9 Day Private Tour Fiordland and Queenstown

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Wanaka 2
Azure Lodge
Doubtful Sound
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ITINERARY
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9 Day Private Tour Fiordland and Queenstown

For a tantalising taste the South Islands alpine vistas, native forests, giant lakes, roaring rivers and vast fiords this 9 day privately guided tour around Queenstown and Fiordland will leave you spellbound! Be seduced by Fiordland’s most awe-inspiring and diverse landscapes on the Doubtful sound ultimate overnight cruise and a day exploring Milford. Experience Minaret Station, a high country alpine lodge accessed only by helicopter.

Duration: 9 Days

Starts: Queenstown

Finishes: Queenstown

+ Absolute Chauffer Inclusions:
  • Professional Driver/Guide
  • All airport transfers
  • Dedicated Travel designer
  • Full In-Country Support
Your Experiences:
  1. Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
  2. Fly & Cruise Milford Sound
  3. Minaret Station Highlights
Your Locations:
  1. Queenstown
  2. Doubtful Sound
  3. Te Anau
  4. Milford Sound
  5. Wanaka
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Day by day tour itinerary

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DAY 1
Queenstown

Queenstown offers spectacular scenery set against the dramatic southern alps and majestic Lake Wakatipu.

Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps, is New Zealand’s most celebrated destination. Offering a wealth of accommodation to suit all travellers, there is huge diversity in the experiences to be enjoyed – from adrenaline activities such as bungee jumps and sky diving, adventurous excursions like jet-boating and hiking through to superb golf, gourmet food and wine tours or romantic hot air ballooning.

Azure Lodge on the Lake
DAY 2
Te Anau

Gateway to Fiordland National Park

Set amongst a skyline of great mountains and beside the gorgeous Lake Te Anau, Te Anau is one of the great scenic towns of the South Island. It’s location in Fiordland puts Te Anau Township squarely on the doorstep to adventure – some of the most spectacular wilderness landscapes in New Zealand are accessed from here, including the incredible Milford Road, Doubtful Sound, Te Anau Glow Worm Caves and Milford Sound.

The name Te Anau translates in Maori to ‘Caves of Swirling Water’ and until a relatively recent discovery, the origin of the swirling waters remained lost in old Maori legend. The town is surrounded by beauty and brimming with great accommodation options, dining and unique.

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    1 Night at Fiordland Lodge

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    Approximate Distance: 300 km / 183 m

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    Total Driving Time: 2 Hours

Te Anau
DAY 3
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Doubtful Sound is unspoiled, unmatched and unforgettable.

Your itinerary starts in Manapouri with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri. A coach then takes you across Wilmot Pass, travelling on a sub-alpine road through dense rainforest. Arriving at Deep Cove, you’ll be met by our crew and the majestic Mariner vessel.

As you cruise through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, our knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary ensuring you miss nothing, be it the pod of resident dolphins, fur seals or rare penguins you might encounter.

After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat – or simply relax onboard. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course buffet dinner prepared by our onboard chef, served in the dining saloon.

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    1 Night Onboard the Fiordland Navigator

Fiordland Navigator
DAY 4
Seals, Penguins & Dolphins

Further Exploration may uncover Doubtful's other residents...

Kick-off today with a hearty cooked breakfast and get ready to enjoy the rest of the morning exploring other parts of the fiord. In particular, keep an eye out for the resident bottlenose dolphins that patrol the fiord or the New Zealand fur seal seen basking as the sun rises warming the rocks they occupy and when in season the rare Fiordland crested penguin. Finally, you’ll return to Deep Cove, the trip back to Manapouri and many, many conversations telling friends just how amazing your trip was.

This Afternoon return to Te Anau.

Penguin
DAY 5
Milford Sound Walk Cruise and Helicopter to Queenstown

Rudyard Kipling famously declared that Milford Sound is 'the eighth wonder of the world'.

The Road to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, then you’ll ease into a beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. Look for the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain and the Mirror Lakes. The rough-hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak.

