New Zealand
Southern Alps Tour

Our Five-star Southern Alps Tour begins in Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, and the meeting point for this tour. You will meet your fellow travellers and crew over a ‘Welcome Dinner’ at the hotel restaurant and receive an overview of the next 10 days’ adventure with Aviation Tours.

Because you plan your own travel arrangements to and from Christchurch, you may wish to arrive a few days earlier or spend a few extra days at the end of the tour to see even more of this amazing country.

Overnight – Chateau on the Park by Hilton – Deluxe King

Discover the beauty and resilience of Christchurch City in style on our private, full-day guided sightseeing tour.

Christchurch is New Zealand’s largest city on the South Island, known as the “Garden City,” and serves as a gateway to the region’s scenic wonders. It’s situated on the Canterbury Plains, between the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean, and blends English heritage with a mix of historic and modern architecture.

Travel in private comfort in our Mercedes vehicle as your expert local guide brings the city’s history and highlights to life. Visit the iconic Cardboard Cathedral, marvel at the architectural ingenuity of this symbolic structure, a striking representation of hope and resilience, designed by world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban.

Stroll through the tranquil Christchurch Botanic Gardens, one of New Zealand’s finest public gardens, filled with native and exotic flora, seasonal blooms, and peaceful walking trails along the Avon River.

Explore the vibrant heart of the city – from the historic Arts Centre and Canterbury Museum to the charming New Regent Street.

Overnight – Chateau on the Park by Hilton – Deluxe King

This morning, we depart on one of the world’s great train journeys: travelling from coast to coast on New Zealand’s South Island to view the vast Canterbury Plains, spectacular Southern Alps, and wild West Coast.

The TranzAlpine Train’s scenic journey travels between Christchurch and Greymouth. See the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then travels into the majestic Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass National Park, before descending through lush beech rainforest and into the West Coast town of Greymouth.

On arrival in Greymouth, your guide will meet you and take you on a scenic drive along the West Coast to Franz Joseph, where you’ll experience the striking isolation and natural beauty of this remarkable region. Along the way, you’ll travel through historic towns such as Hokitika and Ross. With the Tasman Sea stretching out to your right and the Southern Alps rising on your left, you’ll weave through a landscape rich in contrast and character.

Overnight – Scenic Hotel – Franz Joseph Glacier

Today is the day we get to experience the scenery from a different level, literally! Our scenic flight today onboard a helicopter that takes us from Hokitika, into the heart of the Southern Alps. You will have the opportunity to see many of the world-famous glaciers, that may include Frans Joseph and the Fox Glacier. With a snow-landing right in the middle of the mountain range as part of this tour, you have the best of both worlds… stunning scenery without the endless walking to see the views.

Please note that NZ is known for having ‘five seasons in one day’, with the fifth season being ‘uncertain’ to say the least. Due to this, any tour that is ‘weather dependent’ is subject to change and Aviation Tours, along with our local partners, will do all we can to ensure that a suitable solution is found if the weather does not cooperate on the day.

A high-country lunch in the mountains of Mt Cook is waiting after your morning scenic flight. Spend some time in the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and explore the history of this iconic region at a museum dedicated to the humanitarian, ambassador, and one of the world’s greatest explorers. The museum showcases the history of transport and climbing, alongside the Sir Edmund Hillary exhibits.

Departing Mt Cook airport, this time by our scenic aircraft, we fly along the mountains to Queenstown. Again, the scenery is so unique to this part of the county that the 30-minute flight will seem far too short. It sure beats driving, which would take over three hours! Taking off from Mt Cook’s 2,152’ elevation, we need to descend over 1,000’ just to be able to land at Queenstown airport, which is 1,171’ above sea level.

Hilton Resort & Spa/Doubletree by Hilton – Lake View

Our day tour takes us through glacial valleys, around towering mountains and stopping off at spectacular vineyards and historic towns along the way, our local guide will take you on a journey through Queenstown and surrounding areas including Arrowtown. Discover hidden gems, local secrets and famous movie locations along the way.

We will wander through the historic cobblestoned streets of Arrowtown, a charming gold rush township with a vivid history. We’ll explore the old Chinese settlement and spend time browsing local boutiques and shops.

We visit the world’s home of bungy, Queenstown, proudly sitting at the gateway to the Gibbston wine region. Perfectly situated among lakes, gorges and mountains, the region is famed for its Pinot Noir and spectacular vineyards. We finish with a visit to a top winery for lunch and cellar door to sample their finest offerings before returning to Queenstown.

Round off the day with an evening cruise on scenic Lake Wakatipu, which will take you to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Here you’re treated to a sumptuous buffet dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead.

Hilton Resort & Spa/Doubletree by Hilton – Lake View

This morning, we again board our scenic aircraft and fly to Milford Sound. This is a place that must be experienced up close to truly appreciate the grandeur and scale of this ‘eighth wonder of the world’.

We take off from Queenstown and very quickly leave everyday reality as you rise above some of planet Earth’s most incredible geography. We generally take a set route from Queenstown over the Southern Alps and into Milford Sound, however, these flight paths are changeable depending on the varying weather conditions.

As we arrive at Milford Sound, the mountains appear to rise straight from the sea, towering above the deep blue hues of the fiord and into the clouds.  Within such an impressive landscape, you’ll see a multitude of plunging waterfalls. The view from the plane above AND then from a boat below will be something you’ll never forget.

