7-Day NZ South Island Lakes & Mountains (Queenstown)
【Highlights】
Natural Wonders: Visit Lake Tekapo, a Dark Sky Reserve, to see the Church of the Good Shepherd and world-class starry skies.
Deep Exploration: Hike top trails in Mt Cook National Park for up-close views of glaciers, snowy peaks, and alpine meadows.
Middle-earth: Explore Glenorchy (Paradise Valley), a filming location for “The Lord of the Rings,” and the historic Arrowtown.
Iconic Experiences: Take a Milford Sound cruise to see waterfalls and seals, and watch Blue Penguins returning to shore in Oamaru.
Cultural Charm: Wander through the Scottish-influenced city of Dunedin, visit the world’s steepest street, and the Moeraki Boulders.
【Daily Details】
Day 1: Arrival in Christchurch
- Professional guide provides airport pick-up services at 15:30 and 17:30.
- Transfer to hotel; early arrivals can visit the International Antarctic Centre at their own expense (NZD 59/Adult, NZD 39/Child 5-15 years).
- Meals: Meals at own expense.
- Accommodation: IBIS Hotel Christchurch or similar
Day 2: Christchurch – Lake Tekapo – Glacial Lake District
- Morning tour of Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Art Gallery.
- Afternoon trip to Lake Tekapo to view the Southern Alps from the Church of the Good Shepherd.
- Overnight in the Dark Sky Reserve to experience the pure night sky.
- Meals: Hotel Breakfast / Chinese Lunch / Chinese Dinner.
- Accommodation: The Godley Hotel or Mckenzie Country Hotel Twizel.
Day 3: Glacial Lake District – Mt Cook – Queenstown
- Experience the Tasman Glacier View Track in Mt Cook National Park, featuring glacial lakes and icefalls.
- Optional activities: Mt Cook scenic flight, tasting premium glacier-water salmon.
- Pass through Cromwell fruit town and arrive in Queenstown in the evening.
- Meals: Hotel Breakfast / Lunch at own expense / Chinese Dinner.
- Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel And Resort or similar.
Day 4: Queenstown – Glenorchy – Arrowtown – Queenstown
- Drive along the scenic road to Glenorchy and Paradise Valley.
- Afternoon walk through Arrowtown’s century-old European-style streets to revisit gold mining history.
- Free evening in Queenstown; optional lakeside dining or famous burgers.
- Meals: Hotel Breakfast included / Lunch & Dinner at own expense.
- Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel And Resort or similar.
Day 5: Queenstown – Milford Sound – Te Anau
- Deep dive into Milford Sound, a World Heritage site, with a cruise to view deep fjords.
- Return to Te Anau in the evening; optional Glowworm Cave tour available.
- Meals: Hotel Breakfast included / Cruise Lunch / Chinese Dinner.
- Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau or similar.
Day 6: Te Anau – Dunedin – Oamaru
- Explore Scottish-style Dunedin, visiting Otago University, the Railway Station, and Street Art.
- Head to Moeraki Beach for the boulders and challenge the world’s steepest street.
- Watch Little Blue Penguins returning home at dusk in Oamaru.
- Meals: Hotel Breakfast / Chinese Lunch / Chinese Dinner.
- Accommodation: Brydone Hotel, Motel, or Teschemakers Resort.
Day 7: Oamaru – Christchurch / Departure
- Drive through the Canterbury Plains back to Christchurch.
- Guide provides airport drop-off at 14:00 and 16:00, concluding the South Island journey.
- Meals: Hotel Breakfast / Chinese Lunch.
- Accommodation: None (Tour ends).
Dress Advice: Mt Cook involves hiking; comfortable walking shoes and warm jackets are recommended.
Meals: Meals at the Mt Cook Salmon Farm and some in Queenstown are at your own expense for flexible choice.
Hotel Info: Triple rooms default to one large bed plus one small bed; three separate beds must be requested in advance but are not guaranteed.
Flights: Recommended arrival before 14:00 on Day 1; departure after 15:00 (Domestic) or 17:00 (International) on Day 7.
