Dramatic landscapes, rolling lush farmland and snow-capped mountain ranges; New Zealand's South Island is spectacular beyond belief. You will see the main highlights of the South Island and visit the best known locations. Scenic Highlights Tours
See tranquil lakes and rugged steep mountains while driving along wild rivers and lush rainforest. Land with an helicopter on unique glaciers that retrieve deep into a dense rainforest. Visit the adventure capital of the world and cruise through one of world known natural wonders the Milford Sound. You stay at in the city centre of all main tourist destinations and also experience some beautiful remote stays and lodges. You will enjoy with us a private and friendly journey and an authentic New Zealand experience!
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 caryou’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-WestCoast-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 renown 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 - Haast - Mt Aspiring National Park - Queenstown (Rainforest walks, wetlands, remote water-falls) driving distance 6h
This day gives you the opportunity to view two major glaciers Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier; it also takes you through the South Westland region to one of our World Heritage Parks. Walk a trek that will take you to the bottom of Fox Glaciers. Both Glaciers are located 25 km from each other and are unique in the world as they seem to nearly reach the ocean Mt Aspiring National Park this area is a vast, glacial sculpted wilderness. Or decide to visit nearby Lake Matheson. The forested path skirts the shores of the mist-shrouded lake and on a clear day, New Zealand’s highest peaks are spectacularly reflected in the mirror-like waters. Scroll through a magical wetland wonderland and see some close by waterfalls roaring down the steep mountain walls. 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, a short stopover in Lake Wanaka before continuing on across the Crown Range to Queenstown. We will take you to your accommodation in Queenstown from where you can take the opportunity to explore the village area. Accommodation: Queenstown
Day 4: Queenstown (Chinese settlement, Shotover jet boat)
Your day’s itinerary will lead you to some of the most interesting adventures Queenstown has to offer, your first stop is Arthurs point, home of the Shotover Jet Boat Company, here you can experience (optional and extra charge) one of New Zealand’s most exciting adventure rides Jet Boating on the Shotover River (this is a safe excursion for both children and adults). We take you 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 you can encounter which is widely regarded as a safe spectator attraction the famous Kawarau Gorge Bungy Jumping exhibition (this is free for spectators, however, if you desire to make a jump the charge is additional to your tour package). From Kawarau Gorge you return to Queenstown where you can take the opportunity to explore the village area. Because they are so many things to do in Queenstown, to cater to your diverse interests, we have left the afternoon free for you to pick and choose whatever optional activities you desire. Your guide can arrange and advise you on all the options, if you a thrill seeker and you want to go skydiving or if you just like to walk beautiful treks. Accommodation: Queenstown
Day 5: Queenstown - Fiordland National Park (Drive/Cruise Milford Sounds, Mirror Lakes, Chasm) driving distance 5h
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 you 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 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 6: Te Anau - Mt Cook - Lake Tekapo (Lindis Pass, Mt Cook area, Glacier Lakes ) driving distance 5h
After we have passed Lake Wakitipu and Queenstown again, we can view “The Lord of the Rings” misty mountains plus the Pelennor Fields and cross one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets, The ”Lindis Pass'. Speckled with small agricultural outposts, the Canterbury Plains are an area of serene, rural beauty. Our trip will take us through some of the most evocative hill county in New Zealand. To the east lies the coastal town of Timaru while, to the west, the Mackenzie Country accounts for a large percentage 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. 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, rises 3700 meters. The Lake Tekapo is an unusual beautiful turquoise colour, and reflects the surrounding mountains. Relax at this mystical, tranquil place and take a stroll along the lake’s shores. In the evening we can arrange a tour to explore the wonders of the Southern Sky at the Mt John Observatory high above the breathtaking landscape of Lake Tekapo – where Earth meets Sky. (Optional and extra charge) Accommodation: Lake Tekapo
Day 7: Lake Tekapo-Christchurch Airport departure driving distance 3h
We drive you through Canterbury to Christchurch Depending on your departure time you can spend some time back in Christchurch. From there your driver takes you to the Airport to connect you with your departing airline.
Prices:
We are specialized in custom made tours for the desiring traveler. 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.