Reality will blend into a dreamy landscape during your two-week New Zealand tour of the South Island. Specialist guides will lead you on customizable tours that highlight the shimmering waters of captivating fiords and the steep slopes of dramatic coastline. Whether you reveal the secrets of Middle Earth or sail on glacial lakes, you will turn New Zealand’s majestic nature into a spectacular outdoor playground.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Christchurch – Relaxing in an Energetic City
While scars from the massive 2011 earthquake continue to mark Christchurch, the city displays an energy that provides a perfect introduction to New Zealand. You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to a boutique hotel in the city. A short private walking tour will illustrate how street art helped transform rubble into a liveable city. You will also enjoy the laid-back Kiwi welcome. This experience will allow you to discover how somewhere with so much energy can be so relaxing. You can take it slow today because you will have two weeks of adventures to come.
What's Included:
Day 2
Christchurch – Swimming with Wild Dolphins
Day 3
Christchurch – Whale-Watching Expedition
Day 4
Mt. Cook Village – The Majestic Southern Alps
Day 5
Mt. Cook Village – Cruising Past Icebergs
Day 6
Queenstown – Central Otago Vineyards
Day 7
Queenstown – Uncovering Middle-Earth
Day 8
Queenstown – An Old-World Steamer Cruise
Day 9
Doubtful Sound – Overnight Escape in Fiordland
Day 10
Queenstown – Hidden Fiordland by Helicopter
Day 11
Abel Tasman National Park – New Zealand’s Finest Beaches
Day 12 - 13
Abel Tasman National Park – Tropical Escapism by Kayak
Day 14
Nelson – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Escape to tropical beaches with a three-night stay in Abel Tasman National Park
- Explore the best of Fiordland National Park, including an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound and a full-day helicopter excursion
- Cruise past icebergs and soar above Mt. Cook during your two days near New Zealand’s tallest mountain
- Embrace marine encounters, such as swimming with wild dolphins and whale watching in Kaikoura
- Discover the original Middle Earth on an adventure to Lord of the Rings movie locations
- Savor South Island’s laid-back vibe, from a street walk in Christchurch to an old-world steamer trip across Lake Wakatipu
- Uncover some of the island’s secrets, including the world’s southernmost wine region and the turquoise tones of Lake Pukaki
Starting Price
$16,000 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.