6-Day High Country Luxury Adventure
South Island New Zealand
A private alpine journey through Minaret Station, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Queenstown, Glenorchy, Milford Sound and Fiordland.
This 6-day luxury high country itinerary is designed for travellers who want to experience New Zealand’s dramatic alpine landscapes in a truly special way. Travel by helicopter into remote mountain country, stay at one of New Zealand’s most exclusive alpine lodges, explore the Southern Alps, enjoy private touring from Queenstown, and spend a night aboard a boutique vessel in Milford Sound.
From the seclusion of Minaret Station to the lakefront elegance of Eichardt’s Private Hotel, this journey combines wilderness, comfort and local knowledge. It is ideal for travellers who want a short but unforgettable South Island escape, with scenery, privacy, luxury accommodation and experiences that feel far beyond the ordinary.
This itinerary is a starting point. Every journey can be tailored around your travel dates, preferred pace, helicopter options, lodge availability and level of private touring.
Queenstown-Based Luxury Travel Specialists | TIA Member | 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist | Local Support
Is This High Country Journey Right for You?
This private itinerary is designed for travellers who want a luxury South Island escape with a strong focus on alpine scenery, remote landscapes and exclusive experiences.
It suits couples, honeymooners, families and small private groups who want a short but memorable journey with helicopter access, high country lodge accommodation, private guiding and Fiordland scenery.
Ideal if you want:
A short luxury South Island itinerary
A remote alpine lodge experience
Helicopter transfers and scenic flying
Aoraki/Mt Cook and Southern Alps scenery
Queenstown luxury accommodation
Glenorchy and Paradise private touring
A private high country farm experience
Milford Sound without rushing
A boutique overnight Milford Sound cruise
Local planning and seamless support
Journey Overview
Duration: 6 days
Travel style: Private luxury high country itinerary
Best suited to: Couples, honeymooners, families and small private groups
Accommodation: Luxury alpine lodge, premium Queenstown hotel and boutique overnight cruise
Transport: Helicopter transfers, private touring and private transfers
Destinations: Queenstown, Minaret Station, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Glenorchy, Paradise, Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park
Tour Highlights
Helicopter transfer to Minaret Station
Minaret Station Alpine Lodge
Remote high country luxury
Aoraki/Mt Cook heli adventure
Tasman Glacier landing or heli-hike option
Queenstown luxury stay
Eichardt’s Private Hotel
Glenorchy and Paradise private touring
Private high country farm tour
Milford Road scenic journey
Overnight Milford Sound cruise
Fiordland Jewel
Optional scenic flight back to Queenstown
Suggested 6-Day Itinerary
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Minaret Station
There are few places in New Zealand as remote and special as Minaret Station.
Set in a glacial valley surrounded by towering peaks, Minaret Station Alpine Lodge is only accessible by helicopter. This makes the arrival part of the experience, with the landscape opening beneath you before you land in one of the South Island’s most exclusive high country retreats.
Once there, the pace slows. Enjoy warm hospitality, mountain views, fireside comfort, fine cuisine and the complete feeling of being away from the outside world.
Helicopter Transfer
Your journey begins with a helicopter transfer from Queenstown or Wānaka Airport to Minaret Station.
Scheduled helicopter transfers usually depart Queenstown or Wānaka in the afternoon, with private helicopter options available for guests wanting more flexibility.
Accommodation: Minaret Station Alpine Lodge
Minaret Station Alpine Lodge offers four private chalets set in a high alpine meadow, each with views of the surrounding valley and mountains.
Each chalet features high country design, a king bed or twin configuration, ensuite bathroom and a private hot tub on the deck, allowing you to relax beneath the stars. The heart of the lodge is the Mountain Kitchen, connected to the chalets by raised boardwalks and featuring warm living spaces, wood-burning fires, a library, cellar and first-class dining.
Stay: Minaret Station Alpine Lodge
Included: Helicopter transfer, accommodation and lodge dining
Meals: All meals -
Aoraki/Mt Cook
Today is dedicated to the high alpine landscapes of the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.
Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain and one of the country’s most dramatic natural landmarks. Surrounded by glaciers, snow-covered peaks, alpine valleys and vast wilderness, it is a remarkable region to experience from the air.
Suggested Activity: Aoraki/Mt Cook Heli Adventure
Fly north towards Aoraki/Mt Cook, travelling across some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in New Zealand.
Depending on conditions and the experience selected, your flight may include a scenic flight around Aoraki/Mt Cook, a glacier landing, or guided time among the crevasses, ice formations and blue ice of the Tasman Glacier.
The return flight can take in the western side of the Southern Alps, where the mountains rise dramatically above the West Coast and the Tasman Sea. For guests wanting a more active experience, heli-hiking options can be included.
Stay: Minaret Station Alpine Lodge
Suggested experiences: Aoraki/Mt Cook scenic flight, Tasman Glacier landing, heli-hike or private alpine experience
Meals: All meals
Note: Helicopter and glacier experiences are weather dependent. -
Return to Queenstown
After breakfast, depart Minaret Station by helicopter and return to Queenstown or Wānaka.
Arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s most famous alpine resort town, set beside Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range. Queenstown is well known for adventure, but it is also one of New Zealand’s best luxury bases, with excellent restaurants, boutique shopping, wine bars, private touring and beautiful lakefront accommodation.
The rest of the day can be kept relaxed, giving you time to settle in, enjoy the lakefront, dine out or simply take in the mountain views.
Accommodation: Eichardt’s Private Hotel
Eichardt’s Private Hotel is one of Queenstown’s most iconic luxury properties, located directly on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the heart of town.
Welcoming travellers since 1861, Eichardt’s combines heritage character, refined service and one of the best locations in Queenstown. From here, restaurants, shops, lakefront walks and private touring options are all close at hand.
Stay: Eichardt’s Private Hotel or similar Queenstown luxury accommodation
Included: Helicopter transfer from Minaret Station
Meals: Breakfast -
Glenorchy and Paradise
Today your private guide will take you along one of the most scenic roads in the South Island, following Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy.
Glenorchy is a small lakeside village surrounded by mountains, braided rivers, high country farms and native beech forest. Beyond Glenorchy lies Paradise, a place of quiet rural beauty, alpine views and film-location scenery.
This region is ideal for travellers who want dramatic landscapes, local guiding, photography, gentle walks and a true high country feel.
Suggested Activity: Private High Country Farm Tour
A private high country farm experience can be included today, giving you a deeper look at rural life in this remote part of New Zealand.
Travel across farmland, visit secluded viewpoints, learn about the history of the station and, depending on the season, see working farm areas such as the woolshed. The region also includes Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film locations, mountain views, lakes, wildlife and peaceful country landscapes.
Because this is private touring, the day can be shaped around the weather, your interests and how much walking or exploring you would like to include.
Stay: Eichardt’s Private Hotel or similar Queenstown luxury accommodation
Suggested experiences: Glenorchy, Paradise, high country farm tour, film locations, Lake Wakatipu scenery, photography stops and gentle walks
Meals: Breakfast -
Today you travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound with your private driver-guide.
The road to Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s great scenic journeys. Travel along Lake Wakatipu, through Southland countryside, into Te Anau and then deep into Fiordland National Park. Along the Milford Road, your guide can include carefully chosen stops for photos, short walks and views of mountains, rainforest, waterfalls, alpine valleys and native forest.
A private guide makes a real difference on this journey, helping the day flow properly and choosing stops based on the weather, timing and conditions.
Overnight Milford Sound Cruise
Rather than visiting Milford Sound as a long day trip, this itinerary includes an overnight cruise aboard the Fiordland Jewel.
Staying overnight allows you to experience Milford Sound after the day visitors have left. The pace is slower, the atmosphere is more peaceful, and you have time to enjoy the fiord properly.
Depending on conditions, the overnight cruise may include kayaking, tender boat excursions, wildlife viewing, dinner onboard and time to relax in the top deck hot tub.
Accommodation: Fiordland Jewel
The Fiordland Jewel offers a boutique overnight experience in Milford Sound, with comfortable cabins, onboard dining and a relaxed small-vessel atmosphere.
