Overview
Embark on an exquisite expedition through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island with our “Luxurious New Zealand Odyssey.” From the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps to the tranquil shores, immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Aotearoa. Indulge in refined accommodations, engage in exclusive activities like heli-hiking and jet boating, and let our expert guides curate an unforgettable journey, ensuring relaxation and wonder every step of the way. Join us to experience the perfect blend of luxury and natural splendor in this captivating corner of the world.
Pricing and Payments:
All prices are displayed in AUD
Dates: 2nd Oct 2024 – 11th Oct 2024
Single Room: $11,299.00* AUD Per Person
Twin share: $9,490.00 AUD Per Person
(twin share is available for friends or family members sharing or upon request as a willing to share option with another guest- subject to availability)
Add Return Flights from AUS or NZ From: $600.00 AUD
Deposit of $3,766.33 AUD, Due at time of Booking.
2 x equal payments due there after
Full comprehensive travel insurance is required to attend.
Book Online Now! We accept Credit card or Bank transfer
Highlights
- Travel with a group of like-minded women
- Tour is Fully hosted and managed by a LWT hostess and guided through-out by experienced local guides and drivers
- Scenic drive to Mt Cook through stunning landscapes.
- Relaxation and stargazing at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat.
- Aoraki/Mount Cook Hooker Valley hike with alpine views.
- Guided visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd in Aoraki/Mount Cook area.
- Drive to Queenstown via Glenorchy and Paradise.
- Thrilling Milford Sound & Waterfalls Heli Cruise Tour
- Exclusive Access to Middle Earth Waterfalls from “The Hobbit.” on a Heli Hike.
- Exclusive Staircase Creek Hike in Queenstown.
- Lunch at Mora Wines
- Queenstown Sights and Surrounds Tour
- Adrenaline-packed Shotover Jetboat ride in Queenstown.
- Exploration of historic Arrowtown and Chinese gold mining settlement.
- Embark on a hike to the stunning Blue Pools in Haast.
- Explore Wanaka
- Leisure day with optional activities in Franz Josef.
- Journey to Franz Josef and the West Coast beaches.
- Embark on a Breathtaking TranzAlpine Train journey from Franz Josef to Christchurch.
Whats Included:
Inclusions
- Return economy class airfares ex/Au or Nz
- Visa assistance if required
- Airport meet-and-greet with private transfer to our accommodation
- All transfers, helicopter flights, cruise, train ride and transport as per itinerary.
- Experienced English speaking local tour guides and drivers through-out
- Fully escorted and managed by LWT hostess
- Daily Breakfasts
- 6 x Lunches
- 3x Dinners
- 9 Nights luxury accommodation through-out
- Tips for drivers and guide
- Milford Sound Heli Cruise experience
- Tranz Alpine Train journey
- All Tours. activities and entrance fees as per itinerary
Exclusion
- Travel and medical insurance (required)
- Alcohol (unless listed)
- Additional snacks and meals
- Souvenirs
Itinerary
Day 1: 2nd Oct 2024 – Flight Christchurch- Arrivals (Inflight Meals, D)
Enjoy your flight to Christchurch. Meet your private guide at the airport where they will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it. They will then transport you in our luxury Mercedes vehicles to your accommodation.
We welcome the group with an amazing group dinner later.
Overnight: Mayfair Luxury Hotel Christchurch
DAY 2- 3rd Oct 2024 – Christchurch to Mt Cook (B,D)
After Breakfast, Our driver will pick us up at our accommodation by 9 am. We will venture through the stunning Makenzie countryside, where you’ll step into vast open spaces and uncover the tallest peaks, extensive glaciers, striking turquoise lakes, golden fields, and mesmerizing starlit skies. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to appreciate the Church of the Good Shepard and other delightful local attractions.
You can expect to reach your chosen accommodation around 3 pm.
Overnight: Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Day 3: 4th Oct 2024- AORAKI/MOUNT COOK HOOKER VALLEY HIKE (B,L)
Welcome to the awe-inspiring Aoraki/Mount Cook, a place where the name itself, Aoraki, meaning Cloud Piercer, hints at the grandeur you’ll encounter. Rising to a remarkable 3,724 meters (12,218 feet), Aoraki is New Zealand’s loftiest peak.
