Dates, Availability & Printable Version
Valid for daily departures from 01 April until 31 December 2021. Minimum 4 passengers.
Click here to download your printable PDF version of the 7 Days Air Safari Southland.
7 days/6 nights Air Safari - Southland
Day 1 | Arrive in Queenstown
Arrive in the resort town of Queenstown where you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to the Rees Hotel. The evening is at leisure for you to explore Queenstown, the town is celebrated around the world for great food, spectacular wine, and legendary nightlife. With over 50 bars, restaurants and cafés serving award-winning cuisine, there really is something for everyone. Whether you crave a seasonal paddock to plate feast, a hearty vegan brunch, or even a famous burger, you’ll be savouring the flavour of delicious local produce, served up by passionate and talented chefs.
Hotel: The Rees Hotel
Day 2 | Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau | (B,D)
This morning, enjoy breakfast in the hotel before boarding your aircraft and taking in the epic scale of the Southern Alps and The Divide on the way to Milford Sound. Fly over secluded alpine lakes, sky-high waterfalls, lush pristine rainforest, ancient glaciers and rugged peaks before landing in Milford Sound and enjoying a scenic Cruise on this spectacular fiord. From thundering waterfalls to sky-high mountains and lush rainforests, you get to experience it all. Cruise close to sheer rock faces and experience the spray of a waterfall on this informative and relaxed cruise. After the cruise we fly to Te Anau for the evening. Nestled on the edge of the South Island’s largest lake, Te Anau boasts a beautiful and tranquil setting, with the magnificent sight of Fiordland that beckons from across the water when standing on the shoreline.
Hotel: The Luxmore Hotel
Day 3 | Te Anau - Southern Scenic Route - Catlins - Dunedin | (B,Picnic Lunch)
This morning we have breakfast at the hotel before taking off for a spectacular coastal day of flying. We depart Te Anau bound for Dunedin via the 600km Southern Scenic Route. This route showcases an unforgettable mix of rare wildlife, remote rugged lands, and stunning deserted coastlines. The start of the route heads over Tuatapere and Riverton before we skirt the rugged south coast and over Invercargill, New Zealand's southernmost city. From there we continue onto view the remote Catlins landscape, marvel at the steep headland and rocky islets (The Nuggets). Enjoy amazing views along the coastline and look out for fur seals as they loll about, playing in rock pools and generally having fun. We then head to Dunedin where there is some beautiful coastline and stunning views of the Otago Peninsula on offer.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Day 4 | Dunedin sights and Otago Peninsula | (B,D)
After breakfast this morning we head out to the Otago Peninsula to board the MV Monarch at Wellers Rock Wharf. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as we explore the stunningly beautiful and rugged coastline near the entrance of the Otago Harbour. The crew will give you a full commentary during your cruise about local wildlife, history and geology. You’ll see uninterrupted views of the world's only mainland colony of royal albatross. Watch as they fly in low from the ocean, then use updrafts from the hillside to get up high and land at their nest. Enjoy postcard views of the lighthouse, perched high above the volcanic cliffs of Taiaroa Head. Your expert skipper will get you up-close to rocky outcrops that stretch out to the ocean. This is where we find a large New Zealand fur seal colony. We then cruise a short way out into the Pacific Ocean. Here you can spot rarely seen ocean birds including other smaller albatross species, cormorants and petrels. We also sometimes see blue penguins, dusky and hectors dolphins and other marine mammals. Following this we head to the iconic Larnach Castle and discover its rich history that dates back to 1871 as well as explore the exquisite gardens, which have attained a Garden of International Significance award from the New Zealand Gardens Trust. Margaret and her late husband, Barry Barker, purchased Larnach Castle in 1967. At that time it was empty, derelict in overgrown grounds. The efforts of the Barker family and many staff over the years, have re-created Larnach Castle to become the show place it is today. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle and gardens.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Day 5 | Dunedin - Otago Rail Trail - Queenstown | (B,D)
This morning we depart Dunedin and fly over the Otago Rail Trail. The Otago Central Rail Trail is a 152-kilometre, recreational trail that follows the former Otago Central railway line between Middlemarch and Clyde. The Trail traverses the region’s isolated unique heartland and features many quaint and unique small towns. The Otago Central Railway – from 1879 – 1990 was called “One of the Great Train Trips in the World”. We then continue our journey to the spectacular alpine town of Queenstown. We check into our hotel for the evening before enjoying a 3 course dinner in house.
Hotel: The Rees Hotel
Day 6 | Queenstown | (B)
After breakfast the day is yours to explore Queenstown, well known as a natural playground providing an incredible backdrop for a range of sights to see and things to do for adventurers of all persuasions. World-renowned for its adventure, Queenstown is home to a huge choice of adrenaline activities including jet boating, bungy jumping, white water rafting and skydiving all guaranteed to get your blood pumping. You can combine a round of golf at one of Queenstown’s gorgeous clubs one morning with a tour of some of the regions wineries and cellar doors in Gibbston and further afield to discover why Central Otago Pinot Noir is famous on the world stage. If you’re looking for a slightly slower pace there’s plenty of recreational activities including hiking and biking trails to explore, guided tours, boat cruises, or spa and wellness options to help you relax and enjoy this stunning town. There is an optional tour of a helicopter flight late in the day with magnificent views over Queenstown and the Wakatipu Basin before touching down for an alpine landing accompanied by a glass of bubbles. This is the perfect way to start your evening in Queenstown.
Hotel: The Rees Hotel
Day 7 | Depart Queenstown | (B)
After breakfast your stunning aerial of the South concludes with a transfer to the Airport.
Tour Price:
$3990.00 Per Person on a Share Twin Basis for 4 people
Valid for departures from 01 April until 31 December 2021
Minimum 4 passengers
Surcharge per person for min 2 pax: $2100.00
See below for full Terms and Conditions.
Printable Version:
Click here to download your printable PDF version of the 7 Days Air Safari Southland tour.
Tour Exclusions:
- Domestic Air Fares
- Additional/Optional Tour Costs
- Hotel Mini Bar
- Other Sightseeing & Meals not specified in Itinerary
Payment Terms & Conditions
A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of booking.
The balance of the tour price is required 45 days prior to your travel date. If you book inside 45 days, full payment will be required at the time of booking. Payment can be made by bank transfer.
If you cancel between 31 and 45 days 30% of your tour cost will be charged. Cancellations less than 31 days of departures will incur a 100% cancellation charge.
Inspired New Zealand Tours recommends purchasing travel insurance, even when travelling within New Zealand.
Full terms and conditions are available here.
When a booking is made it is accepted that these are agreed to. They include the following: Itineraries are correct when initially published, however are subject to change due to circumstances outside our control. Flights are the responsibility of the passenger and Inspired New Zealand Tours takes no responsibility for costs involved for any changes to flights that might be required due to necessary amendments in itineraries.
