Kiwi
12 Day South Island Tour
Christchurch → Aoraki Mount Cook → Queenstown → Milford Sound → Arrowtown → Wanaka → Franz Josef Glacier → Punakaiki → Nelson → Abel Tasman National Park → Marlborough → Kaikoura → Christchurch
Immerse yourself in the magical South Island of New Zealand. Our Kiwi 12 day small group tour covers all the world famous spots and our favourite off the beaten track places too.
Tour the Aoraki/Mount Cook region, and visit famous Milford Sound by land, sea and air. Meet the locals over a private lunch at a mid-Canterbury farmhouse, relax at a Marlborough vineyard with lunch and tasting and enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park.
There are plenty of opportunities to meet our unique, native wildlife up close on land and the water. At the end of the day, relax in 4-star comfort.
THREE MULTI NIGHT STAYS
Queenstown (3 nights) • Punakaiki (2 nights) • Nelson (2 nights)
SIX NATIONAL PARKS
Aoraki/Mt Cook • Mt Aspiring • Fiordland • Westland Tai Poutini • Paparoa • Abel Tasman
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Privately hosted homestead lunch • Milford Sound Cruise • Milford Sound Scenic Flight • Abel Tasman cruise, picnic lunch and guided walk • Lunch and wine tasting at a Marlborough winery • Welcome dinner at Aoraki/Mt Cook • Farewell dinner in Kaikoura
WHAT TANYA LOVES ABOUT THIS TOUR: A highlights reel of the spectacular South Island – Aoraki Mt Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, the West Coast Glaciers and Punakaiki. The cruise and walk at Abel Tasman are stand-out experiences.
Day 1
Christchurch - Aoraki / Mt Cook
We meet in Christchurch and head south for a special lunch at Akaunui homestead, a 117-year-old country home where we dine on wonderful fresh produce prepared by our hosts, Di and Ian Mackenzie.
We continue through the spectacular Mackenzie Country for sweeping vistas of tussock lands, glacial lakes and the Southern Alps. We can’t miss the Church at Lake Tekapo and the unreal turquoise blue Lake Pukaki before arrival at Aoraki/Mt Cook village. We celebrate our arrival with dinner at The Hermitage.
- A hosted country lunch with friends at Akaunui homestead
- Enjoy our welcome dinner in the heart of the mountains
- Mount Cook - The Hermitage Hotel
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Included activities & exploring
Accommodation
Mt Cook - The Hermitage Hotel
Another national icon, the ghost of the greatest Kiwi of all, Sir Edmund Hillary, is everywhere here. There is no more stunning setting in the entire country, spectacular views of New Zealand’s highest peak and you can walk right out the front door into the great scenery.
What we love about the Hermitage – Having a drink in the Snowline bar watching the sunset work its magic on ‘the cloud piercer’.
Day 2
Aoraki/Mt Cook - Lindis Pass - Queenstown
Your morning is free to explore Aoraki Mt Cook National Park with New Zealand’s best short walks right out the front door, or take an optional flight up onto the Tasman Glacier. After lunch we head south over the Lindis Pass and onto Queenstown.
- Take a short walk to explore the stunning alpine scenery of Aoraki Mt Cook
- Get up close to the Tasman Glacier on an optional helicopter flight
- Settle in for three nights in Queenstown and enjoy the vibrant mountain scene
- Queenstown - Scenic Suites
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Included activities & exploring
Optional activities
Accommodation
Queenstown - Scenic Suites
Everyone wants to be close to all the action in Queenstown, and we’re just minutes walk from the Mall and Lakefront. This is our home for 3 nights on tour, you’ll love all the space and being so close to it all.
What we love about the Scenic Suites – Being able to walk into town so easily!
Day 3
Queenstown - Milford Sound Cruise - Scenic flight - Queenstown
We follow the shores of the great lakes Wakatipu and Te Anau into the mountains and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park. We cruise on Milford Sound dominated by iconic Mitre Peak and home to seal colonies and dolphins. A magnificent scenic flight back over the Southern Alps to Queenstown ends this fantastic day.
- From Lake Te Anau through Fiordland National Park on the Milford Road
- Small Boat Cruise on Milford Sound, under waterfalls and out to the Tasman Sea
- A memorable scenic flight from Milford Sound back to Queenstown
- Queenstown - Scenic Suites
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Included activities & exploring
Accommodation
Queenstown - Scenic Suites
Everyone wants to be close to all the action in Queenstown, and we’re just minutes walk from the Mall and Lakefront. This is our home for 3 nights on tour, you’ll love all the space and being so close to it all.
What we love about the Scenic Suites – Being able to walk into town so easily!
Day 4
At leisure in Queenstown - activities and day tours
Today is yours to make the most of the infinite choice of day tours and activities Queenstown has to offer. From lakeside walks, galleries, bike tours, food & wine and of course the famous adventure activities like jet boating and bungy jumping, there’s something for everyone!
