2023 LAND ARRANGEMENTS: from $6,350.00 per person sharing
Nelson-Abel Tasman/Queenstown/Routeburn Track/Doubtful
Sound/Franz Josef Glacier/Christchurch
From wildlife to wineries, from glacial valleys to star-filled skies, nature’s best flourishes against a palette of dramatic scenes on New Zealand’s South Island. Let us take you on a journey of adventure and pure amazement where you will have the opportunity to experience and explore landscapes famous the world over. Kayak through crystal clear lakes, surrounded by rocky headlands. Trek through alpine basins and cascading waterfalls. Best of all, get to know the locals as you wonder through some of the most beautiful cities you will ever discover.
Day 01+02
Depart the USA on your flight to New Zealand.
Cross the International Date Line and lose a day.
Day 03
Arrive in Auckland!
Make your way to the domestic airport for your connection to Nelson.
Once in Nelson, take a transfer to your accommodation, freshen up and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Cambria House B&B (B)
Day 04
Today you will spend the day hiking and kayaking through Abel Tasman National Park. A coastal wonderland of sea, sky, rocky headlands and bright golden beaches. The Nelson Lakes National Park is set amidst the mountains and glaciated valleys south of Nelson city and features beech forests and the beautiful jewel-like lakes.
Overnight at Cambria House B&B (B)
Day 05
Enjoy the day at leisure, exploring the beautiful city of Nelson.
Overnight at Cambria House B&B (B)
Day 06
Make your way to Nelson airport for your connecting flight (via Christchurch) to Queenstown.
Overnight at Browns Boutique Hotel (B)
Day 07
Queenstown is the Southern Hemisphere’s premiere four-season alpine and lake resort. Spend today exploring this infamous city and discover for yourself everything it has to offer.
Overnight at Browns Boutique Hotel (B)
Day 08
Today you will begin your shared 3 day/2 night walk on the Routeburn Track. The Routeburn Track passes through two national parks, Fiordland and Mount Aspiring, and is part of Te Wahipounamu, South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.
Overnight at Routeburn Lodge (D,B)
Day 09
Continue on your walk of the Routeburn Track. The variety of landscapes will astound you: mountainous peaks; sheer rock faces; alpine basins; pristine lakes; cascading waterfalls; luxuriant forest; turquoise rivers and million dollar views around every corner (L).
Overnight at Routeburn Lodge (D,B)
Day 10
Today is the last day of your Routeburn Track walk! Take time to enjoy the dramatic landscape around the falls, before descending to the alpine pastures of the Routeburn Flats (L).
Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight at Browns Boutique Hotel (B)
Day 11
Today you will travel to Manapouri for your overnight cruise at the overwhelmingly breathtaking Doubtful Sound.
Overnight on Doubtful Sound Cruise (D,B)
Day 12
Rise early to enjoy the first rays of sunlight at Doubtful Sound. This afternoon you will return to Queenstown.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Browns Boutique Hotel (B)
Day 13
Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery today as you are transferred from Queenstown to West Coast city of Franz Josef, the gateway for access to the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, better known as the Southern Alps.
Overnight at Westwood Lodge (B)
Day 14
Have the option to fly to the Franz Josef Glacier, land and go for a two-hour hike in ice caves, through pinnacles and seracs and be amazed by the many ice formations.
Overnight at Westwood Lodge (B)
Day 15
Board the TranzAlpine train and track slowly across the Southern Alps following rivers and skirting lakes until you reach Christchurch. Here you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Overnight at The Classic Villa (B)
Day 16
Enjoy the day at leisure, exploring the region.
Overnight at The Classic Villa (B)
Day 17
Transfer to Christchurch Airport for onward flights home to the US.
2023 Land Arrangement Prices: from $6,350.00 per person sharing
Program based on 2023 rates, subject to change for 2024.
Costing based on two people traveling.
Please note that if the New Zealand $ rate of exchange changes from 1.5 the program will need to be re-costed.
Note: We can interchange properties upon request
(B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner