10 Day South Island Adventure Itinerary

The South Island is famous worldwide for its adventure offerings, and our New Zealand South Island itinerary for 10 days brings you the best outdoor adventures in the country.

Hike in alpine splendor, kayak a stunning stretch of coastline and cruise the majestic fiord, Milford Sound. Everywhere you travel, your adventures take place against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery.

For adventurous travelers, our recommended New Zealand South Island itinerary for 10 days is as follows:

• Day 1 – Arrive in Nelson
• Day 2 – Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures
• Day 3 – Abel Tasman
• Day 4 – Springs Junction, Maruia River Retreat
• Day 5 – Springs Junction, Maruia River Retreat
• Day 6 – Franz Josef, Glacier Heli Hike
• Day 7 – Queenstown
• Day 8 – Queenstown, Milford Sound Scenic Flight- Cruise- Scenic Flight
• Day 9 – Queenstown,
• Day 10 – Queenstown
• Day 11 – Depart Queenstown

Read on for the full details of our recommended New Zealand adventure itinerary.

Luxury Adventure: New Zealand South Island Itinerary 10 Days

Day 1 Arrive in Nelson

Your exclusive New Zealand experience begins in Nelson, situated at the picturesque northern end of the South Island.

Driving time Nelson to Abel Tasman 1 hour

Venture into Abel Tasman National Park, which offers secluded golden-sand beaches, lush native forests, and crystal-clear bays. This is the perfect way to unwind as you become acquainted with New Zealand.

Split Apple Retreat, an exclusive, intimate luxury lodge, retreat, and wellness spa will re-ground you during your stay. The retreat is renowned for its gourmet Asian-Mediterranean fusion cuisine, where every ingredient has been selected for its positive contribution to health and wellness. Indulge in the spectacular setting and unparalleled service.

Stay 3 nights at Split Apple Retreat

Included: Pre-dinner drinks and canapés, daily breakfast, world-class tasting menu featuring Asian/Mediterranean cuisine and use of all facilities.

Accommodation: Split Apple Retreat

Day 2 Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures

Treat yourself to the only scheduled Full Day sailing tour in New Zealand’s coastal paradise – the Abel Tasman National Park! Either chill out and relax, get involved in the sailing or learn as you go – you decide! Experience great sailing, enjoy stunning beaches and islands, enjoy your lunch and relax on Anchorage Beach. A great opportunity to go swimming or take a short walk and explore the caves.

Visit the Fur Seal Colony, Split Apple Rock, and much more on your return to Kaiteriteri Beach – see all the Abel Tasman National Park highlights on this tour!

This afternoon unwind and indulge in the facilities and activities on offer at Split Apple Retreat, or explore Abel Tasman National Park further. Every aspect of the retreat revolves around relaxation. Facilities at the retreat include a salt-water infinity pool, a Japanese spa, a sauna, a steam room, a yoga pavilion, and a meditation theatre – make the most of your stay with a massage treatment, a private yoga session, a cooking lesson with Chef Pen, or a guided meditation.

Day 3 Abel Tasman

Treat yourself to another fabulous day at the lodge or dive into a world of bespoke adventures waiting for you in Abel Tasman National Park or Kahurangi National Park.

Explore the stunning coastline on exhilarating boat trips, paddle through crystal-clear waters while sea kayaking, or cast your line for some incredible fly fishing. Feel the rush as you cycle through breathtaking landscapes, take to the skies on a private helicopter tour, or saddle up for an unforgettable horseback riding experience. Every moment is a chance to create unforgettable memories in these stunning natural playgrounds.

Day 4 Springs Junction, Maruia River Retreat

Driving time Abel Tasman to Maruia River Retreat 2.5 hours

Situated along the magnificent Maruia River and protected by mountains from the east and west, the Maruia River Retreat is a stunning boutique lodge and private nature resort focusing on relaxation and luxury wellness. The complete Maruia experience invites visitors to dine on gourmet meals, admire the outstanding views and rest in the privacy and comfort of self-contained villas.

Whether it’s a spa day, a yoga class, or just relaxing in one of their saunas or hot tub, it is all about YOU and your wellbeing at Maruia River Retreat. Enjoy many exclusive nature walks, guided garden tours or even take a white water rafting trip.

*Option to add on Helibike Nelson Old Ghost Road Heli Bike

Stay 2 nights in Springs Junction.

Included: Daily continental breakfast spread, 3-course gourmet dinner, daily yoga classes and use of all facilities.

Accommodation: Maruia River Retreat

Day 5 Maruia River Retreat

Today, stay in and pamper yourself or you may like to explore the nearby hidden gems of the area. Enjoy private access to the outdoor forest tub surrounded by a canopy of beech forest trees and amazing views of the Maruia River. Spoil yourself with a treatment of your choice in the Wellness Centre or join a local nature guide for a walk through the native forest to learn about the local ecology.

Choose your own views with a range of scenic helicopter flights on offer, organise a local guide to pick you up for either a half day or full day of guided trout fishing in the local rivers or rent a mountain bike and explore the advanced mountain bike tracks nearby.

Day 6 Franz Josef

Driving time Maruia River Retreat to Franz Josef 4.5 hours

Franz Josef’s cloak of ice once flowed from the mountains right to the sea. Following millennia of gradual retreat, the glacier is now 19 km inland and accessible only by helicopter. A glacier experience is a crowning moment for thousands of annual visitors with helicopter flights which land atop Franz Josef Glacier and glacier heli-hikes being the two best ways to view the glacier.

