Experience the wild side of New Zealand with this adventure through New Zealand’s South Island. Set off on an 4WD expedition on private access roads, where you can gain an insight into the art of shepherding and the history of gold mining. Soar above the majestic Milford Sound – the Eighth Wonder of the world – and taste the finest wine from the Central Otago region. Hike through the Lindis Valley and embark on a journey to the glaciers Mount Cook. End your journey with a thrilling swim with the hector dolphins and explore the beautiful gardens in Christchurch. While this is a more family-friendly experience, you can tailor the itinerary to your preference.
This journey outline is by no means fixed. As the traveller takes centre stage in our planning – from the type of lodging to daily activities – your journey will be crafted to suit you.
Welcome to Queenstown. Spend the day relaxing and recover from your long-haul flight. Take a walk along the waterfront, observe the sunlight bouncing off its sparkling waters with the soaring mountains reflected on its mirror-like surface. In the evening, have a delicious dinner featuring locally-grown produce at one of Queenstown’s many excellent restaurants paired with a world-famous Central Otago Pinot Noir.
Embark on an epic 4WD Farm Expedition on Ben Lomond Station, a 13,500 hectares of Merino sheep farm with verdant pastures, native beech forest, lakes, rivers, and mining huts from the gold mining era. Spend the day with the farmer, who has specialised in farming and producing the finest merino wool for many years. Starting from Moke Lake, you will travel through a private access only road that will take you through the river route with its gold mining history and a soaring mountain pass overlooking rugged land sculpted by gold mining and sheep farming.
Learn the art of shepherding and hear many great yarns of the early settlers and the mining history that made this land rich. Embark on nature walks into the beautiful old beech forest, try your hand at lake fishing, tackle some farming or relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
This morning, visit Milford Sound – hailed by Rudyard Kipling as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Situated on the west coast of the South Island, this place is a fusion of spectacular natural features with amazing landscapes around every corner. Breath-taking in any weather, the fjord’s cliffs rise vertically from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade down from as high as 1000 metres. The regular rains at Milford Sound create an especially magnificent view as the rainwater increases the volume of the falls. After an exciting excursion, head back to Queenstown and enjoy a hot pool session overlooking the braided rivers of Queenstown.
Embark on one of South Island’s most scenic drives. On your way to Omarama, stop off at Wanaka for a boat cruise to an island home to the rare flightless Buff Weka – extinct on mainland New Zealand since 1920. Then, take a short-guided bush walk which will take you up to a unique natural landscape often describe as “an island, on a lake, on an island, on a lake, on an island on the sea” Enjoy “high tea” on top of the island and drink in the chorus of birdsong while admiring the spectacular view of the Southern Alps on the horizon. At sunset, arrive at your stunning lodge located at the Lindis Valley. Tonight, drink in the infinite splendour of the Milky Way as you indulge in a quintessential kiwi lodge experience.
Spend today relaxing in the comfort of your lodge. Try your luck at the river with a spot of fly-fishing, or experience the natural wonders of New Zealand with a short hike in the valley. Alternatively, put on your riding boots and explore your surroundings on horseback with a spot of horse-trekking. For thrill-seekers, soar through the snow-capped Southern Alps in a glider and marvel at the beauty of these alpine peaks in the tranquil silence of your engineless craft.
Continue your scenic drive to Mount Cook – the highest point in New Zealand. Stop by a Salmon Farm at Lake Pukaki and taste some freshly-caught salmon sashimi. Spend the rest of the day at leisure at Mount Cook as you prepare for an exciting day of fun and adventure.
Adventures on ice await! Experience a short cruise along a glacier lake and get close to floating ice caps. For thrill-seekers, fly up to the Tasman Glacier and embark on a glacier hike through its snow-covered landscape – an experience available all year round! For those who prefer a warmer trek, head out to Hooker Valley or go on a privately guided hike along Sealy Tarns Track to witness the gorgeous freshwater lakes and alpine summers in summer.
As you make your way to Christchurch, stop off at Tekapo – a small town known for its remarkable turquoise coloured lake beneath the spectacular Southern Alps. Lake Tekapo gets its intense milky-turquoise colour from the fine rock-flour ground by glaciers suspended in the water. Check out the Church of the Good Shepherd – a quaint stone structure in a scenic spot beside the lake –and take Instagram worthy photographs with wild Lupins by the lake! Spend the night at Christchurch – the largest city in the South Island.
On your last day in New Zealand, go on a day trip to Akaroa. There, you can look forward to swimming with the hector dolphins – the world’s smallest dolphins – in the wild (non-interactive). Alternatively, the Antarctic Centre is great for families with young children. Hang out with the huskies and experience freezing Antarctica temperatures. Enjoy a special behind the scenes experience with New Zealand’s rare penguins.
Alternatively, you may wish to take it easy and explore this vibrant city Christchurch is also known as a garden city – head up to Port Hills where you get a great view down Lyttleton Harbour, as well as a sprawling view of the City with the Southern Alps in the background. Go punting on the Avon River in flat-bottomed boats for a relaxing sail through the botanic gardens.
Bid Kia Ora to the Land of the Long White Cloud as you head to the airport for your trip home. If you still cannot bear to leave this lovely country, you have the option to extend your adventure to Kaikoura, where you can spot albatross, seals, whales and dolphins. Alternatively, cruise over ancient sunken river valleys at the mysterious Marlborough Sound. Consider visiting Nelson, where you can experience water sports, a caving expedition, or just enjoy the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
Let’s plan your perfect escape. To start the conversation, contact us via our interactive form or drop us an email at ask@blueskyescapes.co.
Queenstown, Wanaka, Omarama, Tekapo, Christchurch.
All year round.
Moderate.
From USD 4,840/person for a group of 2 on a private basis, including double-sharing rooms. Excludes flights, car rental, transfers.
As we’ll customise your journey based on your preferences and needs, please note that this indicative price is just a rough estimate. Prices can fluctuate depending on season, type of accommodation and activities/experiences chosen (private vs. shared) etc.
This journey outline is by no means conclusive. It is just a guideline and can be tailored according to your comfort level, interests and preferences for every detail from accommodation to activities.
