New Zealand: South Island Discovery

Duration: 9 days

Highlights: - Explore the captivating Mount Cook region, home to the glittering Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake
- Stay in alpine valley luxury at the Lindis, nestled among the wonders of the Ahuriri Valley
- Be left spellbound on a heli day tour of magnificent Milford Sound
- Be enchanted by the cosmopolitan charms and adrenalin-pumping adventure pursuits of Queenstown

New Zealand’s South Island is home to wild and sweeping landscapes of gushing rivers and epic rainforests, glaciers, fjords and extraordinary volcanic terrain. On this spellbinding self-drive adventure 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 from above, cruise through the country’s most breathtaking fjord and revel in a rare star-gazing odyssey at the summit of Mt John.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch

Arrive at captivating Christchurch, collect your rental car and drive to your luxury home away from home, 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

Overnight: The George

Day 2: Tekapo

Rise with a sense of adventure and drive to the breathtaking Tekapo region. The town faces out across the remarkable turquoise-coloured lake to the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps. Arrive and settle into your charming B&B, Ranginui.

This evening, embark on a Dark Sky stargazing journey from the summit of Mt John, home to the world-renowned astronomical research centre. In 2012 the Aoraki Mackenzie area was declared an International Dark Sky Reserve, one of only 20 in the world, and Mt John offers unrivalled 360-degree views across the twinkling sky. Listen in as your expert astronomy guide shares the science of space. Begin with the naked eye before gazing through 16" optical telescopes with a visit to the private observatory dome. Take in the incredible Milky Way, far off planets, star clusters, solar systems, and even distant galaxies.

Overnight: Ranginui B&B Tepako

Meal Plan: B

Day 3: Tekapo

Today is at leisure to experience the Mackenzie Region and Lake Tekapo your way. Discover rugged mountains, hiking trails, rippling tussocks, and the vast glacier fed lakes. Perhaps begin by exploring one of Lake Tekapo’s walking and cycling tracks, stopping at the famed Church of the Good Shepard for some scenic photography. Take a drive into the high country to Lake Alexandrina where you can cast a line for brown trout and salmon. Romp through Mackenzie Country on a 4WD tour, spotting sheep stations, pristine wilderness and backcountry as you go. Follow it up with a relaxing soak in the Tekapo hot springs surrounded by pristine alpine views. Other options include horse trekking, golfing, or kayaking on the lake (activities at extra cost).

Overnight: Ranginui B&B Tepako

Meal Plan: B

Day 4: Ahuriri Valley

Perhaps venture a little further afield to 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 of Lindis’ dining.

Overnight: The Lindis

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 5: Ahuriri Valley

Today is yours to discover this spectacular region at leisure. Explore Ben Avon station & The Ahuriri Valley by jumping on one of the hotel’s available e-bikes, 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).

Overnight: The Lindis

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 6: Queenstown

Rise this morning and drive south to the adventurer’s playground of Queenstown, admiring 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. Arrive into Queenstown at your leisure, and settle into your luxurious base for the remainder of your stay.

Overnight: Azur Lodge

Meal Plan: B

Days 7 - 8: Queenstown

The next few days are yours to explore this spectacular city and its surrounding landscapes. Enjoy a half-day tour of magnificent Milford Sound including a shared scenic heli-tour across the Southern Alps. Fly above the rugged backcountry of Central Otago, before heading westward to where the glacial-fed rivers empty into Lake Wakatipu. Soar over the Fiordland National Park to discover an untouched world of peaks and valleys, and touch down in Milford Sound where you’ll cruise past cascading waterfalls, immense rock faces and unique wildlife.

The rest of your time is at leisure. From alpine heliskiing to zip-lining, there’s an adventure for every thrill seeker (additional cost). Leap, lunge or luge here, or perhaps find time to visit some of the many renowned wineries. You might like to 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 — one of the most dramatic natural scenes in New Zealand.

Overnight: Azur Lodge

Meal Plan: B

Day 9: Depart Queenstown

Today, your South Island adventure comes to an end. Return your rental car at the airport in time for your onward flight.

Meal Plan: B