Day 1:   Arrive in Queenstown, transfer to your hotel.  You are staying at Eichardt’s Private Hotel. (3 nights Queenstown)

 

Day 2:   Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight from Queenstown into Milford Sound where you will join the Mitre Peak Cruise, a nature cruise of the famous fiord.  View waterfalls, unique wildlife, towering rock faces before your return helicopter flight back which includes an exclusive alpine snow landing in the Fiordland National Park.  Dinner at the Queenstown Gondola restaurant followed by a stargazing tour is a great way to end the day.

 

Day 3:    Today’s activities combine two of the greatest pleasures – golf and wine tasting. Spend the morning playing golf at the famous Millbrook Resort (or you can hit the spa instead), and the afternoon will be a private wine tour and a gourmet platter lunch in a vineyard.

 

Day 4:    You’re off to a remote area of Mt Aspiring National Park today to Minaret Station Alpine Lodge. Accessible only by helicopter you will get to experience an authentic backcountry experience on this 50 000-acre working high country farm. (2 nights Mt Aspiring National Park)

 

Day 5:    Pick from a selection of backcountry experiences for today’s activities.  Your choices include scenic flights and a selection of guided activities including mountain biking, fishing, farm tour, heli skiing, heli hiking, jet boating and hunting.

​

Day 6:    After your helicopter return to Queenstown, you’re off to Franz Josef Glacier, a drive of approximately 3.5 hours.  You’re staying at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef. The very scenic drive through the Haast Pass provides plenty of scenic backdrops for photos.  Enjoy and evening soak in the Franz Josef Glacier thermal hot pools, we can arrange a private pool. (2 nights Franz Josef)

 

Day 7:     Get your camera’s ready for today’s helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier snowfields.  In addition to spectacular views of the Tasman Glacier and Aoraki/Mt Cook you’ll have a snow landing.  This afternoon you visit the West Coast Wildlife Center one of the largest Kiwi Captive Raring facilities in New Zealand. Learn all about New Zealand’s rare and unique native bird.

 

Day 8:    Leaving Franz Josef you’ll drive to Arthurs Pass National Park approximately 3 hours, to your accommodation at Arthurs Pass Wilderness Lodge.  The Lodge is on a 4000 acre nature reserve and operates as a high country merino sheep station. (2 nights Arthurs Pass)

 

Day 9:    Make the most of your wilderness adventure by learning about high country sheep farming, explore the beech forest, star gaze at night in the very clear night skies.  If you’re feeling more adventurous you can book a guided hiking tour.

 

Day 10:    Today you drive from Arthurs Pass to Kaikoura, approximately 4 hours drive to your accommodation at Hapuka Tree Houses.  With views of the coastline and mountains each tree house is stunning.  Spend the afternoon enjoying the Lodge or walk on the beach or in the bush. You could drive to Oahu waterfall and watch baby seals playing in the waters. (2 nights Kaikoura)

 

Day 11:     Kaikoura is well known for its whale watching.  You get a bird’s eye view of the Kaikoura Peninsula and Kaikoura Ranges while spotting sperm whales and dusky dolphins from the air.  If you’re lucky you’ll also see Humpback whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales, Southern Right Whales or Orcas. Spend the afternoon wandering the coastline, or get a massage, take a surfing lesson or just relax by the pool at The Lodge.

 

Day 12:     Leaving Kaikoura you’ll drive to Marlborough wine country (approximately 1.5 hours) to your accommodation in Blenheim, Vintners Retreat. This afternoon is a relaxing and informative Marlborough Wine Tour where you will visit 4 wineries and a chocolate factory. (2 nights Blenheim)

 

Day 13:     Today after a short drive to Havelock North you’re head out on a Marlborough Sounds food and wine cruise to a Greenshell Mussel.  Learn about the history of the Marlborough Sounds, and take in the natural beauty of the area.  Learn how the mussels grow, and sample freshy steamed mussels with matched local area wine.

 

Day 14:      You leave Marlborough today and drive to Nelson, approximately 2.5 hours.  Your accommodation is at Split Apple Retreat.  The stunning location of the retreat on the edge of Abel Tasman National Park provides tranquility and seclusion perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating.  Spend the afternoon and evening enjoying the Retreats services and facilities. (2 nights Abel Tasman National Park)

 

Day 15:     Abel Tasman National Park is spectacular, and you get to fly over it today with a stunning scenic helicopter flight from Motueka Airport to Awaroa.  After a 1 hour coastal walk you’ll meet your kayak guide and enjoy the afternoon paddling through the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, spotting wildlife, swimming, lounging on secluded beaches and enjoying a picnic lunch.

 

Day 16:    Relax in the morning at the Retreat before heading to Nelson airport for your transfer flight to Auckland and home.