Customized South Island Tour

Exploring the Customized South Island Tour: An In-Depth Review

Imagine spending eight days exploring New Zealand’s South Island in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, with a tailored itinerary designed around your interests. That’s exactly what this Customized South Island Tour from NZ Private Guided Tours offers. It’s an intensive experience packed with diverse scenery, iconic sights, and plenty of photo stops — perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of the island without the hassle of planning every detail.

What draws us in? First, the focus on authentic, lesser-known spots like Arrowtown’s charming gold rush-era streets and the chance to see whales in Kaikoura, an activity that’s not just a cliché but a deeply memorable experience. Second, the flexibility — the itinerary can be reversed or adjusted to suit your preferences, making this a truly personalized journey.

A potential consideration? The price point is quite high — around $9,495 for a group of four — which might seem steep, but that includes private transportation, all parking fees, bottled water, and a ton of memorable stops. However, some key activities like the Milford Sound cruise and the Walter Peak BBQ are add-ons, and those extras can push the total cost upward. This tour would suit travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and a curated experience, especially those keen on seeing a wide array of sights without the stress of self-driving or juggling logistics.

Key Points

• Private, tailored experience ensures personalized attention and flexibility.
• Includes iconic sights like Milford Sound, Mt. Cook, and Kaikoura whale watching.
• Multiple photo opportunities at scenic stops—perfect for capturing memories.
• All transportation is private and air-conditioned for comfort on long drives.
• Activity costs are mostly optional extras, so budget accordingly.
• Suitable for most travelers who want a comprehensive South Island experience in comfort.

The Full Breakdown: What You Can Expect

This tour packs a lot into just eight days, weaving through some of the South Island’s most famous and lesser-known sights. We’ll walk through each day, highlighting what makes each stop special — and what you might want to prepare for.

Day 1: Whale Watch in Kaikoura and Seal Colony Visit

Starting in Christchurch, your adventure kicks off with a whale-watching trip in Kaikoura. Resident whales here are a treat — you might see sperm whales or orcas, depending on the day’s luck. The tour is prebooked and fully refundable if bad weather cancels your trip, giving a bit of peace of mind. Be aware that the whale watch isn’t included in the main price, costing $180 per person.

Just 20 minutes away, the NZ Fur Seal colony is a quick stop that offers a chance to see these playful creatures up close. It’s a short visit but adds a local flavor to your marine wildlife experience.

Day 2: Christchurch Highlights & Arthur’s Pass

The day begins in Hagley Park, the heart of Christchurch’s botanical beauty, where you can take a leisurely walk through manicured gardens and historic buildings. It’s a free, peaceful start to your day.

Next, the Sign of the Takahe offers sweeping views of Christchurch, perfect for snapping panoramic photos. A quick stop, but one that helps you get your bearings.

Later, you’ll visit Arthur’s Pass National Park for a short forest walk. The park’s lush greenery and mountain backdrop make for a quintessential South Island scene, and the 30-minute walk is a manageable way to stretch your legs.

Day 3: Glaciers and Dunes

The third day takes you to Franz Josef, where a brief walk leads to a viewing platform of the glacier — an impressive sight. The glacier itself isn’t included in the price but is accessible via a short hike.

Then, a stop at Ship Creek offers diverse scenery — where dunes meet the forest — perfect for photos.

Finally, Knights Point Lookout provides a quick but stunning coastal vista. This day highlights the dramatic contrasts of New Zealand’s landscape — glaciers, forest, and rugged coastline.

Day 4: Classic Gold Rush Charm

Today focuses on history and scenery. Cardrona offers a quick photo op of its historic buildings, often used for filming movies like The Lord of the Rings.

Descending Crown Range Road, the highest main road in New Zealand, you get sweeping mountain views before entering Arrowtown, a beautifully preserved gold rush town. Wandering its streets, you’ll find interesting buildings and local shops that evoke a bygone era — a favorite among travelers.

Day 5: Queenstown and Farm Life

A highlight is the Walter Peak High Country Farm, accessible via a steam boat cruise across Queenstown Lake. The farm offers a BBQ dinner and a sheep herding show — a genuine farming experience that’s both fun and informative. This is a paid activity, but included in the overall experience if booked in advance.

Next, the Shotover Jet Queenstown offers an adrenaline rush — jet boat rides that scream through narrow canyons. Not suitable for everyone, especially those with neck or back issues, but for thrill-seekers, it’s a highlight.

Day 6: Milford Sound

One of the most iconic destinations, Milford Sound, is a long but scenic journey from Queenstown, with several photo stops along the way. The 2-hour cruise in the sound isn’t included but can be booked for $160 per person. Travelers find the fjord’s towering cliffs and waterfalls breathtaking.

Day 7: The Charming Church and Iconic Views

Your last full day brings you to The Church of the Good Shepherd, a classic photo spot with its historic stonework and statue of a collie dog, emblematic of rural New Zealand.

Day 8: Mt. Cook

The final stop is Mt. Cook Village, home to New Zealand’s highest peak. The brief visit allows for stunning photos of the mountain’s sharp summit and surrounding alpine scenery.

What’s Included and What Costs Extra?

The core of this tour provides private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, and bottled water — all making for a comfortable, stress-free experience. However, the tour doesn’t include WiFi, accommodation, or meals, which travelers will need to arrange separately.

Most of the major activities, like the whale watch, Milford Sound cruise, and Walter Peak BBQ, are optional extras. These add-ons can significantly increase the total cost — for example, the Milford cruise at $160, the Walter Peak BBQ at $189, and the Shotover Jet at $175 — so budgeting accordingly is wise.

Why the Price Matters

While nearly $9,500 might seem steep, consider what’s included: private, air-conditioned transport, a highly flexible itinerary, and the possibility to customize your journey. For travelers who value comfort, exclusivity, and a tailored experience, the price can be justified. But it’s worth noting that the activities are mostly optional, and some travelers might prefer a less expensive, self-guided approach, especially if on a tighter budget.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The private nature means your group won’t be sharing space with strangers, and the schedule can be flexible.
• Key sights are visited at optimal times, often avoiding crowds.
• The itinerary balances popular highlights with quieter, scenic spots.
• All transportation is comfortable and private, making long drives more enjoyable.

Cons:

• The overall cost may be prohibitive for some.
• Since some activities are paid extras, the total expense can escalate quickly.
• The tour’s intensive pace might feel rushed for those wanting a more leisurely trip.
• Weather can impact activities like whale watching or Milford Sound cruises, though bookings are refundable if cancelled due to weather.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free way to see the South Island’s highlights in a short period. It’s ideal for those who appreciate the comfort of private transport, have a flexible budget, and are eager to customize their trip. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, or are traveling on a tight budget, some self-guided touring or group tours might be more appropriate.

Final Thoughts

This Customized South Island Tour offers a curated window into New Zealand’s stunning landscape, combining must-see sights with authentic local experiences. While the price is significant, the private and flexible nature of the tour ensures a personalized adventure tailored to your preferences.

For those who want a high-quality, all-in-one experience with the convenience of private transport and the option to add memorable activities, this tour delivers. It’s perfect for travelers who prioritize comfort and customization but are prepared for the additional costs of optional extras — and who enjoy the thrill of seeing some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking scenery in a well-organized, compact itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Generally, yes — most travelers can participate. However, activities like the Shotover Jet are not recommended for pregnant women or those with neck or back issues.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the itinerary can be done in reverse or tailored to your preferences, making it flexible for your interests.

Are all activities included in the price?
No, many activities like whale watching, Milford Sound cruises, and the Walter Peak BBQ are paid extras. You should budget for these if you want to partake.

What is the duration of the longest travel day?
The journey to Milford Sound is the longest, taking about 5 hours from Queenstown, with a 2-hour cruise option available.

Is WiFi provided onboard?
No, WiFi is not included, so plan accordingly if you need internet access.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included in the package; you’ll need to arrange or purchase these separately.

What’s the minimum group size?
This tour is private for up to four people, making it ideal for small groups or families.

Can the tour be canceled?
Yes, you can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Weather cancellations are also fully refundable.

Is parking included?
Yes, parking fees are covered as part of the package.

How far in advance should I book?
Given that activities like the Walter Peak BBQ require booking at least a month ahead, it’s best to plan well in advance to secure your preferred dates.

Exploring New Zealand’s South Island with a private guide might seem like a splurge, but for those seeking comfort, flexibility, and a curated experience, it could be well worth the investment. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this tour promises a memorable taste of Aotearoa’s diverse landscapes.