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.
Here's a day-by-day itinerary for the trip
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The Observatory Hotel brings contemporary style to the heart of a area rich with history.
Galaxy Boutique Hotel is the latest boutique hotel in the Mackenzie Region, providing distinctive high-quality accommodation.
Kamana Lakehouse, a 5-minute drive from the center of Queenstown, offers stunning views over Lake Wakatipu and the iconic Remarkables mountain range.
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.
New Zealand's South Island
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.
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)
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.