New Zealand’s South Island is home to sweeping landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and world-famous wine. Discover the spectacular Ahuriri Valley, carved out by millions of years of glacial movement, with a stay at The Lindis, where luxury is in harmony with the land. Admire magnificent Milford Sound, and set out on active explorations of rare wilderness. Conclude the experience in Queenstown where adrenalin-pumping extreme adventures contrast with a dynamic dining and arts scene.
Journey Highlights
Arrive into captivating Christchurch, collect your rental car and drive to your luxury home away from home for the evening, The George. Christchurch is one of the world’s most unique destinations, combining urban regeneration and innovation with heritage, culture and exhilarating activity. The rest of the day is yours to discover the city.
The George
Rise this morning with a sense of adventure. Drive to the breathtaking Tekapo region. The town faces out across the famous turquoise lake to a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the splendid Mackenzie Country and Southern Alps views reason enough to linger, with infinitely more to see if you wait till dark. In 2012 the Aoraki Mackenzie area was declared an International Dark Sky Reserve, one of only 12 in the world, and Tekapo's Mt John – under light-pollution-free skies – is the ultimate place to experience the region’s glorious night sky. Arrive and settle into your charming B&B, Ranginui. Explore this natural wonderland, savouring local delights and gazing in awe of glittering Lake Tekapo. As the sun goes down it’s the perfect place for spectacular stargazing.
Ranginui B&B Tepako | B
Perhaps explore a little further afield to the majestic Mount Cook on your journey today. New Zealand’s Ahuriri Valley is your final destination. Drive through breathtaking mountain landscapes, admiring gorgeous vistas as you travel. Arrive at your architecturally stunning hotel, nestled amid spectacular valley views, and settle in for a luxurious evening.
The Lindis | BD
Today is yours to explore this spectacular region. Explore more of Ben Avon station & The Ahuriri Valley by jumping on one of the hotel’s available e-bikes and ride through the valley, or perhaps consider an exploration on horseback, to trek across the high country. Keen anglers can opt for a spot of fly fishing in the Ahuriri River, or you can explore the magnificent alpine meadows by 4WD, discovering wetlands, river valleys and beech forests that are teaming with native wildlife (all activities at extra cost).
The Lindis | BLD
Rise this morning and drive south to the adventurer’s playground of Queenstown, drinking in natural vistas and breathtaking landscapes as you travel. With Cromwell’s many wineries and spectacular natural gorge, as well as Mount Pisa en route, consider a few stops along the way, immersing yourselfless-visited wonders. Arrive into Queenstown at your leisure, settling in to your luxurious base for the remainder of your adventure at The Rees.
The Rees | B
The next few days are yours to explore this spectacular city and it’s surrounding landscapes. Be left spellbound on your inclusive day tour of magnificent Milford Sound. Fly above the rugged backcountry of Central Otago, before heading westward to where the glacial-fed rivers empty into Lake Wakatipu. As you cross over into the Fiordland National Park, you’ll discover an untouched world of peaks and valleys, where mountains reach into the sea – a landscape forged by the rapid retreat of glaciers.
Upon landing in Milford Sound, you’ll have the chance to explore the famous fjord on a cruise, discovering cascading waterfalls, immense rock faces, and unique wildlife.
From alpine heliskiing to zip-lining, there’s an adventure for every discerning thrill seeker (additional cost). Leap, lunge or luge here, but also find time to visit the many renowned wineries and discover the cosmopolitan arts scene, or simply sit at the lakeside and watch the ever-dynamic play of light on the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu, creating one of the most beautiful and dramatic natural scenes in NZ.
The Rees | BL/B
Today, your South Island adventure comes to an end, returning your rental car at the airport in time for your onward flight.
B
This journey features the following Preferred Accommodations:
Located in the heart of Christchurch, The George Hotel is a small luxury boutique hotel just minutes from the city centre and main attrac... Read more
Ranginui is your luxury getaway in Tekapo with panoramic views of the turquoise beauty of Lake Tekapo and the majestic Southern Alps.... Read more
The Lindis is a beautifully modern lodge residence, nestled almost imperceptibly in the Ahuriri Valley in the New Zealand’s south, and is... Read more
Quiet, private and sophisticated, The Rees Hotel Queenstown epitomises southern hospitality at its finest and an authentic New Zealand ex... Read more
As this suggested itinerary can be personalised to your specific requirements, it is not available for online booking.
Depending on your preferred dates and arrangements, final pricing will vary from low season to peak season travel.
Please call A&K on 1300 851 800 or send us a booking enquiry to book this journey.