Customized South Island Tour

Exploring New Zealand’s South Island with this customized 8-day private tour offers a mix of stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and charming towns. For a price of just over $9,200 for a group of up to four, you’ll enjoy the flexibility of a tailor-made itinerary, complete with private transportation, air-conditioned comfort, and exclusive stops unlikely to be crowded. This experience is perfect if you crave a personal touch, want to see diverse landscapes—from whales in Kaikoura to the peaks of Mt. Cook—and prefer the comfort of a guided journey that can be slightly altered to suit your interests.

What we love about this tour is how it balances iconic highlights with authentic moments. Firstly, the opportunity to see whales in Kaikoura—residents that swim all year—is a real highlight. It’s a bucket-list experience, especially since the activity is refundable if canceled due to weather. Secondly, the inclusion of ** Milford Sound** with a scenic drive, topped with stops for photos along the way, captures the essence of New Zealand’s dramatic fiords. On the flip side, a possible drawback is that this is an intensive itinerary—long driving days mean less time at each stop, which could be tiring for some travelers.

This tour suits those who want a comprehensive South Island experience but prefer the comforts and convenience of a private guide. If you’re a nature lover, avid photographer, or someone who appreciates well-curated stops—like Queenstown’s Walter Peak Farm or historic Arrowtown—this trip will meet your expectations.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience tailored to your preferences.
• Diverse landscape including glaciers, fjords, mountains, and charming towns.
• Balanced itinerary with iconic sights and authentic local experiences.
• All-inclusive transportation with bottled water and parking fees covered.
• Extra costs include activities like whale watching and jet boat rides.
• Long driving days may be tiring, but offer spectacular scenery along the way.

In-Depth Review of the Customized South Island Tour

A Personal Journey Through New Zealand’s South Island

This private tour, priced at $9,229.20 per group of up to four, is designed for travelers who want a tailor-made experience that covers the highlights without the hassle of planning every detail. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll explore everything from whale encounters in Kaikoura to the towering peaks of Mt. Cook. The itinerary offers a good balance between sightseeing, photo stops, and authentic experiences like visiting a working farm in Queenstown.

The tour’s core appeal is its flexibility. While it follows a suggested route, it can be reversed or altered based on your interests, making it suitable for first-time visitors or seasoned travelers seeking specific sights. The inclusion of private transport means you won’t have to worry about schedules or crowded groups—your experience is all about your preferences.

What We Love About This Experience

First, the whale watching in Kaikoura is a real standout. Resident whales swim here year-round, and the activity is refundable if canceled due to weather, which adds peace of mind. Watching these gentle giants in their natural environment is a moment you’ll carry home. Plus, you get to visit a fur seal colony nearby—a delightful bonus.

Second, the scenic drive to Milford Sound is breathtaking. The journey includes multiple photo stops along the way, giving you ample chances to capture the stunning landscapes of mountains, rivers, and forests. The 2-hour cruise in the fiord, which you must pre-book, offers a peaceful, awe-inspiring perspective of some of New Zealand’s most iconic scenery.

A Consideration for Travelers

One potential downside is the intensity of the itinerary. Long days are packed with stops and drives, which might be tiring for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Also, some activities like whale watching, jet boat rides, or farm visits come at additional costs—so budgeting for extras is essential.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers craving variety but who also value comfort and a personalized touch. It’s perfect if you love photography, wildlife, and scenic drives, and want a well-rounded taste of the South Island without the stress of self-planning.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: Whale Watch in Kaikoura & Fur Seal Colony

Starting your journey in Christchurch, the first adventure is whale watching in Kaikoura. This is a highlight, especially if seeing whales in the wild has been on your bucket list. Resident sperm whales are present year-round, and the tours are operated by experienced guides. The experience lasts about 3 hours, and while the ticket isn’t included, the cost ($180 per person) is worth it for most.

Just 20 minutes from Kaikoura, the NZ Fur Seal Colony is a charming stop to see these playful creatures basking in the sun. It’s a quick visit but adds a fun, wildlife-focused start to your trip.

Day 2: Christchurch Highlights & Arthur’s Pass

The day begins with a stroll through Hagley Park, right in the heart of Christchurch, offering a calm, green start. You’ll also stop at the Sign of the Takahe for views of the city, and take a short walk in Arthur’s Pass National Park—a perfect way to stretch your legs amid lush forests and mountain scenery.

Day 3: Franz Josef Glacier & Ship Creek

Driving down the West Coast, the day is about iconic glacier views. A short walk through forest takes you to the Franz Josef Glacier lookout—an easy way to appreciate the massive ice formation. Nearby, Ship Creek offers a photo-worthy spot where dunes meet dense forest, capturing the wild beauty of this region. Lastly, Knights Point Lookout provides a quick photo stop for sweeping views.

