DRAMATIC SOUTH ISLAND

Day 1 Arrive Auckland - Nelson

Arrive into Auckland on your international flight, and pick up a domestic flight to Nelson. On arrival, collect your rental vehicle and make your way to Te Koi The Lodge, a short 25 minute drive away. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to settle in and relax after your flight.

Overnight: Te Koi The Lodge

Day 2 Abel Tasman National Park

Enjoy a full day exploring Abel Tasman National Park. On this leisurely boat trip you will experience some of New Zealand's most magnificent coastline, where native bush meets golden sands and crystal clear waters are an untroubled playground for birds, seals and dolphins. Your skipper will point out seal colonies and secluded beach hideaways; and if you would like to stop anywhere, he or she will ensure you experience the best of Abel Tasman. A delicious lunch platter will be served at a sheltered cove, where you also have the opportunity to use the on-board kayaks and snorkelling gear.

Overnight: Te Koi The Lodge

Day 3 At Leisure

Today you're free to explore Abel Tasman at your leisure. There are several wonderful opportunities, including a private boat charter, a gourmet lunch on a deserted beach, gentle hiking or an afternoon fishing. Alternatively you might prefer to stay home and enjoy the comfort and surroundings of Te Koi The Lodge

Overnight: Te Koi The Lodge

Day 4 Arthurs Pass National Park

After three wonderful nights in the Abel Tasman National Park, it's time for a long but leisurely drive to your lodge perfectly positioned in Arthurs Pass National Park. The drive of around five hours will take you through rural towns and glorious landscapes - particularly if you travel via Murchison and Inangahua; the stretch of State Highway 6 between Westport and Greymouth is regarded as one of the world's great drives. You may like to enjoy a walk to admire the coastal views en route, or perhaps break your journey at Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki, famous for limestone formations that began forming 30 million years ago.

Overnight: Wilderness lodge

Day 5 4WD Farm Tour

After a leisurely breakfast, hop into a 4WD for a farm tour, which will introduce you to the most beautiful sections of the 13,000 acre station and give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Spend the rest of the day at leisure relaxing at the lodge or enjoying local activities.

Overnight: Wilderness lodge

Day 6 At leisure

With a full day at leisure, you will be torn as to how best to spend your time. There will be opportunities to explore the hidden valleys, lakes, virgin forest and limestone rock formations of the area on foot or horseback, by kayak, or even from a helicopter.

Overnight: Wilderness lodge

Day 7 Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Your journey starts today after breakfast, as you head down the west coast to Te Waonui Forest Retreat. The drive will take around three hours and there are a number of places to stop en route. You will pass through the township of Ross, which was once one of the most prosperous goldfields on the coast and has an interesting museum, before continuing along the eastern shore of Lake Lanthe. Once you have arrived at Whataroa, you can visit New Zealand's only White Heron nesting colony (permits are required) and spend time looking out for Little Shag, Royal Spoonbill and a wealth of other birdlife, before driving to Te Waonui - your home for two nights.

Overnight: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Day 8 At Leisure

Te Waonui is a breath of fresh air, designed to have minimum impact on the pristine wilderness in which it lies. Enclosed in an area of stunning native rainforest, the lodge's design provides lots of natural light and space, and features locally made wool carpets and possum fur cushions. You can dine al fresco at the Canopy Restaurant, which serves delicious local cuisine; and enjoy activities including helicopter flights over Franz Joseph Glacier, heli-hiking with an experienced guide, or watching the rarest breed of kiwis in their natural habitat.

Overnight: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Day 9 Self-Drive to Queenstown

After breakfast, set out on a 3-hour drive to Queenstown, the country's adventure capital, where Matakauri Lodge will be your base. Situated on the banks of stunning Lake Wakatipu, this boutique lodge offers luxury accommodation, fine dining, superb service and spectacular panoramic views. Nestled in native bush only a few minutes outside Queenstown, it is a serene retreat with just eleven suites, each of which has a private terrace looking out to lake and mountain views.

Overnight: Matakauri Lodge

Day 10 Arrowtown - Gibbston Valley

Your private guide will collect you for a day's sightseeing in the region, including stops at fabulous wineries. Visit the nearby historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, which has a growing cafe culture and a variety of art galleries and workshops to potter around. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at Amisfield Winery, renowned both for its architecture and its 'grown not made' approach to wine producing, before a tour of the wineries in the Southern Lakes Region. In the Gibbston Valley region, extreme conditions have led to pioneering methods, consistently superb wines, and worldwide recognition.

Overnight: Matakauri Lodge

Day 11 At Leisure

On your last day on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, make the most of your spectacular location, doing as much or as little as you please.

Overnight: Matakauri Lodge

Day 12 Minaret Station  

Leaving Matakauri Lodge behind, you will be transferred to the airport for your magnificent helicopter transfer to Minaret Station. Accessible only by helicopter and sitting at the head of a picturesque glacial valley in the Southern Alps, this is New Zealand's first luxury tented camp. Enjoy two nights in a tented suite with sheepskin carpets, a private hot tub on your terrace, a well-stocked library and mountain kitchen. There's a cosy open fire, wonderful views, clean air and some of the most exhilarating experiences to enjoy over the next two days. On arrival today, simply enjoy time soaking up the views and dining on delicious cuisine.

Overnight: Minaret Station

Day 13 Southern Alps

The area surrounding Minaret Station and Queenstown is an adventurer's paradise. From Heli-hiking to Jet Boating, fly-fishing to mustering, viewing wild game to taking in the views over a memorable picnic, your stay at Minaret is going to be a wonderful finale for your epic adventure.

Overnight: Minaret Station

Day 14 Depart

Say goodbye to the wonderful staff at Minaret Station and enjoy your helicopter journey back to Queenstown airport, where you can pick up your flight to Auckland.