10 Day Luxury South Island Holiday Package

Discover the best of the South Island with this 10 day New Zealand luxury tour. From 5-star hotels to superb activities, this New Zealand luxury tour package includes everything you need for an unforgettable holiday.

All-inclusive and fully customisable, the 10 Day Luxury South Island Holiday Package is perfect for couples, families, and groups.

Read on for the full details of this New Zealand luxury tour.

10 Day Luxury South Island Holiday Package | New Zealand Luxury Tour

Day 1 Arrive Christchurch

Arrive in Christchurch – New Zealand’s Garden City. Collect your rental car from the airport, discover the city or relax in your luxury Christchurch accommodation.

Christchurch is renowned for its natural beauty, lively entertainment scene, and strong cultural heritage. With its stunning botanical gardens and tree-lined avenues, Christchurch is both a sophisticated city and beautiful place to relax.

In the evening experience the luxury of a 36-seater colonial style dining tram. Enjoy fabulous dining at your private table with a sightseeing tour showcasing Christchurch’s inner city vibrancy and heritage.

Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Day 2 Lake Tekapo

Driving time Christchurch to Lake Tekapo 227 km / 141 miles, 3.5 hours

Depart Christchurch and travel south to Lake Tekapo. This far-reaching road adventure takes you from sea level to the mountains. You will begin with the flat green tranquillity of the Canterbury Plains, but it won’t be long before you climb through the tussocky wilds towards the Southern Alps. An amazing smoky turquoise lake announces that you have arrived in Lake Tekapo. Lake Tekapo presents many world-class attractions such as the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, the luxurious spa complex Tekapo Springs and of course the world-famous Mt John Observatory.

In the afternoon, enjoy the flight of a lifetime, the Grand Traverse. This one-hour spectacular scenic flight explores Mount Cook and Westland National Parks. A window seat for everyone means you will not miss out on the beautiful turquoise glacial lakes, golden tussocks, braided rivers, snow topped mountains and glacial ice fields.

Stay 1 night in Lake Tekapo.

Day 3 Queenstown

Driving time Lake Tekapo to Queenstown 256 km / 159 miles, 3.5 hours

Venture past Lake Pukaki, a picturesque turquoise glacial lake, before you travel through the dramatic Lindis Pass which links the Mackenzie Basin with Central Otago. Arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital and scenic resort town.

Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges. Let Queenstown awaken your inner explorer. Whether you’re interested in exploring trails, indulging in food and wine, teeing off stunning fairways or seeking adrenaline thrills, there are adventures to be found here of all tastes and tempos.

Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise on the TSS Earnslaw. Cruise on the historic steamship across to Walter Peak Station for a Gourmet BBQ Dinner, followed by a farm tour. Cruise back to Queenstown as the sun sets over the mountains and lake.

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 4 Queenstown > Milford Sound

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime scenic flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound, with a guaranteed window seat offering uninterrupted views of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes. Flying above mountains, glaciers, and braided rivers, your expert local pilot provides engaging commentary as you travel through Mt. Aspiring National Park, passing highlights such as Lake Wakatipu, the Dart River Valley, and towering snow-capped peaks.

The journey continues into Fiordland National Park, where the scenery becomes even more spectacular. You’ll soar over the rugged West Coast and the Tasman Sea before descending into Milford Sound itself, flying deep into the fiord with sheer cliffs rising on both sides. Aerial views of Stirling Falls and the iconic Mitre Peak make this an unforgettable arrival into one of the world’s most breathtaking natural settings.

After landing at the remote Milford Sound Airport, relax as all logistics are seamlessly handled before boarding a modern catamaran for a cruise of at least 1 hour and 45 minutes. Explore the full length of the fiord with expert commentary, open-air viewing decks, wildlife sightings, and even a stop beneath a cascading waterfall. Following the cruise, your pilot will escort you back for a scenic return flight to Queenstown via an alternative route, offering even more spectacular views to round out an extraordinary day.

