New Zealand·March 9 - 16 2024

New Zealand's Scenic South Island

Come and see the purest natural landscapes that you will ever experience

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Overview

From glaciers to stunning golden beaches, rainforests to resort towns, glittering lakes to gigantic peaks, New Zealand’s South Island truly has it all. Embark on the adventure of a lifetime through some of the world’s most remarkable landscapes. Encounter creativity and resilience in Christchurch, gaze at billions of stars at Lake Tekapo, get your adrenaline pumping in Queenstown, soak up minerals in the hot springs, and take your time in postcard-pretty Wanaka. Together, we will explore the South Island’s natural beauty, funky cities, and some little hidden gems rarely visited by tourists.

Highlights

Cruise the Akaroa Harbor to find the world's smallest dolphins

Cruise the Akaroa Harbor to find the world's smallest dolphins

Relax in a hot pool gazing up at glittering stars

Relax in a hot pool gazing up at glittering stars

Visit historic Arrowtown

Visit historic Arrowtown

Explore exquisite country gardens & the Church of the Good Sheppard

Explore exquisite country gardens & the Church of the Good Sheppard

Taste superb New Zealand wines

Taste superb New Zealand wines

Relax on a punt as you are poled down the serene Avon River

Relax on a punt as you are poled down the serene Avon River

Sip a cool beverage at the iconic Cardona Hotel

Sip a cool beverage at the iconic Cardona Hotel

Soar above picturesque landscapes in a helicopter

Soar above picturesque landscapes in a helicopter

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary for the trip

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Christchurch

Day 1: Saturday, March 9th, 2024

We'll meet you at Christchurch Airport to transfer you to the Observatory Hotel in the Garden City's historic Arts Centre. 

Take the time to explore the city at your own pace, or nurse your jet lag. Visit an art gallery or museum. We'll offer some suggestions. If you love to shop, stroll down to The Crossing and Ballantynes, a short walk from the hotel. Your local guide will be on hand to assist and show you around.

This evening, we'll meet for welcome cocktails at Mr. Brightside's rooftop bar. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere and sweeping views, drink in hand, as you meet new friends. It’s a short walk to Inati, where we will dine this evening.

Included

Welcome drinks

Dinner

Airport Transfer

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Christchurch and Surrounds

Day 2: Sunday, March 10th, 2024

We'll start our Christchurch sightseeing adventure onboard a restored vintage tram. Our knowledgeable driver will provide interesting commentary on the local landmarks and the changing face of Christchurch. We'll stop at the Transitional Cathedral for a short guided tour to learn the history of this unique house of prayer. It was built with cardboard after the Canterbury earthquakes. Art lovers will enjoy the city’s architecture and the street art we discover on the tour. 

Our next adventure begins onboard a Punt (a long, narrow, flat-bottomed boat, square at both ends and propelled with a long pole). Our classically attired punter will pole us along the serene Avon River. You have free time for lunch. Our guide recommends the Riverside Market for very yummy light meals. 


This afternoon, we'll drive across the Port Hills to Governor's Bay to Ōhinetahi Gardens. The magnificent gardens are situated at the head of Lyttelton Harbour. The gardens and sculptures have a special significance, dating back to 1865 when keen botanist Thomas H. Potts began planting them. We will do an informative tour of the grounds and the historic homestead, followed by afternoon tea.

Next up, enjoy a scenic drive around the bays via the port of Lyttelton and Sumner Beach back to the city. Time permitting, we'll stroll along the Sumner beach promenade.


Tonight, we're having dinner and a wine tasting at The Cellar Door.

Included

Breakfast, Wine Tasting, Dinner

Not Included

Lunch

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Banks Peninsula

Day 3: Monday, March 11th, 2024

After breakfast, we'll journey across to the Banks Peninsula, stopping at Little River for morning tea and a visit to a popular gallery showcasing local art and jewelry. We'll wind our way up the hill and across the top of the peninsula before dropping down into O’Kains Bay. This idyllic little slice of Kiwi paradise is home to several quaint historic buildings, a quiet beach, and the Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum. The museum features 3,000 Māori items including several waka (war canoes) that share a space with colonial items from yesteryear. Next, we'll stroll the organic garden and relax with a cold beverage before stopping for lunch at Jane’s Kitchen. 

