8-Nights New Zealand: South Island Splendour from $4,185

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch

Transfer: Christchurch Airportto Christchurch - City Centre

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Christchurch (4 Star Rating)

The hotel is 2 minutes' walk from New Regent Street, 6 minutes' walk from Christchurch Casino and 5 minutes' drive from the centre of Christchurch CBD (Central Business District). Christchurch Airport is 18 minutes' drive away.

Start the day with a hotel pick up and drive to the city's center. Here you can assess the progress of the rebuild following the 2010/2011 earthquakes. Learn the reasons for the event, its impact and the exciting plans for the future. Delve into the history of the city and explore the beautiful Botanic Gardens where you will discover why New Zealand's flora and fauna are unique.

There are a number of boutique vineyards within easy reach of Christchurch, where you can visit a selection of wineries for tastings that will demonstrate why New Zealand's wine and its makers are so highly regarded around the world. Lunch at a winery/bistro and the wine tastings are included.

Head to the Port Hills which overlook Christchurch and present stunning views of the city, Canterbury Plains, Lyttleton Harbour and the distant Southern Alps. Before journeying back to the city, enjoy a visit to 'She Chocolate' a chocolataire cafe before you are dropped back at your accommodation.

Welcome to the West Coast on this tour to Franz Josef from Christchurch, including the iconic TranzAlpine Train. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and head on an adventure towards one of the most breathtaking parts of the South Island. The West Coast of New Zealand offers a unique holiday experience, featuring scenic roads, breathtaking landscapes, and picturesque spots. Hop on the TranzAlpine train towards Greymouth in the morning. Offering views only available by train, this trip allows a panoramic landscape of the majestic Southern Alps up close. Following pick up at the Information Centre at Greymouth, your tour guide will take you the rest of the way in this small group tour to Franz Josef. You will be driven in comfort in a modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter packed with extras, just to make your journey that bit easier. Led by a fun, knowledgeable and passionate tour guides, this journey will come to life in a new way for you.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (4 Star Rating)

In the heart of the village and edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is only a breath away from the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier.

Our hotel offers everything you need to be able to explore this dramatic region in style and comfort. With an exceptional restaurant, serving hearty, West Coast fare, and the Moa Bar with its open fireplace, you are never without choice. Plus, with the private hot pools and our Amaia Luxury Spa close by, you can enjoy time out to rejuvenate after a day taking in the many walking tracks and other outdoor pursuits.

With the combination of an exhilarating helicopter ride, jaw-dropping scenery and a two and half hour hike through the most spectacular glacier features, it's no wonder this Glacier Heli Hike is often labeled as the highlight of the visit to Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Your journey starts and ends at The Helicopter Line Base, situated on the Main Road, Franz Josef. On arrival, our friendly team will check you in and prepare you for the excitement ahead with necessary gear and pre-trip briefings.

From here, your guide will take you to the helipad and get you ready to board the helicopter. Adrenaline levels start to spike as you board and are whisked away over the jaw-dropping landscape - an opportunity to take in the full panoramic majesty of Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere nestled within the surrounding mountains.

Your pilot will land high up on the main icefall of the glacier, where your guide will help you make the final preparations for your hike. Then you will be ready to explore the pristine features of this incredible icescape.

Our guides are highly skilled, which means we can find you both the safest and most spectacular route available on the glacier. Because the glacier is so fast-moving, its features are constantly changing - you might find yourself sliding through a narrow crevasse or between towering walls of ice, crawling through blue ice tunnels, hanging out in ice caves, or witnessing the glacier calving. You can be sure that you're seeing the glacier in a unique state and no two trips are ever quite the same.

Whilst on this adventure, your guide will share with you the story of the Maori Legend, Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Their knowledge of the glacier and surrounding area and insight into why Franz Josef is so unique; will leave you with a sense of awe. You will come away from your trip not only having experienced this majestic beauty but with a whole new understanding of their special and precious landmark.