Day 4: Cardrona & Arrowtown

Today is about charming towns and mountain vistas. The Cardrona Alpine Resort is a popular spot for photos, with its historic buildings and mountain backdrop. The Crown Range Road descent into Arrowtown offers more spectacular scenery, leading you into this historic gold rush town known for its well-preserved buildings and lovely atmosphere.

Day 5: Queenstown’s Walter Peak & Shotover Jet

In Queenstown, the highlight is the Walter Peak Station. A paddle steamer cruise across Lake Wakatipu takes you to a working farm, where a BBQ dinner and sheepdog demonstration await. This is a classic Kiwi experience that combines scenery, wildlife, and local culture.

Later, for adrenaline lovers, the Shotover Jet provides a high-speed ride through narrow canyons—though it’s not suitable for everyone (pregnant women or those with neck/back issues should be cautious). This activity is often lauded for its thrill factor, adding a touch of adventure.

Day 6: Milford Sound

The journey to Milford Sound is a scenic drive filled with photo stops. The cruise in the fiord offers towering cliffs, waterfalls, and rainforest. This is a must-see for anyone wanting to see untouched, dramatic landscapes. The cruise is about 2 hours, but the entire day involves a lengthy drive—about five hours each way—so be prepared for a full day on the road.

Day 7: The Church of the Good Shepherd

This iconic church, set against a mountain backdrop, is a perfect spot for photos and reflection. The nearby statue of the collie dog pays homage to the sheepdogs that helped shape New Zealand’s farming history.

Day 8: Mount Cook Village

Your final stop takes you to Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The village nearby offers stunning vistas and opportunities for photography, rounding out your diverse journey through the South Island’s natural wonders.

Practical Considerations

While this tour offers an incredible overview, it’s important to note the cost structure. The tour price covers private transportation, bottled water, and parking fees, but activities like whale watching, Milford Sound cruise, and jet boat rides are additional. Budgeting around $500–$700 per person for extras is wise.

The tour starts early at 8:00 am, with most travelers finding the pace full but manageable. The small group size means personalized attention, but it also means you’re responsible for coordinating additional bookings in advance, especially for popular activities like whale watching and Milford Sound cruises.

Weather & Cancellation Policies

Good weather is essential for most activities, especially outdoor scenic stops and wildlife encounters. The tour is flexible with full refunds available if canceled more than six days in advance, giving some peace of mind.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This is ideal for independent-minded travelers who enjoy guided experiences but want flexibility. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate scenic drives, wildlife, and authentic local towns, and don’t mind a packed schedule.

Final Thoughts

This customized South Island tour offers a fantastic mixture of New Zealand’s most famous sights with the comfort and attention that come from a private guide. It’s a great way to see glaciers, fjords, mountains, and wildlife without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. The inclusion of authentic experiences like farm visits and historic towns adds a genuine touch that many group tours miss.

The main advantage is its personalized approach, allowing you to tailor the experience slightly and enjoy the journey at your own pace. On the downside, the busy schedule might be tiring for some, but for those eager to maximize their time and see everything in a short span, it’s a solid choice.

Overall, if you value comfort, flexibility, and a curated adventure through the south of New Zealand, this tour offers excellent value and unforgettable memories.

FAQ

• Is this tour suitable for all ages?
  Generally, yes. Most travelers can participate, but activities like jet boating or whale watching may have age or health restrictions. It’s best to check specifics when booking.

• Are meals included?
  No, meals are not included, so you’ll want to plan for breakfast, lunch, and dinner along the way, or bring snacks.

• Can the itinerary be customized?
  Yes, the itinerary can be reversed or tailored to your preferences, making it flexible for your interests.

• What is the group size?
  The tour is private for your group, up to four people, ensuring a personalized experience.

• What activities cost extra?
  Activities like whale watching, Milford Sound cruise, Shotover Jet, and farm dinner are paid separately.

• Is transportation comfortable?
  Yes, all travel is in an air-conditioned private vehicle, with parking fees included.

• How early does the tour start?
  The departure time is 8:00 am, giving you a full day of sightseeing.

• What happens if the weather is bad?
  The tour can be canceled or rescheduled, and you’re eligible for a full refund if weather prevents outdoor activities.

This private, flexible South Island adventure combines scenic beauty, wildlife, and authentic towns in a way that makes for an enriching and comfortable New Zealand experience—perfect for travelers who want to see a lot without the stress of organizing it themselves.