Wilderness and Nature Lovers Escape
Programme Overview
Duration: 8 days
A 8-day stay in the wonderful wilderness and nature of New Zealand. Encounter the beautiful Southern Alps and stunning Queenstown.
Highlights: Dunedin, Steward Island, Milford Sound, Queenstown.
Christchurch-Dunedin
On arrival at Christchurch Airport, collect your rental car to travel south to Timaru, known for its Edwardian and Victorian architecture, before continuing to Dunedin. First settled by the Scottish, Dunedin is renowned as the “Edinburgh of the South”. Settle into your lodgings for the night. Located just a few minutes walk from the hub of the city, Fletcher Lodge offers luxury accommodation in an atmosphere of restrained elegance while providing the ultimate in contemporary comfort and modern facilities.
Overnight: Fletcher Lodge, Edinburgh Suite
Dunedin
Experience nature at its best on your full day guided tour. Travel past lush pastures, bays and inlets, rugged hills and white sandy beaches. Witness the rarest penguin in the world, Hooker’s sealions, a furseal breeding colony and the majestic albatross. There will also be the opportunity to walk along the coastal hillside.
Overnight: Fletcher Lodge, Edinburgh Suite
Meal Plan: B
Dunedin - In vercargill
Continue your drive south through the region, famous for the stunning scenery and abundance of wildlife. Stop at Nugget Point to view the colonies of seals and penguins. Nestled amongst fertile hills, is your exclusive private retreat, home for the next two nights. Engage in the experience, the rural vistas, the freshness of the green pastures, and the deer around the lodge.
Overnight: The Lodge at Tikana, Cottage
Meal Plan: B,D
Stewart Island
A day of adventure begins with a breathtaking 20 minute scenic flight from Invercargill to forested Stewart Island. Here you will embark on a 2 hour culture shuttle tour and be rewarded with great photo opportunities. Learn about island life, its history, places of interest and scenery followed by a steady craft boat transfer to Ulva Island Nature Sanctuary. On arrival, you will enjoy a gentle pace guided walk and excellent commentary on the rainforest, birds and plants, Maori and European cultural history.
Overnight: The Lodge at Tikana, Cottage
Meal Plan: B,D
Invercargall - Queenstown
Your journey continues today as you drive through rural settlements on the Oreti River. After Lumsden, the scenery becomes gradually more alpine. Take a break in Kingston, the home of a remarkable vintage steam train. From here the road hugs the incredibly picturesque Lake Wakatipu nearly all the way to Queenstown. Matakauri Lodge villas are nestled in a native forest overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the mountain panorama.
Overnight: Matakauri Lodge, Villa
Meal Plan: B,D
Queenstown - Ultima te Milford Experience
Enjoy your vibrant Queenstown base before being whisked away for an exclusive flight by private helicopter to Milford Sound. Soar amongst mountains, age old glaciers and prehistoric rainforests in a habitat seldom frequented by man. Stroll on an uninhabited beach and enjoy lunch at a remote alpine lake.
Overnight: Matakauri Lodge, Villa
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Queenstown
Start the day with an exclusive jet boat experience on the Dart River. Aboard your fully-equipped vessel discover the spectacular beauty of the unforgettable Dart River. Later, join your expert guide and venture into the Mount Aspiring National Park (subject to weather conditions). Enjoy a casual picnic lunch in beautiful surrounds.
Overnight: Matakauri Lodge, Villa
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Depart Queenstown
Return your vehicle at Queenstown Airport for your onward flight.
Meal Plan: B