Our expedition continues in the renowned and revered Tōpuni area of the Hooker Valley. As we embark on our hike, we’ll delve into the rich tapestry of Māori history and ancient legends that enfold this region. Our journey begins by crossing the first of three swing bridges, granting us vistas over Mueller Lake and the commanding Mount Sefton.
Traversing the Hooker Valley, stay alert for the Mount Cook buttercup, the largest of its kind in the world, and indigenous wildlife such as the spirited kea, New Zealand’s unique alpine parrot. Watch for the playful chamois and deer that also inhabit the area. As you trek, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping alpine panoramas, snow-crowned peaks, and expansive valleys cloaked in alpine tussocks. Our destination is the terminal glacier lake.
Here, we pause to absorb the grandeur of majestic glaciers, the towering Aoraki/Mount Cook, and the breathtaking Southern Alps. After a moment of reverence, we retrace our steps along the same trail, each step offering a chance to immerse ourselves once again in this incredible landscape.
Continue to Queenstown. Following your guided hike, allow our local guide to lead you on a personal exploration through the most stunning regions of New Zealand.
As we venture through Omarama and the expansive Lindis Pass, we’ll pause for picturesque photo opportunities along the route.
Anticipate arriving in Queenstown by approximately 4-5pm.
Overnight at Rees Hotel, Queenstown
DAY 4- 5th Oct 2024- MILFORD SOUND & WATERFALLS HELI TOUR W Heli Hike (B,L)
Experience the breathtaking South Island in a day, taking in iconic locations from the skies and the sea.
Begin your morning at your accommodation, where your driver awaits to escort you to the airport for a captivating helicopter flight to Milford Sound. This renowned ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ boasts World Heritage status, with a scenic journey over rainforest-clad valleys, stunning alpine lakes, and majestic mountain ranges.
After descending to a valley, a short 10-minute walk leads you to the harbor, where a private boat awaits. Embark on a 1 hour and 40-minute cruise to witness awe-inspiring waterfalls cascading down granite cliffs and glimpse native wildlife. Return to the helicopter for a continuing aerial exploration of Fiordland National Park.
Your exclusive final stop is the Middle Earth waterfalls, familiar from The Hobbit. Descend past blue ice and cascading waterfalls, landing gently for remarkable photos.
A brief 1-hour hike to the waterfall basin offers an unforgettable adventure. The tour concludes with a flight over Queenstown’s alpine peaks before landing at Queenstown airport.
Overnight at Rees Hotel, Queentown
DAY 5- 6th Oct 2024-STAIRCASE CREEK HIKE (EXCLUSIVE ACCESS) (B,L)
Escape the crowds on an exclusive half-day hiking expedition that retraces the paths of early settlers. Commence your journey with a scenic drive south of Queenstown, along the turquoise shores of Lake Wakatipu and the majestic Remarkables mountain range. As you ascend the Devil’s Staircase Road towards Kingston and Staircase Creek, pause to relish the mountain air and capture captivating photos.
Your hike sets off from the breathtaking Loch Linnhe Station, an expansive sheep and cattle farm spanning from the Hector Range to the Nevis River. This partnership with Alpine Luxury Tours offers a distinctive and secluded hiking experience, allowing you to explore alpine landscapes and cascading waterfalls without the tourist crowds. Revel in panoramic vistas as your personal guide delves into the station’s history, highlighting native flora and fauna like the kea, the world’s only alpine parrot, and the kererū, our native wood pigeon. Observe the station’s cattle and wild deer as you follow the path of ingenious gold miners towards cascading Staircase Creek, where your guide recounts how waterways were utilized for mining. Immerse yourself in the rich history and current farming practices of Loch Linnhe Station as you retrace your steps and return to Queenstown.
Indulge in a leisurely lunch at Mora Wines, where you’ll relish hand-crafted cuisine made from the finest sustainable ingredients sourced from the South Island’s coasts. Pair your meal with exquisite Mora Central Otago wines, offering a blend of honest, comforting fare and the region’s beauty. Mora’s inviting ambiance and sharing-focused menu provide a casual and delightful experience. Afterward, enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery before your driver escorts you back to your accommodation for the evening.
