A stylish South Island itinerary which is leisurely paced to ensure you enjoy the accommodation, the physical beauty, the activities and of course the food and wine. With boutique bed and breakfast accommodation in Motueka, Blenheim, and Queenstown you'll be able to relax or head off and seek adventure, perhaps sea kayaking, cycle the vineyards or a scenic flight and cruise at Milford Sound

• Economy air round trip from Los Angeles to Auckland
• Add-on airfares available from other cities
• 6 days car rental
• Flight - Blenheim - Queenstown
• 10 nights deluxe boutique accommodation - 3 Nights at The Waters – Windhover Suites, 3 Nights at The Marlborough Lodge (Blenheim),  4 Nights at the Rees Hotel (Queenstown)
• Breakfast Daily
• All airport taxes & fuel surcharges
• All hotel, local and VAT (Goods & services taxes)
• Additional sightseeing options available

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

Day 2 - Cross International Date line

Day 3 - Arrive Nelson
Collect your rental car to begin your self drive to Motueka.

Nelson to Motueka 145 km (92 miles) Approximately 1.75 hours The drive to Motueka first takes you to the town of Havelock, which is known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World. Nearby Canvastown is a place to explore old gold mining fields – thousands tried to get rich here in the 1860s. At Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve you can enjoy a bush walk or a swim, depending on the time of the year. And if you’d like a glimpse of local life in 1890, Rai Valley has a beautifully preserved cottage museum.

ACCOMMODATION - Escape to one of the Nelson Tasman region's most exclusive coastal retreats. Nestled on the tranquil shores of Tasman Bay, The Waters offers an intimate luxury experience with just four beautifully appointed suites, ensuring exceptional privacy and personalized hospitality. The elegant Windhover Suites are thoughtfully designed to embrace their stunning waterfront setting, featuring spacious interiors, contemporary furnishings, luxurious king beds, and private terraces where you can relax with uninterrupted views across the bay. Wake each morning to the sound of the water, enjoy a gourmet breakfast overlooking the coastline, and unwind in the outdoor swim spa as the sun sets over the mountains. Perfectly positioned within easy reach of Abel Tasman National Park, The Waters provides an idyllic base for exploring golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, scenic coastal walks, and unforgettable cruising and kayaking adventures. Combining sophisticated comfort with genuine Kiwi hospitality, The Waters is the perfect retreat for couples seeking relaxation, romance, and the very best of New Zealand's spectacular coastal scenery.

Days 4 & 5 Abel Tasman National Park
Enjoy all the Resurgence has to offer at your leisure or consider adding a tour in the national park:

• Kayak, Seals & Walk day tour - Abel Tasman National Park
  Morning 'Split Apple Paddle' guided half day kayak trip, explore the spectacular Kaiteriteri coastline. Stop on a golden sand beach for a short break. In the afternoon swap the kayak for walking shoes, and cruise to the golden sands of Onetahuti, visiting the fascinating seal colony at Tonga Island on the way.
• Abel Tasman National Park - Beach Walk
  Calling in at Kaiteriteri before departing for Anchorage, relax on the beach with a picnic or enjoy a one hour return walk to Te Pukatea Bay, a 1 1/2 hour return walk to Pitt Head to view the lighthouse and panoramic views, or from Anchorage walk to Cleopatra's Pool.
• Wine Tour - full or half day
  Enjoy a truly exclusive tour of the Nelson Wine Region. Visit wineries both on the plains and the hills where you can meet the owners and winemakers. You’ll also sample wine from the ten classic grapes grown in New Zealand. Taking in pristine scenery will ensure a memorable day – this tour is both fun and informative

Motueka to Nelson 145 km (92 miles) Approximately 1.75 hours The drive to Nelson first takes you to the town of Havelock, which is known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World. Nearby Canvastown is a place to explore old gold mining fields – thousands tried to get rich here in the 1860s. At Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve you can enjoy a bush walk or a swim, depending on the time of the year. And if you’d like a glimpse of local life in 1890, Rai Valley has a beautifully preserved cottage museum.

Nelson to Blenheim 115 km (72 miles) Approximately 1.5 hours The drive to Blenheim is both beautiful and interesting. Rai Valley has a delightful cottage museum, and at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve you can enjoy a bush walk or a swim. Nearby Canvastown gives you the chance to explore old gold mining fields and thousands tried to get rich here in the 1860s. Havelock is the place for a seafood meal, known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World. When you reach Renwick, which is surrounded by vineyards, it will be clear that you've arrived in wine country.

ACCOMMODATION - The Marlborough Lodge - Located in the heart of the famous Marlborough wine region, our grand country estate is nestled within 16 acres of secluded parklands, providing the ultimate retreat to indulge in New Zealand’s gourmet province. Our ten contemporary suites are elegantly designed to ensure your every comfort is met. Whether you’ve spent your day relaxing at the lodge or exploring further afield, finish each day with a peaceful wander through our parklands or mingle at the bar with tantalising canapes before dining on fresh local cuisine in our private dining room.

