SMALL GUIDED VACATIONS: Travel with luxurious comfort and ease

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. 

PLAN AND BOOK

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
Dark Sky-Stargazing at Mt John Night Observatory

Dark Sky-Stargazing at Mt John Night Observatory

Full Day Glacier Discovery Tour

Full Day Glacier Discovery Tour

Full Day Aspiring Wilderness Experience

Full Day Aspiring Wilderness Experience

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, & Fly Tour

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, & Fly Tour

Accommodations

1 Night

Stylish Contemporary Hotel

1 Night

Luxury Lakeside Resort

2 Nights

Lakeside View Hotel

3 Nights

5-Star Boutique Hotel

Transportation 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

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, 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.

"Multiple itineraries all over the world!"

Megan Paylor

Nashville, TN

As a travel advisor, I get requests for trips all over the world. So far Authentic Vacations has helped me plan trips for clients throughout Europe, Iceland, and Australia. And my clients always come back happy and eager to plan another! I have worked with everyone, but most extensively with Ellie and Michelle, and I can’t say enough good things about them. They are thorough, kind, knowledgeable, and always willing to help get the job done! Highly recommend the entire crew at Authentic, and will keep coming back!

"So glad we booked our UK vacation with Authentic"

Lori N.

Illinois

This review is long overdue. We booked a 2 week vacation in the UK through Authentic Vacations and are so glad that we did!! Amber was our advisor, and she took my wish list and crafted a great trip that provided exactly what we were looking for. It was so nice to have it all pre-arranged for us so that we could just go and not have to worry about anything. The hotels were great choices and the tour companies that Amber booked were really good ones. Communication was clear and easy, and the company kept all of its commitments. Thank you, Authentic Vacations! Nice job!

"A Complicated Itinerary Made Easy"

Susan G.

Scottdale

Lauren did an excellent job with my clients! She was so helpful in a very unique and complicated trip for a solo traveler. We combined it with some Air BnB that my client did and lauren was so great! Thank you again for being amazing to work with!

"Pleasure, Memory Tour in Ireland"

Howard R.

VA

YES! Joleen put together a wonderful itinerary for my return trip to Ashford and Dromoland Castles in Ireland. The drivers and transfers were very pleasant and always on time with very comfortable luxury transports. The castle hotels were exactly what I expected but I think Joleen must have said things in the booking process because it seemed as though they may have stepped their normal attention to details up a bit. The upgrade at Dromoland was unexpected but much appreciated! Truly felt like a prince at both locations and all things went as planned without any problems. Thank you, your staff and especially Joleen for all that was done to make this a trip to remember!

"My clients were SO happy with their Italy trip"

Nicole K.

Missouri

I worked with Ellie at Authentic Vacations to plan a client's trip to Italy. Not only were the clients SO happy with the itinerary that Ellie crafted, but as the travel advisor, working with Authentic made the whole process seamless and stress-free!

My clients toured around Florence, Rome, and Tuscany. They were sending me pictures throughout their trip, letting me know that I "nailed" the itinerary. Authentic Vacations and its staff really understand the destinations and what travelers are truly looking for.

On the travel advisor side, it was an absolute joy from start to finish working with Ellie. She was always quick to respond and available to help in any way. I truly can't wait to work together in the future!

"Fantastic Vacation in Scotland"

Alison E.

Louisville

My clients just returned from Scotland and Ireland and had a fantastic vacation. I appreciate the fast responses and knowledge in creating custom itineraries and have confidence that everything will be perfect for my clients. I love working with Authentic Vacations!

"Mother & Son vacation to Ireland"

Monica H.

Lynnwood, WA

Lauren was a fantastic consultant to help me craft a great trip for my clients who were a mother and son duo who wanted to travel to Ireland. They loved Dublin and their hotel was top notch, well located and she had fun learning about the history of the hotel as well. Another highlight was the horse-and-carriage ride in Killarney.

"Amazing Ireland Guided Vacation"

Douglas K.

Minneapolis

The best part of our 8-day tour of Ireland? Tour director Joan.


Joan is a perfect blend of group director, logistics manager, guide, travel buddy and fun entertainer. Her knowledge is wide and her demeanor is lively, always full of sunshine (even if the weather is not). Joan clearly understands group dynamics with the ability to easily and subtly adjust an itinerary when warranted.


Each day of our tour included historical insight from Joan with her personal lore added for context, answers to every type of question with interesting explanations, and even an occasional folk song beautifully sung. When she granted us entry into the cathedral in Killarney - her home church and school when growing up - the experience became personal and moving.


I'm certain every member of our group of 17 wants to travel again with Joan because of her gracious and fun expertise. Thank you Joan and Authentic Vacations!

1. Click the “GET QUOTE” Button Above.

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.

3. Fine-Tune Your Tour Quote

Work with your assigned Destination Expert to tweak your quote in any way you wish. Our customers continually tell us that our flexibility in this regard is exceptional – your Destination Expert’s sole brief is to create the perfect tour for you!

4. Reserve & Pay Online

Once your quote is 100% to your liking, you can pay for your package with your credit card via your Authentic Vacations online account. We also accept payment by personal check and wire transfer. We only require a 20% deposit to secure your vacation, and our Risk-Free Cancellation Policy provides you with complete peace of mind.

5. Print Your Travel Documents & Go!

Once your vacation has been paid in full, you will be able to print your travel documents directly from your online account. You’re ready to embark on your ideal, authentic vacation!!

Questions?

If you would prefer to discuss your perfect vacation on the phone, we would be delighted to hear from you! Our Destination Experts are standing-by and looking forward to speaking with you at any time during our business hours listed below. We also operate a very responsive and efficient Live Chat service on our website…instant gratification awaits!

Toll-free from the US and Canada: 1-888-443-5259 Rest of World: +1-707-687-0191

Hours of Business:

Monday – Thursday: 7:00am – 5:00pm PST

Friday: 7:00am – 4:00pm PST

Saturday: 6:00am – 3:00pm PST

Sunday: 6:00am – 3:00pm PST

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!