Day of arrival - Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand!
Upon arrival, your tour guide will greet you at Christchurch Airport.
Depending on your arrival time and your state of fatigue, if time permits, we'll guide you through a botanical garden tour and offer you a complimentary coffee or tea at Ilex café.
Day 1 - Explore Christchurch City!
Experience the best of Christchurch with our unique tour that combines tranquil punting along the Avon River with a scenic drive to the iconic Port Hills.
Glide along the river, surrounded by lush greenery, then venture to the summit of Port Hills for panoramic views of Christchurch and beyond.
The day concludes with an adventurous tram ride, accompanied by a delightful fine dining experience.
Day 2 - Lake Tekapo & Aoraki
Our first stop takes us to the enchanting Lake Tekapo, renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and framed by the majestic Southern Alps.
Here, we'll explore the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a symbol of serenity against the backdrop of panoramic vistas.
Continuing our odyssey, we'll venture towards Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, where we'll be awestruck by the landscape's rugged beauty.
Along the way, we'll pause to visit the famous Tasman Glacier, a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature.
As the day draws to a close, we'll be treated to a mesmerizing stargazing experience, gazing upon the Milky Way in the pristine skies of the South Island.
This celestial spectacle promises to leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.
Day 3 - Queenstown
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Aoraki (Mt. Cook) to Queenstown, where every moment is a discovery of natural wonders and rich history.
As we wind our way through the scenic route, marvel at the surreal beauty of the clay cliffs before we venture into the charming streets of Arrowtown.
Upon arriving in Queenstown, immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere and delve into its fascinating history.
Then, elevate your experience with a Gondola ride offering panoramic views, followed by an exquisite dining experience at Stratosfare Restaurant, where culinary delights meet breathtaking scenery.
For those seeking even more adventure, opt for a cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the iconic TSS Earnslaw, indulging in an elegant buffet lunch at Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining.
Day 4 - Cruise in the Mysterious Milford Sound
Embark on an extraordinary journey to Milford Sound, one of the Earth's sacred and tranquil treasures, where you'll be captivated by nature's greatness.
Travel in comfort on a luxurious bus coach from Queenstown, taking in breathtaking landscapes along the way.
Step aboard on a premium cruise to glide past towering cliffs, hundreds of waterfalls, lush forests, and enjoy the wildlife while enjoying a sumptuous buffet.
After the cruise, return to Queenstown on our adventurous scenic flight, offering unparalleled aerial views of the stunning landscapes below, celebrating the sacred beauty of Milford Sound.
Day 5 - Cardrona, Wanaka & Franz Josef
We will now make our move from Queenstown to travel to Franz Josef.
Our first stop brings us to the charming historic village of Cardrona, nestled amidst the picturesque mountains.
Here, we'll soak in the laid-back atmosphere and perhaps indulge in some local delights.
Continuing our drive, we'll be captivated by the beauty of Lake Wanaka, its serene waters reflecting the surrounding peaks.
We'll take a moment to explore this idyllic lakeside town, immersing ourselves in its beauty.
We will then stop at the stunning Blue Pools, where the crystal-clear waters beckon for a refreshing dip or a peaceful stroll along the riverbanks.
Next, we'll head to Lake Matheson to capture the flawless image of snow-capped Mount Cook mirrored in the tranquil, dark waters.
Each stop promises to leave you breathless with wonder and awe.
Day 6 - Franz Josef Glazier
Explore Franz Josef with the glacier helicopter tour, followed by a stroll to witness the glacier.
Our adventure proceeds to Greymouth through Hokitika, where we'll dedicate the day to exploring the renowned Tree Top Walk.
Day 7 - The Famous TranzAlpine Train
Travel from Greymouth to Christchurch on the TranzAlpine Train. Admire the breathtaking scenery while indulging in fine cuisine onboard.
Day of Departure
On departure day, our dedicated tour guide ensures your safe arrival at the airport, marking the end of our journey together as we bid you farewell.
About the tour
Discover the wonders of New Zealand's South Island on our exclusive 7-day private tours. Experience a blend of luxurious 4 and 5-star accommodations, breakfast, and personalized activities led by your dedicated tour guide.
Pricing
Adult: NZD $8,500 pp (approximately USD $5,200 pp)
Child under 12 years old: NZD $8,000 pp (approximately USD $4,777 pp)
*We understand that children's pricing may not differ significantly due to the need for space in transportation and accommodation.
Even though children may occupy less physical space, we must still consider their comfort and safety, as well as the overall logistics of the journey, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone involved.
The pricing is based on a group of 8.
We are flexible and willing to discuss pricing adjustments based on the group size, and types of activities for your private tour.
Kindly note that the above currency conversion rate reflects NZD 1 = USD 0.60 and may vary over time.
Payments will be accepted in NZD and will be subject to the prevailing exchange rate at the time of transaction.
The package price covers the following highlights:
Christchurch
- Punting on Avon River
- Christchurch Gondola
- Heritage tram: Indulge in a unique luxury dining experience
Aoraki / Mt. Cook
- Stargazing experience
Queenstown
- Dinner at Skyline Queenstown: Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar
- Substitute with TSS Earnslaw Cruise, including buffet Dinner at Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining (at no extra cost)
Milford Sound
- Premium return coach from Queenstown to Milford Sound
- Wildlife and Nature Cruise in Milford Sound (buffet lunch included)
- Return to Queenstown via flight from Milford Sound
Franz Josef
- Glacier Helicopter with landing
West Coast
- Tree Top Walk
Greymouth to Christchurch
- Scenic Train (Luxury): Enjoy fine cuisine aboard the train
Notes
Please note, the tour does not include international flights. It covers domestic flights and transportation. The itinerary spans a full 7 days within New Zealand, so we recommend considering the time required for international travel.
When booking flights, it's advisable to plan for 9 days, allowing for an extra day upon arrival and another upon departure. In total, international bookings should cover 9 days of travel.
Additionally, we provide accommodation for the day of arrival and the day before departure, totaling 8 nights.
Our tour guide will greet you upon arrival and accompany you throughout your journey, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience. They will also arrange for transportation to the airport on your departure day, ensuring a hassle-free end to your trip.
Get in touch to book with us now.
We can't wait to hear from you. Reach out to us to kickstart your journey in New Zealand with Kiwiwander.