8 November 2026 - 9 days for £3,495 per person
Register now for 2027 at tours@newscientist.com and we will contact you when we have confirmed the itinerary, dates and prices of this tour.
Discover the South Island’s most iconic landscapes with geoscience communicator Julian Thomson, from the fjord-carved peaks of Milford Sound to the striking limestone formations of Punakaiki and the twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef. Explore the vibrant cities of Queenstown and Christchurch, and gain expert insights into the geological forces and living ecosystems that shape these dramatic landscapes. The South Island will leave you breathless.
New Zealand's South Island is renowned for beautiful landscapes made up of stunning mountain peaks, scenic lakes and stunning glaciers. Carved by glaciers over 100,000 years ago the landscape of New Zealand’s South Island is one where waterfalls cascade hundreds of metres into deep black fiords; where ancient rainforest clings to mountains and where shimmering lakes and granite peaks look as they did a thousand years ago.
Set sail and explore the stunning fjords including Milford Sound, an area which scientists and conservationists continue to see as something of a natural wonder. Discover the beautiful twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, both of which descend from the Southern Alps down into temperate rainforest. Explore the scenic cities of Queenstown and Christchurch. All whilst studying and exploring the significant geological and volcanological impact on an impressive scale.
You will be accompanied throughout by geoscience communicator Julian Thomson, whose expertise and engaging storytelling will illuminate the South Island’s spectacular geology, from towering mountains and glacial valleys to rugged coastlines and volcanic formations. Complementing Julian’s scientific insights, a knowledgeable local tour leader will guide you through the island’s rich cultural heritage, sharing stories of MÄori traditions, settler history, and contemporary life in New Zealand, ensuring a deeply rewarding experience that connects both the natural and human landscapes of this remarkable region.
For anyone looking to extend their time in New Zealand, and explore the north island, please consider our Volcanology, geothermal valleys and astronomy: North Island, New Zealand tour, which connects with this south island tour itinerary, it operates before this tour departure.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
Day 1: Arrive in Queenstown, meet the group and travel towards Fiordland National Park and Te Anau
Welcome to Queenstown! You will take a 2-hour drive towards Fiordland National Park and Te Anau, an ideal base from which to explore Milford Sound tomorrow. Lake Te Anau is the islands largest lake and an ideal place to experience the friendliness of small-town New Zealand.
Check into your hotel close to the beautiful lake. In the evening meet your tour leader who will brief you on the South Island leg of this tour followed by dinner together in Jimmy Cooks Kiwi Kitchen.
Day 2: Milford Sound
After breakfast, you will take an extremely scenic 2-hour drive to Milford Sound. Climbing through the Southern Alps, you will enjoy the stunning views over Fiordland National Park, with its ancient rainforests, deep lakes, lively waterfalls and granite mountains.
Once at Milford Sound, you will take a cruise through the fjords carved by glaciers over millions of years and marvel at the wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins. Situated on the west coast of the South Island, hours from the nearest town, Milford Sound is where plunging cliffs and raging waterfalls meet inky dark waters. This is New Zealand's wild side at its absolute best. Famously described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world'. It is also known as one of the wettest places in the world, so remember your waterproof coat.
In the late afternoon, you will set off for the drive back to Queenstown, where you will check into your hotel for two nights.
Day 3: Free day in Queenstown
Today is a free day in Queenstown but we can arrange a number of different optional activities for you to explore this exhilarating town set next to Lake Wakatipu and the dramatic Southern Alps.
You can take a cruise on the steamboat TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Here you can take the steepest gondola in the southern hemisphere, to the top of Bob’s Peak and enjoy a fantastic view over the surrounding mountains (approximately NZ$108).
Or you can travel up the Skippers Canyon, rich in gold mining history with a trail that was carved out of sheer rock over 120 years ago. Then a jet boat tour, where you can see historic gold mining relics and locations use in filming Lord of the Rings (approximately NZ$178).
Day 4: Lake WÄnaka, Lake Hawea, Haast River and onto Fox Glacier
After a morning driving north along the coasts of Lake WÄnaka and Lake Hawea, you will reach the Haast River where you will travel from the ocean to the alps within a UNESCO World Heritage Area aboard a jet boat. The boats are designed to be able to operate in shallow water propelled by a jet of water rather than a propellor. The journey will take you up a remote backcountry river, where you can marvel at the stunning glacial landscape whilst local guides share with you the natural history of the area.
In the afternoon, you will journey on to the small township of Fox Glacier for two nights. From here it’s an hour’s easy walk to the small glacial lake, famous as one of the most photographed in New Zealand due to the calm waters which carry a crystal-clear reflection of Mount Cook and Tasman. There is a café and if you wish to walk further around the lake, it should only take 90 minutes.
Day 5: Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier
Of the 3,100 glaciers in New Zealand, most are in difficult to reach regions at high altitudes. Today, you will journey up the coast and visit two unique low altitude examples with experienced local guides.
Fox Glacier, named after a former prime minister, is 12km long, descending from the Southern Alps into the temperate rainforest just 300m above sea level. It’s low location and relative proximity to the sea make it highly unusual. It was first surveyed by geologists in 1865 and has drawn scientists to it ever since. As an optional extra, you can survey the grandeur of the glacier by helicopter (approximately NZ$274).
Just 25 minutes north is the Franz Josef Glacier, the fourth largest in the country. It’s over 10km long and descends from 3000m to just 240. As it has a steeper incline than Fox you will have a better chance of seeing more dramatic formations such as crevices, ice caves and blue ice.
On return to the hotel, you will enjoy a group dinner.
Day 6: Drive along coastline to Punakaiki
After breakfast, travel north along the stunning coastline to Punakaiki, set within the rich and diverse Paparoa National Park. This extraordinary area is a natural laboratory for geologists and nature enthusiasts alike, where luxuriant coastal forests thrive alongside striking limestone karst cliffs, deep canyons, and hidden caves. The geological highlight is the world-famous Pancake Rocks, whose layered limestone formations resemble giant stacks of pancakes. The name Punakaiki (pronounced Puna-ka-kee) has an intriguing name history. While puna means spring or pool in te reo MÄori, kaiki has no known meaning. According to NgÄti Waewae of Poutini NgÄi Tahu, the original name is believed to be Punangairi, where ngairi (pronounced kairi in the NgÄi Tahu dialect) refers to stormy waters. The current spelling is often attributed to an 1846 recording by explorer Charles Heaphy, later altered by a publication error to Punakaiki - a version that has remained ever since.
These remarkable formations were created over 25 to 35 million years, as layers of marine sediments slowly compressed into limestone. Over millions of years, erosive forces from the sea, rain, and wind sculpted the cliffs into their dramatic shapes, carving blowholes that hiss, heave, and thump as high tides force air and water through the rock under incredible pressure. Observing these features offers a vivid lesson in geological time, sedimentary processes, and coastal erosion, bringing to life the immense forces that shape our planet
In the evening you will check into the Punakaiki Resort.
Day 7: Scenic train to Christchurch
Enjoy a leisurely morning to relax.
In the afternoon, embark on one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys aboard the TranzAlpine, travelling coast to coast across the sweeping Canterbury Plains with the dramatic Southern Alps as your backdrop. Stretching 223 kilometres over approximately five hours, this scenic journey offers a perfect blend of relaxation and breathtaking vistas.
Travel in comfort in carriages designed for maximum enjoyment, featuring enormous panoramic windows that bring the stunning landscapes to life. At-seat GPS-triggered audio commentary provides fascinating insights into the history, geology, and natural wonders you pass along the way.
On arrival into Christchurch station, you will check into the Heartland Hotel Cotswold.
Day 8: Morning walking tour and afternoon at leisure
Today, embark on a guided walking tour of Christchurch, discovering how the city has rebuilt and regenerated following the 2010 earthquake. Learn about the innovative architecture, urban design, and community initiatives that have transformed Christchurch into a vibrant, modern city while retaining its historic charm.
After the tour, enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace. Stroll through the Botanic Gardens, browse local galleries and shops, or simply soak up the unique atmosphere of this resilient city.
In the evening, gather with your fellow guests for a farewell dinner, sharing stories and reflections on your journey together.
Day 9: Christchurch departure
Sadly, your tour comes to an end today. At the relevant time you’ll be transferred to the airport to catch your flight.
If you would like to extend your time in New Zealand and visit the North Island, we suggest our Volcanology, geothermal valleys and astronomy: The science of the North Island, New Zealand tour.
