14 Day 100% Pure South Island Private Guided Tour

Explore the South Island with a private guided New Zealand tour package personalised to suit your group. Our private guided tours are hosted by one of New Zealand’s leading tour guides. Your guide will meet your group at the airport and chauffeur your group to explore the destinations and activities included in your personalised New Zealand tour package. They will tend to your needs and share valuable local knowledge with your group to enhance your holiday experience. We can cater for groups between 1-40 people.

This private guided New Zealand tour package is flexible and will be booked to suit your group’s travel dates and interests.

Read on for the full details of the 14 Day 100% Pure South Island Private Guided Tour.

14 Day 100% Pure South Island New Zealand Tour Package

Day 1 Arrive Christchurch

Arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand’s Garden City. Your tour guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your Christchurch City accommodation.

Christchurch is a vibrant, energetic city where urban regeneration, creativity, and innovation thrive. Picture amazing street art, innovative projects, a booming hospitality scene and state-of-the-art architecture that is changing the way the city looks, feels and functions – all the while staying true to its heritage and traditional English feel.

In the afternoon explore Christchurch City with your tour guide and experience all some of Christchurch’s must do activities! Christchurch Gondola & Tramway Tour.

Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Day 2 Lake Tekapo

Travel time Christchurch to Lake Tekapo – 3 hours

Depart Christchurch and travel south across the Canterbury Plains. After that, head inland towards the Southern Alps to reach Lake Tekapo, an amazing turquoise lake. Tekapo presents many world class attractions, from the famous Church of the Good Shepherd to the luxurious spa complex Tekapo Springs. Most famous of all is the Mt John Observatory.

Activity Option: In the afternoon enjoy a spectacular scenic flightseeing tour of Mount Cook and Westland World Heritage National Parks. Explore the alpine wonderland of New Zealand’s highest mountains, mighty alpine glaciers and lush coastal rain forests. View turquoise glacial lakes, golden tussock lands & braided rivers of the Mackenzie basin plus remote High Country Sheep Stations. Highlights include Mount Cook, Tasman Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier! Every passenger has a window seat, all aircraft have wings-above for optimum viewing.

Stay 1 night in Lake Tekapo.

Day 3 Queenstown + Lake Cruise with High Country Farm Dinner

Travel time Lake Tekapo to Queenstown – 3.5 hours

Travel through the dramatic Lindis Pass, which links the Mackenzie Basin to Central Otago. Arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital of the world.

Tour Queenstown with your guide in the afternoon. You have the option to visit a winery or two in the Gibbston Valley of Vines. In addition, you could ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu.

In the evening, relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. This is the only coal fired passenger carrying vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere. Step aboard – watch the stokers fueling the fireboxes and hear the hiss of the steam engines working. The TSS Earnslaw takes you on a nostalgic cruise over beautiful Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Here you will enjoy a stunning evening meal. After that, an entertaining after dinner farm show provides a glimpse into high country farming life. On your return cruise, relax with a drink from the bar or join a fun sing-along with the ship’s pianist.

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 4 Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Travel time Queenstown to Manapouri – 2.5 hours (each way)

Doubtful Sound is the next step up from Milford Sound! Enjoy the scenic drive through heartland New Zealand to reach Manapouri. In Manapouri, board your luxury catamaran and cruise across picturesque Lake Manapouri. Secondly, enjoy a coach trip across New Zealand’s most expensive road, Wilmot Pass. Pause along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening far below. 

In Doubtful Sound, you will board another catamaran for a three hour cruise through this pristine fiord. During the cruise, your knowledgeable and friendly nature guides will share their passion for the region through their commentary. They will answer questions, point out landmarks and provide you with information about the varied wildlife you may encounter. For example, you might see dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguin. After your cruise, relax while your guide drives through stunning scenery delivering you back to your Queenstown accommodation.

