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Central South Island Holidays
Trailfinders is the UK & Ireland’s No.1 Tour Operator to New Zealand and most of our travel consultants have travelled extensively here. What we specialise in is tailormade holidays in New Zealand and with us, in every part of the country, you can pick and choose how you’d like to get around, where you’d like to stay and how you’d like to experience the attractions.
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Speak to a Travel Expert
We believe booking online is no substitute for one-on-one service. Between them our expert travel consultants have travelled to over 96% of the world's countries. As a result the service and advice they offer is second to none.
OUR HOLIDAYS TO CENTRAL SOUTH ISLAND
Best of New Zealand
20 days / 19 nights
from £2,134
Maori Culture Wellington Queenstown
from £2,134
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Absolute Luxury New Zealand
16 days / 15 nights
from £4,870
TranzAlpine Train Franz Josef Glacier Milford Sound
from £4,870
Unique & Boutique New Zealand
23 days / 22 nights
from £5,138
Marlborough Sounds Arthur's Pass National Park Fiordland National Park Lake Pukaki
from £5,138
South Island Highlights
17 days / 16 nights
from £2,355
Milford Sound Marlborough Sounds Franz Josef Glacier
from £2,355
South Island Less Travelled
11 days / 10 nights
from £1,482
Birdlife Stewart Island
from £1,482
Kiwis & Campers
16 days / 15 nights
from £Please contact us
Auckland Bay of Islands
from £Please contact us
WHERE TO GO IN CENTRAL SOUTH ISLAND
Christchurch & Akaroa
While parts of Christchurch are yet to fully recover from the 2013 earthquake, the Garden City’s beautiful botanic gardens and eclectic mix of heritage and modern architecture mean it’s still a good option for a short stay. An hour and a half’s drive east, the lush Banks Peninsula was originally an island formed of two volcanic cones and is now home to the scenic township of Akaroa. With its unique French colonial history, rare Hector’s dolphins frolicking in the bay and a passion for fine cuisine, Akaroa makes for a wonderful stop on any itinerary.
Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers
Poised in the heart of glacier country on the beautiful west coast, the awe-inspiring Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are best experienced on a thrilling helicopter adventure, where you can marvel at the cascading blue ice from above or hike across the surface with an experienced guide. Ever a land of contrasts, the small village of Franz Josef is set amongst lush rainforest and offers an ideal base to explore the region; visit rare kiwi chicks at the West Coast Wildlife Centre and
enjoy a relaxing dip in the Glacier Hot Pools as night falls.
Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki
The inherent beauty of this region becomes apparent as soon as you set eyes on the vivid glacial waters of Lake Tekapo and its lesser known but equally spectacular neighbour, Lake Pukaki, which reflects Mount Cook in its shimmering turquoise waters. A UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, the region becomes even more magical at night when the stars of the Milky Way dazzle above you. Deservedly popular, lakeside accommodation can be busy but the nearby town of Twizel makes for a great base from which to explore these glorious lakes and majestic Mount Cook.
OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN CENTRAL SOUTH ISLAND
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Marlborough, Abel Tasman & Kaikoura
from £216
Renowned restaurant Lounge bar & terrace Spa Free parking Free wi-fi
from £216
Lakestone Lodge
Central South Island
from £214
Dining room & communal lounge Massage treatment room Cinema room Free use of bikes Free parking Free wi-fi
from £214
The George
Central South Island
from £98
Restaurant & bar Free parking Free wi-fi
from £98
Akaroa Village Inn
Central South Island
from £52
Laundry facilities Free parking Free wi-fi
from £52
Wilderness Lodge
Central South Island
from £263
Restaurant & bar Guided excursions of the working sheep farm Over 12 miles of walking trails Free parking Free wi-fi
from £263
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Marlborough, Abel Tasman & Kaikoura
from £92
2 restaurants & a bar 4 hot tubs Free parking Free wi-fi
from £92
THINGS TO DO IN CENTRAL SOUTH ISLAND
Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
Approx 2 hours
from £54
Modern catamaran Dolphins & seals Fully narrated tour
from £54
International Antarctic Centre
Attraction Tickets
from £34
Resident penguins Ride an arctic expedition vehicle
from £34
Mount Cook Helicopter Tour
Approx 35 mins
from £229
New Zealand’s highest mountain Spectacular views
from £229
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
Approx 3 hours
from £267
Scenic helicopter flight Ice hike
from £267
Fox and Franz Josef Glacier Landing by Helicopter
Approx 30min
from £194
Spectacular glacial scenery Thrilling glacier landing Expansive snowfields
from £194
Mount John Observatory Tour
Approx 2 hours
from £96
Mount John summit Panoramic views Star gazing
from £96
Speak to a Travel Expert
We believe booking online is no substitute for one-on-one service. Between them our expert travel consultants have travelled to over 96% of the world's countries. As a result the service and advice they offer is second to none.
Our travel centres are currently closed
Our phone lines are open at the following times:-
Monday to Friday: 8am - 8pm (UK) : 9am-7pm (ROI)
Saturday & Bank Holidays: 9am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm
For individual opening times please check your local travel centre
Order a brochure
For inspiration on how to include any of these destinations in a tailormade
holiday order your copy of
Trailfinders brochure
Order now
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Inspiration
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Central South Island Fast Facts
Visa information given is given for
British
citizens holding a valid
UK
passport with at least 6 months validity remaining. Immunisation guidelines assume routine
UK
childhood immunisation has been given and will not apply to all situations. Medical advice should be
sought. Your Trailfinders consultant will advise you of the specific visa and immunisation
requirements for your trip.
YOUR TRAVEL PLANS ALWAYS TO HAND, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME - YOUR ESSENTIAL TRAVEL COMPANION
Our free Viewtrail App stores your essential travel information in one secure place, ensuring we are with you from start to finish.
- View your travel plans on or offline, wherever and whenever you wish
- Live flight notifications - real time information as you travel
- Online check-in links and pre-tour notifications
- Luggage allowance
- Mapped places of interest - restaurants, shops, stations...plus route guidance back to your hotel
- View e-vouchers and export them to your Apple wallet
- Secure access to booking history, profile and insurance contact information
- One touch emergency contact 365/24/7
- Add to calendar function
- Countdown to travel
- Local time, weather, translator and exchange rate calculator