In the afternoon, we'll travel over the hill, stopping at the top to admire the scenery below. In Akaroa, we'll tour the Giant’s House to discover the unique collection of sculptures and mosaics and the beautiful garden. 


Later this afternoon, we’ll board a comfortable sea vessel for a 2-hour harbor cruise. The aim is to meet the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hector. They are a cute and playful bunch found only in New Zealand waters. Refreshments and snacks will be served on the cruise. Don’t forget your camera. This is an amazing photo opportunity!  


Tonight is yours to enjoy on your own or with newly found friends.

Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks

Boat Cruise

Not Included

Dinner

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McKenzie Country

Day 4: Tuesday, March 12th, 2024

After checking out of our hotel, we’ll start our journey south, driving across the Canterbury Plains, crossing braided rivers, and breaking up our trip in a rural town for lunch.

We'll reach Lake Tekapo by early afternoon to visit a much-photographed icon – The Church of the Good Shepherd. Revel in the vast vistas this area is known for with its turquoise lakes, golden grasslands, and New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook.

Later this afternoon, we'll check into The Galaxy Boutique Hotel to relax and unwind before we head out for dinner at the popular Kohan Japanese restaurant.

McKenzie Country is an International Dark Sky Reserve. This evening, we'll experience serious "Star Gazing." We'll introduce you to the southern night skies with a unique combination of astronomy and storytelling before relaxing in a hot pool where you can lie on a floating hammock and gaze up at the glittering stars.

Included

All Meals

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Central Otago

Day 5: Wednesday, March 13th, 2024

After breakfast, let's appreciate the picturesque scenery as we roll across the vast plains via colorful lakes, rivers, and the Lindis Pass before arriving in Lake Wanaka. Here, we’ll visit a local bakery and pick up a picnic lunch to eat lakeside.

This afternoon, we'll partake in a gin and whisky tasting at Cardrona Distillery before continuing to an iconic Kiwi watering hole – The Cardrona Hotel. This is one of the most photographed historic facades in the country. We'll have time to wander through the hotel and discover its history before relaxing in the gardens with a cool refreshment. 

Later, we'll travel across the Crown Range - New Zealand’s highest main road on an epic drive that reaches an altitude of 1,121 meters. Finally, we'll arrive in Queenstown and check into the Kamana Lake House, our home for the next few days.

Dinner tonight is at Rātā, where we'll savor New Zealand cuisine with an inventive twist.

Included

All Meals

Gin/Whiskey Tasting

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Arrowtown and the Gibbston Valley

Day 6: Thursday, March 14th, 2024

After breakfast, we'll explore nearby Arrowtown. Nestled on the banks of the Arrow River and surrounded by natural beauty, this little town is rich in heritage and charm. Wandering down Main Street, we'll discover cute miners’ cottages and boutique shops. Take time to shop or stroll along the river and explore the Chinese village.

Next, we're off to Gibbston Valley, famed for its rugged schist mountains, swirling blue river, and award-winning Pinot Noir wines. At Kinross, you can sip a variety of regional wines. You'll taste wines from the vineyards of Coal Pit, Hawkshead, Valli, and Wild Irishman as well as their own Kinross offerings. If you prefer not to indulge in wine tasting, you can stay in Arrowtown and join the group for lunch at Kinross later.

A short drive brings us to the world home of bungy jumping at the Kawerau River. AJ Hackett, a New Zealand entrepreneur, led the way in promoting the extreme sport of bungy jumping. He made a bungy jump from the Eiffel Tower in 1987 and founded the first commercial bungy site in 1988 from the Kawerau Bridge. Here, you can watch people launch off the bridge with a rubber rope tied around their legs and hurtle 43m down toward the river. You can also partake in this heart-pounding, exhilarating experience if your heart desires (optional activity not included)!

We'll end our day at the Onsen Pools for a soak in a cedar-lined hot tub filled with pure water from the surrounding mountains. Gaze out to the inspiring scenery below with a glass of bubbly and enjoy this unique Kiwi twist to a Japanese tradition. 


Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. 

