5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Queenstown
Active
5d
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This immersive 5 day tour from Queenstown offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of the top attractions in New Zealand's South Island. Enjoy optional handpicked activities and places to stay without needing to worry about planning or driving long distances yourself. The itinerary showcases the beauty of the South Island in a relaxed way.
Enjoy comfort of a private tour for your group, benefiting from a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group throughout the tour.
Enjoy the flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for a range of handpicked 8-9 optional activities, like a scenic helicopter ride, Milford or Doubtful Sound cruise, a unique tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, a scenic gondola ride, thrill jet boating, stargazing in Dark Sky Reserves, the TranzAlpine scenic train ride, and Guided Kayaking or a Whale Cruise, or a Nature Cruise & visiting an Alpaca farm. Start at Queenstown and finish at Christchurch.
Available options
Without Hotels & Entry Tickets
Without Accommodations: This option excludes accommodations. Travelers must book their own accommodation. Date-specific location guidance provided.<br/>Without Entry Tickets: This options excludes entry tickets for activities. Travelers book their own desired activities. Timeslot guidance provided.<br/>Pickup included
Without Hotels & With Tickets
Without Accommodations: This option excludes accommodations. Travelers must book their own accommodation. Date-specific location guidance provided.<br/>With Entry Tickets: Includes Entry Tickets for mentioned 9 activities.<br/>Pickup included
With Hotels & Entry Tickets
With Accommodations: Includes accommodation for 4 nights in 4 to 5-star handpicked hotels with breakfast based on availability and season.<br/>With Entry Tickets: Includes Entry tickets for mentioned 9 activities.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Guide-driver exclusively for your group
Private transportation
If any optional activity is canceled by activity provider or unavailable, alternatives are provided
Optional ("With Tickets" option): Glowworm Caves Tour Ticket at Te Anau
Optional ("With Tickets" option): Stargazing Activity Ticket at Lake Tekapo
Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Cruise Ticket at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
Optional ("With Tickets" option): Guided Kayaking or Whale watching cruise at Kaikōura
WiFi on board
Optional ("With Tickets" option): Gondola ride with luge & Thrill Jet Boating Ticket at Queenstown
Packaged snacks & chocolates
Optional ("With Tickets" option): Scenic Helicopter ride ticket at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Optional ("With Tickets" option): Alpaca Farm Tour & Nature Cruise Ticket at Akaroa
Packaged water bottles
Optional ("With Tickets" option): TranzAlpine Scenic Train Ticket - Arthur's Pass to Christchurch
Optional ("With Hotels" Option): Accommodation for 4 nights in 4 to 5-star hotels with breakfast
What's not included
Food & Drinks (except 4 x breakfast with "With Accommodation" option)
Anything not described in the inclusions
Travel Insurance
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
8 reviews
5★
8
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travelers should have their own comprehensive travel insurance
Following your booking, the operator will get in touch to confirm your preferences, as applicable
With the "With Tickets" option, traveler(s) may swap any of the included activities for alternatives of interest such as Skydiving, Horse Trekking, Scenic Flights, Swimming with Dolphins, Glacier hiking, Relaxing Spa Treatment, Ziplining, etc., subject to availability, cost differences, and route or schedule feasibility
About Queenstown
Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities. This vibrant town offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury, making it a top destination for travelers seeking both excitement and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Queenstown Garden
Queenstown Garden is a beautiful public garden located in the heart of the city. It offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Skyline Queenstown
Skyline Queenstown offers a range of activities, including the Skyline Gondola, Luge rides, and a restaurant with panoramic views of the city and lake.
Adventure
2-3 hours
Moderate to Expensive
Arrowtown Chinese Settlement
Arrowtown Chinese Settlement is a historic site that showcases the lives of Chinese miners during the Otago Gold Rush in the 1860s.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Lamb
New Zealand lamb is renowned for its tender texture and rich flavor. It's often served with seasonal vegetables and local wines.
Main Course
Contains meat
Green-Lipped Mussels
Green-lipped mussels are a delicacy in New Zealand, known for their unique flavor and texture. They're often served steamed with garlic, wine, and herbs.
Appetizer
Contains shellfish
Pavlova
Pavlova is a popular dessert in New Zealand, made with a crisp meringue shell, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Dessert
Contains eggs and dairy
Popular Activities
Bungee jumping
Skydiving
Jet boating
Hiking
Mountain biking
Spa treatments
Wine tasting
Scenic cruises
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, long daylight hours, and a wide range of outdoor activities. It's ideal for hiking, water sports, and exploring the great outdoors.
20°C to 30°C
68°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Māori
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Queenstown is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution when engaging in adventure activities and be aware of the weather conditions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash
Getting there
By air
- Queenstown Airport • 5 km from city center
By bus
Queenstown Bus Interchange
Getting around
Public transport
Orion buses provide reliable and affordable transportation throughout Queenstown and to nearby attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Central Queenstown
Frankton
Arrowtown
Day trips
Milford Sound
120 km from Queenstown • Full day
Milford Sound is a stunning fjord known for its dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife. A day trip to Milford Sound includes a scenic drive and a boat cruise through the fjord.
Glenorchy
45 km from Queenstown • Half day to Full day
Glenorchy is a charming village nestled at the head of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. It's a great base for hiking, horse riding, and other outdoor activities.
Wanaka
65 km from Queenstown • Full day
Wanaka is a picturesque town known for its stunning lake and mountain views, as well as its vibrant arts and culture scene. It's a great destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Festivals
Queenstown Winter Festival • June
Gibbston Valley Winter Festival • July
Arrowtown Autumn Festival • April
Pro tips
- Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- Book accommodations, tours, and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
- Dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Try local specialties like lamb, green-lipped mussels, and pavlova.
- Explore beyond the city center and visit nearby attractions like Arrowtown and Glenorchy.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
