Itinerary

Day 1: The Land Downunder

Your adventure begins in the South Island city of Dunedin. Visit Larnach Castle, perched on the highest point of the scenic Otago Peninsula, for a bird's eye view of your domain. Recover from your international flight with a peaceful stroll through the manor's manicured grounds. At dinner this evening, get acquainted with your fellow travelers.

Day 2: Natural  Wonders

Rare, sub-antarctic creatures are your companions today. Local naturalists make the introductions as yellow-eyed penguins, Hooker's sea lions and royal albatross welcome you to the Otago Peninsula. Hike the labyrinth of trails that overlook this stunning coastline.

Day 3: Where Few Feet Tread

Without a tour bus in sight, feel like the region's first visitor as you explore pristine beaches and fern-fringed waterfalls on your way to Invercargill, New Zealand's southernmost city. Take a short flight to remote Stewart Island and settle into a beautiful lodge overlooking picturesque Halfmoon Bay. Open wide and say 'Aaahhhh...'

Day 4: Island Sanctuary

Stewart Island is laid back at full recline. With its unspoiled nature and a population of only 420 residents, this is the ultimate retreat. This morning, go fishing alongside albatross and mollymawks in the abundant waters of the bay, or remain on land and explore the nearby walking tracks. In the afternoon, boat to an island sanctuary rich in native bird life and hike with a naturalist who interprets the unique flora and fauna here.

Day 5: Queenstown Bound

Enjoy walking or craft hunting before flying back to Invercargill for your continued journey north to scenic Queenstown, a town always abuzz with the thrill of impending adventure. After settling into your accommodation, located against the sublime backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range, you are let loose to make your own culinary discoveries and to soak in the atmosphere.

Day 6: River Safari

Daytrip to the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu, beneath the spectacular peaks of the Mt. Aspiring National Park. No wonder this breathtaking location was chosen for The Lord of the Rings. Look surreptitiously at the locals for hobbit-like features. Catch a jet boat for a scenic safari up the Dart River valley, then disembark and board an inflatable canoe for a leisurely paddle back. Be carried on ice-blue waters between the sheer rock walls of the awesome Rock Burn Chasm, accessible only by canoe and seen by a lucky few. Pull your canoe up onto the shore of Paradise and return to Queenstown.

Day 7: Mountain Splendour

This morning, enjoy free time in Queenstown doing any number of optional activities: horseback riding, hiking, bungy-jumping, shopping, or just enjoying the view from your balcony. Later, head north along the eastern slopes of the Southern Alps. Marvel at the impossible colour of the glacial waterways leading from the ranges. Settle into your luxurious lodging in Mt. Cook village and investigate your stunning surroundings.

Day 8: Glacier Getaway

Mt. Cook is home to the Tasman Glacier, the longest known glacier outside the arctic regions. This morning, hike to the terminal lake and board a small outboard for a trip to the glacier face. Listen to a wealth of information from your guide as you pass alongside icebergs and watch chunks of ice cleave off the glacier. Spend the rest of the day exploring the region's trails on foot, watching for unique alpine flora and fauna. This evening, try to think of yet another word for 'spectacular' when writing in your journal.

Day 9: Scenic Journey

Take a leisurely drive to Christchurch with scenic stops along the way, including the startlingly-blue Lake Tekapo and a lush native forest of stately podocarps. In Christchurch, your accommodation for the next three nights is in the heart of this elegant garden city.

Day 10: Christchurch Culture

Christchurch is described by many as the most English of New Zealand's cities and the day is your own to discover its treasures. Hire a punt on the Avon, stroll the beautiful botanical gardens, visit the superb displays at the Canterbury Museum, or take a walking tour of the city's Gothic architecture, including Christchurch Cathedral and the Arts Centre. With so many wonderful restaurant choices at your doorstep, you're free to explore and dine on your own.

Day 11: La Bonne Vie

Take a daytrip over the Banks Peninsula to the quaint French-inspired hamlet of Akaroa on the scenic Akaroa Harbour. Take a cruise on the bay, looking out for the rare, native Hector's Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. Say 'magnifique' again and again. After a day of enjoying the town's sights, shops, and cuisine, return to Christchurch for your final evening there.

Day 12:  The High Life

This morning, board the renowned Tranz Alpine train for a trip into the scenic Southern Alps. Arrive at the tiny alpine settlement of Arthur's Pass and travel to your luxury lodge for a two-night stay amidst the grandeur of this mountain region. The lodge, sited on its own 6,000-acre high-country sheep station and nature reserve, is a wonderful base from which to explore the area's unique features. Ponder becoming a full-time shepherd.

Day 13: High-Country Adventures

Your lodge lies between the Arthur's Pass National Park and the Craigieburn Forest Park and is surrounded by native beech forest and tussock grassland. Guided activities and a network of mountain, forest, river, and farm walks make for a wonderful day of immersion in high-country ecology and wildlife. After your four-course dinner this evening, enjoy the mountain views, gaze at the stars in the southern night sky, and browse through the books in the lodge's well-stocked library.

Day 14: The Wild West Coast

Witness a dramatic change in scenery as you travel from the highest pass in the Southern Alps down to the sea and New Zealand's West Coast. Flanked by impenetrable rainforest and statuesque rock formations, wind your way along the stunning coastal road and give thanks you are free to gaze at the scenery and not the roadway. Stop at the geologically intriguing Pancake Rocks before continuing to the remote village of Karamea, near the road's terminus. This area defines "off the beaten track" and you spend the next three nights at a comfortable, ecologically-sensitive resort.

Day 15: Heli-hike

Karamea lies at the end of the Heaphy Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks. The final leg of the track, winding through nikau forests and along pristine sand beaches, is arguably one of the most beautiful dayhikes in New Zealand. Because of its remoteness, it is also one experienced by few overseas visitors. Take a helicopter ride from your lodge to the Heaphy Hut for an unforgettable, all-day hike back to the trail end. Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening.

Day 16: Rainforest Wonderland

The area's dense, primeval rainforest is graced with spectacular limestone arches and the vast Honeycomb Caves system. This area was home to the now-extinct giant moa, the world's largest flightless bird, whose remains can be found in these caves. A visit to the Honeycomb Caves and rainforest walks that explore the arches and the forest's moss-laden canopy reveal the treasures of the region.

Day 17: Art on the Bay

Depart Karamea and drive through the lush Buller Gorge region toward Nelson, on the Tasman Bay. Along the way, stop in the Nelson Lakes National Park for a peaceful beech forest walk along one of the lakes, rimmed by the St. Arnaud Range. Stay in a beautiful B & B in the heart of Nelson, a town renowned for its vibrant arts community. Dine at one of Nelson's many great restaurants featuring seafood and other fare fresh from the region.

Day 18: Abel Tasman Sailing Adventure

Visit Nelson's galleries, bookstores, shops, and cafes before boarding your sailing yacht for a cruise into the Abel Tasman National Park. With its golden sand beaches, natural granite sculptures, and stunning blue-green waters, this park is one of New Zealand's favorites. Dip in and out of picturesque bays, set the sails, explore the coastline, then fish and gather shellfish for the freshest seafood dining experience possible. Tonight, anchor in one of the park's picturesque bays and spend the night on board. You've never seen the Milky Way quite like this.

Day 19: In the Heart of the Park

This morning, continue sailing along the coast to a remote lodge in the heart of the national park. The lodge's stunning, environmentally-sensitive architecture is a blend of both modern innovation and rustic charm. Meals at the lodge feature produce from its own organic garden. Nestled amongst native bush and framed by forest-clad mountains and golden-sand beaches, this glorious setting is your base for the final two nights.

Day 20: Coastal Retreat

Enjoy the lodge's setting and activities, including sea kayaking, swimming, and walks along the Abel Tasman track--another of New Zealand's Great Walks. Tonight, a farewell dinner is your chance to reminisce about the highlights of your trip and to revel in the friendships you've made. Wonder if your guide will fit in your suitcase.

Day 21: Fond Farewells

This morning, a water taxi carries you back through the park to civilization. A last scenic drive transfers you to Nelson Airport for your final farewells. Dream about your return.

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