Part of the First Light Travel Group
South Pacific Specialists
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This trip has been designed for those who love to include soft adventure activities as a way of exploring new places and trying new experiences. Sample the best scenery that the South Island has to offer along with a few gentle challenges along the way. We can slow down the pace to add more time to relax between destinations or suggest alternative activities to match all levels of fitness. Sit back and enjoy the process of having your New Zealand adventure tailored to you, by us.
Duration: 12 Days
Starts: Christchurch
Finishes: Christchurch
‘Haere Mai’ and Welcome to New Zealand!
New Zealand’s second-largest city, Christchurch, sits on the edge of the Canterbury Plains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. Known as “The Garden City,” it blends heritage with innovation, offering vibrant street art, cutting-edge projects, and a thriving hospitality scene. Nestled between the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains, it’s a dynamic hub of culture and nature. Explore scenic parks, modern architecture, and some of the country’s oldest buildings, all set within lush green spaces that invite relaxation and discovery. Christchurch is truly a city of renewal and charm.
1 Night Accommodation at The George Included Meals: Dinner
Journey across the South Island by train and discover glacier country
Embark on one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys aboard the TranzAlpine train, crossing New Zealand’s South Island from Christchurch to Greymouth. Enjoy panoramic views of the Canterbury Plains, dramatic river valleys, and the towering Southern Alps as you traverse this iconic route. Upon arrival in Greymouth, meet your private driver and continue south along the rugged West Coast. Pass through rainforest-lined roads and charming towns en route to Franz Josef, where you can explore the glacier, enjoy nature walks, or opt for a scenic helicopter experience over the icy wilderness.
2 Nights Accommodation at Te Waonui Forest Retreat Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximate Distance: 175 km
Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Explore untouched wetlands, rainforest creeks, and native birdlife on Ōkārito Lagoon
Embark on a private kayaking adventure with Ōkārito Kayaks, exploring New Zealand’s largest unmodified coastal wetland—Ōkārito Lagoon. Located near Franz Josef Glacier, this serene landscape offers calm, reflective waters framed by views of the Southern Alps. Glide through rainforest-lined creeks accessible only by kayak, and encounter native birdlife including the rare white heron and royal spoonbill. Guided by local experts, the experience is tailored to your pace and ability. With all equipment provided, this eco-friendly journey offers a peaceful, immersive escape into one of New Zealand’s most pristine natural environments.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Queenstown and soak in the iconic Onsen Hot Pools, overlooking the Dart River
Set amid New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes, Queenstown offers serene beauty, with Lake Wakatipu reflecting majestic mountains. Visitors can stroll the lakefront, savor fine cuisine, or simply embrace the peaceful ambiance. For ultimate relaxation, Onsen Hot Pools provide private cedar-lined tubs overlooking the Shotover River. With retractable walls framing alpine views, guests can unwind in warm, mineral-rich waters year-round—an iconic, rejuvenating experience that perfectly complements Queenstown’s natural charm and tranquil atmosphere. This enchanting destination is ideal for those seeking both scenic wonder and soothing escape.
2 Nights Accommodation at Azur Lodge Included Meals: Breakfast, Pre-Dinner Drinks & Canapés
Traverse through native beech forests, alpine meadows, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic mountain vistas
Embark on a privately guided full-day hike on the iconic Routeburn Track with Elite & Personal Tours. Departing from Queenstown, this tailored experience explores native beech forests, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and mountain vistas at your own pace. Your expert guide shares insights into the area’s ecology, geology, and Māori heritage. The hike covers around 13km and suits those with moderate fitness. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch in a scenic location, with all gear provided. Round-trip transport from your accommodation ensures a seamless, exclusive adventure into one of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Pre-Dinner Drinks & Canapés
Milford Sound is best experienced by cruise, glide cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and lush rainforest
There is no better way to soak up the majesty of Piopiotahi Milford Sound than aboard the Fiordland Jewel. The purpose-built catamaran is designed to take in this incredible location, often known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, in total comfort. With a boutique atmosphere, an overnight experience aboard the Fiordland Jewel is the perfect mix of ultimate relaxation and adventurous exploration, with opportunities for kayaking and tender boat excursions, as well as well-deserved pampering with a soak in the top-deck hot tub and delicious meals cooked by an onboard chef. Spending the night in this very special part of the world means truly taking in its splendour.
1 Nights Accommodation at Fiordland Jewel Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximate Distance: 290 km
Total Driving Time: 4 hours
Tranquil lakeside town with access to iconic wilderness adventures in Fiordland National Park
Today you will head to Te Anau through a tapestry of stunning landscapes. Te Anau is a picturesque township situated on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island. Nestled amidst the stunning peaks of the Fiordland region, including the prominent Mount Tutoko, Te Anau showcases dramatic landscapes, deep fiords, and vibrant rainforests. Known for its rich biodiversity, Te Anau also served as a filming location for the “Lord of the Rings”, highlighting the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s natural scenery.
