LUXURY SOUTH ISLAND

Introduction

Our Unique Stays itinerary has been thoughtfully crafted to include accommodation that enhances your experience, from spectacular locations to gastronomic excellence. Discover the South Islands most picturesque landscapes with a fly-in fiord cruise in Milford Sound and sample the delights of local fresh seafood as you cruise into the Bay of Many Coves Resort. 

Day-by-Day

Day 1: Christchurch - The George Hotel

Arrive in Christchurch, known as the ‘Garden City’ due to its many parks and gardens. New Zealand’s first city has undergone a virtual rebirth, following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes and the urban city centre is full of new secrets to discover. Prepare for new architecture and immense street art, cocktail bars and bustling restaurants, laneways and green public spaces.

Spend the night at The George Hotel, a luxury boutique property with picturesque views over Hagley Park and the Avon River.

Day 2: Christchurch to Kaikoura - Hapuku Lodge

Collect your rental car and depart the city towards Kaikoura, passing several small towns and look-out points before reaching the majestic Kaikoura Mountain range, which reaches down to the ocean.  The complex marine system in the waters off the peninsular provides an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds, making it a nature lovers hotspot. 

Spend 2 nights at Hapuku Lodge, a short drive north of the town, set alongside a deer stud and olive grove in a tranquil and picturesque spot with views of the snow-capped mountains and rugged coastline. Includes breakfast and dinner daily.

Day 3: Kaikoura

Today is free to explore the area, making use of the Lodge’s mountain bikes or perhaps heading out on one of the many trails to the bush or beach. Enjoy a botanical tour, simply relax in the heated pool or curled up by the fire with a glass of wine. Of course, nearby Kaikoura has a wealth of nature cruises available to get close to the astounding variety of mammals and birds found here.

Day 4: Kaikoura to Marlborough Sounds – Bay of Many Coves Resort

Leave this marine wonderland and travel north through farming countryside to Blenheim, a rural town that is surrounded by many of New Zealand’s leading wineries. Continue the short distance to Picton where you will board a seafood tasting cruise, paired with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Alight the cruise at your next hotel.

Spend two nights at Bay of Many Coves Resort, an elegant retreat in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, tucked away on the shores of a stunning aqua blue bay. Includes breakfast and a three course dinner daily.

Day 5: Marlborough Sounds

Today is free to enjoy the serenity and beauty of the Marlborough Sounds, making use of the resort’s year-round activities including private walking trails, kayaks, dinghies and paddle boards. A variety of tours are available, such as swimming with dolphins, fishing or eco-cruises and wildlife refuge visits.

Day 6: Marlborough Sounds to Nelson – Te Koi The Lodge at Bronte

Board a water taxi back to Picton to collect your car and begin the scenic drive through the sunny wine growing region to Nelson, where numerous lookout points break up the journey.

Enjoy two nights at Te Koi The Lodge, located on the headland of Nelson’s historic Bronte Peninsular which provides luxurious apartment-style villa accommodation. Includes breakfast daily, pre-dinner drinks and canapes, and a three-course dinner with wine pairing. 

Day 7: Te Koi – The Lodge at Bronte

Nestled on the edge of the Waimea Estuary, the lodge is surrounded by extensive gardens which are perfect for a leisurely walk. Swim in the substantial solar heated pool, exercise on the tennis court or play petanque. Your hosts can organise a mountain bike ride in the nearby National Parks or a special boat excursion in the Abel Tasman Park. The Lodge is surrounded by award winning wineries and galleries, plus wonderful artisans that you can visit. At the end of the day, relax out on your own deck while watching the sun go down.

Day 8: Nelson to Queenstown – Azur Lodge

Drive the short distance to Nelson airport for a domestic flight to Queenstown, where you’ll be met by a driver and transferred to Azur Lodge.

Spend the last three nights at Azur Lodge, luxury accommodation with magnificent views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Tucked away on three acres of private hillside, but just a short included transfer into town. Each of the nine freestanding villas feature unobstructed views with a cosy lounge and floor to ceiling windows. Includes daily breakfast, afternoon tea, pre-dinner drinks and canapes.

Day 9: Milford Sound Fly-in Cruise

Take a scenic flight from Queenstown over the famous Skippers Canyon, the Paradise Region and the Donne glacier, the 35-minute flight concludes with a pass over the fiord before landing. Next board your nature cruise on the 'Spirit of Milford' catamaran to get a closer look and deeper understanding of the flora and fauna of the fiord. The return scenic flight takes in the pristine alpine lakes and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park, landing back in Queenstown.

Day 10: Queenstown

Spend the day at leisure, relaxing at your villa, discovering the boutique shops and cafes in town or head out on one of the many activities available here. From laid-back wine tastings, horse rides or steam-boat cruises on the lake to adrenaline fuelled jet-boat rides and bungee jumps, this is the place to tick a few off the bucket-list!

Day 11: Departure

Transfer to Queenstown airport for your return flight to the UK.

Prices

From £8,199 per person

Truly Individual Holiday Includes:

• International flights from the UK in Economy
• Domestic flight
• 10 nights accommodation 
• Rental car with unlimited mileage, additional driver, zero excess
• Marlborough Sound seafood cruise & Milford Sound fly-cruise
• Private airport transfers and water taxi transfer
• Documents, vouchers and information pack

Price based on two people sharing accommodation. Any element of this holiday can be tailor-made to suit you. Simply enquire below!