Luxury South Island Mountains & Lakes

From Christchurch to Queenstown
  • Canterbury & Upper South Island
  • Otago & Alpine Region
  • Wildlife and Nature
  • Luxury
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Tour Description

Experience New Zealand's South Island like never before! 

Traverse across magnificent mountains and lakes, enjoying enormous and mystical snow-capped peaks, viewing nature in its purest, all while enjoying the comfort and service of our top secluded hotels and lodges. The Historical Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook Village has some of the most spectacular views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the surrounding mountains. The Mahu Whenua near Wanaka, a ranch-style isolated property that has some amazing conservation projects and hiking trails and horse stables. Finish your stay at Azur in Queenstown located far enough from the main township to avoid the crowds but with the perfect lake views.

Each lodge/hotel has a range of onsite activities that we can pre-arrange for you and the most perfect views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

More time? Let us tailor-make the perfect self-drive for you

Viva's Best Bits...

Be wowed by the Southern Alps from the air as you take a scenic flight to Milford Sound from Queenstown. The flight takes you over two national parks and provides you with a bird-eye view of this stunning, largely untouched region.

A fantastic week in the South Island that can be customized to suit your interests; horse-riding on a high country station, hiking, e-bikes, glacier flights or heli skiing - anything is possible.

"One of my favourite walks is Hooker Valley in Mount Cook National Park, also a must for keen photographers" Tara, Team Viva.

Tour Itinerary

Customisable ? This tour can be customised to suit your tastes and timing. Enquire here for more information.
Day 1
Christchurch Aoraki/Mount Cook Village

Pick up your rental car from Christchurch airport and start your scenic drive to Mount Cook National Park. Along the way you will pass through stunning scenery, including Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. Tonight you are staying at the historical Hermitage Hotel. Your room will offer the best views of Aoraki/Mt Cook. Evening and dinner (not included) at your own leisure. We suggest to join a guided night sky viewing tour and gaze up at the stunning star filled sky.

Day 2
Aoraki/Mount Cook Village

Today after breakfast you could get a different point of view of Aoraki/Mount Cook by heading on an optional scenic flight that includes a glacier snow landing on the Tasman Glacier. Or enjoy the day and hike some of the many different tracks in the area. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is just an endless array of beauty. Make the most of this unforgettable destination!

Day 3
Aoraki/Mount Cook Village Mahu Whenua, Wanaka

Enjoy your breakfast and the views of Aoraki/Mt Cook one last time! Then get ready for another beautiful drive to Wanaka via the Lindis pass, the scenery is unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. Make sure you stop at the top of the pass and take the short trail to the lookout point. You get a great view over the unusual landscape of the Lindis Conservation Area. Soon you will arrive in Wanaka and find your way to your ranch-style lodge. We recommend you enjoy the stunning scenery and take a walk around the property.

Enjoy one complimentary cocktail or premium wine/beer with your pre-dinner canapés.

In the evening you will have your first dinner, cooked by the in house chef. All your meals are included throughout your stay and tailored to your dietary requirements.

Day 4
Mahu Whenua, Wanaka

After a delicious breakfast get ready to explore the land a bit more by horse.

Today you will take a half day horse trek, starting at the exclusive on-site stables where you will be introduced to your horse. The trek takes you through the purpose-built trails, cross rivers, explore beech forest and head up the valleys of this special landscape, stopping halfway for morning or afternoon tea. The Horse Riding adventures are a fantastic opportunity to see more of the property and learn about the conservation efforts that take place whilst remaining in touch with nature. (Duration 3-4 hours with approx. 2 hours riding time).
Alternatively, if horse riding is not for you, we can arrange a guided e-bike tour to Arrowtown which is a world-class 42 km biking trail available exclusively to the house guests.

At the end of the day, chill in the hot tub and then enjoy your pre-dinner drink and canapés. Finish off the day with a hearty dinner dish at the cosy dining area.

Day 5
Wanaka Queenstown

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and the peace and quiet of the lodge. Then it is time to leave Wanaka and you have two options on how to drive to Queenstown. Either take the mountain road drive over the Crown Range to Queenstown. Or if you prefer an easier drive then we suggest the equally stunning drive along Lake Dunstan and through the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown, you might even fit in some wine tasting at one of the many beautiful vineyards along the way.
Your lodge is located just outside the main town, so you can enjoy perfect views of the lake directly in front of your lodge.

Enjoy some pre-dinner drinks and canapés before you head out for dinner.

Day 6
Milford Sound flight & cruise Queenstown

After breakfast get ready for your next adventure.

Today you will get the ultimate Milford Sound experience by air and water. You will fly over the rugged backcountry of Central Otago before heading westward where you witness the power nature has over the years and journey over two remarkable National Parks, Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Park. On arrival in Milford Sound embark on a two hour cruise through one of the world's natural wonders. Cruise the length of the fiord and get up close to the waterfalls. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as seals, dolphins and sometimes penguins. Upon return to Milford Sound, you'll board your small plane again and complete your journey with a bird-eye view of the largely untouched region as you fly over the Southern Alps and head back to Queenstown.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure. You may explore the regions famous vineyards or head back to Azur for a homemade afternoon tea and relax on the deck.

After your pre-dinner drinks and canapés treat yourself to a nice meal at one of the award winning restaurants in Queenstown.

Day 7
Queenstown Queenstown airport

After breakfast it is time to say good-bye.

Please drive to Queenstown airport to drop off your rental car.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 6 nights in premium accommodation
Food
  • Included Copy 20 6 breakfasts, 2 dinners, 2 lunches
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Rental car ex Christchurch airport, drop off Queenstown
  • Included Copy 20 Milford Sound scenic flight and cruise
  • Included Copy 20 Horse trekking on a high country station
  • Included Copy 31 Ask us to tailor-make a self-drive itinerary for your interests
Transportation

Rental Car

Activities

  • Included Horse trek through high country scenery (or change to an e-bike adventure if you prefer).
  • Included Fly over the Southern Alps!
  • Included Cruise the length of the iconic Milford Sound.
  • Included Explore Queenstown at your own leisure.
  • Included Great photo opportunity of stunning aqua lakes: Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and Hooker Lake.
  • Included Explore and hike the Aoraki/Mount Cook region.
  • Included Star gazing and night sky experience, see the Milky Way!
  • Included Top class accommodation with breathtaking views.
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

7 days

Price from

$3,100 USD

Per person, sharing

including GST

Daily Departures