6 Day South Island NZ Private Tour from Auckland w/ Flight
Experience beauty of NZ South Island in a relaxed style with this carefully crafted itinerary. Avoid the hassle of planning various things and driving long distances on your own. Dive into exciting optional activities like a Nature Cruise, Alpaca farm tour, TranzAlpine Scenic train ride, Scenic helicopter ride, Stargazing, Jet boating, Gondola ride, Kiwi park visit, a Cruise at Milford Sound, and Te Anau Glowworm caves tour. Day 1: Auckland-Flight to Christchurch (CHC)-CHC-Akaroa-CHC Board your included flight from Auckland to Christchurch and commence your multi-day tour with a pickup from CHC airport. Visit the French-inspired village of Akaroa, cuddle with alpacas, and enjoy a nature cruise to see Hector's dolphins. Return to Christchurch for drop-off at your hotel. Day 2: CHC–TranzAlpine Train–Otira Viaduct–Arthur’s Pass Village–Castle Hill–Lake Lyndon–Lake Tekapo Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train for stunning views. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass Railway Station. Enjoy the Otira Viaduct Lookout. Explore Arthur’s Pass National Park with a walk. Visit Castle Hill for limestone formations. Take a break at Lake Lyndon before reaching Lake Tekapo. Check into your hotel at Lake Tekapo and recharge before stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve. Day 3: Lake Tekapo–Lake Pukaki–Aoraki Mount Cook–Lindis Pass–Queenstown Visit the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ and enjoy a walk along Lake Tekapo. Next, see Lake Pukaki's turquoise waters. Drive to Aoraki Mount Cook, where you can hike the Hooker Valley and/or the Tasman Glacier Walks. Look for the kea, the world's only alpine parrot. Embark on a scenic helicopter ride above the valleys & peaks of Mt Cook National Park. Pass through Lindis Pass on your way to Queenstown. Check in to your Queenstown hotel. Day 4: Queenstown City Explore Get picked from your hotel. Visit Queenstown Gardens for a tranquil retreat. Stroll through central Queenstown streets for its vibrant atmosphere. Relax by Lake Wakatipu before thrill jet boating activity. Ride Gondola for stunning views. Explore the area and enjoy luge rides. Watch the sunset before returning to your hotel. Day 5: Queenstown – Milford Sound - Te Anau Glowworm Caves – Te Anau Start this epic day with a pickup. Enjoy a scenic drive to Milford Sound, capturing the stunning landscape along the way. Embark on a cruise to experience the fiord's beauty up close. Marvel at the cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife. Check-in to your hotel in Te Anau and refresh. At evening, embark on Te Anau Glowworm Caves to admire a cave that is lit by thousands of blue bioluminescent glowworms. Day 6: Te Anau - Queenstown - Flight to Auckland/Christchurch Enjoy a scenic drive from your Te Anau hotel to Queenstown. Experience NZ's unique wildlife at Kiwi Park in Queenstown, getting up close to the iconic kiwi bird and other native species. Your tour ends in Queenstown, where you can start another adventure or catch your optional departure flight to either Auckland or Christchurch.