Price pp from:

$10,461
Rocky shore with clear water and green forested island under blue sky at Half Moon Bay
Scenic Cruises

Southern Coast and Stewart Island Nature Tour

Christchurch

Christchurch

16 days, 15 nights

Road Trips

From: $10,461 pp

Overview

This loop of the lower South Island follows much of the spectacular coastline where wildlife abounds.  In Dunedin you’ll enjoy a full day encounter with the unique marine life that inhabits the Otago Peninsula before heading south along the wild Catlins coastline to the deep south.  A real highlight of this tour is exploring the remote Stewart Island. As well as the iconic Milford Sound, you’ll also venture into Mt Aspiring National Park on a Dart River Jetboat Safari from Queenstown.  On the beautiful West Coast you’ll marvel at the glaciers during your on-ice adventure, before crossing the Southern Alps on board the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch.

Highlights & inclusions

16 days / 15 nights
14 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Christchurch

Christchurch

Boutique Lodges & Hotels
Rental car included
  • Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise with Black Cat
  • Dinner at Camp Estate, Larnach Castle
  • Castle to Cruise Tour and Penguin Experience

Make an enquiry about this trip or build a custom quote

Price pp from

$10,461

Why New Zealand Self Drive Tours

  • One dedicated travel specialist to plan, book, and manage your journey from first enquiry to departure.
  • We plan itineraries that work well once you’re actually here, with realistic drive times, thoughtful pacing, and the right balance of experiences.
  • 24/7 in-country support while you’re travelling, so help is close if plans change.

Trip itinerary

Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

People sitting on concrete steps by a river with modern buildings and a blue tram in the background.

Accommodation

Front view of Merivale Manor House with balcony, veranda, trees, and garden on a sunny day.
Merivale Manor House

Activities

Highlights of Southern Coast and Stewart Island Nature Tour

Boat on green water near rocky cliffs under blue sky with clouds.

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise with Black Cat

Ornate dining room with long table, chandelier, red walls, paintings, and classic furnishings.

Dinner at Camp Estate, Larnach Castle

Yellow-eyed penguin standing in green bush with blurred background.

Castle to Cruise Tour and Penguin Experience

Ornate dining room with long table, chandelier, red walls, paintings, and classic furnishings.

Dinner at Camp Estate, Larnach Castle

An aerial view of Oban and Halfmoon Bay on Stewart Island during sunset, showing the township nestled around the coast with forested hills and Paterson Inlet in the distance.

Invercargill to Stewart Island with Stewart Island flights

Couple walking on a forest trail surrounded by dense green trees on Stewart Island

Ulva Island Explorer

Seaplane flying above a forested coastline with sandy beach and mountains in the background.

Stewart Island to Invercargill with Stewart Island flights

Cruise boat sailing through a mountain fjord with waterfalls and clouds above.

Milford Sound Cruise - Lunch Included

Steamboat cruising on blue lake water with snowy mountains in the background on a clear day.

TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

Group of people wearing life jackets on a blue jetboat in clear green river water with a guide.

Dart River Wilderness Jet

Group of people ice trekking with guide on Franz Josef Glacier snowy and icy terrain.

Franz Josef Glacier Helihike

Aerial view of a KiwiRail train on a bridge over river with mountains and clouds at sunset.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Additional inclusions

Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation

Shared Transfer from the Christchurch Train Station to Christchurch CBD Accommodation

Private Transfer from Christchurch Accommodation to Airport

24/7 support from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart

Talk to an expert travel consultant. Enquire