
This tour of the South Island of New Zealand will guide you through breathtaking rainforests, mountains, fjords, and lakes!
Book Now!
Easy Tours are accessible for all travelers. There will be limited periods of standing or walking during sightseeing excursions as pre-booked transportation will take passengers between destinations.
This small-group tour of New Zealand’s South Island will take you through some of the country’s most dramatic and scenic landscapes! Begin your journey in Christchurch, a city that has been beautifully rebuilt following the 2011 earthquakes and blends heritage with modern charm. Travel through the heart of the Southern Alps aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train, one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, as you cross alpine passes, deep gorges, and river valleys. Continue along the rugged West Coast to visit the spectacular Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, surrounded by rainforest and towering mountains. Drive onward to W?naka, a picturesque lakeside town set against stunning alpine scenery. Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders with a scenic cruise through Milford Sound, known for its dramatic fjords, waterfalls, and sheer cliffs. From there, travel to Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of New Zealand, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and wide range of outdoor activities. Your tour concludes with a scenic return journey to Christchurch, travelling past Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, and through some of the country’s most breathtaking alpine landscapes, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the South Island.
• Discover the breathtaking Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine rail journey to Arthur’s Pass
• Explore the dramatic landscapes of the West Coast and home to the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
• Experience spectacular Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage Area with stunning waterfalls
• Take in Wānaka’s alpine beauty on a tranquil lakeshore, surrounded by mountains
• Head to Queenstown, the adventure capital, set amid stunning alpine and lakeside scenery
Prices for this tour are per person, based on a twin / double room sharing basis.
Single supplement is available for 2199 USD per person.
| Depart | Return | Land Only Price | Los Angeles (LAX) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depart : 18 Oct 2026 | Return : 29 Oct 2026 | Land Only Price : $6399 | Los Angeles (LAX) : $7299 |
BOOK NOW |
| Depart : 01 Nov 2026 | Return : 12 Nov 2026 | Land Only Price : $6699 | Los Angeles (LAX) : $7699 |
BOOK NOW |
| Depart : 15 Nov 2026 | Return : 26 Nov 2026 | Land Only Price : $6699 | Los Angeles (LAX) : $7699 |
BOOK NOW |
| Depart : 29 Nov 2026 | Return : 10 Dec 2026 | Land Only Price : $6699 | Los Angeles (LAX) : $7699 |
BOOK NOW |
| Depart : 17 Jan 2027 | Return : 28 Jan 2027 | Land Only Price : $6749 | Los Angeles (LAX) : $7799 |
BOOK NOW |
| Depart : 31 Jan 2027 | Return : 11 Feb 2027 | Land Only Price : $6749 | Los Angeles (LAX) : $7799 |
BOOK NOW |
| Depart : 07 Feb 2027 | Return : 18 Feb 2027 | Land Only Price : $6749 | Los Angeles (LAX) : $7799 |
BOOK NOW |
| Depart : 14 Feb 2027 | Return : 25 Feb 2027 | Land Only Price : $6749 | Los Angeles (LAX) : $7799 |
BOOK NOW |
| Depart : 28 Feb 2027 | Return : 11 Mar 2027 | Land Only Price : $6749 | Los Angeles (LAX) : $7799 |
BOOK NOW |
| Depart : 07 Mar 2027 | Return : 18 Mar 2027 | Land Only Price : $6699 | Los Angeles (LAX) : $7699 |
BOOK NOW |
| Depart : 14 Mar 2027 | Return : 25 Mar 2027 | Land Only Price : $6699 | Los Angeles (LAX) : $7699 |
BOOK NOW |
| Depart : 28 Mar 2027 | Return : 08 Apr 2027 | Land Only Price : $6699 | Los Angeles (LAX) : $7699 |
BOOK NOW |
| Depart : 04 Apr 2027 | Return : 15 Apr 2027 | Land Only Price : $6349 | Los Angeles (LAX) : $7299 |
BOOK NOW |
| Depart : 18 Apr 2027 | Return : 29 Apr 2027 | Land Only Price : $6349 | Los Angeles (LAX) : $7299 |
BOOK NOW |
| Depart : 02 May 2027 | Return : 13 May 2027 | Land Only Price : $6349 | Los Angeles (LAX) : $7199 |
BOOK NOW |
We can arrange connecting flights from many other cities for an additional price. Please contact us to receive a quote for departure from airports that are not on the list above.
