Switch to the app and book faster and easier!

Where?
When?
2

Where to?

Traveling when?

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Who is travelling?

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
From
US $1,510 per person

New Zealand South Island Express

9 days
Start and end in Christchurch
4.3
9 traveler reviews
From
US $1,510 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 6 - 16
Ages 18+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Christchurch

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Christchurch City Tour
    Landmarks
    Christchurch Cathedral
  2. Day 2

    Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd

    Optional Activities

    • Grand Traverse Scenic Flight - NZD415
    • Hike up Mt John - Free
    Landmarks
    Church of the Good Shepherd
    Lake Tekapo
    Mt John
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  3. Day 3

    Lake Tekapo to Queenstown

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Kawarau Gorge visit

    Optional Activities

    • Mt John hike
    • Kawarau Bridge Bungee - NZD215
    Landmarks
    Kawarau Gorge
    Mackenzie Basin
    Southern Alps
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  4. Day 4

    Queenstown

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Optional Activities

    • Canyoning - NZD230
    • Shotover Jet Boat - NZD167
    • Paragliding - NZD261
    • Heli-Mountain Biking - NZD482
    • Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour - NZD236
    • Horse Trek Lord of the Rings - NZD205
    • Canyon Swing - NZD261
    • Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Package - NZD557
    • Milford Sound Coach-Cruise-Coach Day Trip - NZD156
    • Skydiving - NZD389
    • Nevis Bungee - NZD289
    • Kawarau Bridge Bungee - NZD215
    Landmarks
    Milford Sound
    Queenstown
    Itinerary Image 1
  5. Day 5

    Queenstown to Arrowtown to Wanaka

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Arrowtown village visit
    Landmarks
    Arrowtown
    Lake Wanaka
    Crown Range
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  6. Day 6

    Wanaka to Franz Josef

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Lake Hawea Lookout
    • Haast Pass

    Optional Activities

    • Guided e-bike Tour - NZD158
    • Mou Waho Island Cruise and Nature Walk - NZD251
    Landmarks
    Lake Wanaka
    Mou Waho Island
    Lake Hawea
    Haast Pass
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  7. Day 7

    Franz Josef

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Carve your own Pounamu Necklace

    Optional Activities

    • Glacier Kayaking - NZD121
    • Quad Biking - NZD189
    • Glacier Heli Hike - NZD509
    • Heli Experience with Snow Landing - NZD294
    Landmarks
    Franz Josef Glacier
  8. Day 8

    West Coast to Christchurch

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Optional Activities

    • Kiwi centre visit
    Landmarks
    West Coast
    Arthur's Pass
  9. Day 9

    Christchurch

    Meals
    Breakfast
Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Platinum Operator
Rating
4.5(12,046 reviews)
Response time
5 hours
Response rate
92%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

4.3
Overall rating based on 9 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.2
  • Transport
    4.2
  • Guide
    4.6
  • Accommodation
    3.3
  • Food
    3.4
  • 4.5

