Splendid South: 7 Days of South Island Magic

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 and ending in Christchurch, this loop takes you through wild alpine landscapes, glacial lakes, rainforest coastlines, and iconic destinations like Queenstown 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

– Traverse Arthur’s Pass & the Southern Alps to the wild West Coast
– Stay at a remote wilderness eco-lodge in a UNESCO World Heritage Area
– Scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier & Mt Cook (optional)
– Explore Queenstown staying in an exclusive private lakeview villa
– Optional: Milford Sound flight + cruise, Shotover jetboat, wine tasting, and more
– Visit Lake Tekapo, Hooker Valley & Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
– Return to Christchurch via the high country and turquoise glacial lakes.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Christchurch to Hokitika
Arrive at Christchurch Airport, meet your private guide, and head west over Arthur’s Pass. Stop for walks, waterfalls, and views before descending to the lush rainforest coast. Overnight in Hokitika.

Day 2: Hokitika to South Westland
Journey through temperate rainforest and coastal scenery to reach your remote lodge. Enjoy a gourmet dinner and optional guided walk in this untouched wilderness.

Day 3: Helicopter over Franz Josef Glacier to Mt Cook, then to Wānaka
A morning scenic helicopter flight takes you soaring over the glaciers and into Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Continue south over the Haast Pass to charming Wānaka. Optional shopping, walks or lakefront café stop.

Day 4: Wānaka to Queenstown
Travel over the Crown Range into Queenstown. Settle into your private villa with spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu. Afternoon at leisure and get up the Gondola by early evening to marvel at the sunset.

Day 5: Queenstown at Leisure (or fly to Milford Sound)
Enjoy a relaxed day or add excitement with one of many unforgettable experiences. Talk to us about these options:

– Milford Sound flight + cruise
– Shotover Jetboat ride
– Skyline Gondola & Luge
– TSS Earnslaw steamship + Walter Peak BBQ lunch
– Wine tasting in the Gibbston Valley
– Ballooning over the mountains

Day 6: Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook to Christchurch
Head north through the golden Lindis Pass and turquoise Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook Village. Return to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo.

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

Your Splendid South: 7 Days of South Island Magic includes:

– 6 nights of boutique 4-star accommodation (twin/double share)
– Private English-speaking driver-guide throughout
– Comfortable modern van or minibus with luggage space
– Daily breakfast + gourmet dinner
– Any national park entry fees and selected guided walks
– Full support from Splendid South before during and after your journey.

Optional Extras

Available at additional cost and subject to availability:
– Milford Sound scenic flight & cruise
– Scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef & Mt Cook
– Jetboat ride
– Wine tasting
– Steamship cruise & lunch
– Sunrise hot air balloon flight
– Upgrade to luxury lodge or premium villa stays throughout your journey.

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.