New Zealand South Island Explorer: Southern Alps, Glaciers, Lakes & Fjords - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch, Avon River / Ōtākaro Waka Paddle

Kia ora! Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand's "Garden City." Your driver awaits at the airport for a seamless transfer to your hotel. After settling in, dive into the city's green havens like the Botanical Gardens, explore the indoor Riverside Market for fresh local produce, arts and crafts, and yummy eateries, or hop on a 19th-century tram past Cathedral Square and the Canterbury Museum. 

Day 2: Antarctic Penguin Encounter, Whale Watching Tour, Māori Food Safari

Day 3: Pick Up Rental Car, Drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook

Today, your Southern Alps adventure calls. Pick up your rental car and drive for five hours through the heart of the South Island, crossing the vast Canterbury Plains. Ascend Burkes Pass to reach the glacier-fed turquoise waters of New Zealand's highest lake—Lake Tekapo, then pause for a photo at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, framed by the majestic Alps.

Day 4: Glacier Boat Trip, Hiking Tracks & Stargazing

Weave around 500-year-old floating icebergs on Tasman Lake in a specially designed boat on this morning's 2.5-hour glacial adventure. Explore the melting ice face of the Haupapa / Tasman Glacier—New Zealand's largest—as your experienced guide points out key landmarks. Glide across the water, surrounded by towering ice cliffs, pull up beside an iceberg, and reach out to touch it.

Day 5: Drive to Dunedin, Explore the City Center

This morning, head 4.5 hours south to Dunedin, the "Edinburgh of the South," passing Twizel—a "The Lord of the Rings" filming location. Stop for a break at the Wrinkly Ram Cafe for sheepshearing demonstrations before continuing through the Waitaki Valley and down the coast to marvel at the huge spherical Moeraki Boulders / Kaihinaki scattered across Koekohe Beach.

Day 6: Dunedin Castle & Cruise Tour, Penguin Place

This morning, head 30 minutes out of the city to the Otago Peninsula and join a one-hour wildlife cruise around Taiaroa Head, home to the world's only mainland nesting site for royal albatross. Spot New Zealand fur seals lounging on the rocks and New Zealand sea lions on the beach as you explore the beautiful and rugged Otago Harbor coastline while keeping watch for playful penguins and dolphins. 

Day 7: Drive to Te Anau, Glowworm Caves, Kepler Track

Hit the road this morning for a 3.5-hour drive to Te Anau, the gateway to UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Take a quick detour at Kaka Point to soak in views of craggy cliffs and crashing waves before continuing to Te Anau. This lakeside town, embraced by snowy mountain peaks, is your launching pad for exploring the national park and the famed hiking trails: Milford, Routeburn, and Kepler. 

Day 8: Scenic Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Cruise

Day 9: Drive to Queenstown, Shotover River Jet Boat

Cross vast tussock lands today on your two-hour drive to Queenstown—New Zealand's adventure capital. Pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of New Zealand, then continue through the picturesque Southland countryside, where the road begins to hug the lake's edge and The Remarkables mountain range towers above you. Settle into your hotel on arrival and grab a lamb burger for lunch.

Then, hold on tight as you set off on a thrilling ride through the Shotover River Canyons in a high-speed jet boat that seems to defy gravity. Prepare to get wet as the boat executes 360-degree twists and turns while your experienced driver navigates the 46 miles (75 km) of dramatic rapids and narrow canyons in this pristine natural landscape.

Day 10: Skyline Gondola Ride, Historic Steamship & Farm Dinner Experience 

Start this morning by hopping aboard the Skyline Gondola, the Southern Hemisphere's steepest cable car. Rise 1,400 feet (450 m) above Queenstown and bask in panoramic views of The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak, Coronet Peak, and beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Once at the top, try a flat white coffee and a slice of kumara (sweet potato) cinnamon cake at the restaurant before heading back to explore the town or bungee a mind-blowing 440 feet (134 m) above the rugged Nevis River.

Day 11: Central Otago Wine Tour, Visit Old Cromwell

Today, you'll join a full-day luxury minivan tour through Central Otago's picturesque wine country with a knowledgeable guide. Indulge in tastings at four premium vineyards across Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Cromwell—three wine sub-regions known for their excellent cool-climate wines, which are generally more acidic and lighter than other varieties.

Day 12: Drive to Franz Josef / Waiau & Glacier

Pack some picnic food this morning and head off on a 4.5-hour scenic drive over the Crown Range, along the highest sealed road in New Zealand, to the alpine town of Wānaka. There, you'll skirt the shores of Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, then stop at Makarora for a one-hour round-trip walk through the native tawhero (beech) forest to a glacier-fed swimming hole at the pristine waters of the Blue Pools.

Day 13: Glacier Flight, TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch

Put on some sunscreen, grab your sunglasses, and head to the helicopter base for a spectacular 30-minute scenic flight over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers—Fox and Franz Josef. Experience a snow landing, explore the ice falls, and marvel at these enormous rivers of ice winding over 7.5 miles (12 km) through ancient valleys carved from the mountainside. 

Day 14: Depart Christchurch

Today, depending on your departure time, take a leisurely punt along the Avon River / Ōtākaro with a gondolier guide in period costume. Then, it's time to say goodbye to New Zealand's South Island. A private car will collect you from your accommodation for transfer to Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight. Safe travels!