Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Queenstown
Upon arrival in Queenstown, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. After check-in, you will have the freedom to explore the city at your own pace.
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 2: Queenstown Onsen
Today, we will enjoy the exclusive outdoor spa cedar tubs for a blissful 60-minute soak in the midst of nature. The idyllic cedar-lined hot tubs are the highlight for Queenstown visitors and locals. The spa’s uniqueness is a Kiwi twist on a Japanese tradition with its exclusive use pools, filled with pure water sourced from the surrounding mountains and heated to a comfortable 38.3 degrees.
During your rejuvenating soak, towels, a complimentary drink, and a snack are provided, ensuring a delightful experience. Our pool rooms, featuring wooden side walls and a retractable roof, are versatile, allowing you to seamlessly switch between an indoor and outdoor setting with just a simple push of a button.
So just immerse yourself in panoramic views of the majestic mountains across the scenic Shotover River. Later, you will be transferred back to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure pace.
Meals: Breakfast, Snack & Beverage
Accommodation: 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 3: Queenstown to Milford Sound
After breakfast, we will embark on a stunning adventure from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Your guide will point out top highlights as you drive around Lake Wakatipu, offering amazing views of ‘The Remarkables’ Mountain Range.
Pass through Devil’s Staircase, known for dramatic photos. Enjoy the idyllic town of Te Anau and Lake Te Anau, New Zealand’s second-largest lake. Enter Fiordland National Park and stop at Eglinton Valley with Lord of the Rings-worthy views.
Experience the Mirror Lakes’ reflections and visit Lake Gunn. Continue through the breathtaking Darran Mountains, home to the Kea parrot. Traverse the hand-built Homer Tunnel and arrive at the magnificent Milford Sound. Board a boutique cruise with Cruise Milford, encountering fur seals, massive rock faces, and waterfalls cascading from ancient rainforests. Marvel at Mitre Peak’s awe-inspiring beauty.
After the cruise, enjoy more scenic stops, including The Chasm and Pop’s View Lookout, before heading back to Queenstown with a fully guided return trip and breaks along the way.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Accommodation: 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 4: Queenstown to Mt Cook
Today you will be traveling to Mt Cook and your guide will introduce you to the top highlights as you drive through the picturesque Kawarau Gorge, passing the iconic Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the Roaring Meg Lookout.
In Cromwell, you’ll witness vast vineyards and cross Lake Dunstan towards Lindis Pass. Climbing in altitude, enjoy breathtaking views down the valleys from the famous Lindis Pass lookout. Stop at the quaint Omarama township for a break or try their renowned creamy chicken pie. Then, prepare to be amazed as you reach Lake Pukaki in Aoraki National Park, framed by the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps.
Capture stunning photos and learn about nearby Lord of the Rings filming locations. Arriving at Mt Cook Village, you’ll have the chance to admire New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook, standing at 3724m. Your guided transfer ends here, but your adventure to explore Mt Cook has just begun.
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks
Accommodation: 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 5: Glacier Explore – Ice Adventure in Aoraki
Today you will be embarking on the ultimate ice adventure in Aoraki/Mount Cook. Check-in for your Glacier Explorers trip at the Activities Centre on the ground floor of the Hermitage Hotel. Later on, you will be transported to the Tasman Valley, a short drive from Mount Cook village.
After a 1.5km/25-minute alpine walk through the National Park from the Blue Lakes carpark, you will board the Glacier Explorers boat at the Tasman Lake jetty. The excursion lasts about 2.5 hours, with approximately one hour spent on the lake.
Get ready for an unforgettable glacier exploration experience! Please bring an extra warm layer of clothing, sunblock & sunglasses, wet weather gear, and suitable walking shoes.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 6: Mt Cook to Christchurch
Today you will be departing from Mt Cook Village, weather permitting, to capture stunning shots of New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook, standing tall at 3724m. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Pukaki along one of the world’s most beautiful roads, with the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook and Southern Alps as a backdrop.
Don’t miss the chance to take Instagram-worthy photos, explore the Church of the Good Shepherd, and see the Mackenzie dog at Lake Tekapo. As we head towards Christchurch, pass through more scenic passes and high country towns, with a quick break in the peaceful town of Geraldine before reaching your final destination, Christchurch. Your guides will point out highlights along the way as you journey to your drop-off locations in Christchurch.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 7: TranzAlpine Train Tour from Christchurch
Today you will be picked up from the hotel and experience the breathtaking Arthur’s Pass National Park on a full-day tour from Christchurch with the Scenic TranzAlpine train journey. Traverse the stunning Canterbury Plains and wind through Waimakariri Gorge into the heart of the Southern Alps.
Our guide will lead you on short rainforest walks past rivers, offering captivating mountain vistas at Castle Hill. Enjoy a delicious hotel lunch and light refreshments before the return trip via Waimak Gorge. Discover the natural beauty and wonders of Arthur’s Pass National Park on this unforgettable adventure. You will be transferred back to your hotel after the tour ended.
Meals: Morning & Afternoon Tea, Lunch
Accommodation: 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 8: Say Goodbye to Christchurch
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight departure.
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: N/A