Sort by

Most recent
Most popular
Highest first
Lowest first

Sort by

Most Recent
Most Popular
Highest First
Lowest First
  • T
    February 27th, 2026
    Heads up: I joined this tour of the South Island having come direct from a tour of the North Island with GAdventures....
    Show more
    Traveled in February 2026
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Hi Trevor, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to review your feedback. It is nice to know that you are open to experiences with different travel companies, and we know G to be a wonderful adventure tour operator. We are hopeful that our tour lived up to your expectations and that you had a fantastic time while in our care. Thanks again.
    Show more
  • H
    March 16th, 2025
    The tour was excellent, a very good itinerary, our tour leader, Adam had a very good knowledge & his commentary on...
    Show more
    Traveled in March 2025
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Thank you Hilda for taking the time to post such a lovely review of your tour in New Zealand. We will forward on your lovely feedback for your leader Adam and I am glad to see that you were able to take the time to really enjoy the landscape and scenery. New Zealand is definitely full of great photo opportunities!
    Show more
  • New Zealand South Island Express reviewer 3
    January 18th, 2025
    The trip was amazing. The guide -Hayley was also wonderful. All in all- 5 stars was not enough. Everything about the...
    Show more
    Traveled in January 2025
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Thank you so much, Elizabeth, for sharing your experience with us on your recent New Zealand South Island Express trip. Your pictures look beautiful and we are delighted you had such an incredible time.
    Show more
  • M
    September 23rd, 2024
    Loved the whole trip Our guide Duli was amazing he read our wishes from our lips and made them happen
    Traveled in August 2024
  • New Zealand South Island Express reviewer 5
    April 12th, 2023
    Great tour! We got to see so many places in such a short amount of time, and I had a great time. Made some friends...
    Show more
    Traveled in March 2023
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Thank you for your wonderful review Annette! It sounds like you've made some life-long memories and friends during your travels, we're so glad you enjoyed exploring the South Island of New Zealand with us, we'd love to have you explore the North Island with us soon!
    Show more
  • New Zealand South Island Express reviewer 6
    February 21st, 2023
    Our guide James took great care of us..Seen great sights!
    Traveled in February 2023
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Thanks so much for your review Janet! We're so pleased to hear that James did a wonderful job taking care of you and your fellow travellers, we hope you enjoyed exploring the South Island with us and look forward to welcoming you on another adventure in the not too distant future.
    Show more
  • New Zealand South Island Express reviewer 7
    January 3rd, 2023
    Due to an Admin error I could not join my tour at the departure point. Although my records were missing I did get the...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2022
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Hi Sheree - thank you for taking the time to leave us this review. Our Customer Care team will be in touch with you directly regarding your experience. We're very sorry for the complications at the start of your tour, but so glad to read that you've returned home with some lovely memories in spite of this.
    Show more
  • New Zealand South Island Express reviewer 8
    November 17th, 2022
    Great scenery, length and size of tour is good. More time made for lunch would be good while travelling long distance...
    Show more
    Traveled in November 2022
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Dear Donna – we are very sorry to learn of the multiple issues you encountered our New Zealand South Island Express tour. We have put your review to our Operations team to get a better understanding of your experience and investigate the issues you’ve highlighted: accommodation standards at some properties, missed elements of the itinerary and problems with your final billing. We will be in touch with you directly today to work to resolve this for you.
    Show more
  • S
    November 5th, 2022
    Callum was a fantastic tour guide he made our trip memorable beside the hickups he had to fix.
    Traveled in October 2022
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Hi Susan so happy to hear that you had a great Local Leader in New Zealand! Thanks for traveling with us!
    Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    21 Jul, 2026
    To Wednesday
    29 Jul, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $1,510 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    18 Aug, 2026
    To Wednesday
    26 Aug, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $1,510 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    29 Sep, 2026
    To Wednesday
    7 Oct, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $1,695 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    13 Oct, 2026
    To Wednesday
    21 Oct, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $1,820 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    27 Oct, 2026
    To Wednesday
    4 Nov, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $1,830 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    10 Nov, 2026
    To Wednesday
    18 Nov, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $1,685 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    17 Nov, 2026
    To Wednesday
    25 Nov, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $1,850 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    24 Nov, 2026
    To Wednesday
    2 Dec, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $1,760 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    1 Dec, 2026
    To Wednesday
    9 Dec, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $1,795 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    8 Dec, 2026
    To Wednesday
    16 Dec, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $1,810 per person
Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

Why book with TourRadar?

    • Trusted and vetted operators
    • Rated excellent on
    • Best price guarantee
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $50 in travel credits

    To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in United States, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
We couldn't find results
Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts
  • R

    Ryan

    Asked on March 23rd, 2026

    I'm interested in one of your tours and wanted to check if it would be suitable for a 70-year-old. My nan and I are thinking of doing a trip together, but she likely wouldn't participate in most of the more physically demanding activities. Could you please let me know if the tour would still be appropriate for her, and whether there are options for relaxing or sitting out certain parts of the itinerary?

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten March 2026

      This tour has a physical rating of 2 out of 5, which means it can be enjoyed by most people with a reasonable level of fitness. It's generally quite manageable, though there may be a few activities on certain days that are slightly more active than the overall rating. We always recommend having a look through the day-to-day itinerary to get a better idea of each activity and see what would be most comfortable for your nan.