It is one of the most memorable ways to experience Fiordland, combining comfort, scenery and time in a remarkable natural setting.
Stay: Fiordland Jewel
Included: Private Milford Sound touring and overnight cruise arrangements
Optional: Scenic flight return to Queenstown, weather permitting
Meals: Breakfast and dinner -
Return to Queenstown
Wake up surrounded by the scenery of Milford Sound before enjoying breakfast onboard.
After your overnight cruise, return to Queenstown by private transfer or, weather permitting, upgrade to a scenic flight back to Queenstown. Flying back gives spectacular views of Fiordland, alpine lakes, mountains, waterfalls and remote valleys, and can reduce the return travel time.
Your journey ends with a transfer to Queenstown Airport or your Queenstown accommodation.
Included: Return transfer to Queenstown or optional scenic flight, plus airport transfer if required
Optional extension: Extra Queenstown nights, Central Otago wine, Wānaka, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Fiordland, Australia or Fiji
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation Featured in This Journey
Minaret Station Alpine Lodge
Minaret Station Alpine Lodge is one of New Zealand’s most exclusive wilderness lodges, set in a remote glacial valley and accessible only by helicopter.
With just four private chalets, mountain views, private hot tubs, fine dining and a strong sense of seclusion, it offers a rare high country luxury experience.
Eichardt’s Private Hotel, Queenstown
Eichardt’s Private Hotel is a landmark Queenstown property located directly on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Its central lakefront location, heritage style and refined service make it an ideal base for private Queenstown touring, dining, wine experiences and scenic flights.
Fiordland Jewel, Milford Sound
The Fiordland Jewel is a boutique overnight vessel offering a more peaceful way to experience Milford Sound.
With comfortable cabins, onboard dining, kayaking and tender boat options, and the chance to stay in the fiord after day visitors leave, it is a special Fiordland experience.
How This Journey Can Be Customised
This itinerary can be adjusted in many ways:
Add more time in Queenstown
Include more private helicopter experiences
Add golf, spa, fly fishing or wellness
Add more food and wine experiences
Include a private guide throughout
Make the pace slower with extra nights
Add Marlborough, Abel Tasman or Bay of Islands
Continue to Australia or Fiji after New Zealand
What We Arrange
Bespoke 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, food, 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 Queenstown and know this region personally.
That local knowledge matters when planning a high country luxury itinerary, especially when helicopter transfers, weather-dependent experiences, private touring and Milford Sound are involved. We understand how to build the right flow, where flexibility is needed, and how to avoid making a short journey feel rushed.
Nothing is cookie-cutter. Every itinerary is shaped around how you like to travel, whether that means remote lodges, helicopter access, alpine scenery, private guides, fine dining, Fiordland, wine, wellness or quiet time in beautiful places.
If you are asking, “Who can plan a luxury Queenstown and high country trip with local knowledge and seamless support?” — that is exactly what we do.
Start Planning My High Country Journey
FAQs
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The cost depends on your travel dates, lodge availability, room type, number of travellers, helicopter transfers, private touring, Milford Sound cruise availability and selected experiences.
As this is a custom luxury itinerary, we price each journey individually once we understand your travel style, pace and preferences.
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This is a sample luxury high country itinerary. It can be customised around your dates, helicopter preferences, accommodation style, pace and preferred experiences.
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Yes. This journey is designed as a private itinerary with private transfers, private touring and handpicked luxury experiences.
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Yes. Minaret Station is a remote alpine lodge and is accessed by helicopter, which is part of what makes the experience so special.
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Yes. Helicopter transfers and scenic flight experiences are weather dependent. We build flexibility into the itinerary where possible and help adjust plans if conditions change.
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Yes. A Tasman Glacier heli-hike or Aoraki/Mt Cook scenic flight can be added, subject to weather, season, availability and your preferred activity level.
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Yes. A scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown can often be added, weather permitting. If the flight cannot operate, a road transfer is used instead.
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Yes. This itinerary can easily be extended with extra nights in Queenstown, Wānaka, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Te Anau, Fiordland or other parts of the South Island.