Day 5 Queenstown

Relax and explore Queenstown for the morning or take the short drive to the historic gold mining township of Arrowtown.

Enjoy a Private Boutique Wine Tour in the afternoon. This tour takes you through the stunning scenery of the Wakatipu Basin, Gibbston Valley, Cromwell and Bannockburn. Taste wines from 4 boutique wineries in the area. Complemented by a delightful platter lunch at Carrick Winery Restaurant with a premium glass of wine. Visit Old Cromwell Town, Kawarau Gorge and the historic Kawarua Bridge and bungy, before returning to Queenstown.

Day 6 Wanaka

Driving time Queenstown to Wanaka 70 km / 43 miles, 1.5 hours

Drive over the beautiful Crown Range, one of New Zealand’s highest alpine roads, and admire the vistas from fantastic viewing points. Be sure to stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel for a refreshment before your arrival into Wanaka, boasting panoramic views, a relaxing atmosphere and a myriad of walking tracks. In the afternoon you have many options, you may want to visit Puzzling World, Wanaka’s iconic illusional attraction as well as the famous toy and transport museum. You may also want to take a look around Wanaka’s shops, stroll around the lake’s edge, or indulge in one of the many activities on offer.

Stay 2 nights in Wanaka.

Day 7 Wanaka

Explore Wanaka at your leisure today. If you enjoy walking, you might like to embark on one of the various lake or riverside tracks. Or you could visit the Lavender Farm. Wander through 10 acres of beautiful lavender fields, meet their friendly farm animals, play garden games and enjoy a hot or cold drink at the café; Wanaka Lavender Farm is a great place to unwind!

For a more adrenalin-filled day add on a skydive.

Day 8 Franz Josef

Driving time Wanaka to Franz Josef 286 km / 177 miles, 4.5 hours

Discover the Haast Pass Highway where there are many short walks and natural attractions to view along the way. Continue north, through dense rain forest broken by rugged coastal vistas, towards New Zealand’s glaciers.

In the afternoon discover Franz Josef from the air with a scenic helicopter flight that sweeps above the Westland National Park before landing in the snow to enjoy exceptional views of the Southern Alps.

Stay 1 night in Franz Josef.

Day 9 Hokitika

Driving time Franz Josef to Hokitika 138 km / 86 miles, 2 hours

Enjoy your journey along the West Coast, before arriving in Hokitika, famous for its arts and crafts. Watch a masterpiece being crafted from gold, molten glass, paua or bone, or carve your own creation from wood or jade “pounamu”. Take in Hokitika’s natural beauty, enjoy its expansive beach or one of the many walking and mountain bike tracks.

Stay 1 night in Hokitika.

Day 10 Greymouth > Christchurch

Driving time Hokitika to Greymouth 40 km / 25 miles, 30 minutes
Train travel Greymouth to Christchurch 223 km / 138 miles, 4.5 hours

Drive north to reach Greymouth where you will drop off your rental car and board your TranzAlpine Train which journeys from the West to East Coast. Your train travels through the spectacular Southern Alps, gorges and river valleys before reaching the fields of the Canterbury Plains.

Arrive in the Garden City of Christchurch and make your way to your accommodation.

Enjoy your final evening and make a toast to a wonderful New Zealand holiday!

Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Day 11 Depart Christchurch

Make your way to Christchurch Airport and depart Christchurch.

Plan a New Zealand Luxury Tour

We offer a range of luxury tours of New Zealand–you may wish to explore our full range of luxury travel experiences as you begin planning. 

In addition, we offer the next level of indulgence with our New Zealand Luxury Escapes brand. Stay at exclusive luxury lodges, experience bespoke tours, and sample the very best of New Zealand. 

Our New Zealand luxury tour packages are fully customisable. As you begin planning your visit, your personal travel consultant will work with you to ensure your itinerary matches your exact requirements. From special interests to celebrations, we specialise in bespoke luxury travel. 

Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to begin planning your unforgettable luxury New Zealand holiday.