Seasonal Sensation: South Island in Autumn and Winter
See New Zealand’s South Island in its quieter autumn and winter character, when the Mackenzie Basin turns pale gold, Arrowtown glows with seasonal colour and snow gathers across Queenstown’s surrounding ranges. This nine-day route travels from Christchurch through Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mt Cook to three nights in Queenstown. Included excursions cover Glenorchy and Paradise, plus Arrowtown and Wānaka, while free days create space for weather-dependent options such as the TranzAlpine, Kaikoura whale watching or skiing at Cardrona. Eight nights’ accommodation, airport transfers and guided coach touring are included. Operating from May to September only, this journey is designed for travellers who want the South Island’s celebrated landscapes in their most atmospheric season.
A Glimpse of Your Journey
- ◆Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mt Cook — the Mackenzie Basin under snow
- ◆Glenorchy and Paradise — the road north of Queenstown in autumn and winter
- ◆Arrowtown and Wānaka — gold rush history and alpine lake country
- ◆Queenstown — three nights as a base for the South Island's winter activity circuit
- ◆Autumn and winter season only — May to September departures
Itinerary & Route
Your arrival in Christchurch is met with a private transfer to your hotel. The city sits between the Pacific Ocean and the foothills of the Southern Alps — a position that becomes more significant in winter when the Alps carry snow and the air coming off the Canterbury Plains is noticeably colder than Auckland.
Christchurch City Centre — The post-earthquake rebuild has produced some genuinely interesting architecture alongside the restored heritage buildings. The Avon River precinct and the Botanic Gardens are within easy walking distance of most central accommodation and are worth an evening walk if you arrive with daylight to spare.
Your arrival in Christchurch is met with a private transfer to your hotel. The city sits between the Pacific Ocean and the foothills of the Southern Alps — a position that becomes more significant in winter when the Alps carry snow and the air coming off the Canterbury Plains is noticeably colder than Auckland.
Christchurch City Centre — The post-earthquake rebuild has produced some genuinely interesting architecture alongside the restored heritage buildings. The Avon River precinct and the Botanic Gardens are within easy walking distance of most central accommodation and are worth an evening walk if you arrive with daylight to spare.
What's Included
- hotel
Accommodation
8 nights’ accommodation
- airport_shuttle
Transport
Airport transfers and guided coach touring
- tour
Guide
Guided Mt Cook, Glenorchy, Arrowtown and Wānaka experiences
- local_activity
Activities
Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mt Cook, Glenorchy, Paradise, Arrowtown and Wānaka
Dates & Prices
Pricing coming soon
Season pricing for this route hasn't been published yet. Enquire and we'll get you a quote, or ask to be notified once it's live.