    • R

      Ryan

      TravelerWritten March 2026

      Just wanna double check though, most activity are optional and she does not need to participate in them, however some activities she love just to come and watch. Like I wanna do skydiving, is she able to come watch?

    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten March 2026

      Yes, most activities on the tour are optional, so your nan is absolutely welcome to sit out anything she doesn't feel comfortable joining. She can still come along, relax, and enjoy the surroundings while others take part. For activities like skydiving, spectators are usually welcome at the location, so she should be able to come along and watch. That said, this can depend on the local operator and venue, so your tour leader will be the best person to confirm and help arrange this on the day. In terms of costs, optional activities are priced separately and can be booked locally during the trip, so you can decide what you'd like to do at your own pace.

    • R
      2 more answers
  • K

    Kathy

    Asked on March 5th, 2026

    I am 21 and wanting to do this in January is this appropriate to this? Will people likely be the same age as me in the group? What activities are included?

    Age Range
    Group size
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten March 2026

      This trip is open to travelers aged 18 and above and we are unable to guarantee or confirm the age composition of the group at this stage.

      If you are hoping to travel with travelers closer to your age, we'd recommend checking out our 18–35s themed trips, which are designed specifically for younger travelers.

      Meals - 7 breakfasts
      Transport - Private Vehicle
      Accommodation - multi-share hostel with shared facilities (8 nights)

      Included activities
      Lake Tekapo - Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
      Christchurch - City Tour
      Queenstown - Kawarau Gorge
      Arrowtown - Village visit
      West Coast - Haast Pass
      West Coast - Lake Hawea Lookout
      Franz Josef - Carve your own Pounamu Necklace

    • K

      Kathy

      TravelerWritten March 2026

      The epic New Zealand looks amazing but I would love to bungy jump, Milford sound and jet boat is there a way to do all of them

    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten March 2026

      On the Epic New Zealand trip, Milford Sound and jet boating are available as optional activities; however, bungy jumping is not part of the itinerary. That said, you may still be able to do bungy jumping by making your own arrangements, and our tour leader will be able to assist in arranging this on ground.

    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten March 2026

      Further to your previous inquiry regarding the bungy jumping activity during the Epic New Zealand trip, our local team has confirmed that this activity can be arranged on the ground.

      Please note that bungy jumping is not part of the standard inclusions of the tour. However, there are several options available in Queenstown, and you would be able to book the activity directly once you are there.

      Should you require any assistance with arranging this during the trip, the local tour leader will be more than happy to help you with the arrangements.

    • K
      3 more answers
  • C

    Catherine

    Asked on February 15th, 2026

    Cost for single room for senior lady

    Accommodation
    Single supplement
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten February 2026

      Once confirmed, we'll be able to provide you with the exact rate for the single supplement upgrade.

  • A

    Anna

    Asked on February 4th, 2026

    if i buy this trip do you assist in visa in other to travel for the trip? im having cameroon passport

    Visa
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten February 2026

      Visa's are the responsibility of the traveler but while applying if you need any supporting documents like a letter of invitation we can have our prepare this for you.

    • A

      Anna

      TravelerWritten February 2026

      do i need to pay completely upfront or can pay deposite for space reservation and balance later and secondly do you have a refund policy ?

    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten February 2026

      To confirm your booking, a non-refundable deposit is required. The standard deposit amount is AUD 400 / NZD 400 / CAD 400 / USD 400 / ZAR 4000 per person, unless otherwise stated in the trip's Special Conditions.
      If your booking is made within 56 days of departure, the full trip amount is payable at the time of booking.

      Once your booking is accepted, we will issue a booking confirmation invoice, at which point the contract between you and us is confirmed.
      The remaining balance is due 56 days prior to the departure date, unless stated otherwise in the Special Conditions. Final payment details will be included in your confirmation invoice.

      If payment is not received by the due date, a reminder will be sent. If payment is still not received within 3 days of the reminder, the booking will be considered cancelled and cancellation fees will apply.

      If you choose to cancel your booking, the following cancellation fees apply:

      56 days or more before departure – your deposit will be held as a credit
      31–55 days before departure – 30% of the total trip cost
      15–30 days before departure – 60% of the total trip cost
      14 days or fewer before departure – 100% of the total trip cost

      Please note that any deposit credit cannot be applied to the same or similar travel dates.