Days 7 & 8 - Blenheim 
Today explore Blenheim and the vineyards. Some tour suggestions:

• Marlborough Icons
  our tour guide will show you through the fabulous Marlborough wine region stopping to enjoy two fine wine experiences including Marlborough's Iconic winery, Cloudy Bay. After two wonderful wine visits the tour then departs the wine region through to the Marlborough Sounds for a lunch on the waterfront (lunch is at own cost). Depart the marina on the Malrborough Tour Company launch for a unique Seafood Cruise through the Marlborough Sounds. Take in the natural beauty of the native bush and the tranquility of the Sounds. Learn from your experienced Skipper the history of the Malrborough Sounds and the history of the pioneering families who have settled in the Sounds over 6 generations. Visit a marine farm and learn why seafood grows so well in the Marlborough Sounds. Enjoy a seafood tasting matched to a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. On arrival back in Havelock re-board the coach for the transfer back to Blenheim
• Deluxe Half Day Guided Biking Wine Tour
  This guided half day tour bikes to three of Marlborough's premium wineries. You will ride along country roads, river stop-banks and through vineyards. The tour guide provides commentary throughout the tour on the wines and wineries and also the history and geography of New Zealand's largest wine region. Tour concludes approximately 3.5 hours after commencement,
• Half Day Wine Tour
  Commence a half day Marlborough Wine Tour. The 4-5 hour tour will give you a great insight to the Marlborough Wine area. Tasting wines along the way and wandering amongst the vines. Tour concludes approximately 4-5 hours after commencement at which time hotel drop offs will commence.

Day 9 - Blenheim to Queenstown
This morning return your rental car to Blenheim airport. Depart Blenheim by air to Queenstown. On arrival into Queenstown you will be transferred by private car service transfer to the Rees Hotel.

ACCOMMODATION - Showcasing breath taking panoramic lake and alpine views, The Rees Hotel Queenstown is a sophisticated Five Star hotel situated right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with its own beach and private wharf. The many unique features at The Rees Hotel include a fine dining restaurant with an award winning chef who creates exquisite menus showcasing the spectacular produce available in Central Otago, an extensive award winning wine cellar, library and courtesy shuttle to/from Queenstown town centre.

Days 10 - 12 - Queenstown
Explore Queenstown at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - Some of our favorites:

• Milford Fly Cruise Fly/Dart River Safaris Combo
  Join your Milford Sound Scenic Flights crew at Queenstown Airport, Sir Henly Wigley Dr, Frankton, to commence a full day Milford Fly Cruise Fly/Dart River Safaris Combo tour. Fly from Queenstown to magnificent Milford to enjoy a launch cruise travelling the full length of Milford Sound. Return by scenic flight landing at Glenorchy to join Dart River Safaris to journey into the untouched wilderness of a World Heritage Area before coaching back to Queenstown. Tour concludes approximately 10 hours after commencement, at Queenstown Airport.
• Milford Sound Nature Cruise
  An on board nature guide with specialist knowledge of the region's history, flora and fauna provides detailed interpretation in English with a roving microphone. There is plenty of time available to explore points of interest and view the spectacular alpine scenery including waterfalls, rainforest and the towering peaks; and keep a lookout for wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins when in season. Coach or flight transfers available.
• Appellation Central Wine Tours
  Appellation Central offers guided tours showcasing Central Otago's fine wine and cuisine. These tours venture into the heartland of Central Otago visiting vineyards in Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell. Small groups and custom fit minibuses ensure a relaxed and interactive day out from Queenstown and a great way to experience Central Otago.
• Nomad Safari - Skippers Canyon
  A half-day heritage tour that follows the rugged and once treacherous Skippers Road. Hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley. Navigate this awe-inspiring canyon and visit many historic sites such as the Skippers Suspension Bridge, township of Skippers, and the restored school house - gain a real insight into the local heritage through photos and histories of life in this tough environment.
• Queenstown Rafting Triple Challenge - Shotover Jet,Helicopter & WhiteWater Rafting
  The Ultimate Adventure. Begin with the shotover jet, speed through rocky canyons and experience the Hamilton 360 spins. Climb aboard a helicopter for a spectacular flight into Skippers Canyon. Land at Deep Creek and meet your rafting guide, peaceful waters at first before hearing the roar of the"mother" section.
• Zipline Ecotour
  Commence an ecotour on Queenstown's original zipline course and the perfect starter to your adventure experience. Comprised of four ziplines, starting and finishing at the top of the Skyline gondola, the tour is designed to start low and slow and gradually build your confidence as it gets progressively longer, higher and faster. All ages love the interaction this guided aerial tour has to offer.

Day 13 - Depart Queenstown to US
You will be collected from the Rees Hotel for your private car service transfer to Queenstown Airport. Depart Queenstown by air to Auckland and connect to International flight back to Los Angeles or onward destination.

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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.