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South Pacific Specialists
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For a tantalising taste the South Islands alpine vistas, native forests, giant lakes, roaring rivers and vast fiords this 9 day privately guided tour around Queenstown and Fiordland will leave you spellbound! Be seduced by Fiordland’s most awe-inspiring and diverse landscapes on the Doubtful sound ultimate overnight cruise and a day exploring Milford. Experience Minaret Station, a high country alpine lodge accessed only by helicopter.
Duration: 9 Days
Starts: Queenstown
Finishes: Queenstown
Queenstown offers spectacular scenery set against the dramatic southern alps and majestic Lake Wakatipu.
Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps, is New Zealand’s most celebrated destination. Offering a wealth of accommodation to suit all travellers, there is huge diversity in the experiences to be enjoyed – from adrenaline activities such as bungee jumps and sky diving, adventurous excursions like jet-boating and hiking through to superb golf, gourmet food and wine tours or romantic hot air ballooning.
1 night at Azur Lodge
Gateway to Fiordland National Park
Set amongst a skyline of great mountains and beside the gorgeous Lake Te Anau, Te Anau is one of the great scenic towns of the South Island. It’s location in Fiordland puts Te Anau Township squarely on the doorstep to adventure – some of the most spectacular wilderness landscapes in New Zealand are accessed from here, including the incredible Milford Road, Doubtful Sound, Te Anau Glow Worm Caves and Milford Sound.
The name Te Anau translates in Maori to ‘Caves of Swirling Water’ and until a relatively recent discovery, the origin of the swirling waters remained lost in old Maori legend. The town is surrounded by beauty and brimming with great accommodation options, dining and unique.
1 Night at Fiordland Lodge
Approximate Distance: 300 km / 183 m
Total Driving Time: 2 Hours
Doubtful Sound is unspoiled, unmatched and unforgettable.
Your itinerary starts in Manapouri with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri. A coach then takes you across Wilmot Pass, travelling on a sub-alpine road through dense rainforest. Arriving at Deep Cove, you’ll be met by our crew and the majestic Mariner vessel.
As you cruise through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, our knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary ensuring you miss nothing, be it the pod of resident dolphins, fur seals or rare penguins you might encounter.
After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat – or simply relax onboard. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course buffet dinner prepared by our onboard chef, served in the dining saloon.
1 Night Onboard the Fiordland Navigator
Further Exploration may uncover Doubtful's other residents...
Kick-off today with a hearty cooked breakfast and get ready to enjoy the rest of the morning exploring other parts of the fiord. In particular, keep an eye out for the resident bottlenose dolphins that patrol the fiord or the New Zealand fur seal seen basking as the sun rises warming the rocks they occupy and when in season the rare Fiordland crested penguin. Finally, you’ll return to Deep Cove, the trip back to Manapouri and many, many conversations telling friends just how amazing your trip was.
This Afternoon return to Te Anau.
1 Night at Fiordland Lodge
Rudyard Kipling famously declared that Milford Sound is 'the eighth wonder of the world'.
The Road to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, then you’ll ease into a beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. Look for the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain and the Mirror Lakes. The rough-hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak.
A cruise on Milford Sound will be an essential component of your time in Fiordland. Tall waterfalls, vertical rock faces, and seals are some of the things you’ll remember.
Upon return to Milford you’ll board your helicopter again to be whisked away for a remote alpine or glacier landing with magnificent views and plenty of time for photographs before returning to Queenstown.
2 Nights at Azur Lodge
Queenstown is a place that strikes the perfect balance between its awe-inspiring natural beauty and active adventures
Take a day to experience the beauty of Queenstown exactly as you want to. From relaxing vineyard tours or boat cruises to extreme adventure activities, Queenstown has it all. Queenstown’s stunning location means that however you choose to spend your day you’ll enjoy being surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery.
Get completely off the grid and discover the great outdoors, away from the roads and surround yourself with glacial valley and towering peaks.
Upon arrival check-in to your chalet and get familiar with the surroundings. You may take a short walk on the boardwalks and valley floor to the waterfalls, or just relax and soak in the atmosphere of this special place.