This fully-guided, small group tour takes you along West Coast, over the Hast Pass, past the stunning lakes of Wanaka and Hawea, on route to Queenstown. You will be led by one of Cheeky Kiwi's famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge. Stop along the way to discover beautiful beaches, stunning lakefronts and the famous Cadrona Hotel. Travel in a modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Hotel: QT Queenstown (5 Star Rating)

QT Queenstown is a stylish and modern hotel in the heart of Queenstown, offering spacious rooms and fabulous dining options. Experience stunning views of the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and the breathtaking peaks of the Southern Alps This luxurious lakeside resort offers stylish accommodation infused with the signature QT charm.

For those with adventurous palates, the vibrant Bazaar Marketplace beckons with its enticing aromas. Watch as chefs craft dishes right before your eyes in an interactive, lively atmosphere, drawing inspiration from fresh, local ingredients.

Visit Reds Bar, where locals and guests come together to share stories of their day over expertly crafted cocktails or boutique brews.

Each room is equipped with a TV featuring cable channels, and some rooms offer views of the mountains or the lake. Every room includes a private bathroom, complete with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer for your comfort.

Experience unparalleled luxury and comfort for your Milford Sound adventure with this thoughtfully curated collaboration between Altitude Tours and RealNZ. You will be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation in custom-built Mercedes vehicles, featuring glass roofs designed specifically for long-distance touring and sightseeing. With high panoramic windows and bespoke seating, you’ll travel in a small, intimate group of no more than 15, ensuring a personalized experience. Your journey will be expertly guided, and additional amenities include in-seat multimedia and onboard care packages to enhance your comfort. Along the Milford Sound Road, you’ll enjoy breathtaking, crowd-free scenic stops before arriving at the eighth wonder of the world – Milford Sound.

Embark on a small-group cruise aboard the RealNZ Sinbad vessel, where you’ll be welcomed with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. This luxury vessel offers spacious seating and bespoke touches, making your journey even more special. As you cruise the stunning fiord, indulge in a selection of locally sourced culinary delights, with Maori cultural elements thoughtfully woven throughout, deepening your connection to this remarkable place. Throughout your journey, you’ll be treated to exceptional service and attentive hosts. Onboard commentary and a nature guide will share fascinating stories about Piopiotahi and help you spot local wildlife amid the awe-inspiring fiord.

This scenic tour departs central Queenstown and first stop is an observation point where you can take in one of the best panoramic views in Queenstown. After capturing some incredible photos, enjoy a brief stop overlooking the Shotover River before free time in the charming township Arrowtown.

Travel to Gibbston and visit the world's first commercial bungy jump offering entertaining spectating opportunities. The region is also home to some Middle-earth magic (Lord of the Rings film locations) and becoming increasingly famous for its world class cold climate wine.

Enjoy wine tasting (non-alcoholic substitutes available) and a shared cheese platter at a local winery with jaw-dropping views. We're not finished there - on the way back to Queenstown transfer from land to lake with a picturesque thirty minute scenic boat cruise on Lake Whakatipu ending your tour at the wharf in the heart of town.

On this Mt Cook Day Tour from Queenstown, you will experience the unique alpine landscapes of the Southern Alps as you travel with us from Queenstown through Mackenzie Country and into Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, home to snow-capped mountains, impressive glaciers and New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mt Cook ("Cloud Piercer").

Start the tour off with pick up from select Queenstown accommodation in one of our premium vehicles. Travel in comfort and style in a Mercedes van fully equipped with panoramic windows for superior viewing with complimentary wifi so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Visit iconic central South Island locations such as Cromwell, Lindis Pass, Omarama, Twizel, and the bright turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki before entering Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, where we will spend approx 3.5 hours. This particular package includes the Tasman Lake Glacier Explorers experience operated by The Hermitage. This experience is approximately 2.5 hours long, and your guide will drop you off at the Hermitage for your required check-in time.

Altitude Mt Cook Day Tours are limited to a maximum of 16 passengers, ensuring small groups so everyone can enjoy the best New Zealand hospitality that we have to offer, as well as enjoying lots of fun and informative commentary from your local guide and plenty of off-the-beaten-track visits away from the crowds.

Transfer: Queenstown - City Centre to Queenstown Airport