You can choose to extend your vacation by having more days at the end of your tour. You may also choose to combine your tours with our many other tours and trip extensions. Please contact us for more details.
| Extra night in Christchurch including Breakfast & airport transfer | |
|---|---|
| Charges for 1 Day(s) |
+ $180 |
| Rooming Charges | |
| Twin/Double Sharing Basis | +0 |
| Single Supplement | + $125 / person |
| Extra night in Christchurch including Breakfast & airport transfer | |
|---|---|
| Tour Extension for 1 Day(s) |
+ $180 |
| Rooming Charges | |
| Twin/Double Sharing Basis | +0 |
| Single Supplement | + $150 / person |
Make your own way to your chosen airport to board your international flight to New Zealand. Enjoy inflight meals and services on your overnight flight.
Overnight Onboard Flight
Continue your overnight flight to New Zealand. Enjoy in-flight meals and services.
Overnight Onboard Flight
Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival at Christchurch International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Later this afternoon, enjoy a relaxing experience on the River Avon as you join the punting boatmen, dressed in traditional Edwardian attire, for a gentle cruise in flat-bottomed punts through the scenic Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Afterward, continue exploring the city aboard a beautifully restored heritage tram, offering a charming journey through Christchurch’s evolving city centre.
Overnight in Christchurch
After enjoying breakfast, depart Christchurch and embark on the renowned Tranz Alpine rail journey across the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass. From your carriage, enjoy sweeping views of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the dramatic gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The train then ascends into the Southern Alps. Upon arrival in Arthurs Pass, reboard your coach to continue to the West Coast, passing historic towns including Hokitika, known for its galleries featuring pounamu (greenstone) jewellery and artworks. Travel south through forests and farmland, with the Southern Alps to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west, arriving in Franz Josef and then the remote village of Fox. Here, witness the massive rivers of snow and ice of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, which flow from high alpine snowfields nearly to sea level.
Overnight in Fox Glacier
Enjoy an early breakfast and have your camera ready for a morning stroll at Lake Matheson, where calm conditions create a perfect mirror reflection of Mt. Cook. Continue via Haast Pass, following the river road alongside icy rivers and deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park. The scenery brightens as you reach the picturesque Lake Wanaka, its waters reflecting surrounding mountain peaks, which in winter provide excellent skiing, and the charming resort town of Wānaka.
Overnight in Wanaka
Start your day with a relaxing breakfast overlooking the lake. You may choose between two excursions:
Option 1: Lake Cruise & Island Nature Walk
Join a passionate local eco-guide for a boat cruise from Wānaka to the predator-free Mou Waho Island. From the beach landing, a walking track climbs through native vegetation, alive with birdsong, leading to the island’s hidden treasure—a small lake with its own tiny islands. The 3 km return track is uneven in places; hiking poles are provided, and your guide moves at the pace of the group, with regular breaks and seating. At the lake, you can relax, swim, or continue to the summit for sweeping 360-degree views of Lake Wānaka, the surrounding mountains, and the Arethusa Pool below. Contribute to the island’s future by planting a native tree on this important conservation refuge, home to the Buff Weka, a charismatic flightless bird thriving thanks to the sanctuary’s protection program.
