Premium New Zealand South Island (18 destinations)

What our customers ask about this tour

We couldn't find results

Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

Ask a Question

• E

  Erin

  Asked on December 23rd, 2025

  Which boat will be used for the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise is in this trip? Do we need to bring a walking stick? Can you provide a list of the hotels that are included in this trip?

  Accommodation

  Tour Details
  • 

    Intrepid PremiumOperator•Written December 2025

    Your overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound will be aboard the Fiordland Navigator, a purpose-built vessel designed for exploring the fiord. It offers comfortable cabins and a classic New Zealand cruising experience.
    
    A walking stick is not essential for this itinerary. Most walks are graded easy to moderate and take place on well-maintained tracks. However, if you prefer additional support for comfort or balance, you are welcome to bring one.
    
    The following hotels are typically used on the Premium New Zealand South Island tour:
    
    Christchurch: Fable Hotel Christchurch
    Punakaiki: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
    Franz Josef Glacier: Rainforest Retreat Franz Josef
    Doubtful Sound: Fiordland Navigator (overnight cruise)
    Wanaka: Edgewater Hotel
    Queenstown: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
    
    Please note that accommodation is subject to availability, but these are the standard properties for this departure.
  • E

    Erin

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    Thanks for your email reply. I do have one more question when looking over the followed trip detailed document after the booking, it mentioned a Milford afternoon cruise, instead of the overnight cruise on the Navigator toward the end of the 10 day trip.
    
    For the trip I had purchase departing March 20 to March 29th, please confirm the Fiordland visit; is it an overnight cruise at Doubtful sound or just an afternoon cruise in Mildford sound.
  • 

    Intrepid PremiumOperator•Written January 2026

    To clarify, the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise operates seasonally and closes at the end of April. For departures on 30 April 2027, 15 May 2027, and 11 June 2027, the overnight cruise is replaced with an overnight stay at Milford Sound Lodge and a Milford Sound day cruise.
    
    However, for your Premium New Zealand South Island trip departing 20–29 March, the itinerary includes a Milford Sound day cruise, as shown on Day 8 of your itinerary, and does not include an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound.
    
    The itinerary document you received is therefore correct for your departure date.
  • E

    Erin

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    Will it be possible that you can help us to extend our booking at Millennium Hotel Queenstown after the tour check out date (29th)? We will be staying Queenstown for an additional 3 nights, and if possible we rathe stay at the same hotel.
    
    If so, let us know, the rate and availability.
  • 

    Intrepid PremiumOperator•Written January 2026

    Regarding your post-tour stay in Queenstown, we're happy to assist. Once you confirm your preferred dates, we'll arrange the hotel quotes and availability for you.
  • E

    Erin

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    So for our booked premium South Island trip starting March 20th and ends on March 29, it does include an overnight cruise at Doubtful Sound. Was confused by the earlier email exchange, and want to confirm my understanding. Thank you.
  • 

    Intrepid PremiumOperator•Written January 2026

    Yes, for March 20th departure an overnight cruise at Doubtful Sound is included in the Itinerary.
  • E

    Erin

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    Please advise if you can help us to book;
    - one night at Fable Hotel Christchurch on March 19th (a day before our premium south island trip starts on the 20th).
    - Also need additional hotel booking at Millennium Hotel at Queenstown from March 29th (at the end of the tour) to April 3rd.
  • 

    Intrepid PremiumOperator•Written January 2026

    We can definitely assist you in booking pre and post accommodations at our joining and ending hotel, please see below a price quote.
    
    The Fable Christchurch - Twin Room - USD $160 per person per night
    
    Millennium Hotel - Twin Room - The price for this is still being loaded into our system but it's anywhere from USD $180 - $217 per person per night.
  E
  
  8 more answers