5 Day South Island Tour from Queenstown including Stewart Island

A 5-Day South Island Adventure from Queenstown — Including Stewart Island

Imagine five days of exploring New Zealand’s wild and beautiful South Island, with a knowledgeable guide handling the driving and planning. Starting in Queenstown, known as the adventure capital, this tour takes you through iconic sights like Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Mount Cook, plus an unforgettable ferry ride to Stewart Island. The price is around $3,076 per person, which might seem steep at first glance, but the inclusion of exclusive private transportation, optional activities, and boutique accommodations makes it a compelling package for those seeking a hassle-free experience.

What we love most about this tour is how it balances highlighting top attractions with the flexibility of optional adventures, from scenic helicopter rides to dark sky stargazing. The tour offers a chance to truly relax and enjoy, rather than scramble to fit everything in on your own. Plus, having a dedicated guide-driver means local insights and a smoother trip, especially when navigating long drives and scenic routes.

One potential drawback? The vast distances covered mean some days are quite full, with early starts and long travel times. Travelers who prefer a slower, more leisurely pace might find this setup a bit hurried. However, if you’re eager to see a lot in a short period with expert guidance, this tour will suit you perfectly. It’s especially ideal for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive, well-organized taste of the South Island’s highlights.

This experience suits travelers who love stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and a mix of adventure and relaxation. It’s perfect if you want the convenience of all arrangements handled—from accommodation to optional activities—allowing you to focus on enjoying every moment.

Key Points

Comfort and Convenience: Private transport for your group with WiFi, snacks, and tailored routes.
Flexibility: Optional activities like helicopter rides, cruises, and stargazing are available, allowing customization.
Top Landscapes: Highlights include Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Mount Cook, and Stewart Island’s wilderness.
Authentic Experiences: Guided tours, glowworm caves, and Stewart Island exploration deliver a genuine feel of New Zealand’s nature.
Value for Money: While the cost is higher, it covers many included activities and boutique accommodations, reducing planning stress.
Travel in Style: Small group or private setup ensures intimate, guided experiences with local experts.

A Deep Dive into the 5-Day South Island Tour

When we think about exploring New Zealand’s South Island, the image of rugged mountains, shimmering lakes, and fjords naturally comes to mind. This tour is designed to bring those visions to life, with a carefully curated itinerary that hits all the major highlights, while also offering a few optional extras to elevate the experience.

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5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Queenstown

Day 1: From Queenstown to Fiordland – Milford or Doubtful Sound

Starting in Queenstown, you’re picked up early, ready for a day packed with stunning scenery. The tour offers two options: a full-day cruise of Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound. Both are jaw-droppingly beautiful, but each has its unique charm. Milford Sound is perhaps the most iconic—its sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and lush rainforests are postcard-perfect. The drive there is scenic in itself, with plenty of stops for photographs and short walks.

Alternatively, the Doubtful Sound option involves a more peaceful cruise across Lake Manapouri, combined with a coach ride over Wilmot Pass—a route that feels like stepping into another world. The quiet majesty of Doubtful Sound makes it a more tranquil experience, perfect if you’re after serenity and wildlife spotting. The two options are equally memorable, and the choice can be tailored to your preferences.

After a day of awe-inspiring views, you return to Te Anau to relax and settle into your hotel. The journey itself is an adventure—expect to see towering mountains, lush forests, and perhaps a kea or two (the cheeky mountain parrots of the south).

Day 2: Exploring Te Anau and Southland

The highlight of day two is the Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour. We loved the way this underground adventure combines natural wonder with guided storytelling. Walking through the caves, illuminated only by thousands of glowworms, feels like peering into a starry sky beneath the earth.

Later, you’ll head south along the Southern Scenic Route, a quiet but captivating drive through farmland and coastlines that showcase New Zealand’s rural charm. The final stop is Bluff, the southernmost town, famous for its fresh oyster delicacies in season. This day is about appreciating the quieter, less traveled parts of Southland, giving you a taste of local life amidst breathtaking scenery.

Day 3: Stewart Island, the Wild Card

A highlight of this tour is the ferry journey to Stewart Island, just a 1-hour crossing across Foveaux Strait. The boat ride alone is worth it—seabirds soaring overhead, the smell of the sea, and the anticipation of wandering through New Zealand’s third-largest island.

Once there, you’ll enjoy a cruise through Paterson Inlet. Stewart Island is renowned for its rugged wilderness and abundant birdlife, including kiwi in the wild. Optional guided explorations can deepen your understanding of this remote corner, making the visit a genuine encounter with nature.

