South Island Scenic Discovery - 9 Days
Starting in magnificent Queenstown, witness the breathtaking beauty of the fiords with a daytrip to either Milford or Doubtful Sound.
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Then journey to stunning Mt. Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, which remains snow-capped all year round. This itinerary ends in Christchurch, the garden city of New Zealand.
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart USA for New Zealand
The great thing is that most flights depart the West Coast of America in the evening, meaning you can spend the day at home getting ready for your Kiwi adventure or still go to work and maximise your valuable time off by actually spending it in New Zealand.
Day 2: In flight
You cross the international date line on your flight to New Zealand so you skip a whole day on the journey down. For example, if you left Los Angeles on Sunday evening, you will arrive in Auckland on Tuesday morning, even though you have only been flying for 12 hours.
But don't worry - you get a day back when you return home, for example if you leave New Zealand on Sunday evening, you will arrive back in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon.
Day 3: Auckland - Queenstown
When you arrive in Queenstown you'll be blown away by the natural beauty and endless list of activities. Take in a cruise on the historical steamship, the Earnslaw, or take a gondola ride up the mountain at sunset for some of the most spectacular views of the region.
Day 4: Queenstown
There is something for everyone in the 'Adventure Capital of New Zealand': bungy jumping, jetboat rides, hangliding or if you're looking for relaxation head to the surrounding wineries for a tasting and a delicious lunch.
Day 5: Milford and Doubtful Sound
Take a boat ride to witness the spectacular beauty of the fiords. When it rains in Milford Sound, 'temporary waterfalls' cascade down the cliffs, dozens as high as 3280 feet. Doubtful Sound is sometimes called the 'sound of silence'. It's a powerful place - serene, mysterious and untouched by the modern world.
Day 6: Queenstown - Mt Cook
Join a 'Lord of the Rings' Tour this morning; you'll see firsthand the scenery that the award-winning movie made world famous. Then drive north along the Southern Alps to Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand, also known as Aoraki. The lakes and scenery in this region are simply breathtaking.
Day 7: Mt Cook - Christchurch
At Mt. Cook you can either join a glacier tour or just enjoy many of the hiking trails that begin at the Hermitage Hotel, the accommodation located in this area. Next stop is Christchurch, known as the 'Garden City'.
Day 8: Christchurch
Enjoy the English architecture of Christchurch. Take a gondola ride down the Avon River, enjoy the trolleys that run around the city or just stroll around the beautiful gardens this city is so proud of.
Day 9: Christchurch - Auckland - USA
Return home and because you will cross back over the International Time Zone you will 'gain' a day. For example, if you leave New Zealand on Sunday night, you will arrive in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon.