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Welcome to NZ’s picture perfect, mountain clad South Island. Our most popular route is ideal for travellers with limited time who want to see as much of Aotearoa’s stunning natural vistas as possible.

If you’ve ever seen an amazing postcard or screensaver from NZ; it’s most likely captured in the majestic South Island. A plethora of jaw-dropping mountains, lakes, glaciers and rugged coastlines await eager adventures. Every day of our shortest route highlights a different natural phenomenon - starting off with NZ’s least visited and most wild region the West Coast.

If isolated beaches and mountain ranges appeal to you more than shopping malls and commercial hustle and bustle then this is definitely the ideal tour for you in NZ.

Itinerary Map

Let's Get Started

We'd love to host you on your next trip to New Zealand. Get in touch below and we'll let you know if we're available for the dates you have in mind. Upon confirmation of availability, we'll send a short questionnaire to help customise your itinerary and quotation according to your needs.

Day 1

Your Day of Arrival

Today is simply scheduled as an arrival day for your trip.

We'll meet you at the airport, and tailor the day based on your arrival time and interests. There's plenty of local sightseeing on offer, and we can set out on an exploration of the local highlights, giving you a first taste of what New Zealand has to offer.

If you prefer to check in to your accommodation for some rest or just to freshen up following your flight into New Zealand, that certainly won't be a problem either, subject of course to check-in time specified by your accommodation.

Day 2

Christchurch to Hokitika

Today we cross the Southern Alps, bound for New Zealand’s most wild and remote region; the West Coast.

After crossing the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains, we'll ascend to the stunning alpine landscapes of Arthur's Pass. There is an opportunity for walks of various distance and duration here, including the stunning 131m Devils Punchbowl Falls. Keep an eye out for any keas - New Zealand's notoriously cheeky native parrot.

In the evening, you may wish to make a visit to the Hokitika Glow Worm Dell, at the edge of town, or take a sunset cruise on Mahinapua Creek.

Arthur's Pass (Bealey Valley)
Day 3

Hokitika to Franz Josef

The Southwest of New Zealand is one the great natural areas of the world, and internationally recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we head south, this immaculate wilderness is on full display. Consider a stop at the Hokitika Treetop Walk to get a view of it from another perspective.

Continuing, we'll stop by some photogenic lakes, where flax-fringed shorelines give way to intensely green rainforest. We arrive at Franz Josef Glacier, one of the two major glaciers on the West Coast, where you may wish to take a scenic flight above, or hike on the glacier itself.

Glacier Helihike
Day 4

South Westland Natural Wonders

Departing from Franz Josef, we'll make our way towards the enchanting Lake Matheson, a scenic gem that lies along our route. With its mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding mountains, Lake Matheson offers a breathtaking panorama that is sure to captivate your senses.

After taking in the tranquil beauty of this pristine lake, our journey continues along the mesmerising Haast Highway, a road that winds through stunning landscapes, from dense forests to cascading waterfalls.

As we venture towards Wanaka, prepare to be charmed by this picturesque lakeside town. Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Wanaka offers a perfect blend of natural splendour and vibrant energy. While here, we have the opportunity to visit the world-famous Wanaka Tree, an iconic solitary willow tree that stands gracefully in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka. It has become a symbol of the town and a favourite subject for photographers from around the world. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore, soak in the beauty of the surroundings, and capture the magical essence of the Wanaka Tree.

Lake Matheson
Lake Wanaka Kayaking
Day 5

Wanaka to Queenstown

We set out today for the rugged, tussock-covered beauty of the Crown Range. At the high point of the route are expansive views toward the valleys below, including Queenstown.

We'll follow the winding descent and stop by the for a visit of the historic township of Arrowtown, where gold was discovered in 1861. The town is one of delightful old cottages and fine avenues of trees making it an excellent place for pleasant cafe stop.

Depending on your interests, a tastings at some of wineries of the Gibbston Valley may be of interest, or perhaps a visit to the iconic Kawarau Bungy, before continuing into the thriving hub of Queenstown.

Arrowtown
Day 6

Queenstown

Beautiful Queenstown offers something for everyone, so your guide will tailor the day to suit your preferences.

North of Queenstown - a superb drive alongside Lake Wakatipu leads you to Glenorchy. A local petting farm here is popular with families, while hikers may enjoy a short hike on the famous Routeburn Track, or the postcard-ready Glenorchy boardwalk. There are also some great, family-friendly rafting and jetboating options available at this end of the lake.

Alternatively, just east of Queenstown is charming, historic Arrowtown offers great coffee and boutiques, not far from the Gibbston valley wineries (which are open for tastings) and the world-famous Kawarau bungy.

Chard Farm, Gibbston Valley
Autumn Willow Queenstown
Day 7

Queenstown to Mt Cook

We set out this morning from Queenstown and the beautiful shores of Lake Wakatipu.

We follow the dramatic, rocky terrain of the Kawarau Gorge and emerge in Cromwell, where we make a visit to its unique historic precinct - a great spot for a morning coffee. Cromwell is also surrounded by orchards, and local fruit stands offer opportunity to grab some fruit ice cream. From here, the route continues north over the tussock-covered slopes of the scenic Lindis Pass.

We make our way past vibrant blue of Lake Pukaki toward Aoraki Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. Mt Cook village offers a variety of hikes and scenic viewpoints to cater to all interests and abilities, as well as some of the darkest, clearest skies in the country - making it the perfect spot for stargazing.

Mt Cook & Lake Pukaki
Day 8

Mt Cook to Christchurch

We backtrack south past Lake Pukaki continuing to Lake Tekapo, where we'll visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd on the lake shore.

Setting out from Tekapo, we descend from the golden tussock heights of the Mackenzie, and optionally stop by one of New Zealand's most famous pie shops, before crossing the Canterbury plains and arriving in Christchurch.

Church of the Good Shepherd
Day 9

Fly home

Today is the last day of your tour.

We'll transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

If your flight departure time allows, we'll customise a morning itinerary to take in some last minute sights or shopping, before departure for the airport.

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