10-Day South Island Luxury Journey
A Taste of the South
A private South Island journey through alpine landscapes, luxury lodges, wildlife, wine country and Fiordland.
This 10-day luxury South Island itinerary is designed for travellers who want to experience the best of the lower South Island in comfort, style and ease. Travel with private drivers and guides, stay in handpicked premium accommodation and luxury lodges, and enjoy a beautifully paced journey through Christchurch, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Dunedin, Te Anau, Milford Sound and Queenstown.
This part of New Zealand is also where we live. Being based in Queenstown gives us firsthand knowledge of the roads, lodges, weather, travel times and special places that make a South Island journey feel truly memorable. We know where to slow the pace, where to add a scenic stop, and how to shape the journey so it feels relaxed rather than rushed.
This itinerary is a starting point. Every journey can be tailored around your travel dates, preferred accommodation style, pace, interests and level of private touring.
Queenstown-Based Luxury Travel Specialists | TIA Member | 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist | Local Support
Is This South Island Journey Right for You?
This private itinerary is designed for travellers who want a comfortable, scenic and well-planned South Island experience without organising every detail themselves.
It suits couples, families and small private groups who want a mix of alpine scenery, wildlife, luxury lodges, private touring, food, wine and Fiordland.
Ideal if you want:
A private South Island itinerary
Luxury lodges and premium accommodation
Aoraki/Mt Cook and alpine scenery
Dunedin wildlife and heritage
Milford Sound and Fiordland
Queenstown food, wine and lake views
A relaxed journey shaped around your interests
Journey Overview
Duration: 10 days
Travel style: Custom private South Island itinerary
Best suited to: Couples, families and small private groups
Accommodation: Premium hotels and luxury lodges
Transport: Private transfers, private drivers and domestic flights
Destinations: Christchurch, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Dunedin, Te Anau, Milford Sound and Queenstown
Tour Highlights
Christchurch and the Botanic Gardens
Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
Optional Tasman Glacier heli-hike
Oamaru and the Moeraki Boulders
Larnach Castle and Dunedin heritage
Otago Peninsula wildlife and penguins
Fiordland Lodge and Lake Te Anau
Private Milford Sound experience
Queenstown luxury lodge stay
Private Central Otago wine tour
Suggested 10-Day Itinerary
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Arrive in Christchurch, where you are met and privately transferred to your accommodation. Known as the Garden City, Christchurch is a graceful introduction to the South Island, with gardens, heritage architecture, riverside walks, galleries and excellent dining.
Depending on your arrival time, you may like to explore the Botanic Gardens, ride the historic tram, visit the Arts Centre or simply settle in and enjoy your hotel.
Stay: The George or similar premium Christchurch hotel
Included: Private airport transfer
Optional: Christchurch tram, Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market or private city introduction -
Depart Christchurch with your private driver and travel across the Canterbury Plains into the Mackenzie Country. Along the way, enjoy scenic stops in places such as Geraldine, Fairlie, Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki.
As you approach Aoraki/Mt Cook, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with turquoise lakes, wide-open landscapes and views towards New Zealand’s highest mountain.
Stay: Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat or similar luxury accommodation
Included: Private guided transfer with scenic stops
Suggested stops: Geraldine, Fairlie, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/Mt Cook viewpoints
Meals: Breakfast and dinner, depending on accommodation -
Spend today surrounded by the alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. This is one of New Zealand’s most impressive mountain regions, with glacier valleys, braided rivers, walking tracks and views of the Southern Alps.
Your day can be relaxed or active depending on your interests. Choose a scenic walk, enjoy time at your lodge, or add a signature glacier experience such as a Tasman Glacier heli-hike, weather permitting.
Stay: Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat or similar luxury accommodation
Suggested experiences: Hooker Valley Track, Tasman Glacier heli-hike, scenic helicopter flight, stargazing or a relaxed lodge day
Meals: Breakfast and dinner, depending on accommodation -
Leave the Mackenzie Country and travel south through Twizel and the Waitaki region. Your private driver can include scenic and local stops along the way, such as Oamaru, known for its white limestone buildings, and the Moeraki Boulders, one of the South Island’s most unusual coastal landmarks.
Arrive in Dunedin, a city known for its Scottish heritage, grand architecture, coastal scenery and access to rare wildlife on the Otago Peninsula.
Stay: Camp Estate at Larnach Castle or similar luxury accommodation
Included: Private guided transfer with scenic stops
Suggested stops: Oamaru, Moeraki Boulders and coastal viewpoints
Meals: Breakfast and dinner, depending on accommodation -
Spend today exploring Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. The region is known for heritage architecture, dramatic coastline, rare wildlife and a strong sense of place.
For a special wildlife experience, include a private or small-group penguin tour on the Otago Peninsula, where you may see penguins, fur seals, sea lions and coastal birdlife. You may also choose to visit Larnach Castle, the Royal Albatross Centre, St Clair Beach or Dunedin’s historic city centre.
Stay: Camp Estate at Larnach Castle or similar luxury accommodation
Suggested experiences: Penguin tour, Larnach Castle, Royal Albatross Centre, Otago Peninsula, St Clair Beach or Dunedin heritage touring
Meals: Breakfast
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Travel from Dunedin towards Fiordland, with the route tailored around your interests and available time. You can take the more direct inland journey through Southland farming country, or follow parts of the Catlins coastline for a longer, more scenic day with waterfalls, coastal viewpoints and wildlife areas.
Arrive in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. Settle into your lodge and enjoy the peaceful lake and mountain setting.