OR
Option 2: Rugged Off-Road Adventure with a Kiwi Twist
Experience a blend of stunning scenery, history, heritage, and farming life as you explore the remote backroads of a traditional New Zealand High Country farm overlooking Lake Wānaka. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and wild river valleys, observe farm animals such as Red Deer, cattle, and sheep in their natural environment. Visit historical sites and gain insight into the lives of Wānaka’s first farmers. Two optional walks through pristine alpine meadows and lakeside forests offer a deeper appreciation of the region’s heritage, farming life, and breathtaking scenery.
This afternoon is at your leisure to relax or enjoy activities of your choice.
Overnight in Wanaka
Begin the day with an indulgent breakfast before departing Wanaka. Your first stop is the much-photographed Cardrona Pub, followed by a scenic drive along the Crown Range Road to historic Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village nestled beneath the peaks surrounding the sparkling Arrow River. Continue along the road framed by the Remarkables mountain range and the stunning Lake Wakatipu, passing through a glacial-formed valley now transformed into farmland, before arriving at Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest freshwater lake by volume and the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
On arrival in Te Anau, explore Fiordland’s wild beauty by jet boat, travelling from the glistening lakefront along the quiet banks of the Waiau River to the secluded shores of Lake Manapouri. Experience a hidden world of solemn mountains, wild forests, and rich natural history. Visit a 220-acre working support farm featuring a fully restored 100-year-old woolshed for an authentic Southland experience. Meet a local farmer, learn about New Zealand’s agricultural heritage, and enjoy demonstrations of sheep-shearing and dog-mustering.
Overnight in Te Anau
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on one of New Zealand’s most scenic journeys from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Situated within Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, this region is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere, featuring lofty mountains and deep valleys carved by Ice Age glaciers. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the “eighth wonder of the world,” Milford Sound is breathtaking in any weather.
Board a comfortable vessel for a cruise past towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea, keeping an eye out for seals and dolphins often spotted in the fiord’s waters. After the cruise, retrace your route back to Te Anau, travelling via Cleddau Gorge, Homer Tunnel, and the picturesque Eglinton Valley, before continuing across Southland farmlands and around Lake Wakatipu to arrive in Queenstown.
Overnight in Queenstown
Start your day with breakfast before exploring Queenstown; surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown’s natural beauty and vibrant energy provide the perfect backdrop for adventure, exploration, or relaxation. Today is free for you to enjoy as you wish. Thrill-seekers may opt to zip-line at Bob’s Peak, experience an exhilarating Shotover jet-boat ride, or go white-water rafting. For those seeking more relaxed activities, consider a scenic gondola ride to Bob’s Peak or a 4WD safari through historic Skippers Canyon. Boutique wineries and local gardens offer inviting experiences, while the iconic steamship TSS Earnslaw provides an elegant way to explore Lake Wakatipu during a leisurely cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Overnight in Queenstown
After breakfast, continue north through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, past the picturesque Lake Dunstan, and across the distinctive landscapes of Central Otago to the Lindis Pass. Descend into the unique Mackenzie Basin, where the Southern Alps dominate the horizon. Enjoy a beautiful drive along Lake Pukaki to Mt. Cook Village, home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mt. Cook. This evening, you will stay in the rural township of Twizel.
Overnight in Twizel
Begin a wonderful day with breakfast before visiting a local home on the shores of Lake Tekapo, where you will learn the secrets of making a Pavlova—a quintessential Kiwi dessert. Enjoy your freshly made Pavlova during morning tea as you take in the stunning lake views. Continue to the Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand’s most photographed landmarks, beautifully framed by the Southern Alps. Travel across the high country’s tussock plains, passing through the rural towns of Fairlie and Geraldine, before reaching Ashburton. From here, continue across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. This city, often described as the most English in New Zealand, has undergone significant transformation following the devastating 2010–11 earthquakes, blending urban regeneration with heritage, culture, and creativity. As this marks the final part of your journey together, enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Christchurch
In the morning, after breakfast, at the arranged time, you will be picked up and transferred to Christchurch International Airport for your flight back home.
The renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. This luxury Christchurch accommodation is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino, Cashel Mall and new Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
Located within walking distance from the impressive Fox Glacier, Te Weheka Boutique Hotel offers modern, spacious rooms with satellite TV. Each room has a balcony, overlooking the lush countryside. All rooms at Distinction Fox Glacier - Te Weheka Boutique Hotel are luxuriously appointed. The large bathrooms are supplied with fluffy towels, bathrobes and bathroom amenities. The restaurant serves breakfast daily and offers refreshments throughout the day. Guests have access to Wi-Fi, which is available throughout the hotel. Free private parking is available on site. Distinction Fox Glacier - Te Weheka Boutique Hotel is situated beneath the Southern Alps on New Zealand's West coast.
Edgewater is located in W?naka, only 2km from W?naka town centre. The property offers picturesque lake views, rolling green lawns, spas, a sauna, and a tennis court. The hotel has a restaurant and a café, both offering lake views. Edgewater offers contemporary cuisine inspired by the local land. The menu is centered around sustainability, changing every season to match the abundance of quality ingredients found in the Central Otago region. W?naka has a wide selection of activities for you to enjoy. from a stroll along the W?naka Millennium Walkway which winds past the front of Edgewater, to mountain biking, hiking, sky diving, or trying out the local food and brewery scene. All of this can be arranged by our on-site concierge, just make sure to request this in advance.
Distinction Luxmore Hotel is located in Te Anau's town centre, a short stroll from Lake Te Anau. It offers a wide range of accommodation with Fiordland-themed décor. Guests enjoy a fitness centre and free WiFi throughout the property. All of the rooms at Luxmore include a private bathroom and tea/coffee making facilities. Free on-site parking is included with all accommodation. The hotel offers 2 dining experiences, Bailiez Cafe & Bar which has a cafe style menu and the bar with a fireplace and Hilights Restaurant known for its buffet breakfast and carvery buffet dinners. Distinction Luxmore Hotel is a 14-minute walk from Fiordland National Park Visitors Centre. It is a 4-minutes drive from Te Anau-Milford Highway.
Scenic Suites Queenstown is located in the resort of Queenstown. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the centre, yet its quiet, hillside location offers great views over the lake and mountains. There is limited Free on-site parking is available, subject to availability. There is a restaurant at the property which is open for breakfast and dinner. There is also a lobby bar featuring a large open fireplace. Guests can choose between the spacious superior rooms or the large suites which offer a separate living room and kitchen facilities. All of the rooms are modern, neatly furnished and include en suite facilities. Guests enjoy complimentary WiFi. Scenic Suites Queenstown is 6 minutes' drive from Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau Jet, 3 minutes' drive from Queenstown Gondola and 4 minutes' drive from central Queenstown.
MacKenzie Country Hotel is located in Twizel, in the heart of the Aoraki Mount Cook and MacKenzie Country Region. It offers modern rooms with picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. MacKenzie Country Hotel offers contemporary rooms that feature en-suite bathrooms and satellite TV. All rooms have a private balcony from where you can soak in the view of the surrounding Southern Alps. It is possible to hire bikes on site to explore the vast countryside of the MacKenzie Country Region with its impressive mountains and lakes. Guests can enjoy authentic New Zealand cuisine in MacKenzie Country Hotel’s fully licensed restaurant, or lounge around by the large stone fireplace in the cocktail bar.

Please refer to the following link(s) for important information about your specific destination.
New Zealand

Click here to check our recommended travel protection plan.

All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age for children on escorted tours is 8. Minimum age on Safaris is 8. Minimum age for game drives in Kruger National Park (South Africa) is 12. Minimum age for Uganda programs is 15.
Please note that many countries have adopted practices to prevent international abductions of children. If a person under the age of 18 years will be travelling with an adult other than his/her parents, or with only one parent, a notarized letter, granting authorization to travel, including the dates of travel should be carried.

