Free cancellation
6 hours
Private Full-Day Godley Head Guided Coastal Hike with Picnic
5.0 (38 reviews)
from
≈ 1,571 RON
Activity Christchurch, New Zealand
Private South Island Tour from Chrischurch or Queenstown
7 days
Free cancellation
Private tour
About this activity
Experience the South Island without crowds or rigid schedules on this 7-day private loop tour from Christchurch. Travel by private vehicle with your own driver-guide, visiting Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Wanaka, Queenstown, Dunedin, and scenic coastal towns — all at your own pace.
“To keep the tour fully flexible and personalized, accommodation and meals are not included. We’re happy to offer recommendations or assist with planning if needed.”
100% private tour — only your group
Flexible itinerary and photo stops
Door-to-door pickup and drop-off
Local driver-guide knowledge
Solomon, your experienced driver with over nine years in the transportation industry, ensures a friendly and professional experience tailored to families and small groups alike.
Multi-day Tours
Multi-day Cruises
Seasonal
Additional fees
Short term availability
Weather Dependent - Weather-Proof
Agent Low Quality Product
At a glance
- Duration
- 7 days
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group
- Your group only
- People per booking
- 1–15
- Guide
- English
- Operated by
- NZ South Island Tours
What is included
Included
- Included: Private transportation
- Included: On-board WiFi: WiFi on board
- Included: Bottled water
- Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
- Included: Snack and refreshment
- Included: Parking Fees
Not included
- Not included: Accommodation and meals
Itinerary
Day 1 · Christchurch Botanic Garden, Godley head and city center
-
one hour
Botanic Garden is a pure reflection of A garden city Christchurch and offers a great wide range of beautiful flora.
-
Godley Head
one hour
Godley Head is a stunning coastal headland on the eastern side of Christchurch, at the entrance to Lyttelton Harbour. It’s one of those places that mixes big views, wild nature, and cool history—perfect for visitors and locals alike.
Day 2 · Lake Tekapo , lake pukaki and Mt Cook, stay overnight around Twizel
-
45 min
Unreal colour: The lake’s vivid blue comes from glacial rock flour.
Church of the Good Shepherd: One of New Zealand’s most photographed landmarks.
Dark Sky Reserve: World-class stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Hot Pools: Relax at Tekapo Springs with lake and mountain views.
Seasonal beauty: Lupins bloom in summer; winter brings snow and icy magic.
-
45 min
Lake Pukaki showcases brilliant turquoise waters with breathtaking views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, offering one of the South Island’s most iconic alpine scenes.
-
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
4 hours
Close-up Mount Cook views: Walk straight toward Aoraki, NZ’s highest peak.
Swing bridges: Cross three iconic suspension bridges over glacial rivers.
Hooker Lake: Finish at a glacier-fed lake often dotted with floating icebergs.
Easy & accessible: Well-formed track, suitable for most fitness levels.
Walk details
Distance: ~10 km return
Time: 3 hours (return, easy pace)
Difficulty: Easy
Day 3 · Salmon Farm, Oamara, Lindis pass, Cromwell Heritage Precinct, Wanaka, stay overnight in Wanaka
-
High Country Salmon
30 min
High Country Salmon in Twizel offers the chance to enjoy world-class fresh king salmon beside crystal-clear alpine canals in the heart of the Mackenzie Country.
-
Clay Cliff
45 min Admission included
The Clay Cliffs near Omarama feature striking natural clay pinnacles shaped by erosion, offering a unique and otherworldly South Island landscape.
-
Lindis Pass
30 min
Lindis Pass is one of the South Island’s most scenic mountain passes, connecting the Mackenzie Basin with Central Otago, and famous for its rolling golden tussock landscapes.
-
Cromwell Heritage Precinct
45 min
Cromwell Heritage Precinct showcases restored 19th-century stone buildings from the gold-mining era, offering a charming glimpse into Central Otago’s history.
-
Wanaka Lavender Farm
45 min Admission included
Wānaka Lavender Farm offers beautiful seasonal lavender fields, mountain scenery, and a relaxing farm experience just minutes from Wānaka.
-
That Wanaka Tree
45 min
The Wanaka Tree is a solitary willow growing in Lake Wanaka, offering one of the South Island’s most photographed and serene landscapes.
Day 4 · Wanaka, Crown Range, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, stay overnight in Queenstown
-
Stop 1
30 min
Cardrona Hotel is a historic 1863 pub in the heart of the Cardrona Valley, offering rustic charm, hearty meals, and stunning mountain views.
-
Crown Range Road
15 min
The Crown Range offers New Zealand’s highest sealed road with breathtaking alpine and valley views, connecting Wānaka and Queenstown.
-
Arrowtown
45 min
Arrowtown is a charming historic gold-mining village with tree-lined streets, heritage buildings, boutique shops, and a picturesque riverside setting.
-
45 min
Lake Wakatipu is a stunning alpine lake in Queenstown, framed by mountains, offering crystal-clear waters, scenic walks, and iconic photo opportunities.
Day 5 · Glenochy, Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Skyline, stay overnight in Queenstown
-
Glenorchy-Queenstown Road
3 hours
Glenorchy is a small settlement at the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu, known for its dramatic alpine scenery, pristine rivers, and as a gateway to adventure and film locations.
Why it’s special
Stunning landscapes: Mountains, rivers, and forests in one spot—pure South Island beauty.
Adventure hub: Horse trekking, hiking, jet boating, and guided 4x4 tours.
Filming locations: Scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were shot here.
Peaceful & less crowded: A quiet escape from Queenstown.
-
3 hours Admission included
Skyline Queenstown is a must-visit attraction featuring a gondola ride up Bob’s Peak, panoramic views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, and a range of adventure and dining options at the top.
Why it’s special
Gondola ride: Scenic 5–10 minute ride with sweeping lake and mountain views.
Panoramic lookout: Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and The Remarkables on full display.
Adventure activities: Luge rides, mountain biking, and walking tracks.
Dining & sunset views: Restaurant and café at the top—perfect for photos and relaxation
-
45 min
Queenstown Gardens is a lakeside botanical park with scenic walking paths, floral displays, and panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
Day 6 · Kawarau Gorge, Gibson Vineyard, Alexander and stay overnight in Dunedin
-
Gibson Bridge Vineyard
30 min
Gibbston Valley Vineyard offers award-winning wines, scenic vineyard views, and cellar experiences in the heart of Central Otago wine country.
-
Roxburgh
15 min
Roxburgh is a historic town in Central Otago, known for its fruit orchards, scenic Clutha River, and gold-mining heritage. It’s a quiet, authentic stop on the route between Alexandra and Dunedin.
-
Tunnel Beach Walk
1 h 15 min
Tunnel Beach is a dramatic coastal spot near Dunedin, famous for its sea-carved sandstone cliffs, hidden sandy beach, and the tunnel cut through the rock in the 1870s.
Why it’s special
Unique sandstone cliffs: Sculpted by the ocean over thousands of years.
Historic tunnel: Created by early settler John Cargill to access the beach privately.
Wild, rugged coastline: Perfect for photography and short walks.
Secluded beach: Sheltered, with turquoise waters and natural arches.
-
one hour Admission included
Larnach Castle is New Zealand’s only castle, located on the Otago Peninsula. Built in 1871, it’s famous for its historic architecture, stunning gardens, and panoramic views over the peninsula and Otago Harbour.
Why it’s special
Historic architecture: Victorian-era castle with original furnishings.
Beautiful gardens: Formal gardens, rose gardens, and seasonal plantings.
Panoramic views: Over Otago Harbour, the Pacific Ocean, and the peninsula.
Tours & afternoon tea: Guided tours inside the castle; tea and café available.
-
3 hours Admission included
The Blue Penguin Tour in Dunedin gives visitors the chance to see the world’s smallest penguin species, also known as Little Blue Penguins, returning from the ocean to their nests at dusk.
Why it’s special
Unique wildlife experience: Observe penguins in their natural habitat, up close but without disturbing them.
Educational: Guides provide insight into penguin behaviour, habitat, and conservation efforts.
Magical timing: The parade happens at sunset, creating a memorable wildlife moment.
Day 7 · Dunedin city highlights, Moeraki Boulders Oamaru Victorian Precinct, back to Chrischurch
-
Moeraki Boulders
45 min Admission included
The Moeraki Boulders are one of New Zealand’s most famous natural wonders—giant spherical stones scattered along Koekohe Beach on the Otago coast.
Why visitors love them
Perfectly round boulders: Some up to 2 metres wide.
Natural mystery: Formed over millions of years through geological concretion.
Beach walk: Easy stroll along a wild, scenic coastline.
Best at low tide: More boulders exposed and better photos.
-
Oamaru's Heritage Precinct
one hour
The Oamaru Victorian Precinct is a beautifully preserved historic area showcasing 19th-century architecture, boutique shops, galleries, and cafés, giving visitors a glimpse of Oamaru’s Victorian-era past.
Why it’s special
Heritage architecture: Limestone buildings from the 1800s, many original or restored.
Cultural attractions: Art galleries, artisan shops, and craft studios.
Penguin viewing: Close to the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony for wildlife enthusiasts.
Family-friendly: Cafés, museums, and short walking routes.
-
30 min
Dunedin Railway Station is an architectural gem with Edwardian Baroque design, stained glass windows, and historical charm, making it one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.
-
Baldwin Street - World's Steepest Street!
30 min
Baldwin Street in Dunedin is the world’s steepest residential street, offering a fun and unique photo opportunity in a historic neighborhood.
-
30 min
Signal Hill Lookout offers panoramic views over Dunedin city, Otago Harbour, and the surrounding hills, making it one of the city’s top viewpoints for photography and sightseeing.
Why it’s special
360° city views: Dunedin, Otago Harbour, and the peninsula at your feet.
Historical significance: Named for its use as a signal point in the past.
-
one hour Admission included
The Christchurch Tramway is a historic and scenic tram system that loops around central Christchurch, offering a relaxed way to explore the city’s heritage, gardens, and landmarks.
Why it’s special
Historic charm: Restored trams dating back to the early 1900s.
City highlights: Passes Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Cathedral Square, New Regent Street, and Riverside Market.
Easy sightseeing: Great for those who want to explore the city without walking long distances.
Flexible travel: Hop-on, hop-off options allow visitors to explore at their own pace.
Meeting point and pickup
You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.
Meeting point
-
We provide door to door pick up and drop off services and start 7 days south island private tours with comfort and ease
End point
-
We provide door to door pick up and drop off services and start 7 days south island private tours with comfort and ease
Pickup points
- Avonhead Garden Motel
- Athena Motel
- Academy Motor Lodge
- Hagley Park Motel
- 2 On Whiteleigh & 239 On Lincoln Motel
- Ashleigh Court Motel
- Quest Cathedral Junction
- The Mayfair Hotel Christchurch
- Apollo Motel Christchurch
- Merivale Manor
- Ferry Motel
- Earnslaw Motel
and 152 more pickup points
We can pick you up on your requested location in Christchurch, hotel, Airport, or port etc.
Cancellation
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| If you cancel | You get back |
|---|---|
| At least one day before | 100% |
| Less than a day before | 0% |
Good to know
-
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
-
Service animals allowed
-
Public transportation options are available nearby
-
Specialized infant seats are available
-
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
More well rated activities in Christchurch
Free cancellation
Free cancellation
12 hours
Christchurch to Franz Josef One Way Day Tour with TranzAlpine
5.0 (33 reviews)
from
≈ 1,455 RON
Free cancellation
Free cancellation
12 hours
Christchurch to Franz Josef 1-Way Small Group Tour via Hokitika
5.0 (16 reviews)
from
≈ 747 RON
Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Private South Island Tour from Chrischurch or Queenstown
Pick a day to see the times and the price