From tropics to fjords, experience the ultimate island immersion into nature on this one-week tour of New Zealand’s South Island. This is an exclusive itinerary that includes Fjordland, Franz Josef, Abel Tasman, and Kahurangi National Parks. Handcrafted with three distinctive natural realms, you will helicopter and hike into the wild and escape into landscapes that are rarely encountered by visitors.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Queenstown – Shotover River and Middle-Earth
After touching down in Queenstown, you will be transferred to your boutique hotel in the heart of the city. Early check-in will be arranged so that you can freshen up and head straight to the Shotover River. A barren canyon of dramatic corners and turquoise water, this river is best explored on a jet boat. This is a fast-paced and exciting ride that will have you rushing down the river. After your river adventure, you can indulge in a private 4WD vehicle tour into a wilderness that inspired Middle-earth. Your guide can help you customize your exact route based on your hiking and adventure preferences.
What's Included:
Day 2
Queenstown – Private Helicopter Tour
Day 3
Franz Josef Glacier – World Heritage Te Wahipounamu
Day 4
Franz Josef Glacier – Hiking a Wild Glacier
Day 5
Westhaven Inlet – Kayak along the Coast
Day 6
Westhaven Inlet – Traversing Surreal Trails
Day 7
Westhaven Inlet – Beautiful Hiking Trails and Departure
Trip Highlights
- Spend a glorious day exploring Fiordland National Park on a private helicopter tour that can access areas unseen by other visitors
- Uncover the hidden trails of Kahurangi National Park during a day that will completely immerse you in the park’s indigenous forest
- Kayak along the South Island’s tropical northern coastline, passing dolphins to golden beaches and deserted islands
- Rush down the Shotover River in a jet boat, which can be a real thrill for your first day on the island
- Crunch across the ice on a stunning glacier hike with natural ice sculptures that create artistic memories in all directions
- Explore the inspiration for Middle Earth on a 4WD vehicle adventure near Queenstown
- Search for elusive kiwi birds and learn about their future during a private wildlife tour near Franz Josef Glacier
- Embrace wild landscapes and cross three national parks on the ultimate one-day New Zealand road trip, from Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
Starting Price
$2,900 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 1710 reviews.
We very much enjoyed our time in New Zealand and Australia. The tours were all very good. Zicasso's travel agent and our tour partner were very responsive and helpful throughout the planning phase and while we were on vacation.
The only feedback we have is that the hotels selected, other than the hotels in New Zealand, did not have the amenities we were hoping to get from four-star properties. We'll do a better job of indicating what we need in hotel selections moving forward, but we thought the hotels could have been a notch better than they were.
Reviewed By Tim G.
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.
