Southern Spotlight
9 day Escorted Tour – from £3010 £2559
With flights from £3709
9 day Escorted Tour – from £3010 £2559
With flights from £3709
An unforgettable journey around New Zealand’s remote and mountainous South Island, with magnificent scenery throughout.
Highlights:
- Cruise on the mystical Milford Sound
- Visit Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin and Omarama
- Sail on Lake Wakatipu aboard TSS Earnslaw
- Gaze upon the breathtaking Franz Josef Glacier
- Journey over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
Your Itinerary
Expand AllYou can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or activities before or after your South Island escorted tour. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Since its 2010/11 earthquakes, Christchurch has reinvented itself in more ways than one. Discover how if you choose to step back in time aboard the Christchurch Tram, linking some of the city’s most legendary attractions. It’s time tonight to meet your travelling companions for a Welcome reception.
Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Day 2 – Christchurch to Omarama
On your city tour view the mind-bending Transitional Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold-clad central library. From here, your outlook is the Canterbury Plains: the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, snow-capped mountains and atmospheric towns. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, hosted by passionate guides, will forever change the way you see the night sky. You’ll see for yourself it may be one of the quietest spots on the planet, yet it has one of the busiest skies in the universe.
Heritage Gateway Hotel
Day 3 – Omarama to Dunedin
If you’ve ever wanted to see New Zealand’s oldest public gardens, today you’re in luck. Oamaru, with its stately tree-lined streets and limestone buildings, stands proud before you journey further south toward the Edinburgh of the South: Dunedin. It’s easy to while away the afternoon in the city’s atmospheric art-lined alleys. Or venture further afield to discover the wildlife that thrives in this pretty pocket of the country – fur seals and penguins among them. Thirsty? Visit Speight’s Brewery, a New Zealand institution.
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Day 4 – Dunedin to Te Anau
Dunedin’s Scottish ancestry is everywhere you look, from the manicured grounds of Otago University to the city’s main George Street. Rolling green hills dotted with doe-eyed sheep are replaced by soaring mountains as you weave your way into Fiordland National Park and the South Island’s biggest lake and the town of Te Anau. Soak up the serenity – it doesn’t get any better than this.
Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Day 5 – Te Anau to Queenstown
From the moment you step outside today, nature rules. Your route through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows and mirror-like lakes. Gin-clear rivers carve the countryside, with all roads leading to your Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Cruising this World Heritage listed expanse will give you goosebumps, a string of waterfalls creating a misty curtain across sheer escarpments. Look out for dolphins – they’re a common sight here.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Day 6 – Queenstown
Take today at your own pace. Like things fast and furious? Feel the wind in your hair on the high-octane Skippers Jet, perhaps. There’s a reason why Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the country. Nature lover? Discover some of New Zealand’s feathered friends at a wildlife centre. Wherever you wander, make sure you’re back in time to glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Day 7 – Queenstown to Franz Josef/Waiau
Try and keep count of today’s lakes. Leaving Lake Wakatipu behind, Arrowtown appears on the horizon. We know you’ll want to linger in the movie-set-like streets, lined with trees and character-filled boutiques. But Lake Dunstan awaits, as do its orchards. Pause to refuel on flavour-packed stone fruit. Then there’s Lake Hawea followed by Lake Wanaka, with its Instagrammable shoreline of poplars and willows. Over the Haast Pass to the town of Franz Josef, where, this afternoon you may choose to fly over Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere.
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 8 – Franz Josef/Waiau to Christchurch
Swap snow for pounamu (native greenstone or jade) in Hokitika. In Māori tradition, it’s bad luck to buy this sacred stone for yourself; flutter your eyelids at your loved one. Just when you thought your adventure couldn’t get any better, you’ll aboard the TranzAlpine train bound for Christchurch, through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys.
Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Day 9 – Farewell from Christchurch
New Zealand’s South Island never fails to wow. We hope you find the words to describe this epic New Zealand tour to your family back home.