Later on it is time to enjoy the world-class cuisine the lodge has to offer. Meet at the Mountain Kitchen for some pre-dinner drinks and canapés. After indulge in the fine dining dinner with wine pairing.
During the evening step outside and be amazed by the stunning night sky!
2 Nights at Minaret Station - Alpine Lodge
Minaret Station’s many Heli-Adventure experiences allow guests to discover otherwise inaccessible wilderness areas of the Southern Alps and Mt Aspiring National Park
Backcountry Adventures at Minaret Station
The wide range of adventures on offer from Minaret Station ensures that there is something special for everyone from families to honeymooners. Discerning hunters and anglers are spoiled for trophy opportunities — though you may struggle to keep your eyes on the target instead of the dramatic mountain scenery.
The Station’s pilots can take you heli-hiking, heli-skiing, heli-picnics, heli mountain-biking… you name it, they can probably helicopter you to it!
Some suggested activities and outings.
Scenic Flights/Picnics
Guided Fishing
Guided Heli Skiing Guided Mountain Biking
Fiordland Experience
Guided Heli Hiking Guided Hunting
Guided Farm Tour
At the end of the day relax with some pre-dinner drinks and canapés. Later on enjoy your multi-course gourmet dinner with paired wine.
Any plans for tonight? Maybe relax in the spa and enjoy the night sky.
Travel to Queenstown airport for your onward flight
We know you will have enjoyed your luxurious retreats and epic adventures all within the beauty of the Southern Alps. Please get in touch if you would like to add an island in the South Pacific as a final stop-off on your way home.
“Unwind in beauty with a trip based around the Alpine wilderness of Fiordland and Central Otago. With overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound, and a nature cruise in Milford Sound with a highlight helicopter flight back to Queenstown you will be able to view this World Heritage Status part of New Zealand from many aspects. ”
Ready to find out more? Talk to one of our friendly travel designers about his tour. We guarantee you it will be the experience of a lifetime!
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Azur is located 20 minutes from Queenstown airport and just 5 from the downtown area, upon a hilltop with spectacular, unobstructed views of the mountain ranges and lake Wakatipu, some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand. Azur’s nine private villas were designed to let you absorb the incredible views in chic luxury and total privacy. Each identical villa is 79 sqm of open plan living in the midst of new zealand’s natural environment. Incorporating a lounge, dining area, a private sun deck with a choice of either a king or twin beds dressed with luxury linen to promise an exceptional sleep experience. Soak up the spectacular unobstructed views from the bathtub, which has been set into a bay window to give you a feeling of being outdoors.
The best of both worlds – the feeling of privacy and remoteness and yet in five minutes be part of the local dynamic scene in downtown Queenstown
The open architecture of Fiordland Lodge reflects the vastness of the Fiordland National Park. Echoes of the forest are found in the striking natural timber construction; high ceilings, full trunk pillars and a massive river stone fireplace provide a warm spacious environment. A commanding staircase leads from the impressive lounge to a peaceful inviting mezzanine, complete with a library and fly tying area. On forty acres of land, Fiordland Lodge is set on a superb site with commanding views out across Lake Te Anau.
The open architecture of Fiordland Lodge reflects the vastness of the Fiordland National Park. Echoes of the forest are found in the striking natural timber construction; high ceilings, full trunk pillars and a massive river stone fireplace provide a warm spacious environment. A commanding staircase leads from the impressive lounge to a peaceful inviting mezzanine, complete with a library and fly tying area. On forty acres of land, Fiordland Lodge is set on a superb site with commanding views out across Lake Te Anau.
Azur is located 20 minutes from Queenstown airport and just 5 from the downtown area, upon a hilltop with spectacular, unobstructed views of the mountain ranges and lake Wakatipu, some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand. Azur’s nine private villas were designed to let you absorb the incredible views in chic luxury and total privacy. Each identical villa is 79 sqm of open plan living in the midst of new zealand’s natural environment. Incorporating a lounge, dining area, a private sun deck with a choice of either a king or twin beds dressed with luxury linen to promise an exceptional sleep experience. Soak up the spectacular unobstructed views from the bathtub, which has been set into a bay window to give you a feeling of being outdoors.
