South Island New Zealand Vacation: Wildlife, Adventure and Luxury Lodges

Day 1: Scottish Charm in the South Pacific

Arrive in Dunedin, New Zealand’s charming Scottish-flavored city where yellow wildflowers paint the hills and old-world architecture creates unexpected European charm. This harbor city offers Larnach Castle, island-dotted waters, and abundant birdlife.

Overnight: Dunedin (Distinction Dunedin)

Day 2: Albatross Encounter

Venture onto the remote Otago Peninsula for an extraordinary wildlife encounter. Walk through regenerating native bush and visit a private conservation property where you’ll plant a native tree, contributing to ongoing revegetation efforts.

Your picnic lunch comes with stunning lookout views over beaches, dramatic cliffs, and geological formations stretching to the Pacific horizon. The day’s highlight awaits at the world’s only mainland breeding colony of northern royal albatross, whose wingspans can reach 10 feet. Choose between learning about the colony on land or taking an hour-long harbor cruise to witness these majestic birds in flight.

Overnight: Dunedin (Distinction Dunedin)

Day 3: Gateway to Fiordland

Drive through spectacular scenery to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park, one of the world’s most beautiful nature reserves. Here, snow-capped mountains meet freshwater lakes and expanses of temperate rainforest, while Milford and Doubtful Sounds create narrow inlets surrounded by soaring peaks and cascading waterfalls.

Overnight: Te Anau (Fiordland Lodge)

Day 4: The Finest Walk in the World

Experience sections of the legendary Milford Track, long regarded as the “finest walk in the world.” Cruise across Lake Te Anau to the track’s beginning, then follow the stunning Clinton River through mystical beech forests.

Cross swing bridges while your knowledgeable guides share insights into the land’s history and native flora and fauna. The immersive experience concludes with another scenic cruise back to Te Anau, followed by a relaxing evening meal at your wilderness lodge.

Overnight: Te Anau (Fiordland Lodge)

Day 5: Adventure Capital Arrival

Journey to Queenstown, the small mountain town renowned for stunning beauty and outdoor adventures. Settle into Azur Lodge, a distinctively contemporary retreat perched on a hilltop with panoramic vistas. Each villa offers complete privacy among native trees and spectacular mountain views.

Overnight: Queenstown (Azur Lodge)

Day 6: Jet Boats and Movie Magic

Hold tight for a thrilling 1.5-hour jet boat journey through the Dart River’s ever-changing braided system, complete with exhilarating 360-degree spins. Continue with an easy walk through the Heritage Trail at Paradise, then journey by 4WD coach via scenic back roads.

The route showcases landscapes that have formed epic backdrops for international films, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy, bringing Middle-earth’s magic to life.

Overnight: Queenstown (Azur Lodge)

Day 7: Day at Leisure

Queenstown offers endless possibilities. Visit historic Arrowtown to learn about early mining history, sample excellent pinot noirs on Otago wine tours, or embrace adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, zip-lining, and canyon swinging.

Overnight: Queenstown (Azur Lodge)

Day 8: Alpine Stargazing

Drive through magnificent alpine scenery to Mt Cook, a comfortable haven surrounded by the unforgiving beauty of the Southern Alps. Despite unpredictable weather, Aoraki/Mt Cook remains an exceptionally beautiful destination.

Tonight brings one of New Zealand’s most magnificent attractions: pristine night skies unspoiled by light pollution, revealing a breathtaking blanket of stars rarely visible in the modern world.

Overnight: Mt Cook (The Hermitage Hotel)

Day 9: Victorian Elegance

Journey through the Canterbury plains to Christchurch and your final accommodation: Otahuna Lodge, an intimate retreat within an 1895 Victorian mansion. Seven generous suites retain grand 19th-century architectural features including open fireplaces, carved inglenooks, and stained glass windows, all surrounded by 30 acres of private, century-old gardens.

Overnight: Christchurch (Otahuna Lodge)

Day 10: Swimming with Dolphins

Today brings an extraordinary encounter with Hector’s dolphins, the world’s rarest and smallest oceanic dolphins. Akaroa Harbour remains the only place on earth where you can swim with this endangered species, surrounded by the beautiful volcanic cliffs while getting face-to-face with some of the world’s most playful and intelligent creatures.

Overnight: Christchurch (Otahuna Lodge)

Day 11: Farewell to Middle-Earth

After breakfast at the lodge, return to Christchurch airport, carrying memories of New Zealand’s incredible wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and warm hospitality.