselves on providing “a small shared group experience.” In the event that we have fewer than ten participants on a tour we will offer a “small-group surcharge” to ensure that the tour runs as scheduled. This fee, which is up to 15% of the “land” portion of the tour, will be offered to you as an option to continue with the trip. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling a smaller group.

Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+.

Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.

Yes, we do accommodate dietary restrictions (within reason) such as, food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.

Booking & Flight Questions

Yes, we can assist you with airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please contact us for more details.

Yes, we can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. This is available upon request and subject to availability. Please inquire for further information and prices.

Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.

There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel room with another same gender traveller. In this case, you will not be charged for Single Supplement.

Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire or contact us regarding this option, as prices and availability vary from tour to tour.

Yes, you can! Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to traveller’s needs. Please contact us for more details.

For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate) and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.
Icon of chat

Do you have more questions?

If you still have questions or need more information, feel free to ask! Simply fill out the form below, and our team will get back to you with the answers you need

Ask A Question

or

YOU CAN CALL US AT
1-866-347-6881

Expert Guidance at Your Fingertips

Get in touch with one of our local travel experts.

Contact us to discover:

  • The ideal seasons to explore your next destination landscapes, perfectly aligned with your travel plans.
  • Tips on the most convenient routes and layovers for a hassle-free trip to your next destination.
  • Handpicked activity suggestions to ensure your next trip adventure is unforgettable.
YOU CAN CALL US AT
1-866-347-6881
× Main Image