Handcrafted with South Island’s most iconic and exclusive experiences, this exciting 9-day adventure will reveal glaciers, icebergs, fjords, caves, vineyards, lakes, mountains, and charming towns. New Zealand’s South Island is a canvas of dramatic landscapes, invigorating adventure, and natural wonders. Indulge in wine tasting, spend a night on Milford Sound, and explore the Fiordland from a helicopter.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Christchurch – Immersed in Art
Christchurch suffered after a 2011 earthquake and still remains a bit off the radar for tourists, which is a shame because the city’s transformation has been incredible. There is a unique energy here, and Christchurch will be quick to rejuvenate you after your long flight. A local guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your luxurious accommodation in the heart of the city. This afternoon, you will explore the city on a private walking tour that will focus on art and change. After your tour concludes, you will have the remainder of the evening to spend at your leisure.
What's Included:
Day 2
Aoraki Mt. Cook – Guided Stargazing
Day 3
Aoraki Mt. Cook – Scenic Flight
Day 4
Wanaka – Central Otago Vineyards
Day 5
Te Anau – Exploring Glowworm Caves
Day 6
Milford Sound – Overnight Nature Cruise
Day 7
Queenstown – Helicopter Across Fiordland
Day 8
Queenstown – Cruising Lake Wakatipu
Day 9
Queenstown – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Savor an incredible scenic flight across the Southern Alps, featuring astonishing views of New Zealand’s highest mountains
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu in a steamship for a sense of South Island a century ago
- Indulge in fine flavors during an afternoon of wine tasting in the Central Otago wine region near Wanaka
- Spend an incredible night on Milford Sound, which is New Zealand’s most famous fjord and most epic natural wonder
- Discover the southern sky with a night of guided stargazing in Aoraki Mt. Cook
- Disappear underground into a network of glowworm caves, surreal caverns, and sculpted rock formations
- Explore Fiordland from the air with a spectacular helicopter flight above fjords and glaciers
- Cruise past 500-year-old icebergs on a journey to one of only three world glaciers that terminate in lakes
- Indulge in a thrilling jet boat ride on the Shotover River
Detailed Description
Dramatic landscapes set the scene on New Zealand’s South Island. Snow-draped mountains rise above turquoise lakes and empty roads, fjords and glaciers extend into the unknown, and solitude reigns. This island is nature’s canvas, illustrating an incredible live art gallery of Earth’s natural splendor. It will all be yours to discover on this exciting 9-day adventure of New Zealand’s South Island. Handcrafted with exclusive experiences and ultimate locations, you will discover an island that has been shaped by volcanos and where so many places remain mostly unexplored.
After a night in Christchurch, you will dive into the mountains for a two-night stay at Aoraki Mt. Cook. Here, you will admire the southern sky, cruise past ancient icebergs on a glacial lake, and savor a scenic flight above the Southern Alps. Then, from the mountains, you will descend on the rugged Central Otago plains, where vineyards will provide you with a day of blissful flavors and scenes. Afterward, you will dive deeper into glowworm caves and surreal chambers before taking a boat to the edge of the world. Milford Sound is New Zealand’s most famous fjord, and its size is breathtaking. It hots vertical cliffs and waterfalls that tower thousands of feet in the air. By spending the night, you can really discover its beauty away from other boats and tourists.
By flying over Fiordland in a helicopter, you can gain an alternative perspective of this spectacular corner of the South Island. You will conclude your nine days with a two-night stop in Queenstown, which is a bucolic town of scenic charms. Cruising along the Shotover River in a jet boat will get your heart pumping on day seven before a historic steamship helps you connect ancient nature and culture on day eight. Queenstown has an international airport, so you will fly out from here, although you should note that this South Island tour can be customized further to include places in the North Island as well.
Starting Price
$3,700 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.
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