The South Island: Glaciers, Wildlife & National Parks
Your own guide, your own vehicle, and an itinerary shaped entirely around you.
16 Days / 15 Nights Up to 20 Guests Free Itinerary Changes Local Expert Guide
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About This Tour
A 16-day South Island route from Christchurch's Akaroa and Kaikoura's whale-watching, to Abel Tasman's beaches, the glaciers of the West Coast, Milford Sound, and the mountain towns of Wanaka and Queenstown. Adapted from a self-drive itinerary — Voyzo runs this route with your own private driver and vehicle instead of a rental car.
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Day-by-Day Itinerary
A private guide, driver, and vehicle for the entire trip, with hotels pre-arranged at every overnight stop — the pace and any optional stops can still be shaped around your group.
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Arrival
Arrival pickup at Christchurch Airport (CHC).
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Day 1 — Welcome to New Zealand!
Collect your Voyzo vehicle and settle into your hotel in Christchurch, the 'Garden City'.
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Day 2 — French Culture & Hector's Dolphins
Visit Akaroa, New Zealand's only French settlement, to swim with the rare Hector's dolphin and taste regional wines.
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Day 3 — Marine Adventure in Kaikoura
Drive to Kaikoura for a whale-and-dolphin watching excursion.
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Day 4 — Kaikoura's Natural Wonders
A seal-colony walk, Mt Fyffe hike, or birdwatching along the Kaikoura peninsula.
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Day 5 — Journey to Abel Tasman National Park
Drive to Abel Tasman National Park, known for its golden beaches and granite cliffs.
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Day 6 — Sea Kayaking & a Scenic Cruise
Sea kayak Tasman Bay past fur seals, then cruise past Split Apple Rock with a beach lunch stop.
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Day 7 — Drive to Paparoa National Park
Drive to Punakaiki to explore the Pancake Rocks and its blowholes.
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Day 8 — Glacier Exploration
Explore Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier on New Zealand's West Coast.
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Day 9 — Outdoor Activities in Queenstown
Drive to Queenstown for Lord of the Rings filming locations, a steamboat cruise, or bungee jumping.
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Day 10 — Underground World in Te Anau
Drive to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland, to tour its glowworm caves.
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Day 11 — Cruise on Milford Sound
A cruise through the flooded glacial valley of Milford Sound, with waterfalls, seals, and dolphins.
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Day 12 — True Mountain Culture in Wanaka
Drive to Wanaka to explore its lakefront on foot, bike, or kayak.
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Day 13 — Enchanting Wanaka
Visit local vineyards, the National Transport & Toy Museum, or Puzzling World.
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Day 14 — Marvel at Mount Cook
Drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand's highest peak.
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Day 15 — Final New Zealand Exploration
Drive back to Christchurch, with time for the International Antarctic Centre.
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Day 16 — Time to Say Farewell
Drop off your vehicle at Christchurch Airport for your departure flight.
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Departure
The trip ends in Christchurch with a transfer to Christchurch Airport (CHC) for your departure flight.
What's Included
A private vehicle and driver, just for your group
A professional, knowledgeable local guide
Hotels and transport arranged for every day of the trip
Pacing and optional stops shaped around your group
All tolls, parking, and fuel
What's Not Included
Attraction admission tickets, unless noted as included
Meals and snacks
Gratuities for your guide or driver
Personal expenses
Why Book a Private Tour With Voyzo?
Your group only — never combined with strangers
Crowded 50+ seat group buses
Fully custom stops, built around you
A fixed script with no flexibility
Door-to-door pickup, wherever you're staying
Meeting at a fixed public meeting point
Direct, transparent pricing — no marketplace markup
Third-party booking fees
Important Information
Know Before You Book
Group size can range from 1 to 20 guests — we match the vehicle to your party.
Pricing depends on group size, vehicle, and tour length, and is confirmed after your quote request.
Tour duration is flexible — the times shown are a typical starting point.
Know Before You Go
We'll confirm your exact pickup time and vehicle details after booking.
Bring a camera, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate layers.
Your arrival flight details are required to confirm the itinerary.
Special Requests
Mobility needs, dietary notes, or accessibility requirements? Let us know when requesting your quote and we'll arrange accordingly.
Traveling with young children or larger groups — just tell us, and we'll recommend the right vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — your own driver and vehicle throughout, never combined with another group's itinerary.
Yes — the source route has travelers renting a car in Christchurch and driving themselves around the South Island. Voyzo runs it with your own private driver and vehicle instead.
Yes — day 11 is a dedicated cruise through Milford Sound, one of the trip's centerpieces.
South Island only — from Christchurch around the coast, glaciers, and fiords, and back.
Once your quote is accepted, we'll confirm your exact pickup time, vehicle, and driver details by email ahead of your tour date.
Yes — reach out to our team any time before your tour and we'll do our best to accommodate itinerary or schedule changes.
Not quite what you're looking for?
Every Voyzo tour is a starting point — tell us what you have in mind and we'll build it.