Active South Island
Christchurch, Arthur's Pass, Lake Heron, Wanaka, FiordlandPlunge into an abundance of outdoor adventure as you explore New Zealand’s beautiful and epic South Island in this ultimate road-trip. It really is an active traveler's dream, a playground of rewarding and exhilarating experiences; spend your days hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and exploring remote sheep stations by 4x4, embrace heli-hiking in Franz Josef National Park; jet boat in Wanaka; cruise through Doubtful Sound in the Fiordland National Park and hike the stunning Lake Marian Track.
At a glance
Ultimate active trip for adventure seekers, with hiking, kayaking and outdoors activities aplenty
Rest your bodies in beautiful and traditional lodges offering authentic NZ experiences in rugged landscapes
An epic road trip highlighting the mesmerising landscape of the South Island full of mind-blowing experiences
Get off the beaten track to hidden gems like Lake Heron Station, a high country working sheep farm
Journey highlights
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Ultimate active trip for adventure seekers, with hiking, kayaking and outdoors activities aplenty
-
Rest your bodies in beautiful and traditional lodges offering authentic NZ experiences in rugged landscapes
-
An epic road trip highlighting the mesmerising landscape of the South Island full of mind-blowing experiences
-
Get off the beaten track to hidden gems like Lake Heron Station, a high country working sheep farm
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
The climate in New Zealand is incredibly pleasant, with warm and balmy summers and cold crisp winter months with wonderful clear, blue skies. The warmer high-season months of November to April are perfect for outdoor exploration. The colder months of June to August are the best time to ski.
South Island is drier on the east coast, rather than on the west, where mountain ranges act as a trap for the moisture-rich winds from the Tasman Sea. It is also worth remembering that it is usually a few degrees cooler on the South Island than the North Island and as New Zealand has a maritime climate, the weather can change rapidly.
Price Guide: (Per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | $29,100 | $7,300 | plan your trip |
| February | $29,100 | $7,300 | plan your trip |
| March | $26,400 | $6,600 | plan your trip |
| April | $26,400 | $6,600 | plan your trip |
| May | $26,400 | $6,600 | plan your trip |
| June | $23,600 | $5,900 | plan your trip |
| July | $23,600 | $5,900 | plan your trip |
| August | $23,600 | $5,900 | plan your trip |
| September | $26,400 | $6,600 | plan your trip |
| October | $26,400 | $6,600 | plan your trip |
| November | $29,100 | $7,300 | plan your trip |
| December | $29,100 | $7,300 | plan your trip |
-
January
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$29,100
Deposit from*$7,300
-
February
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$29,100
Deposit from*$7,300
-
March
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$26,400
Deposit from*$6,600
-
April
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$26,400
Deposit from*$6,600
-
May
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$26,400
Deposit from*$6,600
-
June
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$23,600
Deposit from*$5,900
-
July
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$23,600
Deposit from*$5,900
-
August
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$23,600
Deposit from*$5,900
-
September
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$26,400
Deposit from*$6,600
-
October
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$26,400
Deposit from*$6,600
-
November
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$29,100
Deposit from*$7,300
-
December
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$29,100
Deposit from*$7,300
- plan your trip
Itinerary
Canterbury and the West Coast
Dive straight into your adventure in the garden city of Christchurch on the east coast. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Canterbury Plains, Christchurch is a beautiful compact city – the largest in the South Island. The perfect stopover hotel, you will be staying at The George, a contemporary luxury hotel overlooking Hagley Park and walking distance to Christchurch’s city center. For a gentle introduction to New Zealand after your long flight we’ve included a private half day city tour, you will visit the botanical gardens, the traditional cathedral and new cardboard cathedral as well as discover Christchurch’s many parks and traditional buildings.
Accommodation: The George ( 1 night )
Canterbury and the West Coast
After a restful night collect your hire car and continue to Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass, a working farm located high in the dramatic Southern Alps. The journey from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass is an adventure in its own right. Pass through heart of the mighty Southern Alps witnessing breath-taking scenery and awe-inspiring landscapes as you cross the mountainous spine of the South Island. Wilderness Lodge Arthurs Pass is a charming eco-lodge which offers unbelievable mountain views and a huge variety of activities from sheep-shearing to guided nature walks around the 4000-acre estate. Join in the epic adventure of heli hiking in Franz Josef National Park, after an exciting scenic flight, you will land high up on the glacier and undertake a two hour guided hike amongst some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring glacier scenery, making your way through a wonderland of towering pinnacles, taking in spectacular brilliantly blue ice formations as you go.