- Take your pick from literally hundreds of activities and tours on offer in Queenstown
- Take a leisurely walk or cycle on the excellent trails in the Wakatipu basin
- Enjoy dinner at one of the many award winning restaurants on the lakefront
- Queenstown - Scenic Suites
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Optional activities
Accommodation
Queenstown - Scenic Suites
Everyone wants to be close to all the action in Queenstown, and we’re just minutes walk from the Mall and Lakefront. This is our home for 3 nights on tour, you’ll love all the space and being so close to it all.
What we love about the Scenic Suites – Being able to walk into town so easily!
Day 5
Queenstown - Arrowtown - Cardrona Valley - Wanaka
Today is a highlights reel of the Southern Lakes beauty, from Arrowtown we climb up the Crown Range for our last views of the beautiful Wakatipu basin before calling into picture perfect Cardrona Hotel and on to our lakeside accommodation in Wanaka.
- Gold mining history comes to life in Arrowtown
- Relax in the garden at the Cardrona Hotel
- Short walks or an optional activity in Wanaka
- Stroll along the lake at Wanaka, we’re staying right on the lakeside tonight
- Wanaka - Edgewater Resort
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Included activities & exploring
Optional activities
Accommodation
Wanaka - Edgewater Resort
This is the only hotel in Wanaka that’s right on the lake edge, that’s why we stay here. Nestled in a friendly Kiwi neighbourhood, with everything here we need and super friendly staff it feels just like home. On site spa, tennis and bikes too.
What we love about Edgewater – Walk out of your room, across the lawn and down to the lake before breakfast, you’re in New Zealand now!
Day 6
Wanaka - Haast Pass - Lake Matheson - Franz Josef
Today is a quintessential kiwi day, where else in the world can you visit the seaside, a rainforest and a glacier all in the same day? From Lakes Hawea and Wanaka over the Haast Pass and out to the West Coast before ending our day in Franz Josef Glacier, your camera will be working overtime today!
- The stunning World Heritage Highway
- Short walks in the subalpine zone, rainforest and on the beach
- Wake up by the lakeshore in Wanaka, go to sleep surrounded by rainforest in Franz Josef
- Franz Josef Glacier - Aspen Court
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Included activities & exploring
Accommodation
Franz Josef Glacier - Aspen Court
One of the newest accommodations in town set amongst native bush, staying at Aspen Court is comfortable and relaxing.
What we love about Aspen Court Franz Josef – Being surrounded by native bush and the views of the mountains.
Day 7
Franz Josef - Hokitika - Punakaiki
Your morning is free to discover Glacier Country and Westland with a walk to the Franz Josef Glacier Valley lookout or a visit to Okarito, home of the revered Kotuku – White Heron. After lunch we head north via Hokitika to Punakaiki and Paparoa National Park.
- Franz Josef Glacier walks, or the option of a heli glacier landing
- An optional wildlife cruise on Okarito Lagoon
- Explore Hokitika, the ‘pounamu’ or jade capital of New Zealand
- Sunset views from our hotel right on the beach at Punakaiki
- Punakaiki - Scenic Hotel
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Included activities & exploring
Optional activities
Accommodation
Punakaiki - Scenic Hotel
We’re so close to the beach you can smell the sea air and hear the waves crashing on the shore. Just around the corner from the Pancake Rocks and tucked in beside our own little beach, most the world just passes on by.
What we love about Scenic Hotel Punakaiki – sharing a drink on the beach right outside our rooms watching a classic West Coast sunset unfold.
Day 8
Punakaiki - Paparoa National Park - Charleston - Westport - Punakaiki
Paparoa National Park is very different to any other area on the trip, towering limestone cliffs and karst rock formations with beautiful river valleys draped in subtropical forest.
- Discover the Pancake Rocks and blowholes
- Exciting West Coast optional tours like the glowworm caves in Charleston
- A few “guides favourites” like Denniston Plateau or the Brunner Mine site
- Punakaiki - Scenic Hotel
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Included activities & exploring
Optional activities
Accommodation
Punakaiki - Scenic Hotel
We’re so close to the beach you can smell the sea air and hear the waves crashing on the shore. Just around the corner from the Pancake Rocks and tucked in beside our own little beach, most the world just passes on by.
What we love about Scenic Hotel Punakaiki – sharing a drink on the beach right outside our rooms watching a classic West Coast sunset unfold.
Day 9
Punakaiki - Cape Foulwind - Murchison - Nelson
Travelling north up the West Coast we call into Tauranga Bay and Cape Foulwind. Turning inland, we continue through the rugged Buller Gorge to Nelson, known for its arts and crafts scene.
- Enjoy an easy stroll to see the Cape Foulwind seal colony
- Pass through the rugged Buller Gorge to Murchison and on to Nelson
- Nelson is home to vineyards, orchards and a lively arts and crafts scene
- Nelson - Tides Hotel
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Included activities & exploring
Accommodation
Nelson - Tides Hotel
You’ll feel the family South Island hospitality here, the team at Tides always welcome us as friends. Three minutes from the centre of town and 10 minutes from the cathedral, the best spot in sunny Nelson.
What we love about Tides – You can’t beat this location, just a stone’s throw into town and great riverside walking right out the door too.
Day 10
Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman is a highlight of the entire tour for many people. A picnic lunch is included so you can take your pick from a full scenic cruise or a cruise/walk combo to explore a section of the coastal track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, with time to relax on the beach or even jump in for a swim.