The day ends with a scenic drive back to Queenstown, a fitting conclusion after experiencing one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets.

Day 4: Mount Cook and Aoraki – The Mountain Majesty

From Queenstown, the tour takes you through the Lindis Pass, a mountain pass that offers sweeping views of the Southern Alps. The stop at Lake Pukaki introduces you to its striking turquoise waters, fed by glaciers high above. The drive toward Mount Cook is a showcase of high, snow-capped peaks and alpine vistas.

Once at Mount Cook, options abound. The Hooker Valley Track is a popular choice—swing bridges, glaciers, and mountain views make it a walk you’ll remember. But the real thrill is the scenic helicopter ride over the peaks, giving you an aerial perspective of this stunning landscape. The helicopter ticket is included in the optional add-on, making it a worthwhile splurge for panoramic photos.

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Day 5: Lake Tekapo and Rural Charm

Your final day features a visit to Lake Tekapo, where the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd sits against a backdrop of mountains and lake. The scenery is postcard-perfect, ideal for photos and a moment of quiet reflection.

Next, a stop at High Country Salmon gives you a chance to feed the fish and enjoy fresh salmon dishes—an authentic taste of rural New Zealand. The trip winds down with a visit to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, a charming historic area on Lake Dunstan.

Back in Queenstown, a relaxing finale awaits with a soak in a private hot tub overlooking the mountains—a perfect way to unwind and reflect on the trip.

The Value and Experience

At first glance, the $3,076 price tag might seem high. But when you consider the inclusions—private transport, expert guides, optional activities, boutique accommodations, and all the entry tickets—the value becomes clearer. The flexibility of choosing activities like helicopter rides, glowworm caves, or stargazing adds personalized touches that can turn a good trip into a memorable one.

Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and their ability to make each stop more engaging. Whether it’s pointing out rare wildlife or sharing local stories, guides add depth to the scenery. The stunning views, especially at Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook, are unforgettable, and the optional activities such as a helicopter flight or stargazing are often praised for their quality and professionalism.

One common criticism is the long driving hours, but for many, this is a small price to pay for such an efficient, all-inclusive experience. The tour’s structure allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation or logistics, which is a huge plus for travelers who prefer a more curated experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of the South Island’s highlights without the stress of planning. It’s well-suited for travelers who love spectacular scenery, wildlife, and a touch of adventure, but prefer to have some optional activities to customize their experience. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate guided insights and a comfortable, hassle-free trip.

That said, if you’re the type who prefers a slow pace and lots of spontaneous exploration, the busy schedule might feel rushed. Also, keep in mind that this is a private group experience, so if you’re looking for a solo or small-adventure style trip without a guide, it might not fit.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
The tour covers private transportation, WiFi on board, snacks, guide-driver, and optional tickets like cruises, glowworm caves, helicopter rides, and stargazing, depending on your chosen package.

Can I customize the activities?
Yes. If you select the “With Tickets” option, you can swap some activities for alternatives like skydiving, glacier hiking, or spa treatments, based on availability and schedule.

How long are the driving days?
Many days involve several hours of travel, especially when covering locations like Fiordland and Mount Cook. The tour is designed to optimize sightseeing while minimizing the hassle.

Is accommodation included?
Yes, if you choose the “With Hotels” option, you’ll stay in 4- or 5-star hotels with breakfast. Without this, you’ll need to arrange your own lodging.

Is it suitable for children or seniors?
Most travelers can participate, but long drives and walking excursions should be considered for those with mobility issues. Always check with the operator for specific needs.

What about food and drinks?
Meals are not included unless specified, other than the breakfast in hotel accommodations if opted for. You’ll have opportunities to buy or bring your own snacks.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations closer to the date may incur fees, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day tour offers a well-rounded, expertly guided experience of New Zealand’s South Island, combining breathtaking scenery with flexible optional activities. Whether you want iconic fjords, rugged wilderness, or alpine peaks, it delivers a quality, stress-free way to see the highlights.

It’s perfect for travelers eager to explore without the hassle of planning, especially if they appreciate knowledgeable guides and a bit of luxury along the way. The optional add-ons like helicopter rides and stargazing elevate the trip from standard sightseeing to something truly memorable.

If you’re after an authentic, comprehensive, and comfortable way to discover the South Island’s natural beauty, this tour is worth considering. Just prepare for some long days, and you’ll return home with a wealth of stories and spectacular photos.