Day 5 Lord of the Rings Tour Queenstown

Step into the world of Middle-earth, this immersive adventure brings the magic of the films to life, inviting travellers to explore dramatic landscapes, uncover behind-the-scenes secrets, and even don authentic costumes for unforgettable photos.

The journey winds through the charm of Arrowtown, the sun-kissed vineyards of the Gibbston Valley, and the breathtaking heights of the Skippers Canyon lookout (weather permitting). Along the way, iconic film locations reveal themselves: the Ford of Bruinen, the towering Pillars of the Kings, the mist-shrouded Gladden Fields, and more.

Travellers can enjoy a refreshing morning or afternoon tea and make use of an impressive collection of licensed replica props, perfect for capturing your own heroic moments. Copies of original scripts and production call sheets add extra depth, enriching the experience with the lore and creativity behind the films.

A must-do for fans and adventurers alike, this tour blends cinematic wonder with real-world beauty. An unforgettable journey across the landscapes of Middle-earth!

In the afternoon, you have the option to add on an unforgettable helicopter ride to see a number of remote filming location tucked in spectacular mountain valleys and ridges throughout the region.

Day 6 Wanaka

Travel time Queenstown to Wanaka – 1.5 hours

Travel over the beautiful Crown Range, one of New Zealand’s highest alpine roads, and admire the vistas from fantastic viewing points. Be sure to stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel for a refreshment before your arrival into Wanaka boasting panoramic views, a relaxed atmosphere and a myriad of walking tracks.

In the afternoon you have many options, you may want to visit Rippon Winery, Wanaka’s local boutique winery overlooking the lake with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You may also want to take a look around Wanaka’s shops, stroll around the lake’s edge, or indulge in one of the many activities on offer.

Stay 2 nights in Wanaka.

Day 7 Wanaka

Enjoy Wanaka with your tour guide today. You may like to visit the National Toy and Transport Museum, the Warbirds and Wheels Museum or wander through 10 acres of beautiful lavender fields at the Lavender Farm.

The crystal-clear water of the lakes and rivers are ideal for kayaking, fishing, lake cruises, and jet-boating, or to get an aerial perspective of the region, take a scenic flight. It is not just the outdoor enthusiasts who have plenty to do—stroll the streets and be inspired by galleries and stylish shops, or indulge in a delicious meal from the excellent selection of cafés and restaurants.

In the evening you might like to catch a film at Cinema Paradiso, Wanaka’s quirky local theatre.

Day 8 Franz Josef + Scenic Helicopter Flight

Travel time Wanaka to Franz Josef – 4.5 hours

Discover the Haast Pass Highway where there are many short walks and natural attractions to view along the way. Continue north, through dense rain forest broken by rugged coastal vistas, towards New Zealand’s glaciers.

Franz Josef’s cloak of ice once flowed from the mountains right to the sea. Following millennia of gradual retreat, the glacier is now 19 km inland and accessible only by helicopter.

In the afternoon enjoy a 20 minute scenic helicopter flight sweeping above Westland National Park as you explore Franz Josef Glacier before landing in the snow to enjoy exceptional views of the majestic Southern Alps.

Stay 1 night in Franz Josef.

Day 9 Hokitika

Travel time Franz Josef to Hokitika – 2 hours

Enjoy your journey along the West Coast, stopping at towns of interest such as Franz Josef, before continuing on to Hokitika, famous for its arts and crafts. Watch a masterpiece being crafted from gold, molten glass, paua or bone, or carve your own creation from wood or jade “pounamu.” Take in Hokitika’s natural beauty, enjoy its expansive beach or one of the many walking and mountain bike tracks.

While in Hokitika, you may wish to make the scenic drive to Hokitika Gorge, where an impressive turquoise river flows through a narrow canyon, or Lake Kaniere, a beautiful lake nestled beneath the mountains.

You could also visit the National Kiwi Centre, where you will be able to see a rare kiwi; view New Zealand’s living dinosaur, the Tuatara; and participate in feeding the giant eels. Or make a drive north to Shantytown, where you can explore the heritage village, ride the steam train, try your hand at panning for gold, and take old-time styled photos.