Cruising Milford Sound on a guided nature cruise is a more personalised experience than some of the larger Milford Sound cruising vessels. Enjoy a picnic lunch while keeping an eye out to see fur seals, dolphins, and the occasional penguin.

We return to Queenstown via a different flight path, to showcase more of Fiordland’s untouched beauty, including its remote alpine lakes and spectacular Sutherland Falls (580m / 1,900ft). Learn from our experienced pilots, who share stories of the region throughout the flight.

Hilton Resort & Spa/Doubletree by Hilton – Lake View

Departing Queenstown, our scenic flight takes us across the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland and Southland toward the lakeside township of Te Anau. Surrounded by towering mountains and positioned on the edge of New Zealand’s South Island’s, largest lake, Te Anau is regarded as the gateway to Fiordland National Park and offers a relaxed atmosphere in one of the country’s most beautiful natural settings.

On arrival, enjoy time at leisure to explore the township and its picturesque lakefront. Walk along the waterfront, browse local galleries and boutiques, or simply take in the peaceful scenery of this alpine region.

Later, experience the renowned Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Crossing Lake Te Anau by boat, you will journey beneath the mountains into a hidden underground world of limestone passages, flowing waterfalls and shimmering glowworms. Drifting silently through the darkness beneath thousands of tiny lights is a truly unique and atmospheric Fiordland experience.

Following your time in Te Anau, reboard your aircraft for the scenic flight east toward Dunedin. As the rugged wilderness of Fiordland gives way to the rolling countryside of Otago, enjoy sweeping views of braided rivers, fertile farmland and the coastline of the South Island stretching toward the Pacific Ocean.

The stunning scenery continues on arrival into Dunedin, a city renowned for its rich Scottish heritage, grand architecture and vibrant cultural character.

Overnight — Distinction Dunedin Hotel – Superior King

Experience Dunedin through the eyes of our local historian, tour guide, and expert storyteller. True stories of murder and mystery and pioneering and hope accompany the beautiful scenery of Dunedin. This tour includes the University of Otago, Northern Cemetery full of lush trees and wrought iron, Baldwin Street: The Steepest Street in the World, and Dunedin Railway Station – the second most photographed building in the Southern Hemisphere… for good reason. The Sydney Opera House is the first, in case you’re curious.

The Luna Restaurant and Bar in Roslyn, a little off the typical tourist path, is our quiet place for lunch.  Then head off on a guided tour through Larnach Castle, the home of William Larnach and his family, before they met their tragic end.

Your accommodation is at Dunedin’s five-star gem with roots dating back to 1862, a symphony of Southern elegance and modern luxury. The hotel, a rebirth of the iconic Wains Hotel, promises a journey through time with fifty plush rooms and The Press Club, a dynamic eatery celebrating Dunedin’s gold-rush era.

Overnight – Distinction Hotel – Superior King

This morning, we travel to the largest town of the Waitaki District, Oamaru. This region has a rich history and proud heritage, enriched by the passionate (and perhaps quirky) locals. Explore this heritage in the Victorian Precinct, where you will find shops, galleries, and traditional crafts within some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most complete Victorian streetscapes and 19th-century architecture.

Spend some time at the Steampunk HQ, which is a unique museum of art, sound & light, showing an altered universe set within an 1880’s Grain Elevator building in Oamaru. Featuring The Portal, a retro-futuristic mirror, and a lighting installation with original glowing light sculptures.

The museum is well-known for its full-scale train engine outside that spits fire and billows smoke. Inside is a museum of contraptions & bizarre machinery featuring heavy use of copper, gears, pipes & gas cylinders, as well as an ensemble of skeletal sculptures that are lit by flickering lights & accompanied by film, projection & sound. Steampunk HQ must be experienced rather than explained!

Our accommodation is at the enchanting Brydone Hotel which was built of white carved limestone in 1881. The sweeping staircase with grand chandeliers matched with ornate interior is like stepping back in time to a more gracious era.

Overnight – Brydone Hotel – Premium/Deluxe Room

Our final day exploring together takes us through the towns of Timaru on beautiful Caroline Bay and Ashburton in the Canterbury region before returning to Christchurch. Today’s drive showcases the changing landscapes of the South Island, with plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the scenery along the way.

We stop for lunch in the town of Ashburton, a region known for its strong agricultural heritage dating back to the mid 1800s, when the fertile Canterbury Plains attracted some of the area’s first farmers.

This afternoon is yours to enjoy Christchurch at your own pace before we come together for our final evening. Tonight’s Captain’s Dinner is a chance to celebrate an incredible adventure, share stories and reflect on the many unforgettable experiences from the past ten days.

Overnight – Chateau on the Park by Hilton – Deluxe King

After breakfast at the hotel, our New Zealand adventure comes to a close. Having travelled over 2,100 kilometres and experienced some of the finest scenery the South Island has to offer, we return home with a heart full of memories and a phone full of photos.

Driving to these same remarkable locations would have taken more than 38 hours, not including all the stops along the way. Travelling by air has allowed us to experience more of this remarkable country, from breathtaking alpine landscapes and remote wilderness to charming towns and unforgettable local experiences.

This has been one epic Aviation Tour, showcasing New Zealand from the air, the land and the water in unforgettable style.

From here, we farewell our fellow travellers as we begin the journey home or continue exploring more of this remarkable country at your own pace.