Overnight at Rees Hotel, Queentown
DAY 6- 7th October 2024 – Queenstown Sights and Surrounds Tour (B,L)
Central Queenstown, once a gold mining camp in the 1860s, now boasts a compact layout with a welcoming yet mature atmosphere. Its narrow streets are lined with an abundance of bars, restaurants, backpacker hostels, upscale hotels, and local shops.
Embarking on an adventure this morning, we meet our driver and guide at 10am at our accommodation. Our destination is Glenorchy, situated at the head of Lake Wakatipu. This route, acclaimed by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s most stunning drives, will enchant you.
Our stop at the Bennett’s Bluff lookout will provide excellent photo opportunities, and we’ll take a short walk at Bob’s Cove to further savor the scenery. Upon reaching Glenorchy, you’ll be captivated by its breathtaking and dramatic landscapes. We’ll explore the iconic Glenorchy shed and journey to Paradise, a filming location for numerous movies.
After a satisfying lunch, we’ll ascend Coronet Peak, offering sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu and Lake Hayes.
Our journey continues to Arrowtown, a charming historic gold miners town where you can explore the Chinese gold mining settlement. We’ll then traverse through Gibbston, renowned for its wine, before returning to Queenstown.
Prepare for an exhilarating experience with the Shotover Jetboat. Speeding over water as shallow as 10cm, you’ll encounter 360-degree spins along the famous Shotover River and through the awe-inspiring Shotover Canyons.
These high-performance boats are designed for speed, reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour. As the canyon walls loom above you, your skilled driver will skillfully maneuver the state-of-the-art Jet Boat, navigating rapids and delivering gravity-defying stunts near the stunning cliff faces. The jet boat ride promises an adrenaline-packed 25-minute thrill.
DAY 7- 8th October 2024 – Queenstown to Franz Josef (B,L)
Following breakfast, your designated driver will collect you from your accommodation.
Embark on a journey through Wanaka and Haast, traversing the captivating and untamed West Coast. Frequent stops along the route allow you to explore the enchanting Blue Pools and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the West Coast beaches.
Anticipate arriving at your designated accommodation around 3pm, where you can unwind and take in the surroundings.
Overnight: Hotel Franz Josef
DAY 8 – 9th October 2024- Franz Joesef- Day of Leisure/ Optional activities (B)
Today offers you the freedom to design your own experience at your own pace.
Indulge in a peaceful stroll along the serene beach, embrace the tranquility of a gentle bush walk through the native forest, opt for the excitement of quad biking or kayaking, relish in glacier viewing, or simply unwind and soak in the serene ambiance from the comfort of your accommodation.
Overnight: Hotel Franz Josef
DAY 9 -10th October 2024- Travel from Franz Josef to Christchurch- Tranz Alpine Train (B,L,D)
Commencing after breakfast, our driver will collect us at 10am.
We embark on a scenic journey along the rugged West Coast, reaching the charming town of Greymouth, where we will begin our TranzAlpine Experience.
The TranzAlpine train, a renowned global expedition, covers an impressive 223 kilometers (139 miles) in just under 5 hours, offering an unparalleled journey through the majestic Southern Alps. This remarkable voyage traverses the ‘Great Divide’ and the formidable spine of mountains that demarcate New Zealand’s South Island.
Departing from Greymouth on the West Coast, the train winds through the Arthurs Pass, culminating in a picturesque passage across the Canterbury Plains, arriving in Christchurch.
As the unforgettable journey draws to a close, the tour concludes with a heartfelt farewell dinner, a special occasion to reflect on the extraordinary experiences shared throughout the adventure. Gathered together in a warm and inviting setting, you’ll relish in a sumptuous feast prepared with the finest local ingredients, celebrating the culinary delights of New Zealand.
Amidst laughter and camaraderie, you’ll have the opportunity to exchange stories, memories, and contact details, solidifying the bonds formed during this incredible exploration.
This farewell dinner serves as a perfect way to bid adieu to the breathtaking landscapes, exhilarating activities, and newfound friendships that have made this South Island tour.
Overnight: Mayfair luxury hotel, Christchurch
DAY 10 – 11th October 2024 – Airport Transfers/ Departures (B)
After final farewell’s your driver will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to the airport.
Wishing you safe travels and a return to our beautiful country.
