Highlights
- Stay exclusively at 5-star hotels and secluded luxury lodges
- Helicopter to a remote whisky bar at the top of a mountain
- Cycle scenic trails around Lake Wanaka
- Get off the beaten path with a cruise across the remote Doubtful Sound
- Chase thrills with jet boat rides and a tandem skydive experience
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Christchurch, Tramway Restaurant Dinner | Christchurch |
| Day 2 | Drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook, Helicopter to High-Altitude Whisky Bar | Aoraki / Mount Cook |
| Day 3 | Mount Cook Heli-Hike Adventure | Aoraki / Mount Cook |
| Day 4 | Drive to Wānaka, Via Ferrata Waterfall Hike or Mou Waho Island | Wānaka |
| Day 5 | Cycle the Hawea & Wānaka Trails, Matukituki Jet Boat Adventure | Wānaka |
| Day 6 | Drive to Te Anau, Te Anau Glowworm Caves | Te Anau |
| Day 7 | Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise | Te Anau |
| Day 8 | Routeburn Track Guided Hike, Drive to Queenstown, Onsen Session | Queenstown |
| Day 9 | Central Otago Wine Tour & Tasting, Tandem Skydiving | Queenstown |
| Day 10 | Depart Queenstown |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch, Tramway Restaurant Dinner
Kia ora! Welcome to New Zealand's South Island! You'll arrive in Christchurch, the country's second-largest metropolis, filled with beautiful green spaces. Collect a rental car at the airport and make the short drive to your base for the night—a luxurious hotel known as The George. Named after Sir George Seymour, one of the pioneers who arrived on one of the First Four Ships to Canterbury in 1850, the 5-star hotel pays homage to its historic past while featuring modern elements for an elevated stay. From its central location, you can visit picturesque Hagley Park and the River Avon within minutes.
After settling in, head out for a stroll to get your bearings in this walkable city. After a remarkable rebirth from the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, the urban center is full of new secrets, from modern architecture and vibrant street art to cocktail bars and bustling restaurants. Later in the evening, board a historic colonial-style dining tram for a four-course dinner. As you roll along the inner city tram loop, you'll enjoy a moveable feast while spotting the city's main landmarks.
Day 2: Drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook, Helicopter to High-Altitude Whisky Bar
Your road trip starts today as you leave Christchurch behind and head east toward Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to the highest mountains and longest glaciers in the country. Along the spectacularly scenic 4.5-hour drive, you'll cross the Canterbury Plains, travel over undulating sheep country to Fairlie, ascend to Lake Tekapo, and follow the western shore of Lake Pukaki.
On arrival, check into the high-end Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat, set on 163 acres (66 ha) on the shores of Lake Pukaki, less than 20 miles (32 km) from Mount Cook. You'll stay in a private villa with windows that frame views of the snow-topped Ben Ohau Range, furnished in farm-chic style with vaulted wooden ceilings and fireplaces. Settle into the Ashley Mackenzie Villa for private access to the spa, while other villas have their own spa pool.
Later, you'll take a private helicopter trip from Lake Tekapo to The Bad Decision Hut, enjoying views of the Southern Alps and glittering glaciers along the way. This alpine shelter, perched on a mountain saddle at 6,800 feet (2,072 m), is the world's highest-altitude whisky hut. Take in the 360-degree mountain scenery as you savor a dram or two from the bar's extensive selection before returning via private helicopter for a relaxing evening at your lakeside sanctuary.
Day 3: Mount Cook Heli-Hike Adventure
You'll have this morning free to enjoy the amenities at your lakeside retreat. If you're feeling adventurous, start your exploration of Aoraki / Mount Cook at your own pace with a relaxed hike. New Zealand's highest peak measures 12,315 feet (3,754 m) and is known by the Māori title Aoraki, which means "Cloud Piercer." Take it easy with a hike along the one-hour Tasman Lake Trail or Governor's Bush loop track, or embark on the two-hour Kea Point or Red Tarns tracks.
After some relaxing downtime back at the lodge, you'll venture farther up the imposing peak with an afternoon heli-hike experience. This half-day, small-group excursion starts with an exhilarating helicopter ride to the mighty Haupapa / Tasman Glacier. Witness the icebergs of Tasman Lake and fly past the famous Hochstetter Ice Fall and the east face of the peak before landing on the glacier. Then, you'll explore this world of ice equipped with crampons, an ice ax, or walking poles. As your guide cuts steps in the ice, they'll share fascinating tales and facts about the glacier and its ecology.
Day 4: Drive to Wānaka, Via Ferrata Waterfall Hike or Mou Waho Island
Get back on the road today for the 2.5-hour drive to Wānaka, which takes in more awe-inspiring scenery. Follow the edge of Lake Pukaki, where you can pause to explore hiking trails on foot or keep driving toward Twizel, the location of many film scenes from "The Lord of the Rings." You'll wind through the beautiful Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand's highest roads with a summit of 3,185 feet (971 m), before reaching Wānaka, the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. Here, you'll check into Mahu Whenua, a luxury homestead set within New Zealand's largest private conservation project.
This intimate boutique property offers just five suites for the utmost in personalized comfort, and the private chef and in-house sommelier will ensure you'll dine in style during your stay. After settling in and putting your feet up after the drive, it's time to set off and start exploring some of the 136,000 acres (55,000 ha) of land on your doorstep.
If you're up for a challenge, conquer the world's highest waterfall cable climb next to the gorgeous Twin Falls. Just outside of Wānaka, this guided via ferrata route features adrenaline-pumping climbs that take you into the heart of the waterfall and across three suspension bridges. If that sounds too adventurous, opt for a gentle lake cruise to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve, a predator-free zone that's home to the rare flightless buff weka bird.