The best of both worlds – the feeling of privacy and remoteness and yet in five minutes be part of the local dynamic scene in downtown Queenstown
Minaret Station comprises a working farm with tens of thousands of sheep, deer and cattle destined for the local market and for premium export, as well as the luxurious Alpine Lodge for tourists. The main homestead is where guests meet for mealtimes: hearty breakfasts, moreish canapes and three-course gourmet dinners prepared from local produce, matched with regional wines.
With a roaring wood fire in the lounge at one end and a cosy library and cellar at the other, the homestead is where guests compare stories and share photos. (Incidentally, the main homestead is also where guests drop off muddy shoes and wet jeans, which come back clean, dry and folded within a couple of hours. Magic.)
The Fiordland Navigator offers a very special overnight cruise in New Zealand’s most remote and beautiful wilderness areas. During the cruise Nature Guides will share with guests their passion for the region. Take the opportunity to explore the shoreline by kayak or small boat. In the evening, relax in the saloon and enjoy a delicious three course meal prepared by the chef. Local wines, beer and spirits can be purchased from the bar. The next morning, following the cooked and continental breakfast buffet, there is time for further cruising before returning to Deep Cove and retracing the steps back to Manapouri.
Soar over secluded alpine lakes, dramatic waterfalls, snow-covered mountain peaks, pristine glaciers and native beech forest. And just when you think the scenery can’t get any better; Milford Sound and Mitre Peak appear from over the rise.
Add a boat cruise along the fjord, an alpine landing or extended flying time to your scenic helicopter flight for the full Milford Sound experience.
Start the day by hiking down the valley from the Alpine Lodge with your guide. Here you will be picked up by helicopter and flown onto the 50,000 acre farm where you will enjoy a combination of private farm tour, lake fishing, gourmet lunch and the opportunity for further exploration on this private property.
Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps, is New Zealand’s most celebrated destination. Offering a wealth of accommodation to suit all travellers, there is huge diversity in the experiences to be enjoyed – from adrenaline activities such as bungee jumps and sky diving, adventurous excursions like jet-boating and hiking through to superb golf, gourmet food and wine tours, alpine tours and hiking.
This is the deepest of all fiords. A haven with its ancient rainforest and abundant wildlife it is quite simply and unquestionably breathtaking. Practically untouched by man the physical grandeur of towering peaks, outstanding waterfalls (Browne Falls cascade 619 metres to the fiord near Hall Arm) and lack of wind create a powerful atmosphere of solitude and serenity. See Fiordland crested penguins, bottlenose dolphins and New Zealand fur seals.
Te Anau is a township of tranquil beauty nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau. It is located close to the main southern walking tracks such as the Hollyford, Routeburn and Greenstone Tracks. Other activities based at Te Anau include flight seeing, fishing, kayaking, sailing and horse riding as well as a variety of trips on the lake itself. You can also visit the underground waterfall and glow-worm grotto of the Te Anau Caves. This mountainous region of unspoilt forests and lakes was the home of two of the more remote regions of the Lord of the Rings movies.
Moody Dramatic and Stunning – Milford Sound is simply stunning. Milford Sound offers what is probably the most spectacular fiord scenery in the southern hemisphere, and the well-known and striking views of Mitre Peak from the head of the fiord form the subject of innumerable paintings, postcards, posters, and pictorial postage stamps. Whatever the fiord’s mood, teeming with rain or with sun glistening on deep water, it will inspire you.
Wanaka Town is located on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka, embraced by the Southern Alps, Wanaka is Otago’s second resort town after Queenstown. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka, New Zealand’s fourth largest lake, reflect the snow-capped peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. Here you can absorb the unstoppable beauty of pristine wilderness and know that it will be easy to find a great restaurant for dinner. The township of Wanaka is a magnet for visitors who want to find the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and indoor luxury.