Stay 1 night in Hokitika.

Day 10 Nelson

Travel time Hokitika to Nelson – 5 hours

Journey towards Nelson, a picturesque city offering beaches, wineries and boutique breweries. If you like scenery, food, wine, and beer, you will love Nelson! The region also enjoys New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours, which makes it a mecca for fruit-growing, and its natural beauty has attracted a number of artists to the area. With one of the largest numbers of working artists and galleries in the country, you’ll find an array of crafts; traditional, contemporary and Maori.

This afternoon, make the most of Nelson and the surrounding area with your guide.

Stay 3 nights in Nelson.

Day 11 Abel Tasman Boat Cruise

Travel time Nelson to Abel Tasman – 1 hour (each way)

Enjoy a boat cruise into the Abel Tasman National Park where you can relax on the hot golden sand, enjoy a day walk or simply enjoy a return boat cruise without having to leave the boat.

There are various options as to where you may want to get off in the National Park. You may wish to get off at one point and do a walk within the park to another point on the track where the boat will pick you up. Or you may just want to pack a picnic lunch, beach towels and laze on the beach for the day.

Day 12 Nelson

Explore Nelson today. You can walk along the sun-drenched sands or take a sea kayaking or boat tour around the Abel Tasman coast and see the seals and dolphins who regularly play in these coastal waters.

Due to its perfect growing conditions, Nelson Tasman is New Zealand’s hops and craft brewing capital and has been named the Top Cider City in the world by National Geographic. Spend the day exploring and sampling the local product and if you really want to enjoy yourself book a tour.

Experience Nelson’s premium wines (New Zealand’s best kept wine secret). Discover the delights of the distinctive Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Aromatics and an impressive mix of emerging varieties, from the region’s boutique wineries.

A visit to Golden Bay and Te Waikoropupū Springs (the largest coldwater springs in the Southern Hemisphere) makes a lovely day trip. You can also take a tour of the 35km Farewell Spit, home to a vast bird sanctuary and various other wildlife.

Day 13 Kaikoura

Travel time Nelson to Kaikoura – 4 hours

Travel on to the picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura is the perfect place for marine life encounters, coastal walks and to try delicious seafood delicacies such as blue cod, paua (abalone) and of course crayfish (lobster).

Kaikoura’s environment is truly spectacular – the village is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean. Kaikoura’s special talent is marine mammal encounters – whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. Whale watching trips can be taken by sea or air and the local seal colony is always entertaining. There are also plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops to explore.

In the evening enjoy a meal in Kaikoura or relax in your accommodation.

Stay 1 night in Kaikoura.

Day 14 Whale Watch Cruise + Christchurch

Travel time Kaikoura to Christchurch – 2.5 hours

This morning, take a scenic cruise to view the majestic Sperm Whales off the Kaikoura Coast. Whale Watch Kaikoura is New Zealand’s only marine-based whale watching company, offering visitors enchanting up-close encounters with Sperm Whales at all times of the year. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales.

After your Whale Watch Cruise, make your way to Christchurch.

Enjoy your last evening in Christchurch and raise a glass to a fantastic New Zealand guided tour!

Day 15 Depart Christchurch

Depart Christchurch. Your guide will personally deliver you to the airport ready for your departing flight.

Book a New Zealand Tour Package

As we find each traveller is different, each New Zealand tour package that we plan and book is different. Our team will work with you to design the perfect itinerary to suit your interests. 

Our privately guided tours include all transportation, from airport to airport, as well as the services of your guide throughout your holiday. In addition, we include excellent accommodation plus a range of fantastic activities to help you experience the best of our country.

As you begin planning your privately guided New Zealand tour package, you may wish to explore our New Zealand Guided Tours brand. We offer a wide range of itineraries of all lengths to serve as inspiration. 

Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to begin planning your bespoke privately guided tour.