Day 5: Cycle the Hawea & Wānaka Trails, Matukituki Jet Boat Adventure
After a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, set out to tackle the nearby Wānaka and Hawea Trails with a self-paced bike ride. There are 22 miles (36 km) of easy riding on offer—explore Lake Hawea, stop in Albert Town at Pembroke Patisserie, and ride along the Clutha riverside. Return to the lodge for lunch, where the in-house chef will prepare a feast using the freshest local produce.
This afternoon, you'll turn up the thrills with a jet boat ride on the Matukituki River, the most spectacular glacier-fed river in the Queenstown region. The winding and ever-changing shallow waters flow past towering mountains and waterfalls, "The Lord of The Rings" film locations, and hanging glaciers. You'll carve up the water with a thrilling ride that reaches speeds of up to 50 miles (80 km) per hour, with plenty of slower-paced stretches to discover the riverbanks and natural pools along the way. After, join your guide for a short, scenic walk through the surrounding forests before returning to the lodge.
Day 6: Drive to Te Anau, Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Your road trip continues today as you say your goodbyes to Wānaka and head toward Te Anau, about three hours southwest. Keep your camera close as the scenic drive throws up stunning landscapes with towering mountains, green valleys, and crystal-clear lakes, including the famous Lake Wakatipu, Fiordland National Park, and the soaring Southern Alps. Your destination is Fiordland Lodge, a luxurious family-owned estate overlooking Lake Te Anau. Check into one of the 10 suites or two private cabins, each offering plush king beds, rustic log accents, and picture-perfect views over the lake.
This afternoon, experience one of the region's greatest natural wonders with a tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Cruise across the lake aboard a luxury catamaran, then disembark at Cavern House to discover the story of this 12,000-year-old underground cave network. Follow your guide along a limestone path past whirlpools, intricate rock formations, and an underground waterfall, then board a small boat to glide through the darkness, surrounded by thousands of bioluminescent glowworms. Return to the lodge in time for a farm-to-table dinner using fresh seasonal produce from the estate's garden.
Day 7: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Today, you'll venture deeper into Fiordland National Park to experience the remote beauty of Doubtful Sound with a full-day small-group excursion. This isolated fjord is three times longer than the more famous Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and far more off the beaten path, with rugged peaks, lush rainforest, and hidden inlets rarely visited by tourists. There's no direct road access to Doubtful Sound, so you'll cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, then take a bus over Wilmot Pass, New Zealand's most expensive (and scenic) road.
Pause along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening below, then board the Patea Explorer for a three-hour cruise. As you sail across the teal waters, your captain will provide commentary on the area and its history, pointing out landmarks like Browne Falls, which crashes 2,030 feet (619 m) into the sound. Look out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and Fiordland crested penguins along the way.
Day 8: Routeburn Track Guided Hike, Drive to Queenstown, Onsen Session
Lace up your hiking shoes this morning and meet your guide for a half-day adventure on the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand's most renowned hiking trails. Tackling this 20-mile (32 km) track takes a few days, so you'll experience just a portion of it with today's excursion. Afterward, get back on the road for the scenic two-hour drive to Queenstown. You'll pass trout fishing rivers and high country scenery en route before reaching New Zealand's famous adventure capital, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with a dramatic backdrop of The Remarkables.
You'll spend the last two nights of your trip at Azur Lodge, located just outside town, in one of nine villas leading to Lake Wakatipu. You'll be spoiled with floor-to-ceiling mountain views and a bay window in the bathroom, which you can lounge beneath in a deep, foamy bath. The decor features warm woods and plush lake-facing sofas, and the main lodge serves a decadent buffet breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening drinks.
Relax tonight in a hot pool under the stars. Based on the Japanese bathing tradition, Onsen offers cedar-lined steaming pools on a cliffside overlooking the Shotover River. Enjoy an hourlong soak accompanied by a drink and snack as you take in the alpine scenery. The water temperature averages 101°F (38.5°C), but one of the summer pools is kept cold for those who relish the thought of an icy plunge.
Day 9: Central Otago Wine Tour & Tasting, Tandem Skydiving
Your penultimate day in New Zealand starts with a more leisurely pace as you visit four of Central Otago's best cellar doors, including a stop at the famous Gibbston Valley underground wine cave. With the help of your charismatic wine guide and knowledgeable cellar staff, you'll sample over 18 spectacular cool-climate wines, pausing at a vineyard for a scrumptious lunch partway. As you travel between vineyards in a luxury Mercedes van, you'll learn about the local region, its stories, facts, and legends.
This afternoon, you can keep the relaxed theme going with an in-room spa treatment or massage back at the lodge, but if you want to end your New Zealand trip on a high note, opt for the ultimate Queenstown adrenaline adventure—skydiving! Jumping tandem with an experienced guide, you'll see the dazzling landscape of mountains and lakes from 12,000 feet (3,658 m) before you take the plunge—experiencing a heart-stopping 45-second free fall before gently floating back to earth.Day 10: Depart Queenstown
The final day of your New Zealand vacation has arrived, but if you have time before your flight, you can conquer one more memorable excursion with a trip to Skippers Road—one of the most adventurous roads in the world. A private 4WD will take you high above the Shotover River, where you'll soak up awe-inspiring scenery from high above the gorge.
Once known as the richest river in the world in the days of the gold miners, you can still find the precious metal there today. As you journey through the canyon, your private guide will stop by historic sites, such as the historic Skippers suspension bridge, the historic township of Skippers, and the restored schoolhouse. Then, with enough time to return your rental car, make the short drive to Queenstown airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!
More Great New Zealand Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to New Zealand? Check out these other New Zealand itineraries, explore different ways to spend 10 days in New Zealand in luxury, or discover the best time to visit New Zealand.
Map
