New Zealand South Island Adventure
An epic journey into the mystical landscapes of New Zealand
We are beyond excited to announce our first annual New Zealand South Island Adventure.
Detailed Itinerary (subject to change)
This will be a road trip to remember. We’ve picked all the best locations, experiences, and excursions the south island has to offer. We will only be taking 10 guests on this trip, so respond as soon as you can to secure a spot. The sooner you reply and make a deposit the better the chances are.
Dates: November 18-30
Day 1:
Arrive in Christchurch
We will be spending the night in the heart of Christchurch in the Heritage Hotel, a converted bank where spacious suites allow you to relax after your flight. We’ll explore downtown and the award winning botanical gardens, capturing several plant, flower and tree ecosystems varieties. After dinner we’ll take a quick hike to watch the sunset over Christchurch.
Day 2:
Today we drive north and jump on a boat in the small fishing village of Kiakoura. Where we’ll swim in open ocean with schools of Dusky Dolphins in their natural habitat The more playful and receptive you are with these highly intelligent mammals the more they interact. After, we’ll hike around the peninsula’s gorgeous landscapes, pristine blue and green water, stunning tide pools, sea lions and native bird habitats.
Day 3:
Driving west across this beautiful country’s mountainous landscapes to the beach town to Punakaiki and Paparopa National Park. Where we’ll walk through a tropical rainforest before we enter our two cottage retreat. Where our private path leads to our own spot on the beach overlooking the Tasman Sea. We’ll grab dinner at a local pub, take some wine and finish off the evening watching the sunset on our own private cliff.
Days 4 & 5:
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers plus a remote seaside lodge make up the next two days. After a quick but exhilarating helicopter ride from the valley floor, over the glacier and land directly on top the ice. We meet our guide, put on our crampons and take a once in a lifetime glacier hike for 4 hours over this incredible mass of ice. There is an option in these next two days to Skydive if you dare. It’s the highest jump in the southern hemisphere, 19K feet. If you’ve never done this, but have the need for some adrenaline this is where you’ll find it.
Days 6 & 7:
Further south into one of the most captivating national parks I’ve ever visited. Taking in as many hikes, waterfalls, glacial pools and snow capped mountains as we can fit in before arriving at our house on Lake Hawea. Rob Roy glacier for another adventurous 4 hour hike to an awe inspiring valley view. The next day, we’ll head to Queenstown for some Paragliding over this awesome lake town of only 10,000 people.
Day 8:
Fiordland National Park is straight out of The Lord of The Rings. We’ll head out to this country’s most inspiring hiking trails 4-5 hours where you will get a chance to feel truly isolated from the outside world. Being one with nature and your surroundings is the best medicine and therapy one can find.
Day 9:
Heading to a remote part of Fiordland, to catch our ship where we will be spending the night a sea. We’ll float through unseen parts of Fiordland National Park to the Tasman sea. We will sleep comfortaably in the belly of this beautiful ship At sunrise. we’ll have hot coffee on the deck to watch the dolphins jumping and swimming. It’s a true sight to see.
Day 10:
Today we head to the wine region of New Zealand giving Napa Valley a run for its money. We have sequestered the entire vineyard at Kinross Vineyard where you will get your own beautiful and very spacious cottage sitting directly in the vineyard. That afternoon we will have a wine tasting followed by a delicious meal. Sunset we can wander the grounds strolling through the many vineyards and soak our bones in their spring filled cedar hot tub. Sleep well.
Day 11 & 12:
We will make our way today to Mount Cook National Park. Dominated by white cap mountains rigorous hikes, massive glaciers and lakes this is in my top 3 favorite National Parks in the world and I can’t wait to share my love of it with you. Lodging will be at The Hermitage Hotel. This hotel is in the heart of the park facing Mt. Cook where watching the sunset, Mt. Cook turns from red to a magnificent pink. We will spend these two days hiking on some incredible trails.
Days 13 & 14:
We will be spending our last two nights at a privately secluded beachfront home in Pigeon Bay outside of Christchurch where we will celebrate and have a proper Thanksgiving served and prepared by a private chef. We will relax and unwind by the fire, pool and hot tub after stuffing ourselves to the fullest and celebrating everything we’ve just accomplished.
Day 15:
Head home from Christchurch airport. All transfers included.
What is included?
A 14 day New Zealand adventure Including
- All meals
- Special Thanksgiving Celebration with private chef Helicopter transports at above mentioned destinations
- Accommodations: Hotels, Private Homes, and Boat
- Private Excursions
- Wine Tasting
- Glacier Hike
- Dolphin swimming encounter
- Airport transfers
- Bus Transportation around the island
- Local guides (tips included)
What is NOT included?
- International Travel to/from New Zealand (Christchurch)
- Alcohol
Dates: November 10-24
To secure your spot a 25% deposit is due. The payment schedule will follow upon booking
Payment Options:
- Venmo
- Apple Pay
- Quickpay with Zelle (chrispuckett@gmail.com)
- Check / Money Order (payable to Chris Puckett) receipt upon request.
- PayPal (IMPORTANT: Use “Friends and Family” option if PayPal is linked to your checking account. If not 10% will be added to your bill)
- Wire Transfer (details upon request)
- Cash