A New Zealand South Island vacation is a delicious banquet of mountain peaks, rain forests, rich farmlands, fjords, and eclectic towns. Uncrowded and adventurous, this may be the New Zealand of your dreams. Begin your travels in Christchurch. Constantly evolving, it is one of the most unique destinations in the world. Your scenic drive to Lake Tekapo is breathtaking, and the lodging here is lakeside. In the evening, fall under the spell of your Dark Sky Stargazing tour at the Mt. John Night Observatory.
Your next two nights are spent in Wanaka, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wanaka has a stunning mountain and lakeside setting, as well as great shops, excellent cuisine, award-winning wineries, and cool galleries. We’ve arranged a full-day glacier discovery tour for you, by helicopter. One of New Zealand’s highest peaks, this is a fantasy of glaciers, alpine lakes, and deep river valleys.
The last leg of your South Island road trip takes you to Queenstown, a city surrounded by unrivaled natural beauty. Consider heading to Bob’s Peak on a gondola for views of Queenstown and magnificent Lake Wakatipu, riding in a luge, or ziplining! There are also easy walks in the city itself. Your time in Queenstown features a full-day wilderness experience, including a jet-boat ride and track walk. You’ll also delight in a small boat cruise of Milford Sound and a visit to the underwater observatory. The South Island may be your authentic New Zealand travel fantasy.
Included Unique Activities
- Join An Experienced Guide to Gaze at the Skies From the Most Southern Research Observatory in the World
- Scenic Helicopter Flight Through the Southern Alps to the Isobel Glacier, Followed by a Guided Hike to the Iconic Rob Roy Glacier
- Dart River Jet Safari and Guided Mount Aspiring National Park Adventure
- Discover Milford Sound's Varied Geography by Glass Roof Coach, Nature Cruise, and at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory
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Dark Sky-Stargazing at Mt John Night Observatory
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Full Day Glacier Discovery Tour
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Full Day Aspiring Wilderness Experience
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Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, & Fly Tour
Accommodations
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1 Night
Stylish Contemporary Hotel.jpg)
1 Night
Luxury Lakeside Resort.jpg)
2 Nights
Lakeside View Hotel.jpg)
3 Nights
5-Star Boutique HotelTransportation and Guides
- Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Christchurch
- Private Transfer From Hotel to Airport in Queenstown
- Rental Car with Automatic Transmission for 4 Days
Meals Included
- 7 Full Breakfasts
- 3 Picnic Lunches; In Mt Aspiring National Park, on the Shores of Lake Sylvan, and on the Banks of Milford Sound
Points of Interest
- Christchurch
- Canterbury Museum
- Lake Tekapo
- Mt John Observatory
- Lake Wanaka
- Mt Aspiring National Park
- Isobel Glacier
- Rob Roy Glacier
- Queenstown
- Milford Sound

