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Tour Code: 700-20189

7-Day Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Fiordland, Dunedin, Oamaru South Island Culinary Tour from Christchurch

 

Our Price: from

$1194
￥8410
€1017
C$1644
(per person, based on double occupancy) Available: Mon Depart from: Christchurch,
Overview
Visit Christchurch, Dunedin (Baldwin Street, Dunedin Railway Station, Saint Paul's Cathedral, University of Otago), Lake Tekapo Township (Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo), Mount Cook National Park, Queenstown, Wanaka (Lake Wanaka, Lone Tree), Lake Pukaki, Oamaru (Moeraki Beach, Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony), Te Anau (Te Anau Lake), Fiordland National Park (Milford Mariner Ship Cruise, Milford Sound).

Day 1: Christchurch

Upon arrival in Christchurch, you will be welcomed by our guide at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your leisure.

The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.

  • Housed in enchanting Gothic Revival buildings, the Christchurch Arts Centre is the city's cultural hub. It buzzes with creativity, hosting artist studios, unique shops, theatres, and craft markets.

  • The Bridge of Remembrance is a WWI memorial arch in Christchurch, where soldiers departed for war. It now stands as a spiritual landmark, symbolizing peace, remembrance, and resilient hope.

Standard Hotel: Christchurch 3-4 stars hotel

Meal: Excluded

Day 2: Christchurch - Lake Tekapo Township (181 km)

After breakfast, our guide will lead a tour of this "Garden City." We will stroll through the historic Arts Centre, admire the Avon River, and pass by the symbolic Bridge of Remembrance.
After lunch, we journey to the stunning Lake Tekapo. Its turquoise color, caused by glacial rock flour, is set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. We will visit the landmark Church of the Good Shepherd by the lake. In the evening, a special treat awaits with a taste of the world's highest-altitude king salmon sashimi. We will stay overnight in the Tekapo International Dark Sky Reserve, offering a chance to witness the breathtaking Milky Way.

The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.

  • Housed in enchanting Gothic Revival buildings, the Christchurch Arts Centre is the city's cultural hub. It buzzes with creativity, hosting artist studios, unique shops, theatres, and craft markets.

  • The Bridge of Remembrance is a WWI memorial arch in Christchurch, where soldiers departed for war. It now stands as a spiritual landmark, symbolizing peace, remembrance, and resilient hope.

Located near the Mackenzie Basin, the Lake Tekapo Township is a small community surrounded mountain ranges, lakes and natural beauty. It is also home to Mount John University Observatory, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Waitaki Dam, and more.

  • Lake Tekapo is the second-largest of three roughly parallel lakes running north-south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island of New Zealand (the others are Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau).

  • The Church of the Good Shepherd is situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains. It was built to the glory of God as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country.

  • The Tekapo International Dark Sky Reserve is one of the world's largest and most renowned dark sky reserves. Renowned for its minimal light pollution and clear skies, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe the spectacular Southern Hemisphere stars and Milky Way.

Dulexe Hotel: Tekapo holiday home and enjoy a high-end experience within the Dark Sky Reserve.

Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Included (Alpine Salmon Buffet)

Day 3: Lake Tekapo Township - Mount Cook National Park - Lake Pukaki - Wanaka - Queenstown (280 km)

After breakfast, travel to Mount Cook National Park. Explore the park's stunning landscapes, with an optional helicopter flight to the Tasman Glacier (weather permitting). We then visit the turquoise Lake Pukaki before continuing to Lake Wanaka to see the famous "Lone Tree." In the evening, we arrive in the world-renowned resort town of Queenstown.

Mount Cook, locally known as Aoraki, is the highest mountain in New Zealand measuring 12,218 feet tall. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Cook is a beautiful, diverse location like no other. Enjoy exploring peaks, valleys, lakes, forests, and more.

  • Admire the beauty and scale of New Zealand's largest mountain, Mount Cook, from the sky with a helicopter tour. Locally known as Aoraki, guests learn about the mountain's cultural and historical importance from knowledgeable pilots while admiring the grandeur of the Southern Alps.

    Duration: 20 Minutes to 1 Hour

Lake Pukaki is a glacial lake in the South Island of New Zealand, renowned for its striking turquoise-blue color and stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps.

Located in the Otago region, Wanaka is a popular resort town that attracts tourists all year round. From cross-country skiing to water skiing, Wanaka offers endless outdoor activities no matter the season, as well as gorgeous views of mountain ranges, lakes, and more.

  • Located at the heart of Wanaka, Lake Wanaka is situated in a glacier basin and spans an area of 72 square miles. Ideal for adventure tourism, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the summer and skiing in the winter.

  • The Lone Tree of Lake Wanaka is an iconic New Zealand sight. A single willow tree stands gracefully in the water, creating a serene and photogenic scene against the mountain backdrop, making it a must-visit landmark.

Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.

