South Island Sojourn

Southern Alps to Doubtful Sound

Trip Details

Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland, Christchurch

Arrive in Auckland from U.S., fly to Christchurch, arriving late morning. Pick up your rental car and drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Walk the podocarp Peel Forest, with its giant trees, on the way. 

Day 2: Tasman Glacier

Meet up with your local guide at the airport for a helicopter flight to the top of the mighty Tasman Glacier. A guided interpretive walk on the glacier introduces you to fluted ice, runnels, moulins, and winding streamlets. 

Day 3: Lake Ohau and Alps2Ocean Trail

Savor the breathtaking scenery on a 3 or 4-hour bike ride along the banks of Lake Ohau, with views of the Ben Ohau mountain range on the Alps2Ocean Trail. Drive to Lake Wanaka. A local bike shop will get you all set up and transfer you to the beginning point of the ride. 

Day 4: Fiordlands National Park

Take your time and enjoy the super scenic drive south to Fiordlands National Park and Milford Sound. Pack a picnic lunch and stop along the way to absorb your surroundings. 

Day 5: Doubtful Sound

Meet your guides and cruise across the stunning Lake Manapouri, then travel by coach over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove in Doubtful Sound. Your 3-hour kayak paddle here puts you right in the serenity and unique beauty of this remote Sound. Watch for dolphins, penguins, and other marine wildlife. 

Day 6: Routeburn Track

Hit the trail to explore part of the Routeburn Track, ascending with a guide through lush temperate rainforest into a unique alpine field with panoramic views of mountains, alpine lakes, and valleys. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a classic New Zealand tramping hut. 

Day 7: Queenstown

Drive to Queenstown and top off the trip with an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride. The afternoon is yours to relax and explore this lovely city as you prepare to depart tomorrow. 

Day 8: Flights home from Queenstown

Catch a morning flight out to begin your journey home. 

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