Stay: Fiordland Lodge or similar luxury lodge
Included: Private guided transfer with scenic stops
Optional route: Catlins coastline, Nugget Point, waterfalls, Invercargill, Riverton or Manapouri
Meals: Breakfast and dinner, depending on accommodationDepending on your arrival time, you may like to explore the Botanic Gardens, ride the historic tram, visit the Arts Centre or simply settle in and enjoy your hotel.
Stay: The George or similar premium Christchurch hotel
Included: Private airport transfer
Optional: Christchurch tram, Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market or private city introduction -
Today is dedicated to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural landscapes. Travel privately from Te Anau along the Milford Road, with time for scenic stops through Fiordland National Park.
Depending on weather and your preferred style, this day can include a boutique cruise, a private guided road tour, a scenic flight return, or a helicopter upgrade. Expect glacier-carved valleys, rainforest, waterfalls, alpine scenery and the dramatic fiord itself.
Stay: Fiordland Lodge or similar luxury lodge
Suggested experience: Private Milford Sound tour with cruise
Optional upgrade: Scenic flight or helicopter experience, weather permitting
Meals: Breakfast and dinner, depending on accommodation -
Travel from Te Anau to Queenstown through Southland and the dramatic approach along Lake Wakatipu. This is a relaxed private transfer day, with the option to include scenic viewpoints, a lunch stop, or time in the lakeside village of Kingston.
Arrive in Queenstown, set between Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Queenstown is a beautiful base for food, wine, scenery, private touring and alpine relaxation.
Stay: Azur Lodge, Matakauri Lodge, Hulbert House, Eichardt’s or similar Queenstown luxury accommodation
Included: Private transfer with scenic stops
Meals: Breakfast -
Enjoy a relaxed Queenstown day shaped around your interests. For wine lovers, a private Central Otago wine tour is a wonderful way to explore Gibbston, Bannockburn or Cromwell, with boutique wineries, beautiful scenery and excellent Pinot Noir.
Other options include Arrowtown, Glenorchy, spa time, golf, jet boating, a scenic helicopter flight, fine dining or simply enjoying your lodge.
Stay: Queenstown luxury accommodation
Suggested experience: Private Central Otago wine tour
Other options: Arrowtown, Glenorchy, spa, golf, Shotover Jet, scenic flight or fine dining
Meals: Breakfast -
Your private driver will transfer you to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight. You may choose to fly home via Auckland or Christchurch, extend your stay in Queenstown, add another South Island region, or continue to Australia or the Pacific Islands.
Included: Private airport transfer
Optional extension: Glenorchy, Wānaka, Marlborough, Abel Tasman, Stewart Island, Australia or Fiji
Accommodation Featured in This Journey
The George, Christchurch
A refined premium hotel close to Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens and Christchurch’s dining and cultural precincts.
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
A private luxury retreat in the Mackenzie region, offering lake and mountain views, fine dining, peaceful surroundings and access to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.
Camp Estate at Larnach Castle, Dunedin
A luxury country house near Larnach Castle, offering privacy, heritage character and easy access to Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula.
Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau
A luxury lodge overlooking Lake Te Anau and the mountains of Fiordland. It is a peaceful base for Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and private Fiordland experiences.
Queenstown Luxury Accommodation
Your Queenstown stay can be tailored to your preferred style, with options such as Azur Lodge, Matakauri Lodge, Hulbert House, Eichardt’s or other premium properties depending on availability.
How This Journey Can Be Customised
This itinerary can be adjusted in many ways:
Add more time in Queenstown
Upgrade selected transfers to helicopter or scenic flights
Include a private guide throughout
Add more wine, golf, spa or wellness experiences
Make the pace slower with extra nights
Create a self-drive version if preferred
Continue to Australia, Fiji or another Pacific destination
What We Arrange
Custom itinerary planning
Premium hotel and luxury lodge bookings
Private transfers and private drivers
Domestic flights within New Zealand
Scenic flights and helicopter experiences
Private wine, wildlife, nature and cultural experiences
Restaurant and special occasion recommendations
Local support before and during your journey
Why Plan With New Zealand Luxury Travel Agents?
We are based in New Zealand and know the routes, travel times, accommodation styles and regional highlights personally. This matters because a luxury South Island journey is not just about choosing beautiful places to stay. It is about pacing the trip properly, knowing where to slow down, choosing the right route, and matching each experience to the traveller.
As the VIP division of New Zealand Private Tours, we create custom journeys for travellers who value comfort, local knowledge and seamless support.
Button: Start Planning My South Island Journey
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The cost depends on your travel dates, accommodation choices, number of travellers, room style, private touring, flights and the experiences you would like included.
As this is a custom luxury itinerary, we price each journey individually once we understand your preferred travel style, pace and wish list.
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This is a sample South Island luxury itinerary. We use it as a starting point and tailor the journey around your travel dates, accommodation preferences, interests and travel style.
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Yes. This journey is designed as a private itinerary with private transfers, private touring and handpicked experiences.
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Yes. This itinerary can be adapted into a self-drive journey, although many luxury travellers prefer private drivers for a more relaxed experience.
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Yes. Accommodation can be changed depending on your preferred style, budget, dates and availability. We can include more luxury lodges, premium boutique stays or private lodge-style accommodation.
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Yes. Queenstown is one of the easiest places to extend this itinerary, especially if you want more wine, scenery, golf, spa, Milford Sound, Glenorchy or adventure experiences.
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The most popular time for this style of journey is from October to April. Winter can also work well for Queenstown and alpine scenery, especially if you enjoy snow-capped mountains and luxury lodge stays.