Included

Breakfast & Lunch

Wine Tasting

Not Included

Dinner

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High Country Adventures

Day 7: Friday, March 15th, 2024

We'll spend today in the stunning high country, venturing out in a luxury 4WD vehicle through epic landscapes and across rivers, climbing the ridgeline to look over mountains and canyons on the way to Ben Lomond Station. This 33,000-acre property is one of the few high country stations still owned and operated by New Zealanders. It has been a major part of the local history for over 150 years. We’ll meet with the station owner to discover intriguing tales about station life in this remote region. We'll share a gourmet picnic lunch before taking a stroll through a stunning beech forest to learn about the gold mining history and the early settlers of the region.

After lunch, we’ll view the dramatic landscapes from the air. Our helicopter will transport us from Moonlight Lodge at the station across mountains and lakes back to Queenstown, a breathtaking experience.

Finally, we will end the day with an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Shotover River. It was a clever Kiwi that invented the jet boat, enabling us to travel into remote places with ease. This afternoon’s thrilling ride through the canyon will blow your mind!

We will share our final dinner at Nest - Queenstown’s highest alfresco restaurant with superb views of Lake Wakatipu through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Included

All Meals

Helicopter Ride

Jet Boat Excursion

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Day 8: Saturday, March 16th, 2024

Sadly, our South Island experience comes to an end after breakfast. You will be transferred to Queenstown Airport for direct flights to Auckland or Australia to connect you to your homeward flight. 

Alternatively, you may prefer to stay here and join our North Island tour that starts in two days. Ask for options to fill in these two days. Stay in Queenstown, head to Auckland early, or take an overnight cruise to Doubtful or Milford Sound.

Included

Breakfast

Airport Transfer

You'll Be Staying Here

The Observatory Hotel

The Observatory Hotel

The Observatory Hotel brings contemporary style to the heart of a area rich with history. 

The Galaxy Boutique Hotel Lake Tekapo

The Galaxy Boutique Hotel Lake Tekapo

Galaxy Boutique Hotel is the latest boutique hotel in the Mackenzie Region, providing distinctive high-quality accommodation.

The Kamana Lakehouse

The Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse, a 5-minute drive from the center of Queenstown, offers stunning views over Lake Wakatipu and the iconic Remarkables mountain range. 

Hosts

Marie Coles

Marie Coles

Marie grew up in a small farming community in the beautiful South Island of New Zealand.  Being a free-spirited, adventurous type, it wasn’t long before she spread her wings and started roaming around her country, exploring “nooks & crannies,” meeting amazing people, and forming life-long friendships. After many years of working in the travel and tourism industry, Marie founded her own company, Roam Travel Adventures, specializing in women's only tours. She has carefully crafted this itinerary for GG2TW – a bespoke tour you won't get anywhere else.


Price

Private Room

Private Room

Everyone gets their own fabulous room!

FROM$8,925.00/pp

Shared Room

Shared Room

Share a room with a friend or family member

FROM$7,975.00/pp

New Zealand's South Island

Big Mountains and Blue Waves

New Zealand's South Island hosts the purest natural landscapes you'll ever experience. From wildlife to wineries, glacial valleys to star-filled skies, the South Island offers adventure in all its forms.

Big Mountains and Blue Waves

What's Included

What's Included

Local New Zealand driver and guide

Transportation in private air-conditioned 12-seater vehicle

Airport transfers on Day 1 and 8

7 nights accommodation at luxury hotels

Welcome Cocktails

Meals as specified in the itinerary

All activities specified in the itinerary

Domestic or International Airfare

Laundry

Tourist Visa

Travel or Medical Insurance (required)

FAQs

The tour starts in Christchurch and ends in Queenstown – both are international airports.  Most travelers arrive from the US or further afield via Qantas through Sydney and straight into Christchurch and out of Queenstown.  Alternatively, airlines such as Air New Zealand have add-ons available with their international airfares to Auckland.

The trip officially starts on the afternoon of March 9th, but if you are traveling across an ocean to get to New Zealand, consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and adjust to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, please let us know, and we will take care of booking your room. We'll ensure you are kept in the same room as when the trip starts.

We will have a zoom call about 6 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips. 

Inquire about this trip

New Zealand's Scenic South Island

New Zealand· March 9 - 16 2024· 7 nights

FROM$8925/pp