Standard Hotel: Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park or similar

Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded

Day 4: A full day of leisure in Queenstown

Today offers a full day of leisure in picturesque Queenstown. Nestled between majestic mountains and a sparkling lake, this town is hailed as one of the world's most beautiful resort destinations—a paradise for both relaxation and adventure.

Tailor your day to your interests:

  • For Film Buffs: Journey to the fairytale-like village of Glenorchy to explore real-life The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit filming locations.

  • For Thrill-Seekers: Get your adrenaline pumping with world-class activities like skydiving, bungy jumping, paragliding, or jet boating.

  • For a Leisurely Pace: Soak in panoramic views from the gondola, take a scenic helicopter flight over snow-capped peaks and glaciers, or enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard.

  • For a Spontaneous Day: Simply wander the vibrant streets, listen to buskers, and savor coffee by the lake.

Don't forget to try the legendary Fergburger - a deliciously juicy bite you won't forget.

Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.

Standard Hotel: Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park or similar

Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded

Day 5: Queenstown - Fiordland National Park - Te Anau (270 km)

After breakfast, we will travel to Milford Sound and board a scenic cruise. The journey offers views of towering cliffs and waterfalls, with chances to see local wildlife such as seals and dolphins. In the evening, we will arrive at Lake Te Anau. An optional visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves is available later.

Established in 1952, the Fiordland National Park is New Zealand's most significant conservation that supports a large and diverse ecosystem of plants and wildlife. Enjoy hiking, bird watching, and more while surrounded by the astounding beauty of this natural paradise.

  • Described as the Eighth Wonder of the World, Milford Sound offers breathtaking views and recreation. Visitors can admire staggering cliffs and waterfalls, kayak in the sea, take a helicopter flight, or enjoy a day or overnight boat cruise.

  • Spend the night aboard the Milford Mariner Cruise Ship and experience the Milford Sound like never before. Enjoy nature guides by day and stargazing by night, as well as delicious buffet-styled breakfast and dinner among the sound's natural beauty.

    Duration: 1 Day

Located in the Southland region of New Zealand, Te Anau is a scenic town that borders the Fiordland National Park. Experience the beauty of numerous mountain ranges, Lake Te Anau, bird watching, and easy access to Queenstown and the Milford Sounds.

  • Lake Te Anau is the largest lake in the South Island of New Zealand, known as the "Gateway to Fiordland." Nestled within majestic mountains, it offers serene beauty and serves as the main base for exploring Fiordland National Park.

  • Take a journey into the underground magic of the Te Anau glow worm caves on the shores of Te Anau Lake. Cruise through limestone passages before arriving in a grotto filled with these marvelous creatures!

Standard Hotel: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau or similar

Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Included (Fiord Cruise Buffet)|Dinner: Included (Fiordland Lobster Meal)

Day 6: Te Anau - Dunedin - Oamaru (316 km)

After breakfast, travel to Dunedin for a city tour. Key stops include St. Paul's Cathedral, the historic University of Otago, the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, and the world's steepest Baldwin Street. We will then pass by the scenic Moeraki Boulders beach before arriving in Oamaru. In the evening, we will visit the Little Blue Penguin Colony (VIP seating included, Please note: if VIP seats are unavailable due to late booking, standard seating will be provided).

Dunedin is a bustling urban, cultural center in the Otago region in the South Island of New Zealand. It offers a wide variety of attractions for visitors including the theatre, music, museums, sporting events, universities, parks, gardens, architecture, and much more.

  • Embodies Dunedin's wealthy inheritance, This building perhaps is New Zealand’s most photographed building. The ornate Flemish Renaissance-style architecture features white Oamaru limestone facings on black basalt rock. The sheer size, grandiose style and rich embellishments of the station earned architect George Troup the nickname of Gingerbread George.

  • Located in Dunedin, New Zealand, Baldwin Street is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's steepest residential Street. At its maximum incline, the slope of Baldwin Street is 19 degrees or a gradient of 35%.

  • Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university. Its Dunedin campus is renowned for its Scottish-style stone buildings and stunning gardens, often ranked among the world's most beautiful campuses, blending academic prestige with photographic charm.

Oamaru is the largest and most populous town in the northern Otago region. Located 120 kilometers north of Dunedin, Oamaru is home to important archaeological sites and architectural stone buildings such as St. Patrick's Basilica.

  • Moeraki Beach is best known for enormous, spherical boulders lying along its coast between the towns of Moeraki and Hampden. Visitors will enjoy learning about the indigenous Māori legends surrounding these boulders and the picture-perfect views these unique beach feature offer.

  • The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is a renowned wildlife site in New Zealand, where visitors can observe the world's smallest blue penguins returning ashore to their nests after dusk.

Standard Hotel: Heritage Court Motor Lodge Oamaru or similar

Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Included (Chinese Hot Pot)|Dinner: Included (Maori-style Hangi dinner)

Day 7: Oamaru - Christchurch (218 km)

After breakfast, we depart from Oamaru and return to Christchurch, enjoying the picturesque rural landscapes of the South Island along the way.

Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded

 

Price Includes:

Price Excludes: