Tours/Christchurch/6 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Christchurch
Viator · Private tour

6 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Christchurch

5.0(15)Christchurch1 hour
VIATOR5.0(1)TRIPADVISOR5.0(14)

Description

This signature 6-day tour offers a perfect blend of travel per day covering the majority of top attractions in New Zealand's South Island, optional handpicked activities and accommodations. Experience the best of the South Island without the hassle of planning which attractions to visit, where to stay, what to do, all without driving long distances on your own. The itinerary ensures a relaxed experience. Enjoy the luxury of a private tour for your group. Benefit 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 exciting 9-10 optional activities, like a helicopter ride, TranzAlpine train ride, stargazing, jet boating, a Gondola ride, Kiwi park or Hot Pool Soak, Milford or Doubtful Sound cruise, a tour of Te Anau Glowworm caves, and Guided Kayaking or a Whale Cruise, or a Nature Cruise & an Alpaca farm visit. Choose to finish at Queenstown or Christchurch.

Tour Options

No Hotel, Ticket & Dep Flight
  • Without Accommodations: This option excludes accommodations. Travelers must book their own accommodation. Date-specific location guidance provided. Without Entry Tickets: This options excludes entry tickets for activities. Travelers book their own desired activities. Timeslot guidance provided. Without Departure Flight: This option excludes departure flight from Queenstown to Christchurch. Tour ends in Queenstown. Pickup included
Hotel + Ticket + Dep Flight
  • With Accommodations: Includes accommodation for 5 nights in 4 to 5-star handpicked hotels with breakfast based on availability and season. With Entry Tickets: Includes Entry tickets for mentioned 10 activities. With Departure Flight: Includes standard economy departure flight ticket from Queenstown to Christchurch. Pickup included
Hotel + Ticket | No Dep Flight
  • With Accommodations: Includes accommodation for 5 nights in 4 to 5-star handpicked hotels with breakfast based on availability and season. With Entry Tickets: Includes Entry Tickets for mentioned 10 activities. Without Departure Flight: This option excludes departure flight from Queenstown to Christchurch. Tour ends in Queenstown. Pickup included
Ticket | No Hotel & Dep Flight
  • Without Accommodations: This option excludes accommodations. Travelers must book their own accommodation. Date-specific location guidance provided. With Entry Tickets: Includes Entry Tickets for mentioned 10 activities. Without Departure Flight: This option excludes departure flight from Queenstown to Christchurch. Tour ends in Queenstown. Pickup included

Highlights

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): Scenic Helicopter ride ticket at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Alpaca Farm Tour & Nature Cruise Ticket at Akaroa
Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Cruise Ticket at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Glowworm Caves Tour Ticket at Te Anau
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Stargazing Activity Ticket at Lake Tekapo
Optional: Standard Economy Departure Flight from Queenstown to Christchurch
WiFi on board
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Gondola with luge rides & Thrill Jet Boating Ticket at Queenstown
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Guided Kayaking or Whale Watching Cruise Ticket at Kaikōura
Packaged snacks & chocolates
Optional ("With Hotels" Option): Accommodation for 5 nights in 4 to 5-star hotels with breakfast
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): TranzAlpine Scenic Train Ticket - Christchurch to Arthur's Pass
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Kiwi Park or 1 hour of Private Hot Pool Soak Ticket at Queenstown
Packaged water bottles

What's included

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): Scenic Helicopter ride ticket at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Alpaca Farm Tour & Nature Cruise Ticket at Akaroa
Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Cruise Ticket at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Glowworm Caves Tour Ticket at Te Anau
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Stargazing Activity Ticket at Lake Tekapo
Optional: Standard Economy Departure Flight from Queenstown to Christchurch
WiFi on board
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Gondola with luge rides & Thrill Jet Boating Ticket at Queenstown
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Guided Kayaking or Whale Watching Cruise Ticket at Kaikōura
Packaged snacks & chocolates
Optional ("With Hotels" Option): Accommodation for 5 nights in 4 to 5-star hotels with breakfast
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): TranzAlpine Scenic Train Ticket - Christchurch to Arthur's Pass
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Kiwi Park or 1 hour of Private Hot Pool Soak Ticket at Queenstown
Packaged water bottles
Not included
Food & Drinks (except 5 x breakfast with "With Hotels" option)
Travel Insurance
Anything not described in the inclusions

Pickup Locations & Times

We can pick you up from your preferred location in Christchurch City. Please provide a pick-up location that is searchable on google maps.

Traveller Ratings

5.0
15 reviews
5
15
4
0
3
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2
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1
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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, Heli-hiking, Relaxing Spa Treatments, Ziplining, etc., subject to availability, cost differences, and route or schedule feasibility

Reviews(15)

K
kevincV7887XR
June 1, 2026
The Most Beautiful Places of South Island

What I liked most about this tour was the variety, one day we were Kayaking and the next we were riding a scenic train through the mountains and next we were flying over the glaciers in helicopter. So many unique activities were included and no hidden cost. The accommodation was also taken care of as per our request on bedding preference. I would suggest pack layers as the weather can change quickly specially in Mount Cook and Milford Sound.

K
Krisnnk0204
May 6, 2026
Amazing travel in New Zealand South Island

It was an amazing 6 day private travel in New Zealand South Island offered by Waimate Journeys. Based on our input, the itinerary selected was great with stops at key areas and lookout’s during the car travel. Our overall experience was greatly enhanced by the local knowledge and experience of our guide/driver Raghav Panchal who narrated the history, culture and people aspects of each key location we visited and also showed us the places for adventure activities. We were awe struck by the natural beauty and scenery of Queenstown, Fiordland National Park, Akaroa, Arthur’s Pass and other locations. We look forward to another visit to New Zealand in the next years.

E
edwardbO5861LW
December 15, 2025
A Once in a Lifetime Experience

A beautifully organized and unforgettable tour of New Zealand. From swimming with dolphins in Akaroa to TranzAlpine train ride, everyday offered something unique. Swimming with dolphin was so unreal and one of the best experience. Stargazing at Lake Tekapo and seeing the Milky Way was truly special. Mt Cook impressed us with its helicopter ride and glacier views. Our guide was excellent, friendly, attentive and amazing driver. Which made road trip very comfortable. Choosing swimming with dolphins over nature cruise was the best decision we have made for the trip. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to explore South Island New Zealand with amazing private guide.

W
W7100SIdaveo
September 28, 2025
Seamless Scenic and Simply Unforgettable

Our Journey from Christchurch to Queenstown was nothing short of extraordinary, and a huge part of that was thanks to our incredible guide, who truly went above and beyond to make the entire trip seamless, comfortable and unforgettable. A day in Akaroa, where we choose swimming with dolphins over nature cruise and that was an absolute once-in-a-lifetime experience. Later, stargazing at Lake Tekapo under the world's darkest clear skies was simply magical. The helicopter ride over the glaciers gave us some of the most jaw-dropping mountain views we've ever seen. One of the best highlight was the unforgettable doubtful sound cruise, where the tranquility and raw beauty of Fiordland left us in awe. Finally returned to Queenstown to relax and unwind in the hot pools - a perfect ending to a perfectly balanced trip of adventure and relaxation. Thanks to Waimate Journeys and our guide for the outstanding guidance and personal touches, it became a trip we'll treasure forever. Highly recommended without hesitation.

J
jessmV9845JG
May 24, 2025
Top-notch Service, Breathtaking Views and Memories to Cherish Forever

Exceptional service from our guide RV. Everything was just amazing - the places we visited, the activities we did, and the car. The car was very comfortable with ample legroom and headspace, which was perfect for long drives. It was neat and tidy everyday, stocked with bottled water and delicious snacks. Our guide was extremely welcoming and helpful throughout the trip. We were lucky with the weather and head a no-moon night, which made for incredible stargazing. Seeing the Milky Way with our own eyes was absolutely magical. It was a far better experience than we expected. All credit goes to the Waimate Journeys and our guide RV. They truly made our trip very special.

8
880margretd
February 21, 2025
Amazing and Stress-free Private Tour

Booking a private tour for our New Zealand South Island trip was the best decision we have made, and it was absolutely incredible! Traveling from Christchurch to Queenstown, we explored stunning destinations like Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, and breathtaking Hooker Valley trek, which led us to a mesmerizing glacier lake. One of the highlights was helicopter ride to a glacier, where we landed and captured unforgettable photos. Queenstown, with its vibrant atmosphere and scenic beauty, was the perfect finale to our journey. What made this trip truly exceptional was our private tour guide. He took care of everything, recommending great restaurants and cafes, made adjustments and ensuring our comfort throughout. He was always attentive, flexible and ready to customize the trip according to our preference. Because of his expertise we could fully enjoy the experience without any stress. If you are planning to visit New Zealand, booking this private tour is the best way to explore hassle-free while making the most of this beautiful country. highly recommended!

Operator response

Many thanks for taking time to drop feedback out of your busy schedule. It was pleasure to take you around South Island for 6 days. I look forward to welcome you again in Winter.

G
George_H
February 7, 2025
Wonderful Experience

This was a fantastic experience. Raghav, did a great job and was extremely organized. He picked us up in Christchurch and took excellent care from then on. His van was comfortable, even equipped with wifi and also had cords I could charge my phone with. Had plenty of water and snacks in the van also. He stopped at lots of scenic stops on the drive. I would definitely recommend having him as your guide/driver. We also stayed at excellent hotels. When we finished an excursion, I would texted him and he'd show up within minutes. This is a great way to experience New Zealand.

Operator response

Thank you for your incredible review! We are so grateful for your kind words and thrilled that we could make your trip a fantastic experience. We had amazing conversations. Your review just made our day! Looking forward to seeing you next time.

G
growers2025
February 2, 2025
Amazing time to exploring South Island

We had an amazing time to exploring the South Island of New Zealand! Our guide was incredibly attentive and humble, always making sure we were comfortable an enjoying the trip. Since we were traveling with our child, he arranged everything so smoothly that we didn't have to worry about a thing. He arranged car seat, and time to time asked us if we need to stop at changing station. The car was very spacious and comfortable, making long drive relaxing. The helicopter ride was a breathtaking experience, giving us stunning views from above. Milford Sound was absolutely beautiful, and the scenic drive to get there felt like a postcard come to life. Our guide stopped at the best spots, and among those Mirror Lake was such a mesmerizing beauty. He took some lovely family pictures for us. Everything was well-planned, and we truly enjoyed every moment of the trip. Highly recommended for a stress-free and unforgettable experience.

Operator response

Thank you for your thoughtful and incredible review. We're so happy that you found journey very easy and enjoyable. We always strive to go extra-mile to ensure our customers have a life-time memorable experience.

J
jeremymK8566CX
January 10, 2025
Luxury Tour with great guide

We had a fantastic 6 day trip from Christchurch to Queenstown. The views were stunning, from Arthur's Pass and Lake Tekapo to Mt. Cook and Milford Sound. We loved the jet boating in Queenstown, the Gondola ride, and visiting Glowworm Caves in Te Anau. Our guide made everything so easy. He gave us great hotel options before booking, and we stayed in 4- and 5-star hotels. The trip was very smooth, and the vehicle was always super clean, with plenty of snacks and bottled water for us everyday. The best part was the cost was very reasonable for the experience we had. It was a perfect as we got plenty of time to relax and experience. We had wonderful time and would highly recommend this tour!

Operator response

What a joy it was to have you all on this adventure! Thank you so much for sharing your interesting travel stories. This itinerary is packed with handpicked must-try activities giving you mix of thrill and relaxation. Thank you again!

5
592krishap
December 14, 2024
A premium unforgettable Tour

The 6 day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown was nothing short of exceptional. The itinerary was perfectly designed, allowing us to explore the best of New Zealand without any stress or effort. Before booking, our guide provided several 4 and 5 star hotel options, all of which were outstanding. Every detail, from premium accommodations to smooth logistics, comfortable, neat and sparkling vehicle made the tour feel luxurious and well worth it. Our guide ensured everything ram seamlessly - punctual activities, comfortable drives, and time to relax and take in stunning scenery. We simply sat back and enjoyed the journey. This tour was the highlight of our trip, combining effortless planning with unforgettable experiences. Highly recommend for anyone seeking premium travel experience in New Zealand.!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Many many thanks for taking time out for reviewing the itinerary. We always try to strike perfect balance between top attractions, best activities and luxury hotels. We are very happy that you had a great time. Thank you.

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