Epic South Island Scenery in 7 days Itinerary

Welcome to New Zealand!

After landing in Christchurch and collecting your rental vehicle, a scenic drive over the Banks Peninsula transports you to Akaroa: a harbour-side village which counts the world's rarest dolphin among its neighbours.

You'll love pottering around French-settled Akaroa, with its quaint 19th-century cottages housing an array of artisan galleries & boutiques. Most streets have French names, and many descendants of the original French families continue to live here. It's a charming setting, right by the shimmering waters of the Akaroa Harbour.

Akaroa Harbour Cruise
Cruise the stunning harbour this afternoon, marvelling at the giant sea cliffs all around you. The star of the show is the tiny Hector's Dolphin, which you won't find anywhere else in the world. They are a joy to watch, darting and diving around your boat, as playful as puppies!

Indulge in a hearty meal tonight at one of Akaroa's harbourside eateries: tomorrow the mountains are calling.

Approximate Distance: 85 km | 53 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 30 mins

Accommodation: Akaroa - 1 Night
 

Driving south amid the high-country splendour of the Mackenzie Basin, you'll reach the majestic and peaceful setting of Lake Tekapo.

Tiny Tekapo boasts amazing views of the mighty Southern Alps - including Aoraki / Mount Cook, our tallest peak. Visit the little church sitting right at the edge of Lake Tekapo - couples arrive from all over the world to take their wedding photos here, with the turquoise lake and snowy mountains in the background.

Mount John Night Observatory Tour
Tekapo lies in a Dark Sky Reserve, offering unrivaled opportunities for stargazing. On clear nights, there is no better light show. Tonight you'll see the jewel-like constellations up close from the dome of Mount John Observatory. With enlightening commentary from the observatory's astronomy guides, you will discover distant galaxies and star clusters beyond anything you can imagine.

Approximate Distance: 285 km | 177 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Tekapo - 1 Night

After a short journey through the Southern Alps, you'll arrive in Mt Cook Village at the heart of Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park.

Named for our country's highest mountain, Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park is exquisitely beautiful. The Maori name for Mt Cook is Aoraki, meaning ‘Cloud Piercer’: at 3,755m tall (12,016ft) this lofty peak deserves its name!

This afternoon take the Glacier Explorers trip, the only tour of its kind in New Zealand, and it’s based right here, in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Cruise around the Tasman Glacial Lake in one of our boats and experience the enormity of NZ's largest glacier as you weave in and out of floating icebergs. It’s a surreal and mesmerising experience in a totally unique environment. No two days are the same on the Tasman Lake with a constant shifting of conditions, which simply adds to the magic of this very special place.

Approximate Distance: 100 km | 62 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Accommodation: Mount Cook Village - 1 Night

On the shores of New Zealand's second largest lake, the town of Wanaka is often described as Queenstown's quieter little sister: the lake and mountain views are equally incredible, and many visitors count it as a favourite location on their New Zealand tour.

This lovely little township is easily explored on foot, with fine food & wine and boutique stores aplenty. A stroll or bike ride around the peaceful shores of Lake Wanaka is a must.

Spectacular hikes, skiing, water sports, and boating options will delight outdoor-lovers. The dramatic mountain backdrop is perfect for a for a skydive or even a flight in a vintage Tiger Moth plane.

Charming in all seasons, we're pretty sure you'll fall in love with Wanaka.

Approximate Distance: 205 km | 127 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Wanaka - 1 Night

Sitting alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River, one of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand. Welcome to historic Arrowtown.

This lovely township was established in 1862 after a local sheep shearer struck gold. Within a year, over 1500 miners flooded here to try their luck, constructing wooden cottages, shops, and churches, many of which remain today. The result is a town overflowing with character, surrounded by shadowy forested mountains.

Come in autumn and you'll see the hillsides ablaze with a covering of crimson and golden leaves. It's a photographer's delight!

Try panning for gold yourself on the Arrow River's shores. Who knows, you might strike it rich! Either way, you can reward your efforts tonight with world-class dining: Arrowtown is a much-loved foodie haven with a wealth of exciting eateries to choose from.

Approximate Distance: 75 km | 46 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

Milford Sound Nature Cruise and Scenic Flight 
No visit to New Zealand is complete without a pilgrimage to the "Eighth Natural Wonder of the World": Milford Sound.

The Milford Road takes you from Te Anau to Milford Sound on one of the most scenic drives on the planet. A glorious labyrinth of soaring peaks is punctuated by unspoiled rainforest, plunging valleys, azure lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers.

Keep a lookout for our cheeky alpine parrot, the Kea. These super-intelligent and mischievous birds are a delight to see in the wild.

Arriving in Milford, you will board your purpose-built cruise vessel and sail the length of the Sound, dwarfed by towering cliffs and waterfalls all around you. The onboard nature guide will tell you all about the seals, penguins, and dolphins who frequently visit this mesmerising location.

Scenic flight to Queenstown over Milford Sound 
Fly to Queenstown via Fiordland National Park in style on a scenic flight over the lakes, rivers, mountains and forests of this breathtaking region.

Before you head home today, be sure to soak up Queenstown and its surrounds at your leisure.

Nestled by the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this breathtaking town is paradise for nature lovers. Take the gondola (cable car) to the top of Bob's Peak for glorious alpine views and excellent short mountain walks. Tick that bungy jump off your bucket list or simply relax by the waterfront with a glass of award-winning local Pinot Noir.

The options are endless: chat to our travel specialists for more great suggestions for your perfect Queenstown day.

Recommended excursions in and around Queenstown

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

Today we say farewell. We take care of your transfer to Queenstown Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.