Slow Travel · High Country · Fiordland
South Island
In Depth
"Show us why you moved to New Zealand." Twenty-five days through the South Island at a pace that lets each region actually land.
The Brief
Designed for real guests
Designed for a Belgian couple who answered every planning question with "well, show us why you moved to New Zealand" — active travellers who wanted depth over coverage.
“They chose to experience the best of the south without needing to see every corner of it, travelling slower and exploring each region in depth, which is exactly what we always encourage. Transfers were private throughout: by road, by helicopter, and by fixed wing.”
The Ahipara team · Journey design
Every Ahipara itinerary is designed from scratch. This journey exists to whet your appetite and give us a launching-off point. Longer or shorter, more active or less: it's your trip, and we design it around you.
At a Glance
- Duration
- 24 nights
- Where
- South Island
- Pace
- Slow & immersive: 11 stays, no rushing
- Stays
- 11 properties
In high season this journey averages approximately NZD $2,000 per person per day, based on a couple travelling for 25 days. Our management fee is 8.5% of total trip cost, disclosed upfront and set out in writing.
The Route
11 stays, one thread
Day by Day
The whole journey, unfolded
Leg 01 · Day 1
The Mayfair
Christchurch · 1 night
Arrive Christchurch
A night in the "newest city in the world" before the journey begins.
Leg 02 · Days 2–4
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses
Kaikōura · 3 nights
Coastal Pacific to Kaikōura, whales by helicopter
One of the world's great train journeys up the coast, then straight into a helicopter to find the whales from the air. Three nights in the Hapuku tree houses.
Dolphins, privately
A private charter dolphin encounter in the Kaikōura canyon's extraordinary waters, after a free day to settle into the rhythm.
Leg 03 · Days 5–7
Lake Heron Station
Ashburton Lakes · 3 nights
Lake Heron Station
Into the Ashburton Lakes high country for three nights on a working high-country station: muster country, merinos, and mountains in every direction.
Leg 04 · Days 8–9
Wild Earth Lodge
Makarora · 2 nights
Heli Siberia
From Wild Earth Lodge in Makarora, a helicopter into the trackless Siberia Valley — one of the great wilderness half-days in New Zealand.
Leg 05 · Days 10–11
Best Foot Forward guided walking trip
Wānaka backcountry · 2 nights
Best Foot Forward: three days on foot
A custom guided walking journey through the Wānaka backcountry: two nights, no crowds, and country most visitors never see.
Leg 06 · Days 12–13
The Lindis
Ahuriri Valley · 2 nights
The Lindis, Ahuriri Valley
Two nights at the architectural marvel folded into the Ahuriri Valley: spa, horses, and profound quiet.
Leg 07 · Days 14–15
Olivers at Clyde
Clyde, Central Otago · 2 nights
Central Otago: Olivers at Clyde
Gold-rush stone buildings, big reds, and the Lake Dunstan trail by bike the next morning.
Leg 08 · Day 16
Fiordland Jewel · overnight cruise
Milford Sound · 1 night
Overnight on Milford Sound
Board the Fiordland Jewel for an overnight cruise — the fiord at dusk and dawn, when the day boats are gone.
Leg 09 · Days 17–19
Cabot Lodge
Manapouri · 3 nights
Hollyford hidden falls, then Cabot Lodge
A guided walk to waterfalls the road can't reach, then three nights at Cabot Lodge above Lake Manapouri.
Preservation, Dusky & Doubtful by helicopter
A day by helicopter across Fiordland: three fiords almost nobody reaches, with history and serenity in equal measure.
Wairaurahiri jetboating
A jetboat run down the Wairaurahiri, Fiordland's wild southern river.
Leg 10 · Days 20–21
The Headwaters
Glenorchy · 2 nights
The Headwaters, Glenorchy
Two nights at the head of Lake Wakatipu, with a private Routeburn Track day hike alongside one of our favourite guides.
Leg 11 · Days 22–25
The Spire
Queenstown · 3 nights
Queenstown: The Spire
Three final nights: Skippers Canyon with Beau Rapley, a free day to roam, and a last long dinner.
Departure
Private transfer to Queenstown airport, with a native tree planted through Trees That Count for every guest.
Make it yours
This journey was designed for one set of guests and will never be repeated. Tell us what moves you, and we'll design what comes next — from a blank page.