    • A
      2 more answers
  • T

    Teresa

    Asked on December 20th, 2025

    Is this booked for hotel stays for private room?

    Accommodation
    Single supplement
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten December 2025

      All of our trips are based on twin-share accommodation. However, if you prefer a private (single) room, we can certainly help check availability for a single supplement at an additional cost.

    • T

      Teresa

      TravelerWritten December 2025

      Can you please call me to review?

    • T

      Teresa

      TravelerWritten December 2025

      Not trying to be difficult… but uhhh, An extra $ 2300 for hotels? It's 250 a night extra ?That's a bit to wrap our heads around especially when original accommodation is already provided? ? Other more cost effective stays as options ? Can we just book our own stays ? Thanks Tim

    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten December 2025

      Yes, you're absolutely welcome to book your own accommodation if you prefer. Many travellers choose to do this for flexibility or budget reasons. The only requirement is that you make your way to the designated tour starting hotel on time on Day 1, and likewise be able to reach the ending point hotel at the conclusion of the tour.

    • T
      T
      3 more answers
  • C

    Caroline

    Asked on December 3rd, 2025

    Are you able to get a twin room with bathroom on this tour

    Accommodation
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten December 2025

      Our accommodation on this tour is twin-share, but the rooms are multi-share hostel dorms with shared bathrooms. A private room (with shared bathroom) can be booked, but it depends on availability. Single travellers get a single room. Couples get a double room. There are only a few private rooms per departure.

  • J

    Joyce

    Asked on November 5th, 2025

    How much is single supplement for 9 day NZ South Island Express

    Price / Availability
    Single supplement
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten November 2025

      A private room supplement (with shared bathroom facilities) is available at an additional cost of $1,505, if you'd prefer not to share a room on this trip.

  • H

    Hannah

    Asked on November 4th, 2025

    Is it possible to get a full refund if my plans change or I want to change the dates?

    Payments
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten November 2025

      Deposit is non-refundable once paid. If cancellations or changes made outside of final payment (3 months prior to departure) we can hold your deposit as a future travel credit with no expiration. Any changes or cancellations made after final payment will result in fees. The closer we are to departure the more fees are charged.

  • C

    Christian

    Asked on October 30th, 2025

    What is the cost for a single private room?

    Price / Availability
    Single supplement
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten October 2025

      A private room supplement (with shared bathroom facilities) is available if you'd prefer not to share a room on this trip. The private room supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. The cost would be $1,135.

  • K

    Ken

    Asked on September 16th, 2025

    I wanted to enquire about the departure time and location for the meet up for the trip running on the 18-Nov. Why is there a $100 difference between the 13-Nov and 18-Nov trip? The 13-Nov trip is showing "Guaranteed departure" while 18-Nov trip is showing "Departure on request". Can I confirm if this is still running or is this awaiting numbers of attendees?

    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten September 2025

      The welcome meeting will be at 6 pm on Day 01 of the tour. Our trip prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. This means our trip prices may vary at any time in accordance with demand, market conditions and availability. It is likely that different passengers on the same trip have been charged different prices.

    • K

      Ken

      TravelerWritten September 2025

      I am considering between NZ South Voyage (7 days) and South Island Express (9 days). Can you confirm the meeting location is 6pm on 18 Nov at Christchurch? Can you confirm the return time back to Christchurch at the end of the trip? And any other advice you are aware of that may help with the planning?

    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten September 2025

      The trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 01 at Haka House Christchurch, 36 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central, New Zealand 8013. The trip ends on Day 09 after breakfast in the morning. You can check out the day-to-day itinerary on the Intrepid trip website.

    • K
      2 more answers
Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Intrepid Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 5 hours.
From
US $1,510 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Earn while you share

With TourRadar RISE, you can earn commission when someone books a tour through a link you share — like this one.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 223856

  • Currency
    $
    New Zealand Dollar
    New Zealand
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.

    Type I
    New Zealand
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before June 28th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after June 28th, 2026, a minimum payment of $400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec