The South Island spectacular beautiful landscape includes vast mountain chains, rigged coastlines, deeply indented fiords and lush rainforest. You will see the main highlights of the South Island and visit the best and most scenic locations. Scenic Highlights Tours
All tours are private, depart daily, and can be customized to suit individual interests and schedules. Please contact us at info@arohatours.co.nz or 0064-21-890611 for more information about our luxury New Zealand tours. Our Vehicles Travel Guide Profiles
Day 1: Christchurch arrival-Arthur Pass driving distance 1,5h
Arrive in Christchurch Int. Airport and you will be met by your driver/guide. Depart Christchurch through the scenic untouched areas and through the Arthurs Pass. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Today you will discover wild nature in a spectacular mountain setting and experience life on a 2,400 hectare nature reserve and high country merino sheep station. Walk from your room into a natural paradise of beech forest, tussock clearings, moss-lined streams and lakes. A naturalist guides will help you learn about high country life and explore nature in this special place the first Maori visitors called "Te Ko Awa a Aniwaniwa - Valley of the Mother of the Rainbows." Accommodation: Arthur Pass, Wilderness Lodge
Day 2: Arthur Pass-West-coast-Franz Josef Glacier (Pancake Rocks, Glaciers) driving distance 4h
On arriving in Greymouth, your driver/guide will take you to the upper West Coast .We stop at Punakaiki the jewel of the West Coast, Punakaiki is world renowned for its pancake rock formation and blowholes. Walk along some of the stunning and remote beach treks, though a dense rainforest with Nikau Palms and large ferns. We follow the winding road along one of the most stunning coastal drives in the country. Pass the township of Greymouth and Hokitika; known both for gold and coal mining in New Zealand. We take a leisurely and scenic drive to the famous glacier region, which make a dramatic approach to the sea. Your day’s itinerary will end in the tiny settlement of Franz Josef. One of the best ways to appreciate the glaciers size and features and blue ice crevasses is by air. From here you can hire a helicopter to take a scenic flight over this spectacular scenery. Accommodation: West Coast
Day 3: Franz Josef Glacier-Lake Wanaka (Rainforest, remote waterfalls, ) driving distance 4h
An interesting day of scenic opportunities experiencing the untamed beauty of the native New Zealand flora and fauna, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. This day gives you the opportunity see large crystal clear streams and waterfalls and it also takes you through the South Westland region to one of our World Heritage Parks Mt Aspiring National Park this area is a vast, glacial sculpted wilderness. As you exit Mt Aspiring National Park you will travel through what is known as “The Neck” a formation of land that separates two of our great South Island lakes Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka. Wanaka is a new and modern Alpine resort and mostly visited by us New Zealanders. You will have the afternoon off to enjoy the scenery, go shopping or play golf. Accommodation: Wanaka or stay in Queenstown
Day 4: Wanaka (Small plane flight into Siberia Valley) driving distance 2h return
Join us for a 4 hour wilderness adventure tour in Mount Aspiring World Heritage National Park. Take a 25 minute unforgettable scenic flight with views of Southern Alps, capturing the rugged beauty of New Zealand's World Heritage National Park. See glaciers, ice, snow, mountain lakes, hanging valleys, vast rain forests, and dramatic unspoiled beauty. Land in the glacially carved Siberia Valley in the middle of the Southern Alps and to begin a 2hr walk through valleys and native beech forest on a well marked track linking the remote Siberia Valley with the wilderness of the Wilkin Valley! And join a 30 minute exciting Jet Boat ride. Your Siberia Experience leaves from Makarora at the head of Lake Wanaka and allows you to enjoy some of New Zealand's untouched scenery from the air, on land and from the water. Accommodation: Wanaka
Day 5: Wanaka-Te Anau (Wine-tour, Fiordland National Park) driving distance 3h
Central Otago is New Zealand’s fastest growing wine region and also it’s most scenic. Take the time to explore these incredible vineyards set in small micro-climates in a landscape dominated by high snow-capped mountains, and tussock clad slopes. Travel to Cromwell and Bannockburn, the heart of Pinot Noir country, and depending on your personal tastes, we will guide you to a selection of boutique wineries. At some stage of the wine tour we suggest a stop for relaxing lunch at one of the wineries. Visit the surrounding areas to Arthur's Point it's on to Coronet Peak for more spectacular views of Queenstown, to your next stop in Arrowtown, a historic colonial village that takes you back into the Gold Mining days of the Otago region. From there journey takes you pass the Eastern shores of Lake Wakatipu to Lake Te Anau. Here you will be visiting one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand. The extraordinary scenic beauty has earned this region a reputation as a significant sightseeing and walking destination, and a 'Must See' for anyone travelling to New Zealand. We highly recommend (Optional and extra charge)! By Helicopter: Experience scenery on an epic scale in the Fiordland National Park, New Zealand's very own land of sheer granite mountains, with spectacular fiords reaching ever inland. A premier experience! You will journey south over Lake Manapouri and across the Main Divide to the remote southern fiords. Over-fly the small scattered islands that are unique to Dusky Sound, before heading north to the Doubtful Sounds. Take a spectacular journey past hidden alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls and lush native forest to Doubtful Sound. In the heart of the Fiordland National Park we have found a pristine spot, hidden from the rest of the world, for you to enjoy a wilderness landing. After 1 hour you heading further north to view 2 more sounds and returning via the South Arm of Lake Te Anau. (Very Weather dependant). Accommodation: Te Anau
Day 6: Te Anau – Day trip to Milford Sounds (Encounter Cruise) driving distance 4h return
