Embark on an unforgettable New Zealand journey beginning in Queenstown, the country’s adventure capital, where breathtaking alpine landscapes set the scene for remarkable experiences. Stay at Azur Queenstown, a secluded luxury lodge overlooking Lake Wakatipu, offering private villas, personalized service, and spectacular mountain views. From here, retreat to the exclusive elegance of The Lindis, nestled in the pristine Ahuriri Valley, where striking architecture meets vast high-country wilderness. Continue to Christchurch, where you’ll stay at The Observatory Hotel, a beautifully restored heritage building in the heart of the arts precinct, blending historic character with refined contemporary comfort.

Seamlessly curated, this week-long escape showcases the very best of New Zealand — from adventure and alpine grandeur to refined seclusion and city charm — all experienced through exceptional stays in some of the country’s most beautiful accommodations.

• Round-trip International Flights
• Economy Class flights from Los Angeles with Air New Zealand
• Add-on fares available from other US cities (via United Airlines)
• Upgrade options: Premium Economy, Business Premier, or Skycouch
• Internal New Zealand Flights
• Auckland → Queenstown
• Luxury Accommodations (6 nights total)
• 3 nights Queenstown at 5* Azur, including breakfast daily
• 2 nights The Lindis Lodge (luxury lodge, all meals included)
• 1 night Christchurch at 4.5* The Observatory Hotel
• Exclusive Touring & Experiences
• Private half-day sightseeing tour in Queenstown Small group half-day scenic flight & nature cruise to Milford Sound
• Small group half-day scenic flight & nature cruise to Milford Sound
• Luxury Transport
• Full-size SUV rental car (Queenstown → The Lindis → Christchurch) Including Insurance
• Private airport transfer on arrival in Queenstown
• Peace of Mind
• All taxes, fees, and fuel surcharges included

Day 1 - Depart US
Begin your journey with Air New Zealand’s award-winning service from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, or New York JFK. Choose from Economy, Premium Economy, or the indulgent Business Premier, or upgrade to the innovative Skycouch.

Day 2 - Cross the International Dateline
Lose a day enroute and gain it back on your return.

Day 3 - Arrive Auckland or Christchurch & connect to Queenstown
Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival, fly south to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Transfer to Azur Lodge. The afternoon is yours to enjoy — soak up the scenery or dine at one of Queenstown’s acclaimed restaurants.

Queenstown, surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, offers diverse, world-class experiences, a warm welcome, and a cosmopolitan vibe. Queenstown has fueled imaginations and inspired many to explore. Whether you are chasing the snow, exploring the trails, indulging in food and wine, discovering stunning fairways, or seeking adrenaline thrills, Queenstown sets the stage for adventure.

Accommodation - Stay 3 nights - Perched high above Lake Wakatipu, Azur Queenstown is an intimate alpine retreat defined by privacy, panoramic views, and understated luxury. With just a handful of secluded villas, each positioned to capture sweeping lake and mountain vistas, the lodge offers a rare sense of space and tranquility just minutes from central Queenstown. Inside, contemporary design blends with natural textures — floor-to-ceiling glass, fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, and private sun decks create a sanctuary that feels both refined and welcoming. Thoughtful, personalized service and curated local experiences complete the stay, making Azur a sophisticated base for discovering the best of the Southern Lakes region.

Image: Destination Queenstown

Day 4 - Half-Day Private Queenstown Tour
Discover the essence of Queenstown on this privately-guided four-hour journey through its most iconic landscapes and stories. Begin at the breathtaking Wakatipu Lookout, where sweeping views over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding peaks set the tone for the afternoon. Continue to the serene beauty of Lake Hayes — famed as the “mirror lake” — before arriving in charming Arrowtown. Here, wander at your own pace through its heritage streets, passing the historic Chinese Settlement and old gaol, with time to browse boutiques, galleries, or enjoy a relaxed café stop.

From Arrowtown, travel to the dramatic Kawarau Bridge, home of the world’s first commercial bungy jump and a striking filming location from The Lord of the Rings. Then venture into the renowned Gibbston Valley for a curated wine tasting at a boutique vineyard (subject to availability), sampling some of Central Otago’s celebrated varietals. Return to Queenstown alongside the storied Shotover River — once famed for its gold, now known for its exhilarating jet boat rides — completing a perfectly balanced introduction to this remarkable region.

Image: Destination Queenstown

Day 5 - Queenstown
Experience Milford Sound in extraordinary style on this seamless air-and-sea journey from Queenstown. Lift off for a breathtaking 35-minute scenic flight across the Southern Alps, soaring above the dramatic chasm of Skippers Canyon, the cinematic landscapes of Paradise — made famous by The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies — and the shimmering Donne Glacier. As you descend, the grandeur of Milford Sound unfolds beneath you before a spectacular overflight of the fiord and landing.

On arrival, your pilot personally escorts you to the waterfront to board the elegant Spirit of Milford for an immersive Nature Cruise. With passenger numbers capped for comfort, your expert guide brings Fiordland’s geology, wildlife, and history to life as the catamaran glides beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls, drawing close to sheer rock faces to reveal intricate details of this pristine wilderness. A freshly prepared picnic lunch is served on board.

Your return flight offers a new perspective over Fiordland National Park’s untouched alpine lakes and cascading waterfalls, including the magnificent Sutherland Falls, plunging 580 metres (1,900 feet). After approximately 35 minutes in the air, you’ll touch down in Queenstown — completing one of New Zealand’s most iconic experiences in effortless comfort.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Day 6 – Queenstown to The Lindis (Ahuriri Valley)
Today, collect your rental car in Queenstown and set out on a scenic self-drive north through the rugged landscapes of Central Otago (private transfers available if you prefer not to self-drive). The journey itself is part of the experience, unfolding past vast tussock plains, braided rivers, and dramatic mountain backdrops as you travel at your own pace toward the Ahuriri Valley. Arrive at The Lindis, a spectacular architecturally designed lodge set in complete seclusion, where floor-to-ceiling glass frames the surrounding high-country wilderness and refined luxury meets absolute tranquility.

Accommodation - Stay 2 nights - Set deep within the untouched Ahuriri Valley, The Lindis is one of New Zealand’s most architecturally striking luxury lodges. Designed to mirror the curves of the surrounding hills, its sculptural roofline blends seamlessly into the landscape, creating a retreat that feels both bold and beautifully at one with nature. Inside, expansive glass walls frame uninterrupted views of tussock plains and rolling high-country peaks, while natural timber, stone, and soft textures bring warmth and understated sophistication to every space. Days at The Lindis are shaped by the rhythm of the land — from fly fishing and horse trekking to guided hikes across the property’s expansive terrain — before returning for exceptional, produce-driven cuisine that celebrates the flavors of the region. Remote yet refined, The Lindis offers an immersive wilderness experience without compromising on comfort, service, or style

Image: The Lindis

Day 7 - The Lindis Experience
Today is yours to immerse yourself in the luxury and wilderness of The Lindis. The lodge itself offers elegantly designed lounge areas, a stylish bar, a games room, and a billiards room — all finished in the same exquisite aesthetic, ensuring comfort and sophistication at every turn.

Venture beyond the lodge to explore the vast expanse of Ben Avon Station and the surrounding Ahuriri Valley. Glide along scenic trails on an e-bike, or learn the art of fly fishing with your private guide, who will teach you to tie lures and lead you to hidden fishing spots along the pristine Ahuriri River. For a broader perspective, take a 4WD excursion into the sweeping wilderness, punctuated by easy hikes that reveal panoramic views of rugged peaks and tussock plains. Horseback riding across high-country farmland offers yet another way to connect with the dramatic landscape, with vistas stretching across the entire valley.

As night falls, the seclusion of the Ahuriri Valley unveils an extraordinary sky. With almost no light pollution, the stars stretch endlessly overhead — a dazzling canopy of constellations that invites quiet reflection and awe under the Southern Hemisphere heavens.

Image: The Lindis

Day 8 – The Lindis to Christchurch
Depart The Lindis and wind back through the remote beauty of the Ahuriri Valley along Birchwood Road, a gravel route that immerses you in the rugged high-country landscape. Rejoin the main highway at State Highway 8 and head toward Omarama, where the road unfurls past the shimmering turquoise waters of Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, their vibrant hues framed by tussock-covered hills and the sweeping plains of the Mackenzie Country.

Cross the dramatic Burkes Pass before descending into the gentle, undulating farmlands of Fairlie and Geraldine, then turn east along the Otari River as the landscape gradually opens onto the fertile expanses of the Canterbury Plains. The journey concludes in Christchurch, New Zealand’s “Garden City,” where lush parks, elegant heritage architecture, and urban sophistication await.

Accommodation - Stay 2 nights - Nestled within the historic Gothic Revival precinct of Christchurch’s Arts Centre, The Observatory Hotel seamlessly blends heritage and contemporary luxury. Rising on the site where the iconic Observatory Tower once housed astronomy and physics, the hotel celebrates both history and modern design with exquisite attention to detail. Its 33 individually curated rooms feature locally crafted furnishings, rich textures, and vibrant color palettes, creating a sophisticated sanctuary in the heart of the city. Guests can stay active in the fully equipped gym, unwind with a cocktail in the stylish Library Bar, or simply soak in the atmospheric charm of a precinct steeped in craftsmanship and character. Every corner of the hotel offers a thoughtful fusion of historic significance and contemporary elegance, making it a refined base from which to explore Christchurch.

Day 9 – Discover Christchurch & Depart for the US
Spend the morning at leisure discovering the rejuvenated charm of Christchurch, where history meets contemporary flair. Stroll or cycle through wide streets and laneways to admire striking new architecture, vibrant street art, and lush green spaces like Hagley Park and the Botanical Gardens. Glide along the tranquil Avon River by punt, explore the boutique-lined streets of Cashel, High, and Colombo, or sample the city’s culinary scene from chic bars on The Terrace to the bustling Riverside Market.

Return your rental car at Christchurch Airport and board your return flight to the US. Relax and enjoy the award-winning Air New Zealand service as you return home with unforgettable memories of your New Zealand journey.

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Note: Daily departures, this package is an independent itinerary with flexible departures (not a group tour)

Single Supplement: From $2,999

Before committing to a trip, please ensure you have a valid passport. New Zealand welcomes US travelers with an approved Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

Read More about NZETA & IVL

Add on airfares are available from most major airports – please ask an Aspire consultant for a quote.

• Upgrade to premium economy from $1,250 per person each way*
• Upgrade to business class from $3,500 per person each way*
Can take the upgrade one way or round trip and combine premium/business classes on same ticket

* Upgrade from pricing based on Monday through Thursday departures from Los Angeles - ask an Aspire consultant for the upgrade fee from other departure points and travel Thursday through Saturday.

Terms & Conditions

The package from pricing is based on double occupancy (2 people sharing a room) for low-season stays for travel Mondays through Thursdays in both directions. A $60 air supplement applies each way for international travel from Friday to Sunday. Add-on fares are available from other cities. Specific blackout dates apply to the accommodation and tour value offers. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. Hotels are subject to availability. All prices reflect a discount for purchases made by check/wire; please see terms and conditions for credit card payments. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply. The purchase of travel Insurance is highly recommended for travel to New Zealand. Aspire Down Under partners with CSA Travel Protection.