5 Day South Island Tour from Queenstown including Stewart Island

Start this multi-day tour in delightful style! Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pickup in Queenstown. Choose between a full-day tour to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, both located in Fiordland National Park, each showcasing the stunning beauty of New Zealand’s fiords in their own distinct way.

Enjoy the scenic drive towards Milford Sound, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take advantage of scenic stops and nature walks along the way to capture the beauty of the landscape. Upon reaching Milford Sound, embark on a cruise to experience the stunning beauty of the fiord up close. Marvel at the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife that call this area home.

Begin your journey with a peaceful cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a scenic coach ride over Wilmot Pass, offering spectacular views of untouched rainforest and alpine scenery. Upon arrival at Doubtful Sound, board a cruise to explore the vast, remote fiord known for its deep stillness and dramatic landscapes. Surrounded by towering peaks, hidden waterfalls, and native wildlife, the experience feels truly immersive and untouched.

Enjoy the drive back to Te Anau and end the day filled with beautiful memories as you check in to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Start your beautiful day in Te Anau with a pickup from your hotel. Prepare for the famous Te Anau Glowworm Cave tour. Explore the fully guided underground caves and marvel at the thousands of glowworms illuminating the darkness like a starry sky. These glowworms, known as Arachnocampa luminosa, are unique to New Zealand and are found exclusively in the country's caves. They create a mesmerizing display as they emit a soft blue-green light, creating a magical atmosphere. The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a truly enchanting experience.

Leave Te Anau at noon and head south along the Southern Scenic Route, a peaceful drive through rolling farmland, forested areas, and occasional coastal landscapes. Enjoy the changing views as you travel toward Invercargill, the southern hub of Southland. Stop here to explore Bill Richardson Transport World—an impressive and unique attraction showcasing one of the largest private transport museums in the world, featuring classic trucks and cars.

After your visit, continue to Bluff, known as New Zealand’s southernmost town and the gateway to Stewart Island. If you’re visiting between March and August, don’t miss the chance to try fresh Bluff oysters—a local delicacy prized for their rich flavour. As evening sets in, take a short walk to Stirling Point, where the famous signpost shows distances to cities around the world and offers stunning views over Foveaux Strait. Depending on the season and availability, stay overnight either in Bluff for a quiet coastal experience or in Invercargill for more options and convenience.

On Day 3, check out from your accommodation and be dropped off at the ferry terminal in Bluff for your journey to Stewart Island.

Enjoy the scenic one-hour ferry ride across Foveaux Strait, often accompanied by seabird sightings and fresh ocean air. After reaching Stewart Island, begin with a short cruise through Paterson Inlet, where you’ll hear fascinating cultural and historical stories about the area. You’ll then arrive at Ulva Island, a predator-free nature sanctuary with no permanent human settlement, allowing native wildlife and forest to thrive. During your guided walk, you’ll explore peaceful forest tracks and learn about the island’s rich biodiversity. Your guide will help you spot native birds such as the South Island robin, saddleback, tūī, and others. Seeing a wild kiwi is possible, but it depends on luck, as they are shy. After your Ulva Island experience, return to Oban and take a scenic flight back to Bluff. This day trip lets you enjoy the best of both worlds—sailing to Stewart Island by ferry and flying back with stunning aerial views over Foveaux Strait.

Enjoy the drive back to Queenstown, passing through the quiet Southland landscape as the day winds down. Check in to your Queenstown hotel and take the evening to relax and recharge. Tomorrow brings a new adventure to the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Start another beautiful day with a pickup from your hotel in Queenstown. Pass through Lindis Pass on your way to Mount Cook. Stop at Lindis Pass Summit Lookout to enjoy endless vistas of mountains.

Visit Lake Pukaki, a stunning glacier-fed alpine lake known for its mesmerizing turquoise waters. Marvel at the beauty of this natural wonder as you take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak.

The drive towards Mount Cook offers awe-inspiring views. Upon reaching Mount Cook, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing scenery. Opt for the Hooker Valley Track, featuring famous swing bridges. Alternatively, choose the Tasman Glacier Walks for a different perspective. Look out for the kea, the world's only alpine parrot.

It's time to embark on a scenic helicopter ride. Soar above the stunning valleys and peaks of Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park in one of the modern helicopters. Experience breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the surrounding snow-capped ranges as you fly. Relax and enjoy this unique experience with onboard commentary from pilot.

Upon reaching Lake Tekapo, check into your hotel and recharge. In the evening, take advantage of the opportunity to participate in a stargazing activity in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the largest Dark Sky Reserves in the world. Lake Tekapo is renowned for its stunning night skies, free from light pollution, offering a breathtaking view of the stars. This experience is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and anyone looking to marvel at the beauty of the universe.

On Day 5, check out from your hotel in Lake Tekapo. Visit the renowned ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ and take in its picturesque setting against the backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Enjoy a brief, leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Tekapo. Embark on an unforgettable alpine horse trekking experience. Ride through the vast high-country landscapes, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and crisp, clear air. It’s a peaceful and scenic way to take in the beauty of the Mackenzie region.

After horse trekking, enjoy the journey toward Queenstown. Along the way, you have the option to stop at High Country Salmon near Twizel, where you can feed the fish, try a range of fresh salmon dishes from glacial waters, or simply relax and take in the beautiful water views.

Passing through the dramatic Lindis Pass, stop in Cromwell to explore the charming Heritage Precinct, set on the shores of Lake Dunstan. This historic area features beautifully restored buildings from Cromwell’s early days—some carefully relocated and others preserved in place before parts of the old town were submerged.

Arrive in Queenstown and end your tour with a serene retreat perched above the Shotover River. Soak in a private cedar-lined hot tub while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and river below. This tranquil experience offers the perfect balance of luxury and nature. It's time to say goodbye as we drop you off to your preferred location in Queenstown. May these memories stay with you forever.