Accommodation: Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass ( 3 nights )
Canterbury and the West Coast
The Ahuriri Valley is your next stop and your final experience of the Southern Alps before you head to the Fiordland region of New Zealand. Stay at The Lindis - a brand new luxury lodge set in the most breathtaking of environments. With a plethora of activities on offer from the lodge including gliding, cycling and horse riding - the choice is yours how you wish to spend your time here. Admire the simply outstanding scenery from one of the lodges many panoramic windows and as the sun falls be mesmerized by the thousands of stars shining bright above you. The surrounding area is home to some outstanding full day hikes in some of New Zealand's most inspiring scenery, as well as challenging mountain biking, heli-hiking on glaciers, mountaineering, horse riding and quad biking.
Accommodation: The Lindis ( 3 nights )
Fiordland National Park
Last but by no means least, head into the Fiordland region, truly getting off the grid. After spending one night at Cabot Lodge, a traditional kiwi luxury homestead, cruise overnight on the Doubtful Sound, retracing the steps of early explorers who navigated these often-foggy waters in search of a landing point on the island. You'll get the chance to swim in the calm waters, if you’re lucky play with the playful dolphins, as well as kayak in this silent sound looking out for wildlife from Fiordland penguins and fur seals. Your final couple of nights will be back on dry land at Cabot Lodge, where you take part in a wide variety of daily adventure activities, you can participate in a variety of lodge-based activities from kayaking to heli-hiking or can opt to explore the surrounding landscape from its wetlands to forest, mountains to lakes and even glaciers. Enjoy an adventurous guided day excursion hiking from Te Anau to Lake Marian amongst forest and alpine scenery. Begin with a gentle walk alongside a series of waterfalls, becoming steeper and rocky underfoot as you ascend through a lush forest of fuchsia, ribbon wood and beech trees. There are ample opportunities for you to stop for photographs, bird-watching and enjoying the scenery as you go. Making the most of your last drop od adventure before you return home.
Accommodation: Cabot Lodge ( 4 nights )
Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday.
Experiences included in this itinerary
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![Dart River Jet Boat Safari]()
Read moreDart River Jet Boat Safari (Shared)
The Dart River Jet Boat Wilderness Safari is a spectacular Jet Boat journey through the Dart River located at the foot of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by breathtaking snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and glacial valleys frozen in time.
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![Helicopter Flight and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding - p Paddle Boarding]()
Read moreHelicopter Flight and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (Private)
Soar above the staggering mountain scenery, the rugged peaks and lush valleys of the Southern Lakes, Mount Aspiring and the Fiordlands before taking to the waters on a paddleboard.
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![Jet Boating & Walking in Matukituki Valley]()
Read moreJet Boating & Walking in Matukituki Valley (Shared)
Deep in the Matukituki Valley, this exciting half day jet boating adventure will take you beneath the breath-taking scenery of mountains and glaciers, Lord of the Rings and Hobbit locations, into the World Heritage Mount Aspiring National Park.
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![Lake Wanaka Cruise & Island Nature Walk]()
Read moreLake Wanaka Cruise and Island Nature Walk (Shared)
The magical nature reserve of Mou Waho Island is home to the rare flightless Buff Weka, and a picturesque spot to explore the bush, or simply sit back and relax on the beach after a scenic boat cruise across Lake Wanaka to the island.
/689283-dart-river-jet-boat-safari-central-otago-and-the-southern-lakes-new-zealand-australasia-australasia.jpeg)
/791050-helicopter-flight-and-stand-up-paddle-boarding-helicopter-flight-and-stand-up-paddle-boarding.jpeg)
/777362-jet-boating-walking-in-matukituki-valley.jpeg)
/790682-lake-wanaka-cruise-island-nature-walk-lake-wanaka-cruise-island-nature-walk.jpeg)
Your Hotels
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
The climate in New Zealand is incredibly pleasant, with warm and balmy summers and cold crisp winter months with wonderful clear, blue skies. The warmer high-season months of November to April are perfect for outdoor exploration. The colder months of June to August are the best time to ski.
South Island is drier on the east coast, rather than on the west, where mountain ranges act as a trap for the moisture-rich winds from the Tasman Sea. It is also worth remembering that it is usually a few degrees cooler on the South Island than the North Island and as New Zealand has a maritime climate, the weather can change rapidly.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your vacation.
Why Scott Dunn?
At Scott Dunn, we live and breathe travel. An insatiable appetite to discover the world runs through everything we do. We relish the planning and revel in the detail. We know it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest difference, and we stop at nothing to make every trip not only exceptional but totally unique.
- Every itinerary is crafted from scratch, based around exactly what’s important to you
- Packed full of unique experiences, hand-picked by our journeys team
- Expert local guides enrich your experience in every destination
- Your own dedicated Travel Specialist who will take care of every detail of your trip
- We have a 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- We offer flexibility and financial protection to give you total peace of mind