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APT
Land Tour

South Island Odyssey

2025 - 2026

Escorted Tour

South Island Odyssey

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APT Escorted Tour
Delivering the ultimate luxury holiday experience, you will discover the true essence of each fascinating destination in comfort and style.

South Island Odyssey

Encounter incredible natural wonders on this spectacular 12-day tour of New Zealand's South Island. Marvel at the opportunity to spot Kaikōura's dusky dolphins, savour a wine tasting and banquet lunch at Allan Scott Family Winemakers, and see Punakaiki’s famous Pancake Rocks, among many other highlights.

12 day Escorted Tour

Itinerary

Christchurch to Christchurch

11 days / 10 night Escorted Tour

Day 1

Arrive Christchurch

Day 2

Kaikōura

Signature Experience

Day 3

Blenheim

Signature Experience

Day 4

Westport, Punakaiki

Day 5

Greymouth, Hokitika, Franz Josef/Waiau

Signature Experience

Day 6

Queenstown

Freedom of Choice

Day 7

Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi

Signature Experience

Day 8

Queenstown

Freedom of Choice

Day 9

Dunedin

Day 10

Dunedin, Aoraki Mount Cook

Signature Experience

Day 11

Aoraki/Mount Cook

Signature Experience

Day 12

Depart Christchurch

Coach/Vehicle
Cruise

Trip Inclusions

Discover the inclusions provided on your tour, ensuring a stress-free journey where every detail is taken care of.

Experiences in 8 destinations
11 nights hand-picked accommodation
Locally inspired dining – a total of 21 meals
Services of an APT Tour Director and driver, plus expert local guides
Return airport transfers and porterage
Enjoy welcome and farewell dinners
Delve into Māori culture during a Pounamu Pathway immersive storytelling experience in Greymouth
Embark on a memorable wildlife cruise along the spectacular Otago Peninsula

Tour Highlights

These exclusive or unique events are designed to deepen your experience, taking you on an inspiring journey beneath the surface of local history, culture and traditions. What's more, these once-in-a-lifetime moments are often not available to a regular traveller. The following experiences are just a taste of what we have prepared especially for you.

Dolphin Encounter Watch
Dolphin Encounter Watch

Dolphin Encounter

Travel out to sea aboard a purpose-built privately chartered vessel (subject to minimum numbers) for an extraordinary encounter with Kaikōura’s dusky dolphins. Marvel at the opportunity to witness one of the most incredible dolphin shows in the world, as these energetic creatures put on a thrilling display of jumps, leaps, tail slapping and somersaults.

Allan Scott Family Winemakers

Allan Scott Family Winemakers is a family-owned winery nestled in the heart of the Marlborough region’s famed ‘Golden Mile’ on Jacksons Road, which stretches from Rapaura to Renwick. Enjoy a wine tasting followed by a shared banquet lunch, then relish time to wander through the spectacular gardens that surround the cellar door.

Franz Josef/Waiau

Drive through Westland Tai Poutini National Park and see the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Tonight, you will stay at the luxurious Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Relax and unwind amid the lush rainforest and breathtaking scenery, before enjoying a four-course degustation fine dining experience.

Road to Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. Scenic highway drive along Lake Pukaki in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, South Island of New Zealand.

Aoraki/Mount Cook

Journey into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a bewildering landscape of towering mountain peaks, alpine herb fields and epic glaciers. See New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and stay at the iconic Hermitage Hotel. Indulge in a delicious seasonal menu, which incorporates the finest local ingredients, at the hotel’s Alpine Restaurant.

Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise

A cruise through Milford Sound/Piopiotahi draws you into a magical world of snow-dusted mountains, breathtaking scenery and engaging wildlife. Edge close to tumbling waterfalls and colonies of seals and penguins, all beneath the ramparts of mighty peaks that rise sheer from the water as they stretch to the vast sky above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Notes

  • Itinerary, hotels, pricing and inclusions are subject to change

  • Weather may cause disruptions to itinerary, especially in remote locations

  • APT highly recommends travel insurance

  • Prices are for land and/or cruise only. Flights not included unless specified

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