10 Day South Island Luxury Itinerary

New Zealand Luxury Escapes is committed to offering the very best New Zealand luxury vacations. Our team combines expertise, personalized service, and attention to detail to create unforgettable luxury experiences.

Our New Zealand luxury vacations are fully customisable, and most travelers choose to work alongside a personal travel consultant to design a bespoke itinerary. However, we have designed a range of sample itineraries to showcase the best New Zealand has to offer.

For a 10 day luxury Christchurch to Queenstown road trip, we recommend the following itinerary:

• Day 1 – Arrive in Christchurch
• Day 2 – Lake Pukaki & Mackenzie Basin
• Day 3 – Lake Pukaki & Mount Cook Helicopter Tour
• Day 4 – Ahuriri Valley
• Day 5 – Ahuriri Valley
• Day 6 – Te Anau
• Day 7 – Te Anau & Milford Sound Lunch Cruise
• Day 8 – Queenstown
• Day 9 – Queenstown & Private Boutique Half Day Wine Tour + Luxury Lunch
• Day 10 – Queenstown
• Day 11 – Queenstown

Read on for the full details of this 10 Day South Island Luxury Itinerary.

10 Day South Island New Zealand Luxury Vacations

Day 1 Arrive in Christchurch

Your exclusive New Zealand experience begins in Christchurch, the perfect gateway to the South Island. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the city and sampling the exciting culinary scene, or venture to Akaroa to visit wineries and the Barry’s Bay Cheesery.

The George is a Luxury 5 Star Boutique Hotel which embodies everything you could dream of in a luxury boutique hotel. Extensive facilities, comprehensive service, excellent quality and attention to detail. Experience signature service with our one-to-one guest ratio, and consistent personalised service. With an award-winning restaurant; 50 Bistro and a beautiful setting and 5-star comfort The George is delightfully yours. Your stay includes full breakfast, including a delectable continental buffet and your choice from the a la carte menu.

Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Accommodation: The George Hotel

Day 2 Lake Pukaki + Mackenzie Basin

Driving time Christchurch to Lakestone Lodge – 4 hours 

The Mackenzie Basin is home to some of New Zealand’s most sublime scenery. From towering peaks (including New Zealand’s tallest, Aoraki/Mt Cook) to brilliant turquoise lakes and shimmering glaciers, the Southern Alps are an awe-inspiring destination. Your first glimpse of the glacial lakes is at Lake Tekapo, a picturesque settlement surrounded by mountains.

Continuing south, you will pass by the breathtaking southern shores of Lake Pukaki before arriving at Lakestone Lodge, a purpose built, six bedroom, off grid, luxury lodge positioned in a spectacular location on the shores of Lake Pukaki. Your stay includes a three-course dinner and cooked breakfast.

In the evening, enjoy a unique stargazing experience that will treat you to the best of the Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. Your guide will prepare a perfectly positioned hammock so you are looking directly at the wonders above and makes you snug with a warm woollen blanket and complimentary mulled wine or hot drink. Your guide will point out all the highlights of the southern sky with a high powered laser pointer and explain some Maori legends about the sky as well as other interesting theories.

Stay 2 nights in Lake Pukaki.

Accommodation: Lakestone Lodge

Day 3 Lake Pukaki + Mount Cook Helicopter Tour

Enjoy a relaxing morning after your late night of stargazing. In the late morning, make the scenic drive to Mount Cook Village, where you will venture deep into the wilderness on a helicopter excursion.

This is it! – if you have dreamt of truly experiencing the ultimate helicopter tour of the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, then this signature helicopter flight will tick every box.

This glacier helicopter tour is the ultimate way to experience and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the Mt Cook mountains. You will experience a snow landing high up on the Tasman Glacier and stand amongst the “natural silence” of this very special place. Feel as free as a bird as you gaze across the horizon and catch views of the incredible West Coast and wild Tasman Sea. Your last stop is the flight over the carved icebergs of the Tasman Terminal Lake on your return flight. In 50 minutes, you will have experienced the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park at its finest. Life really doesn’t get any better than this!

Once your helicopter lands back in Mount Cook Village, you have the opportunity to stroll along one of the walking trails leaving from the village, or else return to your retreat to unwind.

Day 4 Ahuriri Valley

Driving time Lakestone Lodge to The Lindis Lodge – 1 hour

Today journey an hour further south until you reach The Lindis Lodge. The Lindis Lodge is located on Ben Avon Station which occupies 6,500 acres within the Ahuriri Valley. The Ahuriri Valley (pronounced A-hu-riri) is a dramatic landscape of rugged mountain country, wetlands, tussock lands and beech forest.

The iconic Lindis luxury lodge has been created for you to relax and unwind while taking in the surrounding idyllic setting. Immerse yourself in the stillness of nature while indulging in modern, sophisticated luxury and enjoying Kiwi hospitality at its best. Your stay includes pre-dinner drinks & canapés, multi course dinner, lunch and breakfast.

The daily menus at The Lindis provide a uniquely New Zealand style of refined cuisine, paying homage to the abundant local produce. Each plate is unique and designed to savour, using only the finest and freshest ingredients New Zealand has on offer. New Zealand wines are paired nightly, and hand-selected world class wines are available from the unparalleled wine cellar.