- Cruise the crystal clear blue waters of Abel Tasman National Park
- A guided walk and picnic lunch on the Abel Tasman coastal track
- Nelson - Tides Hotel
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Included activities & exploring
Accommodation
Nelson - Tides Hotel
You’ll feel the family South Island hospitality here, the team at Tides always welcome us as friends. Three minutes from the centre of town and 10 minutes from the cathedral, the best spot in sunny Nelson.
What we love about Tides – You can’t beat this location, just a stone’s throw into town and great riverside walking right out the door too.
Day 11
Nelson - Kaikoura
We call into Havelock at the head of Pelorus Sound to appreciate the spectacular views. In Marlborough enjoy a private lunch and wine tasting at FROMM Winery in this renowned wine region.
- Private lunch and wine tasting in this renowned wine region
- Be awed by the coastline between the Pacific Ocean and Kaikoura Ranges
- Celebrate our travels with dinner out on the town
- Kaikoura - White Morph Inn
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Included activities & exploring
Accommodation
Kaikoura - White Morph Inn
Here’s how someone summed it up on Tripadvisor recently: “You can sit and watch the whales from your balcony – town is a 5 min walk away and the views of Kaikoura are stunning. The staff were all very friendly and helpful, nice people all round.”
What we love about the White Morph – The great coffee next door, being right across from the beach and on a quiet street.
Day 12
Kaikoura – Christchurch
This morning is free to see Kaikoura’s bountiful marine life, the result of an ocean canyon close offshore. After lunch we depart for Waipara, the Canterbury Plains and our final farewell in Christchurch.
- Stroll the Kaikoura coastal walkway to the seal colony
- Take an optional whale watching flight
- Option to enjoy a guided kayak trip to see seabirds and seals
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Included activities & exploring
Optional activities
Next departures
Please contact us if you have any questions about our tour departure dates.
| Tour Date | Price (from) | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
Departure Guaranteed 12 Oct 2025 - 23 Oct 2025 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Departure Guaranteed 09 Nov 2025 - 20 Nov 2025 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Departure Guaranteed 07 Dec 2025 - 18 Dec 2025 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Departure Guaranteed 02 Jan 2026 - 13 Jan 2026 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
General Tour Inclusions
- All transport by comfortable, air conditioned coach
- Small group tour, maximum 18 guests
- Services of your knowledgeable MoaTrek Kiwi guide
- Quality accommodation chosen for a “sense of place”
Included Dining & Activities
The following experiences are all included in the price of your tour.Included Sightseeing & Exploring
You’ll visit and discover all these iconic New Zealand places on your tour
Please contact us if you have any questions about our tour departure dates.
| Tour Date | Price (from) | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
Departure Guaranteed 12 Oct 2025 - 23 Oct 2025 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Departure Guaranteed 09 Nov 2025 - 20 Nov 2025 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Departure Guaranteed 07 Dec 2025 - 18 Dec 2025 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Departure Guaranteed 02 Jan 2026 - 13 Jan 2026 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Departure Guaranteed 11 Jan 2026 - 22 Jan 2026 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Departure Guaranteed 12 Feb 2026 - 23 Feb 2026 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Departure Guaranteed 12 Mar 2026 - 23 Mar 2026 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Departure Guaranteed 12 Apr 2026 - 23 Apr 2026 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Optional activities on your Kiwi tour
Over the course of the tour, you’ll have many chances for some wonderful optional tour add-ons. These excursions are booked by your Kiwi Guide to fit with the tour itinerary timings.
Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park
Touch down in a pristine snowy landscape. Book these activities on tour with your Kiwi Guide.
Queenstown
One of our scenic tourism hot spots, you’re spoiled for choice in Queenstown. Book these activities on tour with your Kiwi Guide.
Wanaka
Cruise out on Lake Wanaka for a nature walk or board your 4X4 vehicle. Book these activities on tour with your Kiwi Guide.
Franz Josef
Either fly and land on the snow or join a nature cruise in search of birdlife. Book these activities on tour with your Kiwi Guide.
Punakaiki
Charleston has great glowworms! Book these activities on tour with your Kiwi Guide.
Kaikoura
You can choose to fly out in search of whales or kayak in search of marine wildlife. Book these activities on tour with your Kiwi Guide.
Next departures
Please contact us if you have any questions about our tour departure dates.
| Tour Date | Price (from) | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
Departure Guaranteed 12 Oct 2025 - 23 Oct 2025 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Departure Guaranteed 09 Nov 2025 - 20 Nov 2025 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Departure Guaranteed 07 Dec 2025 - 18 Dec 2025 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Departure Guaranteed 02 Jan 2026 - 13 Jan 2026 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Departure Guaranteed 11 Jan 2026 - 22 Jan 2026 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Departure Guaranteed 12 Feb 2026 - 23 Feb 2026 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Departure Guaranteed 12 Mar 2026 - 23 Mar 2026 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
Departure Guaranteed 12 Apr 2026 - 23 Apr 2026 | $8,390 (NZD) | Filling up | Enquire |
