The Highlights of Te Waipounamu

Arrive in Christchurch and begin your South Island adventure with a scenic drive toward Banks Peninsula. Rolling farmland, rugged coastline and sheltered bays define this quieter corner of New Zealand, where remote luxury lodges sit hidden among dramatic natural landscapes. Spend the afternoon settling into your accommodation and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere before the active adventures ahead begin.

Travel deeper into the South Island toward Arthur’s Pass, where alpine scenery begins to dominate the landscape. The journey winds through river valleys, dramatic mountain passes and expansive tussock plains before reaching one of New Zealand’s most spectacular wilderness regions. Spend the day hiking through native forest trails and exploring landscapes shaped by glaciers, rugged peaks and powerful rivers.

Continue west toward Franz Josef, where rainforest-covered valleys meet ancient glaciers descending from the Southern Alps. Today’s highlight is a heli-hiking experience across Franz Josef Glacier, combining scenic helicopter flights with guided exploration across blue ice formations, crevasses and snow-covered terrain. The dramatic contrast between rainforest and glacier landscapes makes this one of the South Island’s most unforgettable experiences.

Travel south toward Wānaka, a lakeside town surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery and known for its relaxed outdoor lifestyle. Upon arrival, experience the thrill of jet boating through winding river canyons before spending the remainder of the day exploring lakefront walking trails, boutique cafés and panoramic viewpoints across the Southern Alps. Wānaka balances adrenaline and tranquillity in equal measure.

Continue onward to Queenstown, New Zealand’s iconic alpine resort town. Surrounded by Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range, the region offers endless outdoor activities and dramatic scenery. Spend the day mountain biking through scenic trails or exploring the town’s energetic atmosphere filled with adventure experiences, lakeside dining and panoramic alpine views.

Journey into Fiordland National Park for an unforgettable cruise through Doubtful Sound, one of New Zealand’s most remote and untouched fjords. Towering cliffs, rainforest-covered mountains and cascading waterfalls surround the deep waterways, creating a landscape that feels almost prehistoric. Explore sections of the sound by kayak, gliding silently through calm waters beneath immense wilderness scenery.

Today focuses on one of Fiordland’s most rewarding hikes — the Lake Marian Track. The trail winds through native forest, suspension bridges and alpine landscapes before reaching the glacier-fed waters of Lake Marian surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. Later, continue toward Glenorchy, where wide-open valleys and cinematic landscapes provide a spectacular conclusion to the journey.

Return to Queenstown for your onward departure, taking with you memories of glaciers, fjords, alpine hikes and the extraordinary landscapes that define New Zealand’s South Island. From remote wilderness and adrenaline-filled adventures to peaceful lakeside scenery, the journey captures the essence of active luxury travel in one of the world’s great outdoor playgrounds.