13 day South Island Circuit

Trip Code:62137

(AUD) Twin Share from $7,149pp

Days 13

Nights 12

Discover the ultimate stress-free getaway with this premium small-group coach tour designed for mature travelers seeking the perfect balance of luxury and iconic sightseeing. Limited to just 24 guests, this fully guided journey begins in creative Wellington and crosses the Cook Strait in style before winding through New Zealand’s breathtaking South Island. You will travel comfortably in luxury touring vehicles, enjoying 12 nights of premium accommodation and a curated itinerary packed with memorable highlights. Experience the peaceful, uncrowded serenity of a Doubtful Sound wilderness cruise, delve into history at Larnach Castle and the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, and sample regional flavours during wine and moonshine tastings. Capping off the adventure is a ride on the world-renowned TranzAlpine train, making this a relaxed, comprehensive, and unforgettable showcase of New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Multiple departure dates available from Sep 2027 to Apr 2028

from $7,149 pp twin share
from $9,289 pp solo traveller

* Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival day to Wellington

Arrive in Wellington, check into hotel, and meet your guide and travel companions over a welcome dinner.

Day 2 – Wellington to Nelson

Breakfast aboard the ferry in the Pohutukawa Lounge crossing Cook Strait, visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum in Blenheim, wine tasting, then continue to Nelson.

Day 3 – Abel Tasman National Park

Explore Abel Tasman National Park by cruise or kayak, spot native wildlife, and walk sections of the Abel Tasman Coast Track.

Day 4 – Nelson to Hanmer Springs

Travel inland through Buller Gorge and Lewis Pass to Hanmer Springs, with time to soak in the thermal pools, followed by group dinner.

Day 5 – Hanmer Springs to Christchurch

Depart Hanmer Springs, stop for wine tasting in Waipara Valley, then continue to Christchurch with time to explore before group dinner.

Day 6 – Christchurch to Dunedin

Journey south along the east coast, stopping at Oamaru for heritage buildings and the Moeraki Boulders, then arrive in Dunedin.

Day 7 – Dunedin to Te Anau

Visit Larnach Castle and its gardens, explore the Hokonui Moonshine Museum in Gore, then arrive in Te Anau.

Day 8 – Te Anau via Doubtful Sound to Queenstown

Cruise across Lake Manapouri to West Arm, travel over Wilmot Pass, then explore Doubtful Sound by catamaran before continuing to Queenstown.

Day 9 – Day at leisure in Queenstown

Free day to experience Queenstown’s adventure activities, gondola rides, or lakeside relaxation.

Day 10 – Queenstown to Haast

Travel through Arrowtown and Wanaka, then along the West Coast through Haast Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with group dinner at hotel.

Day 11 – Haast to Franz Josef

Travel north along Westland National Park to Glacier Country, stop at Lake Matheson for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, then arrive in Franz Josef.

Day 12 – Franz Josef to Christchurch

Depart Franz Josef, stop in Hokitika, then board the TranzAlpine train for a scenic journey to Christchurch, with farewell dinner at hotel.

Day 13 – Depart Christchurch

Final day of tour with breakfast before saying farewell to tour leader and travel companions.

* Please note that tour itineraries are subject to change at any time by the tour company and are not guaranteed

Highlights

Maximum 24 guests travelling in a luxury coach with an experienced driver-guide.
Overnight in a World Heritage Area surrounded by pristine Fiordland wilderness.
Hand-picked accommodation offering charm, comfort and kiwi style throughout.

Inclusions

Experienced Driver/Guide
Small Group Tour – Max 24
Luxury Touring Vehicle
12 nights’ accommodation
12 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 6 Dinners
Premium Lounge Ferry journey across the Cook Strait
Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum
Waipara Valley Wine Tasting
TranzAlpine Train Experience
Overnight in a World Heritage Area
Visit Arrowtown and Wanaka
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Explore the Hokonui Moonshine Museum
Larnach Castle visit
Moeraki Boulders

Exclusions

Airfares
Travel insurance

FAQs

Hand-picked stays offering charm, comfort and kiwi style, including Novotel Wellington, Rutherford Nelson, Heritage Hanmer Springs, Distinction Christchurch, Scenic Hotel Dunedin City, Distinction Luxmore Te Anau, Heritage Queenstown, Heartland Haast, Scenic Franz Josef, and Distinction Hotel Christchurch.

Is the TranzAlpine Train included?

Yes. The tour includes the TranzAlpine train journey from the West Coast towards Christchurch.

Can I take a helicopter flight in Franz Josef?

An optional helicopter flight with a snow landing is available in Franz Josef, subject to weather conditions.

Are meals included?

Yes. The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 6 dinners. Other meals are at your own expense unless otherwise stated.

What type of accommodation is provided?

The tour includes 12 nights of accommodation throughout the journey.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 24 passengers.

What are the current travel dates?

Departures are available from September 2027 through May 2028, with multiple dates available.

Is there a minimum number of passengers required for the tour to operate?

Yes. A minimum of 8 passengers is required for the tour to operate.

Who operates this tour?

The tour is operated by Kirra Tours New Zealand.

Provided by: ANZCRO

Fine Print

Tours are priced in AUD, per person and are subject to change. Twin share tour prices must be purchased with a travel companion. If an individual purchases a Twin tour without a companion, they will be required to upgrade to a Single prior to departure. A deposit of AU$200 required within 10 days of booking, however if booking inside 45 days of departure, full payment will be due immediately. A minimum of 8 people is required for each tour to run. Standard Kirra NZ Tours’ Terms and Conditions apply. Further departure dates may be released, subject to demand.

Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.