Bob's Peak and Skyline Gondola, South Island

Lake Wakatipu, South Island

Milford Sound, South Island
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2026
Available Dates
Oct, Nov, Dec
From $5,657 per person
2027
Available Dates
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
From $6,223 per person
Your Price Includes
ACCOMMODATION
- 7 Nights in Authentic Superior Hotels
TRANSPORTATION
- Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Christchurch
- Private Transfer From Hotel to Airport in Queenstown
- Rental Car with Automatic Transmission for 4 Days
DINING OPTIONS INCLUDED
- 7 Full Breakfasts
- 3 Picnic Lunches; In Mt Aspiring National Park, on the Shores of Lake Sylvan, and on the Banks of Milford Sound
INCLUDED UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
- Join An Experienced Guide to Gaze at the Skies From the Most Southern Research Observatory in the World
- Scenic Helicopter Flight Through the Southern Alps to the Isobel Glacier, Followed by a Guided Hike to the Iconic Rob Roy Glacier
- Dart River Jet Safari and Guided Mount Aspiring National Park Adventure
- Discover Milford Sound's Varied Geography by Glass Roof Coach, Nature Cruise, and at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory
POINTS OF INTEREST
- Christchurch
- Canterbury Museum
- Lake Tekapo
- Mt John Observatory
- Lake Wanaka
- Mt Aspiring National Park
- Isobel Glacier
- Rob Roy Glacier
- Queenstown
- Milford Sound
Prices Based On
- All Taxes & Fees Included
- Prices are Per Person based on 2 people traveling together and sharing a room.
- Traveling Alone? No Problem. Just Ask Us for a Single Supplement Price.
"Belated Norway Honeymoon"
Oct 14, 2026Georgia
This was my first experience working with Authentic Vacations and they did not disappoint! Amber was amazing!!! I was in over my head with a Norway itinerary, but she put my mind at ease. She was so patient! My clients made it very challenging. I was ready to give up after several attempts to create the itinerary they requested because each time they'd ask for another change. Amber did not waiver though. She knew just what to do and always had excellent recommendations. She listened and took the time to talk through the clients' requests with me. With the help of Amber and the local Nordics team I was finally able to give the clients the perfect itinerary. They were so pleased! This trip was on their bucket list and they had an amazing time. I really don't know what I would have done without Amber! I will definitely use Authentic again. I was so impressed with their process and the level of support. I never felt like just another email itinerary request. Working with Amber was like working with family and I knew both myself and the clients were in great hands. Thank you, Amber, for taking such good care of us and for making me look like a rockstar with these clients!
"Small Group Private Trip to Ireland/Scotland"
Oct 12, 2026Florida
Amber and Authentic Vacations saved my group and my reputation with these clients when another "'reputable" supplier severely dropped the ball and botched the booking experience. Not only did they come in under budget BUT they added so many other experiences for clients. I knew nothing about Scotland and only a little about Ireland and she took that weight entirely off my hands. Clients are back and had a great adventure! Highly recommend Amber and the Authentic Vacations team. They made me look like a rockstar and clients loved their entire experience.
"Friend Vacation"
Sep 30, 2026Ireland
Jennifer made me look like a rock star in my clients' eyes! 2 couples did an 8 day adventure in Ireland. They gave me their list of must see and dos and Jennifer filled in all the gaps and planned the best route. Her call with me prior to the clients' departure was super informative. She gave me times where they should plan on heading to their next stop on their busy days. All the extra little advice she gives is absolutely invaluable! So glad I have another set of clients heading to Ireland next year and that I get to work with her again!
"Anniversary"
Sep 25, 2026Philippines
It is lived up my expectation
"2026 Family vacation to Italy"
Sep 10, 2026Oakland
Amber at Authentic Vacations was absolutely wonderful. She helped put together a great trip for the family. The feedback from the family is below:
From Marta: With the exception of a tour that was delayed, everything scheduled commenced on time. Our drivers and tour guides were outstanding! Hotel Corallo was heavenly and couldn’t have been better located. Hotel Quirinale needs to provide more storage space! Though the rooms were spacious, the furniture was not suitable for storing our clothes!
From Joseph: Richard was excellent. So thorough in every possible way, even stuff I didn't think of when I typically travel, and he was responsive to a few things that came up during our trip. Will be using him for our next trip.
"Italy Trip"
Aug 31, 2026Colorado
Jen set up everything and the trip was amazing. The hotels and places we visited were all awesome. Jen did a great job of selecting and creating our daily venues.
"Holiday break in Ireland"
Aug 17, 2026Chum Creek, Vic. Australia
The trip to Ireland met every expectation and more. Everything happened as planned, fabulous hotels and locations, seamless arrangements for airport transfers and car hire, and made good use of the inclusions and itinerary suggestions. Our second trip with these guys, thoroughly recommend them for your next journey
"Birthday"
Aug 11, 2026NY
The clients had an amazing time. They even texted in destination to tell me how wonderful everything was. Adina was super knowledgeable and her planning was flawless.
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Complete our inquiry form by selecting your departure date, and all other relevant fields. Be sure to let us know if you're traveling for a special occasion! We can adjust most of our vacation packages to suit your needs, based on the details you provide.
2. Online Account & Quote Created
Your request will be forwarded to our team of Destination Experts, and a price quote will be prepared, based on your submitted preferences and criteria. A free Authentic Vacations online account will also be created, allowing you to view and request changes to your quote at any time. Log into your account via “LOGIN” at the top of any of our webpages.
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5. Print Your Travel Documents & Go!
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Questions?
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With offices in Scottsdale, San Francisco, London, Dublin, Copenhagen and Edinburgh, we can offer you unrivaled support while you are abroad. We truly believe all our clients deserve an extraordinary, authentic experience!

















