Natural Wonders and One-of-a-Kind Creatures
Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel
Territory:
Region: New Zealand
Trip Price: $9,850
Duration: 12 days/11 nights
Trip Begins/Ends: Christchurch / Queenstown
National Parklands:
All custom travel is tailored to the desires and interests of our traveling clients (see How Custom Travel Works tab). Trip pricing detailed is an estimate of the per person pricing for the sample itinerary detailed and includes all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences described. Actual pricing for the trip designed expressly for you and others traveling with you will depend on the features and elements developed during the trip planning process. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.
No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities
Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration
High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun
The Energy Index detailed above relates to the level of exertion associated with the sample trip detailed. This would be modified to fit the style and ability of your group as a part of the custom trip planning process
We’ve been tailoring custom journeys for clients since our very inception in the mid-1980s! The process is all about connecting the interests of the travelers with the best that a given destination has to offer. To achieve this, we rely upon good ol’ fashioned conversation! Our geographically focused travel designer love to meet new people and learn about their interests for travel. Understanding your goals informs the process immensely and serves as the foundation for the development of a bespoke travel experience for you and yours.
The trip detailed on this web page is a sample of something we’ve done for other clients over the years. In order to start the process of designing your own custom travel experience, just call us at (800) 445-2995 and ask to speak with one of our Travel Advisors. After a bit of time on the phone, you will then have the opportunity to connect with one of our travel designers.
The entire planning process is very personalized and works in an iterative fashion until a final, perfect trip has been created. We then secure all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences associated with your trip and send along abundant trip materials capturing these details – and much more about your travels!
Arrive in Christchurch, acclimate, and explore. Check out the fabulous Botanic Gardens then stroll through the nearby Arts Centre, one of the most significant collections of heritage buildings in New Zealand.
Drive north along the scenic coastal route to Kaikoura. Then, head out on a late afternoon whale watching tour. Onboard the expert local guides will teach you about the abundant sea life and help spot sperm whales, dusky dolphins, fur seals, six species of shearwater seabirds, and more.
Wake up to sweeping views of the South Pacific, the sound of waves, and a delicious homemade breakfast. Today’s drive takes you to Tekapo on the shores of Lake Tekapo. In the morning, a local naturalist guide will join you for an easy-paced hike in the stunning Hooker Valley in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, one of the most beautiful alpine regions in the world.
This morning, travel by bike on a section of the scenic, Alps2Ocean cycling trail from Tekapo to Twizel. We’ll have your car waiting in Twizel, so you can continue your South Island road trip to Dunedin from there. Explore this charming coastal city’s harbor, breweries, and delicious restaurants.
The Otago Peninsula is considered New Zealand’s wildlife capital. Look for albatross, penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and many other species as you head out with a naturalist guide for some wildlife watching. Then, it’s time to visit the beautifully lush, and lesser-visited gem, Catlins Forest Park.
Fly to Stewart Island, New Zealand’s third largest, and largely undeveloped, island. Spend the afternoon into the evening – kiwis are largely nocturnal – with a naturalist guide exploring, hiking, and birding in the island’s pristine wilderness.
Your next stop is Te Anau, the gateway town to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. There will be lots of adventures from your scenic lakeside base. Get your chance to see New Zealand’s most famous larva, on a glowworm cave tour. Spend a full day in breathtaking Milford Sound with a local guide. Enjoy a scenic boat ride in the sound watching for seals, penguins, and dolphins, plus get off the boat for a beautiful birdwatching hike to a waterfall. Wrap up your visit here with a guided kayaking trip in remote and stunning Doubtful Sound where you’ll explore waterfalls tumbling down mountainsides covered in rainforests, sheltered coves, and serene inlets while looking for resident dolphins, seals, and penguins.
Spend your last night in Queenstown with a stroll along Lake Wakaipu and through the charming downtown. Toast to the memories of your Southern Hemisphere adventure, before your journey home in the morning.
Originally built in 1882, Merivale Manor is a beautifully restored estate just a short stroll from the Merivale Village's fabulous shops and restaurants. Each of the studio rooms, suites and townhouses reflect the beauty and heritage of the property while featuring he wonderful modern amenities.
Lemon Tree lodge is set on the limestone cliffs above the small coastal community of Kaikoura. The small boutique B&B property has six individually furnished guest rooms. Wake up in the morning to the sound of the waves, the smell of the ocean, and a freshly cooked breakfast!
This locally owned luxury inn offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Your hosts are some of OBP’s favorite locals and welcome guests with some of the best hospitality around.
Overlooking the city of Dunedin, Bluestone on the George is perfectly situated to explore this beautiful, coastal city. The hosts welcome all guests with open arms and take personal interest in making their overall experience in Dunedin exactly what the they are looking for.
Offering guests a unique opportunity to get away from it all among the rugged and scenic coastline in the Catlin's Forest Park, Mohua Park has it all. With only four cottages privately situated in the bush, they all offer uninterrupted views of the rolling pasture. From the front door of each cottage guests have access to the incredible wildlife, waterfalls and other sites that the Catlin's has to offer.
Sails Ashore Lodge was built with just two rooms, an intimate accommodation overlooking the village of Oban, Halfmoon Bay, and offshore islands and the big wide ocean! The lodge features native Rimu timber, much of it salvaged from old sunken logs from a West Coast lake, and original artwork. There is a spacious dining and sitting areas.
Set on the shores of Lake Te Anau, in a UNESCO World Heritage area, the Fiordland Lodge offers one-of-a-kind accommodations and comfort just outside of Milford Sounds. On the rural, pastoral plains that give way to the rugged fiords of the far southwest of New Zealand, and looking across the lake to three million acres of pure wilderness, you will find luxury, style and comfort on what would otherwise seems to be the end of the world. The restaurant onsite offers spectacular views of lake Te Anau and the surrounding Kepler and Murchison mountains and prepares each of their meals with only the highest of quality of seasonal and regional ingredients. There is no better lodge to return to after a day of exploring this unique and incredible area - relax by the open fire and enjoy a good book in the library or share your stories from the day with fellow travelers.
Brown’s Boutique is our favorite Queenstown accommodation, located just a few minutes’ walk to downtown shopping and dining. Each room has a private balcony with town, lake and courtyard views. Your delightful hosts and managers, Angelo and Skye.
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