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.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.85 stars based on 1708 reviews.
We absolutely loved so much of our trip! My kids’ (ages 11 and eight) favorite activities were luging in Rotorua, NZ, and the sunset camel ride in Uluru, AU, while my husband and I were enchanted by Hobbiton and enjoyed exploring a glowworm cave with the owner's father! We all loved Tasmania.
There were a few hiccups. However, we were very happy with all the support the Zicasso travel company's team provided in real time to help us get back on track.
The overall trip was fantastic. My husband and I appreciated having the team support our adventures, both the highs and the lows. The team members were detailed-oriented. This trip exceeded our expectations and we’re incredibly grateful for their expertise in curating such memorable experiences.
Reviewed By Sivly R.
The trip was awesome; the trip of a lifetime! We saw/experienced everything we could imagine. The trip reflected all of our wish-list items. Zicasso's travel specialist was very accommodating to our ideas and was very detail-oriented. We didn't have to worry about a thing on this vacation.
Reviewed By Sharon B.
We had a fabulous time celebrating my 75th birthday in New Zealand and Bora Bora. Zicasso's travel specialist was fantastic to work with. She was very responsive to all of our questions and concerns and even checked in with us numerous times while we were on the trip. I'd highly recommend her and the travel company when traveling to New Zealand or French Polynesia.
Reviewed By Paul S.
Zicasso's travel specialist worked with us every step of the way to create an amazing itinerary filled with adventure in New Zealand and luxurious relaxation in Fiji. She helped us adjust the itinerary until it was just right. Unfortunately, there were a couple of excursions that were impacted by the weather and other logistics, which impacted our experience, but it was not her fault and she was willing to try to find other options.
Reviewed By Stephanie G.
Great trip! Zicasso's travel planner was responsive to our needs and put together an enjoyable trip. It was organized, with all documents in order and no surprises!
Reviewed By Lisa D.
The process was straightforward and Zicasso's trip planner was very easy to work with. She came up with an itinerary that we were able to tweak and work with to fit our timeline and expectations.
Reviewed By Jodi R.