2 Nights Accommodation at Fiordland Lodge Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximate Distance: 120 km
Total Driving Time: 2 hours
Thrilling jet boat ride, followed by a scenic 11km bike ride back to Te Anau
Experience the best of Fiordland with Fiordland Jet’s River Bike Ride & Jet Boat combo—a half-day adventure blending high-speed thrills and scenic cycling. Begin with the “Pure Wilderness” jet boat tour along the Upper Waiau River to Lake Manapouri, featuring exhilarating spins, serene moments, and insights into local ecology and Lord of the Rings film sites. After a brief nature walk, hop on a bike to pedal 11 km along the Lake2Lake Cycle Trail back to Te Anau, enjoying riverside views and optional e-bike support for a comfortable ride.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stunning turquoise waters by day and perfect stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve
The drive from Te Anau to Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is a breathtaking journey through diverse South Island landscapes. Pass through the rolling farmland of Mossburn and vibrant Queenstown, then wind over the golden tussocks of Lindis Pass into the expansive Mackenzie Basin. As you near Lake Pukaki, its turquoise waters and majestic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook emerge. Arrive at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, a secluded luxury haven where serene alpine views greet you by day, and by night, world-class stargazing unfolds beneath the dazzling, unpolluted skies of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
2 Nights Accommodation at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximate Distance: 365 km
Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Alpine wonderland of soaring peaks, ancient glaciers, and pristine trails set beneath New Zealand’s highest mountain
A day in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park offers plenty of opportunities to connect with nature. You can explore stunning trails that wind through alpine meadows, across glacial rivers, and up to vantage points with sweeping views of towering peaks. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, there are spots perfect for soaking in the scenery or enjoying a peaceful picnic surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre for an inspiring look into mountaineering history. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, there’s something for every nature enthusiast.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximate Distance: 55 km
Total Driving Time: 45 minutes
Guided culinary journey through Christchurch, blending fine local cuisine with rich Māori storytelling
Travel back to Christchurch and experience Christchurch after dark with Āmiki Tours’ Night Luxe Safari, an immersive three-hour progressive dinner that weaves together Māori storytelling, local culture, and culinary excellence. Led by passionate local guides, join an evening walking tour takes you through the vibrant laneways and hidden gems of Ōtautahi, stopping at handpicked venues to enjoy seasonal dishes paired with premium New Zealand wines and craft beverages. Between courses, learn about the city’s rich heritage, hear Māori legends, and connect with the people behind the food. It’s a sensory journey of kai (food), culture, and connection.
1 Night Accommodation at The George Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport prior to your onward flight
As your South Island adventure comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable landscapes, warm hospitality, and enriching experiences that have made your journey through New Zealand truly special. From alpine trails to pristine coastlines, each day brought a new connection to nature and culture. Though the adventure ends here, the memories—and the spirit of Aotearoa—will stay with you long after you leave. We wish you safe travels and hope to welcome you back to New Zealand soon. Haere rā and ngā mihi nui.
““This South Island adventure tour is perfect for travellers seeking immersive nature experiences, gentle exploration, and boutique comfort every step of the way.””
Ready to find out more? Talk to one of our friendly travel designers about his tour. We guarantee you it will be the experience of a lifetime!
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Christchurch to Queenstown
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The George hotel in Christchurch typifies luxury at every level. Extensive facilities, comprehensive service, excellent quality and attention to detail. Experience our signature style and consistent personalised service. The George restaurant – the award-winning 50 Bistro offers a beautiful setting overlooking Hagley Park, event spaces offer natural light, seclusion and all the modern conveniences while the accommodation offers 5-star comfort.
At one with nature, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is the ultimate coming together of luxury escape and environmental awareness. Great care has been taken to ensure this exceptional forest retreat steps lightly upon the earth, from the organic cotton bedspreads to its recycled local building materials. Discerning travellers will appreciate the hotel’s attention to detail, which starts with attentive personal service upon arrival, and continues throughout all the hotel facilities and every aspect of your stay.
Azur Lodge is just 20 minutes from Queenstown Airport and 5 minutes from downtown, set high on a hilltop with breathtaking, unobstructed views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains. Each of the nine private 79 sqm villas offers chic open-plan living, a private sun deck, and a luxurious bath set in a bay window. Enjoy total privacy, designer comfort, and a front-row seat to New Zealand’s natural beauty.
The Overnight Milford Sound Cruise with Fiordland Discovery offers a truly unforgettable accommodation experience aboard the Fiordland Jewel. Guests enjoy luxurious ensuite cabins with stunning views of the fjord through large windows. The vessel features a hot tub on the deck, cozy lounges, and gourmet dining showcasing local cuisine. With personalized service and the serenity of the sound at night, the cruise blends comfort and nature in perfect harmony.
