Explore the South Island Exclusive Guided Tour
Akaroa harbour cruise, scenic flight over glaciers, hot springs, floating icebergs boat tour, kiwi encounter, wilderness safari, glacier heli hike, sea kayak, whale watching scenic flight.
Start / finish Christchurch. 8 Nights / 9 Days
Day 1. Christchurch to Akaroa
Your guide will pick you up from your Christchurch accommodation or the airport and we begin our journey driving the scenic road over the Port Hills to Akaroa. A historic and beautiful French town on the harbour, it is well known for its summer festivals, fresh seafood and boutique shopping.
When we arrive in Akaroa late morning, you can choose a relaxing harbour boat cruise viewing bird and marine life or choose to swim with the dolphins, wetsuits are provided allowing you to get close to nature and these incredible mammals, making for an unforgettable experience.
Settle into your beautiful accommodation right on the beach front at the Luxury Garthowen B&B, and enjoy a stroll around listening to the song of the native Tui and Bell birds. A wonderful and relaxing first day.
1.5 hours drive time.
Tour package includes: harbour cruise or swim with dolphins
Accommodation: 5 star luxury bed & breakfast
Day 2. Akaroa to Lake Tekapo.
This morning we drive back to Christchurch and then on to spectacular Lake Tekapo, a beautiful blue glacial lake. You will board the Air Safaris Grand Traverse scenic flight (50 min) taking you over the spectacular alpine mountains and glaciers.
Late afternoon relax at the Alpine Springs hot pools, enjoy the stunning views overlooking Lake Tekapo while you sauna, steam and soak in the hot pools. For more active guests the walk up to Mt John is a steep breathtaking 45min walk, reward yourself with a coffee and fantastic views.
4 hours drive time.
Tour package includes: breakfast, 50 min scenic flight, sauna and hot pools entry
Accommodation: 4-5 star Hotel resort
Day 3. Lake Tekapo to Queenstown
We continue our scenic alpine drive along shores of Lake Pukaki with views of Mount Cook, NZ’s highest peak at 3754 meters. Arriving in Mount Cook village, set amongst hanging glaciers and towering peaks, you will embark on a glacier lake boat tour of giant floating Icebergs!
Continuing south to historic and boutique Arrowtown we stop in for a brief visit. Time for wine tasting at Amisfield winery before arriving in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Early evening you will enjoy views of spectacular Lake Wakatipu and Remarkables mountain range as you take a ride up the Skyline Gondola.
Drive time 3.5 hours.
Tour Package includes: breakfast, glacier lake boat tour, wine tasting, and gondola ride
Accommodation: 5 star luxury hotel for 2 nights
Day 4. Glenorchy and 2nd Night Queenstown
This morning you have 1 of these 3 options to choose from.
Option 1. We will take you on another stunning scenic drive around the lake to Glenorchy. Embark on the Dart River wilderness safari – a 1.5 hr jet boat ride, 30 min ancient forest walk and 4WD tour. See locations of the Lord of the Rings movie in this remote and beautiful part of New Zealand. Time for a coffee and lunch at a nearby cafe, before driving back to Queenstown.
Option 2: Travel to Glenorchy, and join Dart stables for a 2 hour horse trek. ‘The wild rivers trek is designed for all abilities and includes river crossings whilst set amongst beautiful surroundings. A must for any horse lover.
Option 3: A day tour of Central Otago’s finest vineyards and wineries. Known for its complex Pinot Noirs and fruit driven whites we will visit 4 or 5 wineries with tastings and lunch included.
Late afternoon you are free to indulge more adventure activities or simply relax and recover.
Tour package includes: breakfast, and your chosen activity
Accommodation: 5 star luxury hotel
Day 5. Queenstown to Franz Josef
Depart Queenstown at 9am and drive up the beautiful and rugged West Coast. Our morning has a short stop in at Lake Wanaka township, before continuing on taking time for photos, beach stops, and even the West Coast favourite – white bait patties at Haast. Arrive in Fox and then Franz Josef towns and enjoy a short stroll through the rainforest to view the magnificent glaciers. Your evening sees you relaxing in the glacier fed hot springs in your own private pool, and a visit to the wildlife center to view our rarest Kiwi the Rowi Kiwi.
Drive time 5 hours.
Tour package includes: breakfast, glacier private hot pools, kiwi encounter, 5 course dinner
Accommodation: 5 star luxury eco resort hotel
Day 6. Franz Josef to Punakaiki
This morning begins with a unique experience of a life time. You will depart in a helicopter, fly above the glaciers and land on the ice, here your glacier guide will assist you from the helicopter, and you will explore the incredible beauty on ice. Blue water filled crevasses, ice formations and an informative journey of how glaciers in this part of the world are formed. This Heli-Hike is 2.5 hours of magic.
If glacier walking is not for you, your alternative is an exhilerating 30 minute scenic helicopter flight of the glaciers and includes a snow landing high in the mountains.
After your ice adventure we drive north up the coast via Hokitika to the seaside village of Punakaiki, with its spectacular blow hole formations known as the pancake rocks. Your accommodation tonight is at the Punakaiki Resort luxury eco-suites, right on the beach front.
Drive time 4 hours.
Tour package includes: breakfast, glacier heli-hike or heli scenic flight and snow landing
Accommodation: 4-5 star eco resort hotel
Day 7. Punakaiki to Motueka
Drive through beautiful rainforest and scenic back-roads to the gateway of Abel Tasman National Park. Based in the relaxed alternative town of Motueka, we take an afternoon half day guided sea kayak trip in the stunning crystal blue waters. Your stay will be at an luxury wilderness lodge, included are aperitifs and a 3 course dinner each night.
Drive time 3.5 hours.
Tour package includes: breakfast, half day sea kayak, 3 course dinner
Accommodation: 5 star luxury wilderness lodge
Day 8. Motueka
The day is yours free to relax, or book yourself into any number of local activities and attractions. Your driver is available to take you over the hill to Takaka and Pohara Beach for the day.
Tour package includes: breakfast, 3 course dinner
Accommodation: 5 star luxury wilderness lodge
Day 9. Motueka to Christchurch.
This morning we drive the scenic highway to Blenheim, and stop off at a winery to sample New Zealand’s world famous Sauvignon Blanc. Carry on to Kaikoura for an incredible whale watching scenic flight (30 minutes). See the mighty whales from a birds eye view in their natural environment, showcasing the regions highlight attraction. Late afternoon we make our way back to Christchurch and your farewell.
Drive time 6.5 hours.
Tour package includes: breakfast, wine tasting, and whale watching scenic flight
Book this tour or customise your tour with optional extras