We offer many Solo-Friendly trips with no mandatory single supplement. For all other tours, a single supplement will apply for solo travelers.
For the rates on these tours, please refer to the Price and Dates section on each tour page.

Please refer to the following link(s) for important information about your specific destination.
New Zealand
How do I book a tour with Indus Travels?
You can review How to Book a Tour page for more details.
How do I create an Indus Account?
Go to our website and click on the register button found on the upper right hand side to create your Indus Travel account and start booking tours!
If I don't remember my password, how do I log in?
Click the Forgot Password? link in the login form and it will lead you to a form to change your password. Simply enter your registered email address and you will be emailed a link to reset your password.
How do I view my invoice?
You will not be able to access your invoice immediately upon booking. You will be notified by email when it is available for you, normally within 48 business hours of booking. You can find your invoice and all other details of the tours you booked by logging on to your account and going to the Tour Booking History page.
How do I make payment online?
Simply login to your Indus Travel account, go to your tour of choice and click on Book Now. You will then confirm the details and your preferences about the tour and finally pay through our secure online payment platform.
What forms of payment does Indus Travel accept?
We accept US & CA Dollar check, bank check, money order, direct deposits, wire transfer, Visa, and Master credit cards. Third-party credit cards are not acceptable. Payments made by wire transfer must include an additional $30 wire transfer fee. There is a $50 fee for returned checks.
Where do I mail a cheque?
Cheque payments should include your Reservation number in the memo section and be made payable to Indus Travels Ltd and mailed to:
233 - 11951 Hammersmith Way,
Richmond, BC, V7A 5H9,
Canada
When is my final payment due?
Your exact final payment date is indicated on your invoice which may be viewed by signing into your account. In general, final payment is due 75 days prior to departure with some exceptions where payment is due earlier.
How much is my final payment?
The amount of your final payment will be noted on your invoice and can be accessed by logging into your account online.
Can I send a bank cheque or money order?
Yes. Indus accepts US & CA Dollar cheque, bank cheque, money order, direct deposits, wire transfer, Visa & Master credit cards. Third-party credit cards are not acceptable. Payments made by wire transfer must include an additional $30 wire transfer fee. There is a $50 fee for returned cheques.
To whom should I write the cheque?
Cheque payments should include your Reservation number in the memo section and be made payable to Indus Travels Ltd.
Can I pay with a debit card?
No. Indus does not accept payments with Debit card.
How do I know if Indus received my payment?
You will be notified by email that your payment was received and applied to your reservation. You may also access your reservation by logging into your account online
When will I receive my e-Documents?
Once final payment has been received and processed, documents will be sent via email approximately 21 days prior to the beginning of your tour services.
Can I get paper documents?
Paper documents may be sent upon passenger request. There is a shipping and handling fee of $30 for each set of paper documents: These paper documents will be delivered between 14-21 business days prior to the beginning of your tour. In some instances, a paper voucher/ticket is required by our vendor. In these instances, the costs for shipping and handling will be shouldered by Indus Travels.
How do I access and print my documents?
Your documents may be accessed by logging into your Indus Travel account and checking your Tour Booking History.
Do I receive anything else with my e-documents?
Indus e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
How do I know where to find my airline ticket?
With a few exceptions, international airline tickets are issued electronically. The airline confirmation number and ticket numbers stated in your documents represent your airline "ticket(s)." Some domestic Arline tickets which can only be issued at destination will be given to you upon your arrival in the local destination.
If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
Please note: Passengers who are not U.S. or Canadian citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa.
How do I know if I need a visa?
Please check the Before You Book section found on every tour to access the country specific Know Before You Go document to know about Visa and other important information about the countries you will be visiting.
How do I obtain a visa?
A visa may be obtained by using a visa service or by contacting the embassy or consulate of the nation you are visiting prior to departing from your home country.