Stay 2 nights in Ahuriri Valley

Accommodation: The Lindis Lodge

Day 5 Ahuriri Valley

Today is yours to explore the Ahuriri Valley and indulge in any of the many activities on offer. From fly fishing in some of New Zealand’s most celebrated rivers and walking through stunning alpine panoramas, to gentle and not-so-gentle horse trails and some of the clearest night skies in the world for stargazing, there truly is an experience for everyone right on your doorstep

Alternatively, experience an exclusive outdoor picnic in a picturesque location within the Ahuriri Valley. There are four outdoor picnic experiences to choose from, which will set the mood for any occasion and create long-lasting memories.

Day 6 Te Anau

Driving time The Lindis Lodge to Te Anau – 4 hours 

Fiordland is a special part of New Zealand. With dramatic fiords, abundant wildlife, pristine alpine lakes, and New Zealand’s tallest waterfalls, this is a landscape that needs to be seen to be believed.

Te Anau is the perfect base for exploring this untouched wilderness. Set amidst stunning mountain and lake scenery, Fiordland Lodge offers a secluded retreat on the doorstep of the national park. Your stay includes a complimentary mini-bar, pre-dinner canapés, a four course dinner, and breakfast.

Stay 2 nights in Te Anau.

Accommodation: Fiordland Lodge

Day 7 Milford Sound Lunch Cruise

The boutique catamaran, the Fiordland Jewel, is specifically designed to provide you with an incredible adventure in Milford Sound. No matter the weather, the small group cruise offers comfortable lounges, dining booths, and full sea views from the main saloon or the outdoor dining area. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and nature.

Your onboard chef will prepare a delicious 2-course lunch from seasonal and locally sourced produce for you to enjoy during the cruise. This will be served at your allocated table.

The knowledgeable crew will share stories and point out wildlife such as seals, penguins, and dolphins that you may encounter as you cruise the length of the fiord.

You can also take in the stunning scenery from the outdoor areas, as there’s plenty of space for you to experience the tranquillity of Milford Sound.

Day 8 Queenstown

Driving time Te Anau to Queenstown – 2.5 hours

Today your journey takes you to Queenstown, the ultimate luxury destination on New Zealand’s South Island. From world-class luxury lodges to indulgent spa experiences, superb cuisine and exclusive tours, Queenstown is a delight to experience.

On arrival, settle into ROKI Collection Queenstown, perfectly positioned on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the heart of town. Thoughtfully designed to offer a seamless blend of comfort and style, your stay includes refined dining, personalised service, and restorative wellness experiences.

Unwind in your Junior Suite, featuring breathtaking lake and mountain views, a cosy fireplace, and premium amenities for a truly relaxing stay.

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Accommodation: ROKI Collection, Queenstown

Day 9 Queenstown + Private Wine Tour

Imagine this: your Mercedes Sprinter vehicle arrives to pick you up and take you to the spectacular Gibbston region, where you will be treated to private tastings at four cellar doors, as well as a delicious lunch at a top-rated restaurant such as Gibbston Valley, Kinross, Amisfield, or Akarua.

The winery tour can be customised to suit your preferences, whatever your taste, they’ve got it covered, private wine tours are the go-to for guests who want to experience only the best New Zealand wines, all accompanied by a knowledgeable and qualified wine guide.

Day 10 Queenstown

Today is spent at your leisure, either relaxing and perhaps indulging in a spa treatment, or adding another activity from the wide array on offer in Queenstown. Options range from guided nature walks and private cruises on Lake Wakatipu to more adrenaline-fuelled activities such as jet-boating and rafting.

Day 11 Depart Queenstown

As your unforgettable holiday draws to a close, soak in the views one last time before departing Queenstown at your leisure.

Creating Unforgettable New Zealand Luxury Vacations

The above itinerary follows a comfortable pace while visiting many of the top destinations of the South Island. Highlights include:

• Lake Tekapo/ Lake Pukaki
• Aoraki/Mt Cook
• Tasman Glacier
• Queenstown
• Ahuriri Valley/ The Lindis
• Fiordland National Park
• Central Otago Wine Region

In addition, this South Island luxury holiday includes stays at many of New Zealand’s most sumptuous luxury lodges, such as The Lindis Lodge and Fiordland Lodge.

Of course, our New Zealand luxury vacations are fully customisable, so you can modify this itinerary as much as you wish. For example, change your accommodation level to 5-star hotels for a more affordable luxury package, or add sightseeing experiences based on your preferences.

Can you drive from Christchurch to Queenstown?

Yes. It takes approximately 6.5 hours to drive from Christchurch to Queenstown. However, we recommend staying one night along the way to break up the drive. This also allows more time to explore the highlights of the Mackenzie Basin, which include Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mt Cook.

This itinerary includes a stay along the shores of Lake Pukaki, looking out towards Aoraki/Mt Cook. However, other popular places to spend the night include Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook Village, and Wanaka.

Browse our other South Island New Zealand luxury vacations

We offer a range of South Island luxury vacation packages. You may wish to consider our 7 Day South Island Luxury Itinerary or our 14 Day South Island Luxury Itinerary. In addition, you will find a range of special interest holidays, including honeymoon and elopement packages and luxury adventure tours.