Splendid South: 7 Days of South Island Magic

DEPARTS: QUEENSTOWN
ARRIVES: CHRISTCHURCH

From NZD $3,950 per person (price varies based on group size)
Private tour with expert local guide · 4-5 star stays · Handcrafted itinerary

Experience the very best of New Zealand’s South Island on this immersive 7-day journey designed by the expert team at Splendid South. Beginning in Queenstown and ending in Christchurch, this epic adventure takes you through wild alpine landscapes, glacial lakes, rainforest coastlines, and iconic destinations like Milford Sound and Aoraki/Mt Cook.

With private transport, exceptional accommodation, and a warm, knowledgeable English-speaking guide at your side, you’ll enjoy the comfort, insight, and personal service that Splendid South is known for.

Tour Highlights

Explore Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, with a stay in a private villa overlooking Lake Wakatipu
Day trip to Milford Sound by scenic flight and cruise (optional)
Drive the Crown Range and stay lakeside in Wānaka
Walk the Hooker Valley Track beneath Aoraki/Mt Cook
Visit Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd
Return via the golden Canterbury Plains and Rakaia Gorge to Christchurch

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Arrival in Queenstown
Arrive at Queenstown Airport and meet your private guide. Settle into your lakeview villa and enjoy a relaxed afternoon. Depending on timing, explore Arrowtown’s gold-rush charm or ride the Skyline Gondola for sunset views.

Day 2: Queenstown at Leisure (Optional Milford Sound Flight & Cruise)
A free day to soak in Queenstown’s alpine setting or add one of the region’s iconic adventures:
– Scenic flight and cruise in Milford Sound
– Jetboating the Shotover River
– Wine tasting in the Gibbston Valley
– Hot air ballooning at sunrise
Evening free to dine at one of Queenstown’s celebrated restaurants.

Day 3: Queenstown to Wānaka
Travel over the Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest sealed road, and descend into Wānaka. Enjoy lakefront walks, boutique shops, or short hikes before relaxing in your boutique lodge.

Day 4: Wānaka to Aoraki/Mt Cook
Journey through the golden tussocks of the Lindis Pass to the turquoise shores of Lake Pukaki. Enter Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and take the famous Hooker Valley Track across swing bridges with glacier views. Stay overnight in Mt Cook Village or nearby Twizel. Optional stargazing after dark.

Day 5: Aoraki/Mt Cook at Leisure
A full day in the national park offers plenty of options:
– Scenic helicopter flight with glacier landing
– Boat trip on the Tasman Glacier lake
– Guided alpine walk
Evening at leisure in your lodge with views of New Zealand’s highest peaks.

Day 6: Mt Cook to Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Depart Mt Cook and continue to Lake Tekapo. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and, if time allows, enjoy the hot springs overlooking the lake. Travel onward via the rolling Canterbury Plains and Rakaia Gorge to Christchurch.

Day 7: Departure
Private transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.

Your Splendid South (Queenstown to Christchurch) includes:

– 6 nights boutique 4–5 star accommodation (twin/double share)
– Private English-speaking driver-guide throughout
– Modern, comfortable vehicle with luggage space
– Daily breakfast + selected gourmet dinners
– National park entry fees and guided walks where included
– Personal support from Splendid South before, during, and after your journey

Optional Extras

– Milford Sound flight & cruise
– Helicopter flight with glacier landing
– Wine tasting and vineyard lunch
– Hot air ballooning over Queenstown
– Soak in Tekapo Springs hot pools
– Upgrade to luxury lodge or premium villa stays

Why Choose Splendid South?

We’re New Zealand-based travel designers (all our travel designers are South Island born and bred) with deep local knowledge and a passion for authentic experiences. This itinerary has been carefully handcrafted to showcase the best of our backyard, with the flexibility and personal touch you deserve.

Contact us to book or customise this tour to suit your dates, group size or interests.