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New Zealand South Island Highlights

4 daysNew Zealand

The South Island Highlights short break features the most dramatic landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. Enjoy an unforgettable Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) overnight cruise. Travel through Fiordland, Wānaka, and the rugged West Coast, discovering glaciers, alpine passes, and native wildlife along the way.

Length
4 days
Route
Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) to Christchurch
Meals
3 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Style
Small Group,Short Break
Group size
24

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Highlights

  • Flight InformationDay 1: Flights to arrive prior to 12 noon into Queenstown Airport Day 4: Flights to depart after 7.00pm from Christchurch Airport Airport to Hotel transfers are available to purchase on request. Flights to and from your tour are not included in the tour price.
  • What to bringComfortable walking shoes Warm layers in cooler months Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle Camera
  • Fitness RequirementsMedium level of fitness required.
  • Included HighlightsCruise overnight aboard the iconic Milford Mariner on majestic Piopiotahi/Milford Sound Kayak or travel by tender boat along Milford Sound's shoreline Stay in the picturesque country town of Wanaka

Itinerary

  1. Piopiotahi (Milford Sound)Day 1
  2. WanakaDay 2
  3. Fox GlacierDay 3
  4. ChristchurchDay 4
Day 1Queenstown - Piopiotahi (Milford Sound)Piopiotahi (Milford Sound)

Depart Queenstown and journey along the dramatic Devil’s Staircase to Te Anau. Travel deep into Fiordland National Park, passing mirror-like lakes, alpine valleys and the Homer Tunnel before arriving at Piopiotahi (Milford Sound). Board the Milford Mariner for an unforgettable Milford Sound overnight cruise, where waterfalls, rainforest and wildlife surround you as you explore by kayak or tender and dine on a three-course buffet.

Meals: Dinner

Stay: Milford Mariner, Milford Sound

Day 2Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) - WānakaWanaka

Wake to the stillness of Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) before cruising further through the fiord as the morning light reveals its towering peaks. Journey onward through Fiordland and Central Otago to Wānaka, a lakeside town set against the Southern Alps, where the evening is yours to relax and explore.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Wanaka Hotel

Day 3Wānaka - Fox GlacierFox Glacier

Travel from Wānaka past Lake Hāwea and through the alpine landscapes of Makarora before crossing the Haast Pass. Descend into the lush rainforest of the West Coast and arrive at Fox Glacier, where you may choose an Optional Experience* scenic flight over the glaciers for a unique perspective.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Heartland Fox Glacier, Fox Glacier

Day 4Fox Glacier - ChristchurchChristchurch

Continue along the rugged West Coast to Hokitika, known for its greenstone and creative spirit, before turning inland toward the Southern Alps. Cross Arthur’s Pass, where dramatic peaks and alpine scenery give way to rolling plains, before arriving in Ōtautahi (Christchurch), where your journey concludes.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels

Milford Sound, New Zealand

1 night

Milford Mariner

Cruise Overnight

Spend the night aboard the Milford Mariner waking up in one of the most beautiful places on earth. You’ll cruise the full length of Milford Sound accompanied by a specialist nature guide. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Bar

Room Tea & coffee facilities

1 night

Wanaka Hotel

Hotel

Less than 1 km from Roys Bay, this simple hotel is 3 km from Rippon winery and 2 km from puzzles and mazes at Puzzling World.The straightforward rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges, plus tea and coffeemaking facilities. Upgraded rooms add balconies and/or lake views. The 1-bedroom suites feature separate living areas.Parking is complimentary. Amenities include a cafe, a bar/restaurant and a Mexican eatery. There's also a shared kitchen, a lounge and guest laundry facilities.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Restaurant, 24-hour Front Desk

Room Air Conditioning, Iron & ironing board, Non smoking, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi

Fox Glacier, New Zealand

1 night

Heartland Fox Glacier

Hotel

Featuring views of the surrounding mountains, this relaxed seasonal hotel in a 2-storey wood building is a 2-minute walk from the forests and mountain trails of Westland Tai Poutini National Park and 26 km from Franz Josef Glacier.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Restaurant

Room Air Conditioning, Iron & ironing board, Non smoking, TV, Ceiling fan, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi

Dates and prices

Per person, twin share

From, per person$2,107

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