Explore some of the hidden gems of the South Island. Commence in Queenstown, enjoy the superb hospitality at Azur Lodge and the region's experience. Journey to the Wilderness lodges at Lake Moeraki (West Coast) and Arthur's Pass (heart of the Southern Alps) before finishing at the Bay of Many Coves (Marlborough Sounds). Wilderness, wildlife, adventure and luxury await.

• Economy air round trip from Los Angeles to Auckland
• Add-on airfares available from other cities
• Internal coach class air within New Zealand, Auckland - Queenstown, Christchurch - Blenheim, Blenheim - Auckland
• Private airport transfer to the Azur Lodge (Queenstown)
• 5 days car rental - Queenstown to Christchurch
• Helicopter transfer round trip Blenheim to Bay of Many Coves
• Azur Lodge (center of Queenstown) - Villa, 3 nights incl. Breakfast
• Wilderness Lodge, Lake Moeraki - Riverview room, 2 nights incl. Breakfast and Dinner
• Wilderness Lodge, Arthur's Pass - Mountain View Room, 2 nights incl. Breakfast and Dinner
• Bay of Many Coves (Marlborough Sounds) - One Bedroom Apartment, 3 Nights incl. Breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and dinner
• All airport taxes & fuel surcharges
• All hotel, local and VAT (Goods & services taxes

Day 1 - Depart US
Ask about our options with Premium Economy and Business class airfare.

Day 2 - Cross International Date line

Day 3 - Arrive Auckland, connect to Queenstown
On arrival into Queenstown you will be transferred by private car service transfer to Azur Lodge.

Luxuriously appointed stone and silver beechwood villas offer vast views of the New Zealand wilderness at Azur Lodge hotel, a hillside hideaway two miles outside Queenstown. The balconies, beds and baths in these nine modern villas all provide uninterrupted vantage points overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Range.

Azur Lodge doesn’t have a restaurant but it does provide breakfast, afternoon tea and evening drinks and canapés. In-room dining can be arranged (eat out on the deck for sublime views) or the concierge can book you into the best local restaurants. Although there’s no dedicated public bar, there’s a sociable drinks scene at Azur. Each evening a buffet bar is set up in the main lodge with a tempting selection of local wines, spirits and beer for guests to quaff before dinner.

Days 4 & 5 - Queenstown
Queenstown is a natural playground providing the perfect backdrop for a range of activities all year round. World-renowned for its adventure, Queenstown is home to a huge choice of activities to get the blood pumping, as well as world-class skiing and snowboarding from June to October, and an exceptional dining scene as well. In collaboration with with your Aspire consultant we can arrange the experiences you want to ensure the most memorable visit to Queenstown.

Day 6 - Queenstown to Wilderness Lodge, Lake Moeraki
This morning you will collect your rental vehicle and self drive to Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge. This is a trip of 248km, which takes 4 hours to drive comfortably. However like most roads in the wild south west of the South Island, there’s a lot to see and do along the way.

The Wilderness Lodge experience combines high quality accommodation, superb food, gracious hospitality and exciting nature adventures. Experience wild New Zealand in comfort and style. Few places on earth can match the stunning natural setting of Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, surrounded by lakes, rivers, rainforest and seacoast in the heart of Te Wahipounamu, the southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area. This is a paradise for nature lovers, active travellers and wilderness seekers.

Day 7 - Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Let naturalist guides bring the West Coast to life for you. Explore rainforest trails, hike spectacular seacoast & enjoy tranquil lake kayaking. Learn New Zealand's fascinating natural history and see penguins, seals & other wildlife.

COMPLIMENTARY GUIDED ACTIVITIES
Offered twice each day, these offer a fascinating introduction to local natural history.

HALF AND FULL DAY TRIPS
Offered at an extra charge and great for exploring further afield

EXCLUSIVE GUIDING
Hire your own guide for a day of fully customised nature discovery.

SELF GUIDED DISCOVERY
Explore the nature trails, kayak the lake or hire a rod and fish for brown trout.

Day 8 - Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki to Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass
This journey of 360km (about 200 miles) involves 5 to 6 hours of driving with great scenery and interesting stops along the way. We recommend that you allow as much time as possible. Key features include: beautiful rainforest; six large forested lakes; glistening snowy mountains and wild glacier rivers; the famous Fox and Franz Josef glaciers; the goldfields town of Hokitika; ascending Arthur’s Pass through the dramatic cleft of the Otira Gorge; and glorious alpine herbfields and shrublands at the summit. The times given below are driving times only.

Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass offers stylish accommodation, nature discovery & working sheep Farm in the Heart of the Southern Alps. Midway between Christchurch & the South Island's West Coast, Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass sits on a 4000 acre sheep farm & nature reserve surrounded by the peaks of Arthur's Pass National Park.

Alpine View Lodges provide the highest level of comfort & style.Enjoy absolute privacy and beautiful views of the mountains and forest. Spacious and luxurious with spa baths, separate showers and personal fireplaces.

Day 9 - Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass
Join naturalist and sheep farmer guides to explore the heart of the Southern Alps. Discover alpine valleys and mountain lakes, search for rare wildlife and experience life on a working sheep farm. The Wilderness Lodge's exciting program of guided adventure offers something for everyone.

COMPLIMENTARY GUIDED ACTIVITIES
Two guided farm or nature activities are included in the daily tariff. These offer a fascinating introduction to natural history & farming life.

HALF & FULL DAY GUIDED TRIPS
These are offered at an extra charge and are great for exploring further afield. Hike alpine trails, kayak mountain lakes and explore natural limestone castles.

EXCLUSIVE GUIDING
Hire your own guide for a day of fully customised discovery.

SELF GUIDED DISCOVERY
Hike 25km of private walking trails, explore the farm & neighbouring National Park.

Day 10 - Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass to Bay of Many Coves, Marlborough Sounds
Drive to Christchurch airport , approx 1.5hrs. and return rental vehicle. Depart Christchurch by air to Blenheim. On arrival into Blenhiem you will be transferred by helicopter to Bay of Many Coves.

Perfect seclusion on the water’s edge deep in the Marlborough Sounds with luxury accommodation, world-class cuisine and a taste of 100% pure relaxation.

Savor the delights of fresh local seafood and other provincial produce in our waterfront café, guest-lounge and fine-dining restaurant. Hosting takes place around 5.30pm on the deck overlooking the bay, or perhaps by the fireplace in cooler months, where you can savor the local Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and enlightening discussion. The accompanying canapés feature seafood from the Sounds or cheeses and other regional specialties. You might be lucky to coincide with the trawler delivering your fresh fish! And the views: there are few places with such a luxurious, mouth-watering, sensory combination.

A choice of 3, 2, or 1 bedroom architecturally designed luxury apartments set in the bush with beautiful bay views.

Lodge Facilities: Helipad / Horse riding / In house Spa services / Movie theatre lounge / Spa Pool / Swimming Pool / Walking trails / Water sports / Wi-Fi access

Days 11 & 12 - Bay of Many Coves, Marlborough Sounds
Wonderful bush and coastal walks with the Queen Charlotte Track on your doorstep; kayaking, sailing, motor yacht cruising, eco and wildlife adventures, day spa treatments, wine tours, fishing and diving.

Day 13 - Depart Bay of Many Coves, Marlborough Sounds to Blenheim to US
Helicopter transfer to Blenheim Airport. Depart Blenheim by air to Auckland and connect to International flight back to Los Angeles or onward destination.

request a quote or virtual appointment

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

Single Supplement: From $1,299

NZETA & IVL to enter New Zealand $50 per person. Before committing to your trip please ensure you hold a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the date you plan to return to the USA.

Read More about NZETA & IVL

Add on airfares (coach) available from most major airports - Add $200 from San Francisco, Add $250 from Dallas, Seattle, add $300 from New York, Denver, Chicago, Houston, Minneapolis, add $400 from Boston, Miami, Add $450 from Washington DC, Atlanta - ask an Aspire consultant for a quote from your local airport.

• Upgrade to Skycouch (2 pax) from $449 each way*
• Upgrade to premium economy from $700 per person each way*
• Upgrade to business class from $2,000 per person each way*
Can take the upgrade one way or round trip and combine premium/business classes on same ticket

* Starting from pricing based on Monday through Thursday departures - ask an Aspire consultant for the upgrade fee for travel Friday through Sunday

Conditions

Package from pricing is based on double occupancy (2 people sharing a room) from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Ask an Aspire consultant for pricing for other travel dates. Add-on fares are available from other cities. Certain blackout dates apply on the accommodation and tour value add offers - check with your Aspire consultant. 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 cash/wire transfer/check, please see terms and conditions for credit card payments. There are no discounts for payment made by credit cards. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply.