South Island Highlights Luxury Vacation Package.
Akaroa harbour cruise, scenic flight over glaciers, hot springs, Mount Cook floating icebergs boat tour, kiwi encounter, wilderness safari, spectacular glacier heli hike
Start/ finsh Christchurch 5 Nights / 6 Days
Tour Cost:
5 star option: NZ $6,850 per person, double occupancy
4 star option: NZ $4,790 per person, double occupancy
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 and 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, Grand Traverse 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 on south, we drive to historic and boutique Arrowtown where 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 boutique 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 andbeautiful 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 boutique hotel
Day 5. Queenstown to Franz Josef
Depart Queenstown at 9am and drive up the beautiful and rugged West Coast. Our morning sees a short stop in at Lake Wanaka town, before continuing on taking time for photos, beach stops, and even the West Coast favourite – white bait patties at Haast. Arrive in Fox Glacier and then Franz Josef towns and enjoy a short stroll through the rain forest to view the magnificent Glaciers. Your evening sees you relaxing in the glacier fed hot springs in your own private pool,and a 5 course degustation dinner (*not included in 4 star option) at your 5 star eco luxury accommodation. There is also the option to visit the Franz Josef Wildlife Center, here you can view up and close the Rowi Kiwi, New Zealand’s rarest 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 Christchurch
This morning you will depart in a helicopter and fly high above the glaciers, landing on the snow amongst the Southern Alps mountains. This is an exhilarating 30 minute scenic helicopter flight of the glaciers including a snow landing where you can get out onto the snow and take photos of the magnificent surroundings.
After your ice adventure, we continue driving north to Hokitika, and then onto Christchurch via the scenic mountains of Arthurs Pass. Arriving in Christchurch early evening are tour finishes here.
Drive time: 5 Hours.
Tour package includes: breakfast and scenic glacier flight
Book this tour or customise your tour with optional extras and extra nights stay during, before or after your tour.
“The South Island Highlights trip was one of the best vacations of my life, thankyou to my awesome guide who showed me beautiful New Zealand. I just wish I had more time here!” Jessica Lampton – CA