Please check the Before You Book section found on every tour to access the country specific Know Before You Go document to know about Visa and other important information about the countries you will be visiting.
How much does a visa cost?
There will be different costs that will be specific per embassy/consulate and whether you have used a visa service or not. These costs often change with little notice. We recommend that you contact the appropriate embassy or consulate directly for the most up to date information.
You may find the contact information for consulates/embassies in the Visa section of the Know Before You Go document available for the country you will be visiting.
What are optional sightseeing tours?
Optional tours are offered to travelers interested in additional experiences, sightseeing, meals or activities to supplement the included components of our tours. You may choose to participate in some, all or none of the optional tours which are priced individually. Complete descriptions and prices for each optional tour are listed on the itinerary section of the tours on our website.
When can I add optional tours?
Optional tours are available for purchase any time up to 45 days before departure.
Can I purchase optional tours locally?
Yes. When traveling on an escorted tour, optional tours may be purchased locally from the Tour Manager. However, Indus cannot guarantee the rate and availability of these services when purchased locally. Please note that tours purchased locally are subject to current exchange rates and may cost up to 10% more.
Can I add optional tours for only select individuals on my reservation?
Yes. For assistance on this matter, please contact Indus Travel sales and reservations staff.
What coverage does Travel Insurance provide?
For complete details on Travel Insurance, check our Travel protection page.
When can I purchase Travel Insurance?
American Residents can purchase Trawick Insurance with us at the time of booking or anytime prior to departure. After booking, Canadian Residents will receive an email with a referral to TuGo Insurance which can be purchased anytime prior to departure.
When is Travel Insurance active?
Travel Protection coverages will take effect on the later of 1) the date the plan payment has been received by the Policyholder; 2) the date and time you start your Covered Trip; or 3) 12:01 A.M. Standard Time on the Scheduled Departure Date of your Covered Trip.
I need to cancel my trip and have not purchased insurance, what do I do?
Penalties for cancellation will depend on the tour you have purchased and how close to departure you are at the time of cancellation. For more information, visit our terms and conditions.
Why is it important that I give my name as it appears on my passport when booking a tour?
Due to increased travel security and policies around the world, it is now a requirement that your airline ticket matches your first and last name exactly as it reads on your passport. Please note that any changes to the details of your air booking, could be subject to a change fee, penalties or cancellation.
Can I reserve a seat assignment?
For our packages that include flights, we do not usually assign seats. In most cases, you can request specific seats, but this may incur a small fee payable to the airline. For more information, contact our sales and reservations staff.
Once confirmed, are airlines seats always guaranteed?
In most cases, seat assignments are firm. However, airlines may sometimes reassign seats for operational reasons. This often happens at the last moment and is controlled by airline staff, with Indus Travel not being notified. Passengers are encouraged to reconfirm their seat assignments and any other special requests directly with their airline prior to departure.
Should I check-in online?
It always recommended and more convenient to check in online. It will shorten your waiting time at the airport, secure your seat assignments and other reservations.
Can I request a special meal on the flight?
Requests may be made for special meals. These requests will be sent on your behalf to the airline so long as Indus receives these request prior to your documents being issued. The availability of special meals will be based upon the specific airlines and will be at their discretion.
Can I use my frequent flier miles?
Accrued frequent flier miles cannot be used toward the purchase of Indus Travels’ airfare or used for class upgrades. However, airfare purchased through Indus Travels may qualify to earn you additional miles.
What is required when I check-in?
Ticketed passengers must show correct identification at check-in. Children must have a parent present at check-in and all tickets must be in each passenger's name.
What is required with International travel?
An international trip may require valid travel documents such as passport, visa, re-entry permit, health certificate, inoculation record, a ticket for the return journey or continuance of your trip, or ANY combination thereof. Passengers are responsible for the proper documentation. Concerns about the required travel documents may be resolved by contacting the appropriate consulate or embassy.