Day 1 – Welcome to Christchurch
Since its 2010/11 earthquakes, Christchurch has reinvented itself in more ways than one. It’s time tonight to meet your travelling companions for a Welcome Reception.
Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Day 2 – Christchurch to Omarama
On your city tour view the mind-bending Transitional Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold-clad central library. From here, your outlook is the Canterbury Plains: the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, snow-capped mountains and atmospheric towns. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, hosted by passionate guides, will forever change the way you see the night sky. You’ll see for yourself it may be one of the quietest spots on the planet, yet it has one of the busiest skies in the universe.
Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Day 3 – Omarama to Dunedin
Oamaru, with its Victorian heritage buildings, stands proud before you journey further south toward the Edinburgh of the South: Dunedin. It’s easy to while away the afternoon in the city’s atmospheric art-lined alleys. Or venture further afield to discover the wildlife that thrives in this pretty pocket of the country – fur seals among them. Thirsty? Visit Speight’s Brewery, a New Zealand institution.
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Day 4 – Dunedin to Te Anau
Dunedin’s Scottish ancestry is everywhere you look, from the manicured grounds of Otago University to the city’s main George Street. Rolling green hills dotted with doe-eyed sheep are replaced by soaring mountains as you weave your way into Fiordland National Park and the South Island’s biggest lake and the town of Te Anau. Soak up the serenity – it doesn’t get any better than this.
Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Day 5 – Te Anau to Queenstown
From the moment you step outside today, nature rules. Your route through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows and mirror-like lakes. Gin-clear rivers carve the countryside, with all roads leading to your Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Cruising this World Heritage listed expanse will give you goosebumps, a string of waterfalls creating a misty curtain across sheer escarpments.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Day 6 – Queenstown
Take today at your own pace. Like things fast and furious? Feel the wind in your hair on the high-octane Skippers Jet, perhaps. There’s a reason why Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the country. Nature lover? Discover some of New Zealand’s feathered friends at a wildlife centre. Wherever you wander, make sure you’re back in time to glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Day 7 – Queenstown to Franz Josef/Waiau
Try and keep count of today’s lakes. Leaving Lake Wakatipu behind, Arrowtown appears on the horizon. We know you’ll want to linger in the movie-set-like streets, lined with trees and character-filled boutiques. But Lake Dunstan awaits, as do its orchards. Pause to refuel on flavour-packed stone fruit. Then there’s Lake Hawea followed by Lake Wanaka, with its Instagrammable shoreline of poplars and willows. Over the Haast Pass to the town of Franz Josef, where, this afternoon you may choose to fly over Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere.
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 8 – Franz Josef/Waiau to Christchurch
Swap snow for pounamu (native greenstone or jade) in Hokitika. Just when you thought your adventure couldn’t get any better, you’ll aboard the TranzAlpine train bound for Christchurch, through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys.
Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Day 9 – Farewell from Christchurch
New Zealand’s South Island never fails to wow. We hope you find the words to describe this epic New Zealand tour to your family back home.
Your Itinerary
You can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or activities before or after your South Island escorted tour. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Day 1
| Welcome to Christchurch
Since its 2010/11 earthquakes, Christchurch has reinvented itself in more ways than one. Discover how if you choose to step back in time aboard the Christchurch Tram, linking some of the city’s most legendary attractions. It’s time tonight to meet your travelling companions for a Welcome reception.
Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Day 2
| Christchurch to Omarama
On your city tour view the mind-bending Transitional Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold-clad central library. From here, your outlook is the Canterbury Plains: the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, snow-capped mountains and atmospheric towns. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, hosted by passionate guides, will forever change the way you see the night sky. You’ll see for yourself it may be one of the quietest spots on the planet, yet it has one of the busiest skies in the universe.
