South Island Explorer

8 Day Accessible Tour of New Zealand’s South Island

From majestic mountains to glacial lakes and unforgettable fiords, experience the very best of the South Island — fully accessible and tailored to your needs.

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Day 1 — Arrival in Christchurch

Home → Christchurch
Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand! Upon arrival at Christchurch International Airport, make your way to your nearby accessible accommodation and settle in.

Stay: Christchurch (1 night)

Christchurch Cathedral Church in the evening

Day 2 — Journey to Aoraki / Mt Cook

Travel through the Canterbury Plains and into the high country of the Mackenzie Basin. Stop at the striking turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo before continuing to Mt Cook Village in the heart of the Southern Alps.

Activity Included:

Virtual Dark Sky Experience – Tekapo

Stay: Mount Cook (2 nights)

Entrance to a salmon farm showing ramp and boardwalk

Virtual dark sky experience in Tekapo with stars visible

Day 3 — Exploring Mt Cook

Take in the crisp alpine air and towering peaks. Enjoy accessible walks, explore the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or opt for an unforgettable heli-flight with optional snow landing.

Optional Activity:
• Scenic Flight with Snow Landing

Statue of Sir Edmund Hillary with snow-covered mountains behind

Couple looking at the snow-covered Southern Alps

Helicopter flying with snowy Southern Alps in the background

Day 4 — Scenic Drive to Te Anau

Mt Cook ->Lindis Pass ->Cromwell -> Te Anau
Today’s journey winds through the Lindis Pass and Kawarau Gorge. Sample wine in Bannockburn and Gibbston Valley, then enjoy lakeside views as you arrive in peaceful Te Anau — gateway to Fiordland.

Stay: Te Anau (2 nights)

Lake Dunstan in Cromwell with calm water

The Roaring Meg river with rapids and rocks

Day 5 — Milford Sound Magic

Te Anau → Milford Sound → Te Anau
Venture deep into Fiordland National Park via the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel. Take a nature cruise on iconic Milford Sound and marvel at cascading waterfalls, soaring cliffs, and native wildlife.

Included Activity:
• Milford Sound Nature Cruise with picnic lunch

Tunnel through the mountain leading to Milford Sound

Kea bird in flight showing red feathers on its wings

Waterfalls at Milford Sound surrounded by cliffs

Day 6 — Queenstown Adventures

Te Anau → Queenstown
Return to Queenstown and step aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak for a hands-on farm experience and a gourmet BBQ dinner in stunning alpine surrounds.

Included Activity:
• TSS Earnslaw Cruise, Farm Show & BBQ Dinner

Stay: Queenstown (2 nights)

The TSS Earnslaw steamboat on water in Queenstown

Walter Peak farm and tour grounds with green fields

Close-up of a sheep looking directly at the camera

Day 7 — Free Day in Queenstown

Explore Queenstown at your own pace. Ride the gondola for panoramic views, enjoy an accessible luge, or take a side trip to charming Arrowtown — a preserved gold rush village steeped in history.

House in Arrowtown surrounded by autumn foliage

Jet boat speeding on water in Queenstown

Gondola ride ascending Queenstown with lake and mountains view

Day 8 — Farewell from Queenstown

Queenstown → Home
It’s time to say haere rā. We hope your South Island adventure leaves you with lasting memories and stories to tell.

Plan Your South Island Escape

Whether you dream of alpine landscapes, stargazing under glacial skies, or cruising through Fiordland’s majestic fiords — we’ll tailor the experience to your needs.