We are heading for the spectacular Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world” which was carved out during successive ice ages and, at its deepest point off Mitre Peak, plunges to a depth of 265 meters. The awesome splendour of this region is unsurpassed anywhere else in the World, a daring claim in a country which offers extraordinary beauty around every corner. Getting there is half of the experience; we take you through the Fiordland National Park, pass staggeringly beautiful valleys, lakes and creeks. If the time allows we will stop at the” Mirror Lakes”, before entering the narrow and dark 1km long Homer Tunnel. We take you on a day cruise into the magnificent wonder-world of the Milford Sound. You may encounter Kea’s, New Zealand’s cheeky alpine parrots and we stop and explore some of nature’s wonders on the way. At Milford we board a vessel and cruise on the Fiord through sheer cliffs covered with vegetation that plunges into the sea. View the Bowen Falls, hurtling 165 meters into the sea, and the Stirling Falls further down the sound, set amidst the towering cliffs and dwarfed by Mitre Peak. On the way back we take a board walk into the “Chasm” to see surreal, water-hewn rock sculptures. Highly recommend: A scenic flight, cruise and drive excursion into the Milford Sound. Accommodation: Te Anau
Day 7: Te Anau – Dunedin (Royal Albatross Colony, Penguin colonies) driving distance 4h
From the Fiordland National Park the guide will take you back North to the East Coast and the town of Dunedin. The splendour of many of its public buildings reflects Dunedin's economic and cultural pre-eminence in Victorian New Zealand. Today, Dunedin has a rightly deserved reputation as one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Drive further to the tip of the Otago Peninsula is Taiaroa Heads, about forty minutes from the city centre. The magnificent Royal Albatross, a huge sea bird of mythology, soars above the rugged cliffs. Take a guided tour of the only mainland nesting colony of the Royal Albatross in the world. For dusk we have organised a tour to watch the yellow-eye and blue penguin colonies close by. Accommodation: Dunedin
Day 8: Dunedin - Lake Tekapo (Moeraki Boulders, Mt Cook area and Glacier Explorer cruise) driving distance 4h
We stop over at the fascinating Moeraki Boulders. The Moeraki Boulders are huge spherical stones that are scattered over the sandy beaches, but they are not like ordinary round boulders that have been shaped by rivers and pounding seas. From there we take you further to the white sandstone town of Oamaru. The main Town of North Otago is a pretty town and the best-preserved collection of historic and commercial buildings in New Zealand.To the east lie the coastal climes of Timaru while, to the west, Mackenzie Country accounts for a large percent of New Zealand’s sheep population. We travel into deep into the heart of the Southern Alps and to the southern slopes of Mt Cook National Park. In the afternoon we take you on a small boat trip to the bottom of Tasman Glacier. The only tour of its kind in New Zealand, and one of three in the world! Very few glaciers terminate into lakes and even fewer of these are accessible to the average person. We overnight in the small township of Lake Tekapo. You will encounter an array of spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand, which peaks at some 3700 meters. The Lake Tekapo shine’s all year round in a beautiful turquoise colour, and reflects the surrounding mountains. Relax at this mystical, tranquil place and take a stroll along the lake’s shores. Accommodation: Tekapo
Day 9: Tekapo - Akaroa Peninsula driving distance 4h
Our trip will take us through some of the most evocative hill county in New Zealand. Speckled with small agricultural outposts, the Canterbury Plains are an area of serene, rural beauty We drive you through Canterbury to the historic French colonial village of Akaroa; only 90 minutes drive from Christchurch. The township is settled around a dormant crater and natural harbour. The French explorers who sailed to Akaroa in 1840 left some indelible imprints throughout township. There are numerous ways to get you up-close and personal with wildlife. You can experience the rare Hector Dolphins, fur seals and cormorant colonies and might have a chance to spot the world smallest “Blue Penguin” on a majestic harbour cruise (optional extra charge). Visit New Zealand’s own unique Blue Pearl farm. Accommodation: Akaroa Peninsula
Day 10: Akaroa Peninsula – Christchurch airport departure driving distance 1,5h
Your guide will take you to your departure flight at Christchurch airport.
Prices:
We are specialized in custom made tours for the desiring traveller. Each tour package will be tailored to your specific needs. Individual choices of accommodation style and the amount of activities you anticipate in will reflect on the general overall cost of the tour. Please make an enquiry.
Accommodation:
We use quality accommodations which are handpicked and have great hosts and are located in beautiful locations. All rooms are modern with private on suites or bathrooms! If you decide on 5 Star travel that we will offer you the best boutique lodging that New Zealand has to offer.
Dining:
We have decided not to include lunches and most dinners in the package (Exceptions’: Wilderness and Farm-stays and superior Lodges are inclusive private dinners), as we believe that each individual has different needs and tastes and that New Zealand had great restaurants in each area, that are within reach. It also allows you to choose places to your own budget. Your guide will advise you in each area about your best options. Special dietary needs can be catered for.
Activities:
We pride ourselves on a wide range of activities in your tour package. We chosen those that we feel will enhance your New Zealand experiences. You can participate in as many or as few as you like. If you are unable to participate in any activity or there are weather restrictions, alternatives will be provided where possible. Please check our activity list on 'Links' site
Transport:
All our vehicles are comfortable, luxury sedans (max 4 people) or luxury vans (max 8 people).
Support:
You will receive detailed pre-trip information. Including passport and visa requirements, packing tips and general travel information for New Zealand!
We have professional office staff to help you plan every aspect of your trip inside of New Zealand.