Revel in the spectacular natural beauty of the South Island’s glaciers and sounds on this thrilling 8-day road trip. This package is perfect for first time visitors wanting to see and experience the best of Te Wahipounamu.

Tucked away at the bottom of the world, New Zealand is a country of stunning and diverse natural beauty: snow-capped mountains, sparkling fiords, shimmering lakes, lush rainforests, fast-moving glaciers and more. The South Island is especially breathtaking as the home of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area. This 26,000 square kilometre (10,039sqmi) encompasses several national parks in southwest New Zealand – Mount Cook (Aoraki, Fiordland, Mount Aspiring and Westland National Park. On this road trip, you will visit them all!

Departing from Christchurch, hit the road to see and experience the best of Te Wahipounamu. Drive New Zealand’s most scenic roads including the Crown Range and Milford Road. Admire the remarkable turquoise coloured Lake Tekapo and bask in the brooding shadow of Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain. Cruise the majestic Milford Sound and hike the famous Routeburn Track as well as the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. You will also embark on one of the world’s great rail journeys, the TranzAlpine, and have the opportunity to explore diverse cities and towns including Christchurch and Queenstown at your own pace.

This exciting 8-day nature-focused self-drive package includes 7-nights’ superior hotel accommodation on a twin share basis. At the end of each fun-filled day, you will sleep in comfort and have access to luxurious facilities and amenities including swimming pools and spas. Six days full size car rental is included as well as activities and sightseeings as specified in the itinerary. Daily breakfast provided.

Discover the splendor of the South Island on this 8-day self-drive road trip. This sensational loop route is the perfect introduction to New Zealand’s glaciers and sounds.

This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points. 

Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas are surrounded by sweeping, vibrant gardens and overlooks the stunning Lake Te Anau and Fiordland ranges. Setting the tone for your stay in one of the world’s most breath-taking regions, the hotel and villas offer elegant accommodation, perfectly situated for you to make the most of this beautiful area as a gateway to Milford and Doubtful Sounds. After a day sightseeing, guests can relax in the outdoor heated swimming pool, spa and sauna and enjoy impressive South Island cuisine in the MacKinnon Room Restaurant.

* The accommodation rating and pricing is a guide only, reviewed by Onlyluxe Travel Experts. Please note that pricing can change at any time. Please contact us for exact pricing and more information.

Queenstown hikes in style! Walk the world famous Routeburn Track and Ben Lomond Track, and heli-hike in the magical valley of the Earnslaw Burn Waterfalls as seen in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey". Take in amazing views of the hanging glacier, Fiordland and beyond, farewell diverse and spectacular scenery on the tracks, and relax in the privacy of your villa - distinctively luxurious 5 star boutique accommodation at AZUR Lodge with candlelight dinners served.

Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world is your base for this incredible luxury adventure. Once you touch down at Queenstown airport, your guide will meet and greet you and transfer you to the Ben Lomond Track in a luxury car. This famous Queenstown day walk is a 3 to 4 hour easy to moderate return hike to Ben Lomond Saddle (or you may take on an challenge for a 6 to 8 hour hike to Ben Lomond Summit), experiencing magnificent lake and mountain views. Your second day hike is on the iconic Routeburn Track - one of New Zealand's 9 Great Walks and the ultimate alpine adventure. Again, you have the choice of a 4 to 5 hour return hike to Routeburn Flats or a 6 to 8 hour return hike to the Routeburn Falls Hut. The finale of your luxury adventure is a spectacular heli-hike, flying over Ben Lomond, the Richardson Mountains, Glenorchy, and Lake Wakatipu, landed in Earnslaw Burn valley for a hike to view numerous waterfalls. Walk in the footsteps of Bilbo and his company of dwarves under the waterfalls of Middle Earth, and be impressed by the surreal views of rolling high-country farmland and native tussock fields that transform into glaciers and plunging waterfalls.

This is a lodge based walk for the discerning traveller. From your accommodation at the acclaimed AZUR Lodge, travel each day to different tracks returning at day's end to a luxurious lodge room designed to let you absorb the incredible views in chic luxury and total privacy. Overlooking stunning, uninterrupted vistas of Lake Wakatipu, the majestic Remarkables range and Cecil and Walter Peaks, you'll be serviced with evening canapés and dinners focusing on freshness, simplicity, and seasonal flavours.