You will be perfectly poised to experience the solitude and grandeur of the West Coast from your accommodation at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, an exclusive luxury hotel. Encircled by native bush, Te Waonui Forest Retreat has been built with both comfort and ecological awareness in mind.

Stay 1 night in Franz Josef.

Included: 5 course degustation dinner, daily breakfast.

Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Day 7 Glacier Heli Hike + Queenstown

With the combination of an exhilarating helicopter ride, jaw-dropping scenery and a 2.5 hour hike through the most spectacular glacier features, it’s no wonder guests often label their Glacier Heli Hike as the highlight of their visit to Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Driving time Franz Josef to Queenstown 5.5 hours

The drive from Franz Josef to Queenstown is a stunning journey through New Zealand’s South Island. It winds past lush rainforests, waterfalls, alpine passes, and lakes, with highlights like Haast Pass, Lake Wanaka, and the dramatic Crown Range Road—perfect for a scenic road trip.

Queenstown is the ultimate luxury destination on New Zealand’s South Island. From world-class luxury lodges to indulgent spa experiences. Also known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, and with this title comes a plethora of adrenaline activities from whitewater rafting and canyoning through to skydiving and bungy jumping.ces, superb cuisine and exclusive tours, Queenstown is a delight to experience.

Your accommodation near Queenstown is at Blanket Bay Lodge, in the picturesque and remote Glenorchy region. Voted one of the world’s best luxury lodges, Blanket Bay is nestled amidst the rugged snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. All rooms at Blanket Bay are positioned to take full advantage of the magnificent lake and mountain vistas. Natural materials are showcased throughout, echoing the lodge’s integration and interaction with the environment. 

Stay 4 nights in Queenstown.

Included: Daily pre-dinner drinks, dinner, breakfast and full use of sports equipment and lodge facilities.

Accommodation: Blanket Bay

Day 8 Milford Sound

You will have a window seat with unimpaired views as you fly to Milford Sound through a landscape of unbelievable grandeur and beauty, above mountains and glaciers onboard a fixed-wing aircraft. Your knowledgeable, highly skilled local pilot will provide interesting and informative commentary during this flight of a lifetime.

Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and glacier-fed braided rivers as you fly along the Dart River Valley into the World Heritage Area of Mt. Aspiring National Park. With endless snow-covered mountains, the Olivine Ice Plateau, Mt. Tutoko and the Tutoko Glacier are just some of the incredible highlights along the way, it really is an unforgettable experience.

The breath-taking scenery continues into Fiordland National Park, out over the rugged West Coast and the Tasman Sea before a U-turn descending into Milford Sound itself. Flying down the middle of the Fiord, with the dramatic sheer mountains either side and aerial views of the cascading Stirling Falls, you’ll almost feel like you are, in touching distance from Mitre Peak.

Landing at Milford Sound Airport, a remote strip in the sound itself, you can sit back, relax and take in the breathtaking beauty as Glenorchy Air take care of all the finer details.

Stepping on board your cruise lasting at least 1hr 45mins, you will discover the natural wonders of Milford Sound aboard a spacious, modern catamaran with open air viewing decks, a perfect location for some wildlife spotting. The Fiord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins, who love playing in the wake of the boat.

Travelling the full length of the Fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, with stunning sheer cliffs surrounding you, enjoy full commentary from the skipper plus a stop under a waterfall. Complimentary tea, coffee and water is included on your cruise, with food options available to pre-purchase.

Your spectacular journey isn’t finished yet, your pilot will be waiting for you at the boat terminal to accompany you back to the airport. The breath-taking scenery continues as you end your day with a different flight path over this stunning World Heritage Area on the return flight to Queenstown.

Day 9 Blanket Bay

Today is spent at your leisure, either relaxing at Blanket Bay and perhaps indulging in one of the spa treatments on offer, or adding another activity from the wide array on offer in Queenstown. Options range from guided nature walks or fishing in crystal clear waters, to more adrenaline-fuelled activities such as Jet-boating through the wilderness of Mt Aspiring National Park, skydiving in one of the most scenic locations on earth or heli hiking on a magnificent glacier.

Day 10 Queenstown

Your options are endless today! Join a Central Otago Wine Tour and taste and learn about the array of wine varietals and enjoy delicious cuisine.

Experience Lake Wakatipu. Take a picturesque cruise across Lake Wakatipu on board the TSS Earnslaw, a century-old coal-fired steamship.

Or set your sights high with a number of adrenaline-fuelled activities such sky-diving, jet-boating and 4WD Safaris.

Day 11 Depart Queenstown

As your unforgettable New Zealand vacation draws to a close, return to Queenstown Airport. Soak in the views one last time before departing Queenstown at your leisure.

Planning your Adventure Holiday with our New Zealand South Island Itinerary for 10 Days

Our New Zealand adventure itinerary is fully customisable, as we know every traveler has different interests and must-do activities.

With so many rewarding adventure activities available in New Zealand, we have left space in this itinerary for you to pick and choose your favorites. For example, you have a free day in Queenstown to choose from the wide range of activities on offer. Sample jet-boat rides, “funyak” (inflatable kayak) adventures, skydiving, bungy jumping, 4WD tours, and much more.

We can also add adventure activities to our other South Island luxury holiday packages. Alternatively, we can modify this itinerary to match your timeframe if you have more or less than 10 days in New Zealand.

Contact our team at New Zealand Luxury Escapes today to begin planning your New Zealand adventure.