A cruise on Milford Sound will be an essential component of your time in Fiordland. Tall waterfalls, vertical rock faces, and seals are some of the things you’ll remember.

Upon return to Milford you’ll board your helicopter again to be whisked away for a remote alpine or glacier landing with magnificent views and plenty of time for photographs before returning to Queenstown.

Milford Sound Heli
DAY 6
A Day of Leisure / Explore Queenstown

Queenstown is a place that strikes the perfect balance between its awe-inspiring natural beauty and active adventures

Take a day to experience the beauty of Queenstown exactly as you want to. From relaxing vineyard tours or boat cruises to extreme adventure activities, Queenstown has it all. Queenstown’s stunning location means that however you choose to spend your day you’ll enjoy being surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery.

Queenstown and Steamer TSS Earnslaw
DAY 7
Fly to Minaret Station near Lake Wanaka

Get completely off the grid and discover the great outdoors, away from the roads and surround yourself with glacial valley and towering peaks.

Located in the mountains near Wanaka, Minaret Station Alpine Lodge is only accessible by helicopter and truly an extraordinary location to escape the “real world”. This getaway is an opportunity to enjoy some of life’s most precious elements; time, fresh air, and open space. This unique luxury lodge is set in a remote glacial valley and therefore only accessible by helicopter. Enjoy your flight as you will pass through some incredible scenery.

Upon arrival check-in to your chalet and get familiar with the surroundings. You may take a short walk on the boardwalks and valley floor to the waterfalls, or just relax and soak in the atmosphere of this special place.

Later on it is time to enjoy the world-class cuisine the lodge has to offer. Meet at the Mountain Kitchen for some pre-dinner drinks and canapés. After indulge in the fine dining dinner with wine pairing.

During the evening step outside and be amazed by the stunning night sky!

Minaret Station
DAY 8
Free Day Minaret Station

Minaret Station’s many Heli-Adventure experiences allow guests to discover otherwise inaccessible wilderness areas of the Southern Alps and Mt Aspiring National Park

After a delicious breakfast get ready to start exploring and spend some time with a private guide discovering the surrounding beauty of your lodge. Minaret Station’s many Heli-Adventure experiences allow guests to discover otherwise inaccessible wilderness areas of the Southern Alps and Mt Aspiring National Park.

Backcountry Adventures at Minaret Station
The wide range of adventures on offer from Minaret Station ensures that there is something special for everyone from families to honeymooners. Discerning hunters and anglers are spoiled for trophy opportunities — though you may struggle to keep your eyes on the target instead of the dramatic mountain scenery.
The Station’s pilots can take you heli-hiking, heli-skiing, heli-picnics, heli mountain-biking… you name it, they can probably helicopter you to it!

Some suggested activities and outings.
Scenic Flights/Picnics
Guided Fishing
Guided Heli Skiing Guided Mountain Biking
Fiordland Experience
Guided Heli Hiking Guided Hunting
Guided Farm Tour

At the end of the day relax with some pre-dinner drinks and canapés. Later on enjoy your multi-course gourmet dinner with paired wine.

Any plans for tonight? Maybe relax in the spa and enjoy the night sky.

Minaret Station Excursion
DAY 9
Depart Queenstown

Travel to Queenstown airport for your onward flight

We know you will have enjoyed your luxurious retreats and epic adventures all within the beauty of the Southern Alps. Please get in touch if you would like to add an island in the South Pacific as a final stop-off on your way home.

Bon voyage
Jaimee Boyce - Travel Designer
Jaimee, OUR ABSOLUTE NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL DESIGNER SAYS: “Unwind in beauty with a trip based around the Alpine wilderness of Fiordland and Central Otago. With overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound, and a nature cruise in Milford Sound with a highlight helicopter flight back to Queenstown you will be able to view this World Heritage Status part of New Zealand from many aspects. ”

Ready to find out more? Talk to one of our friendly travel designers about his tour. We guarantee you it will be the experience of a lifetime!

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    9 Day Private Tour Fiordland and Queenstown

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