Combining the best of Queenstown walking experience with the luxury hillside AZUR Lodge, great food and wine, discerning service and the local knowledge of your field guides, this is thoughtfully crafted luxury adventure of a lifetime.

Departure Dates:

Daily departure on request. Peak season surcharge of $500 per person applies for travelling from 1st November to 31st March.

Dates or itinerary don't fit?  We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.

This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points. 

Discover the depth of New Zealand's backcountry by hiking, biking and kayaking through the essence of South Island. In just 8 days uncover the best of South Island journeying through legendary icons Milford Sounds, Arthurs Pass, Franz Josef, Mt Aspiring and Routeburn Track.

Departing from Christchurch, immerse in an adventure of a lifetime where its iconic and remote wilderness is just as diverse as your activities. Experience the natural wonders of the Fiordland and enchanting Milford Sounds with an overnight cruise before gliding its pure waters on sea kayaks. Take it to where the sky is the limit with a scenic flight into the World Heritage Listed Mt Aspiring National Park, a dreamland of snowcapped mountains. Hike the hidden gem of Lake Crucible before an exhilarating jet boat adventure in ice blue glacial rivers. Your walk will be just as diverse from the renowned Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s great walks, the legendary Arthur’s Pass to conquering mountain summits including Ben Lomond. From unforgettable wildlife encounters to glacial valleys and star-filled skies, South Island will keep you on your feet of bucket list adventures in all its forms. Hike mighty glaciers descending through the rainforest into the sea at Franz Josef Glacier and cycle a section of the Queenstown Bike Trail. Filled with surprises at every turn, it will ignite your imagination. Discover the Adventure Capital of Queenstown to your heart’s desire and at your own pace. Along the way, find your up-close moments with wildlife including seals, native birds and if you’re lucky dolphins, penguins and a migrating whale.

Unwind each adventure filled day in carefully handpicked rustic accommodations where each stay embraces the quiet sanctuaries of New Zealand’s most stunning settings. This adventure includes 7 night’s accommodation with meals included as specified. You will be supported by two guides posing unrivalled passion as they bring the trails to life, ensuring you are well fuelled and hydrated.

A perfect week escape for the adventure seekers embracing South Island’s treasures where some are legendary and others a well-kept secret. Embark on a true kiwi adventure of a lifetime ticking off all its top bucket list.

Dates or itinerary don't fit? We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.

This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points. 

Walk the world famous Milford Track with a private guide and enjoy a luxurious 5-star Milford Sound overnight cruise. This walk and luxury cruise combo tour offers an lifetime experience in Milford Sound over two days.

Milford Sound is like no other place on Earth. With majestic peaks that tower hundreds of metres both above and below sea level, cascading waterfalls and pristine rainforest, it’s undoubtedly the most spectacular of New Zealand’s thirteen fiords.

Not only is the landscape phenomenal, the natural wildlife here is abundant too. Seals, dolphins and penguins can all be spotted from above the water on your luxurious 5-star Milford Sound overnight cruise.

Your tour departs from Queenstown. You will be picked up from your Queenstown accommodation and head to Milford Sound. Your luxurious 5-star boat features an onboard helipad, on-deck hot-tub, kayaks, tender, and superb cuisine. Taking only 20 passengers a night, in luxury climate-controlled cabins, all with king-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms, and majestic fiord and ocean views, it's sure to offer you a unique luxury boutique-cruising experience in Milford Sound.

When all the tourists have left at dusk, the fiord transforms into a peaceful scene of dramatic landscape. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere and get a sense of the serenity that the fiord offers. After disembarking the next morning, your private guide will meet you at the cruise terminal and accompany you hiking the Milford Track, described as "the Finest Walk in the World" - a must when visiting the region. Walk through ancient temperate rainforest surrounded by an array of ferns, mosses and lichens leading to the Giant Gate Waterfall. Then private transfer back to Queenstown.

You'll enjoy the natural wonders of Milford Sound at dawn, dusk or underneath the stars on a luxurious 5-star Milford Sound overnight cruise.

Upgrade Fly In & Out: Descend through carved glacial valleys to Milford to land aboard the boat.

Please contact us for departure dates and availability. Exclusive charters are available upon request. The cruises are guided by expert crew, are fully catered, with all equipment supplied. E: travel@onlyluxe.com.au

Dates or itinerary don't fit?  We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.

This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points.