The open architecture of Fiordland Lodge reflects the vastness of the Fiordland National Park. Echoes of the forest are found in the striking natural timber construction; high ceilings, full trunk pillars and a massive river stone fireplace provide a warm spacious environment. A commanding staircase leads from the impressive lounge to a peaceful inviting mezzanine, complete with a library and fly tying area. On forty acres of land, Fiordland Lodge is set on a superb site with commanding views out across Lake Te Anau.
Experience world-class service at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. Set in Lake Pukaki in the Canterbury region, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking, as well as access to a hot tub. The accommodation features a hot tub. All units come with a fridge, microwave, a coffee machine, a minibar and kettle. There is a private bathroom with shower in every unit, along with free toiletries, a hairdryer and slippers. The lodge offers a sun terrace.
The George hotel in Christchurch typifies luxury at every level. Extensive facilities, comprehensive service, excellent quality and attention to detail. Experience our signature style and consistent personalised service. The George restaurant – the award-winning 50 Bistro offers a beautiful setting overlooking Hagley Park, event spaces offer natural light, seclusion and all the modern conveniences while the accommodation offers 5-star comfort.
Christchurch is the city of exploration, where urban regeneration and heritage thrive. The city is constantly evolving, always giving locals and visitors something new to explore. Expect street art and innovative projects, a bustling hospitality scene and established green spaces. Christchurch is the newest city in the world, and it’s time the world rediscovered its secrets.The central city is filled with cutting-edge architecture alongside some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand. The Avon River intersects the city, bringing a natural landscape to the urban environment.
Greymouth is the West Coast’s largest town and it is a central location for exploring the area which is famous for its spectacular scenery and adventure activities including ‘black water’ rafting (through caves) white water rafting, jet boating, caving, hiking, fishing and much more. The coastal waters off Greymouth are well known for Hectors Dolphins, seabirds and NZ fur seals Once the site of a major Maori pa (fort) in pre-European times Maori passed through Greymouth on their travels to find greenstone or ‘pounamu’ (a type of jade) and built major Maori pa (fort), Greenstone is a popular local product.
Franz Josef village is small (only 500 locals) and is located only ten minutes from the Glacier. The Franz Josef is a glacier located in Westland National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Together with the Fox Glacier 20 km to the south it is a unique in the fact that it descends from the Southern Alps to just 200 metres above sea level amidst the greenery and lushness of a temperate rainforest. The glacier is currently 12 kilometres long and terminates 19 km from the Tasman Sea. The glacier exhibits a cyclic pattern of advance and retreat, driven by differences between the volume of meltwater at the foot of the glacier and volume of snowfall feeding the neve.
Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps, is New Zealand’s most celebrated destination. Offering a wealth of accommodation to suit all travellers, there is huge diversity in the experiences to be enjoyed – from adrenaline activities such as bungee jumps and sky diving, adventurous excursions like jet-boating and hiking through to superb golf, gourmet food and wine tours, alpine tours and hiking.
Moody Dramatic and Stunning – Milford Sound is simply stunning. Milford Sound offers what is probably the most spectacular fiord scenery in the southern hemisphere, and the well-known and striking views of Mitre Peak from the head of the fiord form the subject of innumerable paintings, postcards, posters, and pictorial postage stamps. Whatever the fiord’s mood, teeming with rain or with sun glistening on deep water, it will inspire you.
Te Anau is a township of tranquil beauty nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau. It is located close to the main southern walking tracks such as the Hollyford, Routeburn and Greenstone Tracks. Other activities based at Te Anau include flight seeing, fishing, kayaking, sailing and horse riding as well as a variety of trips on the lake itself. You can also visit the underground waterfall and glow-worm grotto of the Te Anau Caves. This mountainous region of unspoilt forests and lakes was the home of two of the more remote regions of the Lord of the Rings movies.
MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK
Mt Cook National Park is known for its exquisite alpine beauty and is home to the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt Cook. Its Maori name, ‘Aoraki’ means ‘cloud piercer’ and at 12,016ft (3,755m) it towers above the surrounding snow-covered peaks in the park. A third of the park is covered in permanent ice and snow and the mighty Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier outside of the polar regions. This is the very heart and soul of a World Heritage and National Park wilderness playground. Ice, snow, hidden valleys, lakes and glaciers offer golden opportunities for discovery, relaxation and adventure.
Lake Tekapo is about three hours drive south-west of Christchurch in the Mackenzie Basin. The township faces north across the remarkable turquoise coloured lake to the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps. Lake Tekapo gets its intense milky-turquoise colour from the fine rock-flour (ground by glaciers) which is suspended in the water.
The unforgettable night sky reveals why Lake Tekapo has a reputation for clear air. Lake Tekapo offers a wide range of outdoor activities throughout the year including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking and skiing.