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- Return economy class airfares included to Christchurch from Australia or Nz
- Fully escorted and managed by a LWT hostess from Australia
- Visa assistance if required
- 24/7 tour leader support throughout the trip
- 9 Nights Luxury Accommodation through-out as per itinerary
- All hotel transfers and tour transport
- Heli Hike and cruise in Milford sound
- TranzAlpine train ride
- Breakfast daily
- 6 x lunch
- 3x Dinner
- Private, highly experienced, English speaking guides and drivers
- All Tours. activities and entrance fees as per itinerary
- 24 hour support from our wonderful in country team
- Tips for drivers and guides
- Meals other than as specified in our package
- Drinks and alcohol
- Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
- Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our tour inclusions
- 2 Nights- Christchurch – Mayfair Luxury Hotel
- 1 Night – Mt Cook- Mt Cook Retreat
- 4 Nights – Queenstown – Rees Hotel
- 2 Nights- Franz Josef – scenic Hotel Franz Josef
Please take the time to read and understand the booking terms and conditions prior to booking a trip with us.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE
For all advertised LWT itineraries and dates, a trip-specific deposit amount per person required to confirm and secure your booking.
Final balance payment is due 90 days before the trip start date.
If your booking is made within 90 days of the trip start date then the full amount is payable at the time of booking.
Full Refund if you cancel more than 90 days prior to the trip start date.
Deposits become credits if you cancel your spot (in writing) between 90-60 days before the trip start date. All other payments will be refunded.
Cancellations 59 days or less before commencement: All payments will convert to a credit, including deposit: credit must be used with 24 months
Less than 30 days: No refunds or credits
PRICING
Trip prices include all applicable taxes.
Trip prices are based on shared occupancy. Single travelers will be assigned a roommate by LWT for no extra single supplement fee.
LWT is not responsible for any fees incurred due to currency exchange or fees charged by your credit card/bank for processing funds in any currency.
CANCELLATION OF A TOUR BY THE CLIENT
Any cancellation by a Client must be made in writing to
jamie@luxurywomenstours.com.au
After written confirmation of the cancellation by LWT, your spot on the trip will be released immediately and is not guaranteed to be available for rebooking.
Refund terms if cancelled by the client:
Over 90 days before commencement: Full Refund
• 90 days to 60 days before commencement: Deposit will turn into a credit and all other payments refunded*
• 59 days to 30 days before commencement: All payments will convert to a credit, including deposit: credit must be used with 24 months
• Less than 30 days: No refunds or credits
CREDITS
Credits are valid to use to rebook for the year of the original trip or the next calendar year Valid for 24 months from issue
Credit may be transferred to another woman. You may find another woman to take your spot. She pays you directly for the deposit and assumes responsibility for any outstanding balance payments. The replacement participant must meet trip registration requirements and be approved to join the trip by LWT.
Credits may be used towards the final balance of another trip, applied at 90 days in advance of the trip start date. Credit may be transferred to any other trip, and you may cancel and reapply your credit as many times as you like, before 90 days in advance of the trip date, within the original credit expiry date.
Credits will be in AUD
CANCELLATION OF A TOUR BY LUXURY WOMEN’S TOURS
Our trips are confirmed to depart when they have a minimum group size booked. LWT reserves the right to cancel any trip for any reason, but will rarely cancel a tour less than 60 days before departure except for Force Majeure, unusual or unforeseen circumstances outside LWTs control.
When a tour is cancelled by LWT before the agreed date of departure for any reason other than Force Majeure or the fault of the Client, the Client can either:
- Take a substitute tour of equivalent or higher price if LWT is able and willing to offer such a substitute and pay any difference in price between the price of the tour originally purchased and that of the superior substitute tour; or
- Take a substitute tour of lower price if LWT is able and willing to offer one and to recover from LWT the difference in price between the tour originally purchased and that of the substitute tour; or
- Receive a full refund of all monies paid under the contract as soon as possible.
LWT is not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non-refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc.
If the Client is offered a refund but requests an alternative tour of a higher value than that originally booked, then the Client must pay the difference in price.
Where, after departure, a significant element of the trip contracted for cannot be provided, LWT will make suitable alternative arrangements for the continuation of the trip.
Questions? Contact us – Jamie@luxurywomenstours.com.au or 0401293235
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