Seasonal Sensation: South Island in Autumn and Winter
Duration
9 Days 8 Nights
Destinations
Christchurch, Queenstown
New Zealand's South Island in autumn and winter is a different proposition from the summer version. The Mackenzie Basin goes from turquoise and brown to white and pale gold. Arrowtown's main street — already one of the most photogenic in the country — turns amber and rust as the poplars drop their leaves. Queenstown's surrounding ranges collect snow from June, and the Crown Range above Wānaka holds it for months. This 9-day itinerary is built around that seasonal character. The route is straightforward: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mt Cook, then south to Queenstown for three nights. Two full days of included touring cover Glenorchy and Paradise to the north — the valley at the head of Lake Wakatipu that Lord of the Rings used as Middle-earth's open country — and Arrowtown and Wānaka to the east. A free day in Christchurch at the start and a free day in Queenstown mid-tour give you space to add the optional experiences that suit the conditions: the TranzAlpine through the snow-covered Alps, a whale watch from Kaikoura, skiing at Cardrona, or an afternoon in the Queenstown ice bar. This tour operates May to September only. The pricing and the whole character of it are tied to the season. If you want New Zealand in the snow, this is the itinerary for it.
- ◆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
Day-by-Day
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.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Independent.
Included
- check_boxMeet and greet arrival transfer in Christchurch
- check_box8 nights accommodation
- check_boxChristchurch to Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mt Cook guided coach tour
- check_boxMt Cook to Queenstown guided coach transfer
- check_boxGlenorchy and Paradise Explorer Tour
- check_boxArrowtown and Wānaka Highlights Tour
- check_boxQueenstown to Christchurch coach transfer
- check_boxDeparture transfer to Christchurch Airport
Not Included
- disabled_by_defaultInternational flights
- disabled_by_defaultTravel insurance
- disabled_by_defaultMeals not specified in the itinerary
- disabled_by_defaultOptional activities and entrance fees
- disabled_by_defaultPersonal expenses, laundry and minibar