Heritage Gateway Hotel
Day 3
| Omarama to Dunedin
If you’ve ever wanted to see New Zealand’s oldest public gardens, today you’re in luck. Oamaru, with its stately tree-lined streets and limestone buildings, stands proud before you journey further south toward the Edinburgh of the South: Dunedin. It’s easy to while away the afternoon in the city’s atmospheric art-lined alleys. Or venture further afield to discover the wildlife that thrives in this pretty pocket of the country – fur seals and penguins among them. Thirsty? Visit Speight’s Brewery, a New Zealand institution.
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Day 4
| Dunedin to Te Anau
Dunedin’s Scottish ancestry is everywhere you look, from the manicured grounds of Otago University to the city’s main George Street. Rolling green hills dotted with doe-eyed sheep are replaced by soaring mountains as you weave your way into Fiordland National Park and the South Island’s biggest lake and the town of Te Anau. Soak up the serenity – it doesn’t get any better than this.
Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Day 5
| Te Anau to Queenstown
From the moment you step outside today, nature rules. Your route through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows and mirror-like lakes. Gin-clear rivers carve the countryside, with all roads leading to your Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Cruising this World Heritage listed expanse will give you goosebumps, a string of waterfalls creating a misty curtain across sheer escarpments. Look out for dolphins – they’re a common sight here.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Day 6
| Queenstown
Take today at your own pace. Like things fast and furious? Feel the wind in your hair on the high-octane Skippers Jet, perhaps. There’s a reason why Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the country. Nature lover? Discover some of New Zealand’s feathered friends at a wildlife centre. Wherever you wander, make sure you’re back in time to glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Day 7
| Queenstown to Franz Josef/Waiau
Try and keep count of today’s lakes. Leaving Lake Wakatipu behind, Arrowtown appears on the horizon. We know you’ll want to linger in the movie-set-like streets, lined with trees and character-filled boutiques. But Lake Dunstan awaits, as do its orchards. Pause to refuel on flavour-packed stone fruit. Then there’s Lake Hawea followed by Lake Wanaka, with its Instagrammable shoreline of poplars and willows. Over the Haast Pass to the town of Franz Josef, where, this afternoon you may choose to fly over Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere.
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 8
| Franz Josef/Waiau to Christchurch
Swap snow for pounamu (native greenstone or jade) in Hokitika. In Māori tradition, it’s bad luck to buy this sacred stone for yourself; flutter your eyelids at your loved one. Just when you thought your adventure couldn’t get any better, you’ll aboard the TranzAlpine train bound for Christchurch, through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys.
Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Day 9
| Farewell from Christchurch
New Zealand’s South Island never fails to wow. We hope you find the words to describe this epic New Zealand tour to your family back home.
Day 1
| Welcome to Christchurch
Since its 2010/11 earthquakes, Christchurch has reinvented itself in more ways than one. It’s time tonight to meet your travelling companions for a Welcome Reception.
Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Day 2
| Christchurch to Omarama
On your city tour view the mind-bending Transitional Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold-clad central library. From here, your outlook is the Canterbury Plains: the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, snow-capped mountains and atmospheric towns. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, hosted by passionate guides, will forever change the way you see the night sky. You’ll see for yourself it may be one of the quietest spots on the planet, yet it has one of the busiest skies in the universe.
Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Day 3
| Omarama to Dunedin
Oamaru, with its Victorian heritage buildings, stands proud before you journey further south toward the Edinburgh of the South: Dunedin. It’s easy to while away the afternoon in the city’s atmospheric art-lined alleys. Or venture further afield to discover the wildlife that thrives in this pretty pocket of the country – fur seals among them. Thirsty? Visit Speight’s Brewery, a New Zealand institution.
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Day 4
| Dunedin to Te Anau
Dunedin’s Scottish ancestry is everywhere you look, from the manicured grounds of Otago University to the city’s main George Street. Rolling green hills dotted with doe-eyed sheep are replaced by soaring mountains as you weave your way into Fiordland National Park and the South Island’s biggest lake and the town of Te Anau. Soak up the serenity – it doesn’t get any better than this.
Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Day 5
| Te Anau to Queenstown
From the moment you step outside today, nature rules. Your route through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows and mirror-like lakes. Gin-clear rivers carve the countryside, with all roads leading to your Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Cruising this World Heritage listed expanse will give you goosebumps, a string of waterfalls creating a misty curtain across sheer escarpments.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Day 6
| Queenstown
Take today at your own pace. Like things fast and furious? Feel the wind in your hair on the high-octane Skippers Jet, perhaps. There’s a reason why Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the country. Nature lover? Discover some of New Zealand’s feathered friends at a wildlife centre. Wherever you wander, make sure you’re back in time to glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Day 7
| Queenstown to Franz Josef/Waiau
Try and keep count of today’s lakes. Leaving Lake Wakatipu behind, Arrowtown appears on the horizon. We know you’ll want to linger in the movie-set-like streets, lined with trees and character-filled boutiques. But Lake Dunstan awaits, as do its orchards. Pause to refuel on flavour-packed stone fruit. Then there’s Lake Hawea followed by Lake Wanaka, with its Instagrammable shoreline of poplars and willows. Over the Haast Pass to the town of Franz Josef, where, this afternoon you may choose to fly over Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere.
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 8
| Franz Josef/Waiau to Christchurch
Swap snow for pounamu (native greenstone or jade) in Hokitika. Just when you thought your adventure couldn’t get any better, you’ll aboard the TranzAlpine train bound for Christchurch, through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys.
Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Day 9
| Farewell from Christchurch
New Zealand’s South Island never fails to wow. We hope you find the words to describe this epic New Zealand tour to your family back home.
This Tour Includes
This Tour Includes
Departure Dates
2025-01-19
2025-01-26
2025-02-02
2025-02-09
2025-02-16
2025-02-23
2025-03-02
2025-03-09
2025-03-16
2025-03-23
2025-03-30
2025-04-20
2025-04-27
2025-06-01
2025-06-29
2025-07-27
2025-08-10
2025-09-07
2025-09-14
2025-09-28
2025-10-05
2025-10-12
2025-10-19
2025-10-26
2025-11-02
2025-11-09
2025-11-16
2025-11-30
2025-12-07
2025-12-14
2025-12-21
2025-12-28
2026-01-11
2026-01-18
2026-01-25
2026-02-01
2026-02-08
2026-02-15
2026-02-22
2026-03-01
2026-03-08
2026-03-15
2026-03-22
2026-03-29
2026-04-19
2026-04-26
2026-05-31
2026-06-28
2026-07-26
2026-08-09
2026-09-06
2026-09-13
2026-09-27
2026-10-04
2026-10-11
2026-10-18
2026-10-25
2026-11-01
2026-11-08
2026-11-15
2026-11-29
2026-12-06
2026-12-13
2026-12-20
2026-12-27
2027-01-10
2027-01-17
2027-01-24
2027-01-31
2027-02-07
2027-02-14
2027-02-21
2027-02-28
2027-03-07
2027-03-14
2027-03-21
2027-03-28
To confirm availability please call 0333 234 3209.
This tour is runs in the reverse direction. Please contact us for departure dates.
Flights & More
With FREEDOM, you can book your Southern Spotlight escorted tour and flights together, as an ATOL protected package. Our Travel Experts can find the best priced Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for you.
You can also personalise your holiday. Why not add:
- Extra nights in Christchurch before or after your tour
- A stopover to New Zealand in Singapore, Dubai or another destination
Next Step
Please get in touch with our New Zealand Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.
Southern Spotlight
9 day Escorted Tour – from £3010 £2559
With flights from £3709
9 day Escorted Tour – from £3010 £2559
With flights from £3709
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room. Flights, hotels and tours are subject to availability and seasonal variations may apply. Please call Freedom Destinations for details.
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Map
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