New Zealand is a stunning destination known for its diverse natural beauty, from dramatic fjords and snow-capped mountains to lush forests and pristine beaches. It offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, with world-class hiking, skiing, and water sports alongside peaceful countryside and vibrant cities. Rich in Māori culture and friendly hospitality, New Zealand provides an unforgettable travel experience for all types of visitors.
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In October, the South Island of New Zealand begins its transition from the cooler winter months to the warmer spring season. Temperatures vary across the region, with areas like Christchurch and Canterbury experiencing highs ranging from 12°C to 17°C (54°F to 63°F), while Queenstown and the Southern Alps may still retain snow on the mountains, though lower elevations offer warmer temperatures ranging from 9°C to 15°C (48°F to 59°F).
US passport holders need a NzETA in order to travel to New Zealand. Each traveler must apply for this online in advance.
Click here for details and application.
Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day to relax at the hotel.
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Evening canapes are complimentary, and prepared in Azur’s open kitchen where ingredients are locally sourced and made fresh daily. Enjoy an evening in and select from a local menu, which will be elegantly plated and served by candlelight at your villa.
Booked by Atlas Indeed | Paid Locally

Why we love it for you: Perched atop a hill with breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding Southern Alps, Azur Lodge in Queenstown, NZ offers an unparalleled luxury retreat. With its private villas featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, lavish amenities, and personalized service, Azur Lodge promises an unforgettable escape amidst New Zealand’s stunning natural beauty.





Start your day along the Gibbston River Trail, where biking meets wine tasting in the stunning landscapes of Central Otago. Begin with a leisurely ride through vineyards and meadows, stopping at renowned wineries like Gibbston Valley Winery for a guided tasting of their acclaimed Pinot Noirs, Peregrine Wines for their distinctive Sauvignon Blanc, and Chard Farm for their elegant Riesling. Indulge in a gourmet private lunch private Loch Linnhe Station, a sheep and cattle farm that spans from the Hector Range to the Nevis River. Continue your journey, discovering more hidden gems of the region such as Mt Rosa and Waitiri Creek, each offering unique varietals and breathtaking views.
Roundtrip transportation, wine tastings and lunch are included.
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Nest Kitchen offers a sophisticated dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients and innovative culinary creations, all served in a stylish and inviting atmosphere overlooking the stunning Lake Wakatipu.
Booked by Atlas Indeed | Paid Locally

Azur LodgeBooked by Atlas Indeed
Pick up your rental car that will serve as your transportation for the duration of your time on the North Island.
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Traversing the Ben Lomond Track in Queenstown, NZ offers a remarkable trek through diverse alpine scenery and expansive views. Reaching the summit unveils stunning panoramas of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps, making it an unforgettable experience for those seeking natural beauty and a sense of accomplishment in the heart of New Zealand’s rugged landscape.
Self Guided

Enjoy an afternoon relaxing at Onsen Hot Pools just 15 minutes from your hotel. Your experience begins with a 45-minute soak in one of the private, original cedar-lined hot tubs while you enjoy a complimentary drink and snack and soak up the incredible views of the quintessential southern landscape.
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Azur LodgeBooked by Atlas Indeed
After checkout, set off in your rental car to the Milford Sound cruise terminal for embarkation.
Self Driving
Cruise out onto the fiord and explore its stunning scenery including waterfalls, the lush rainforest, soaring mountain peaks and glacier-carved cliffs. A buffet dinner will be served on board at sunset. After dinner, watch the stars overhead or relax in the lounge, before heading to your cabin for a restful sleep.
In the morning, you’ll have time to enjoy breakfast and the spectacular morning views in Milford Sound before returning to the wharf.
Meals and board are included.
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After an early breakfast, disembark your cruise at the terminal and head to Wanaka!
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Check into your hotel for 2 nights in New Zealand’s most renowned hiking district!
Bistro Gentil offers a delightful dining experience showcasing French-inspired cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients, served in a charming setting with views of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.
Booked by Atlas Indeed | Paid Locally





Roy’s Peak Track provides breathtaking views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding Southern Alps. This challenging 10-mile round trip hike ascends approximately 4,000 feet to the summit, rewarding you with stunning panoramic vistas that make the effort well worth it. While the trail’s steep inclines and rocky terrain present a moderate to hard difficulty level, the awe-inspiring scenery along the way makes it a must-do experience for witnessing unforgettable vistas in the heart of the South Island.
Note:This is a self-guided hike.
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Kika features an eclectic menu inspired by Mediterranean flavors and locally sourced ingredients, served in a relaxed and stylish setting, perfect for enjoying delicious meals with friends and family amidst the stunning scenery of Lake Wanaka.
Booked by Atlas Indeed | Paid Localy


Wanaka Haven | The SuiteBooked by Atlas Indeed
After checkout, take a leisurely drive to your next destination for some relaxing downtime.
Check into your hotel, have lunch, and enjoy an afternoon to settle in to your new surroundings.




Set off to a secluded location within the Ahuriri Valley for a private catered “Alpine BBQ” picnic lunch. Allow the team to cater a delicious meal complete with canapés, locally sourced produce and drinks.
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This afternoon, indulge in 1-hour relaxation massages in the picturesque setting of The Lindis.
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The Lindis | PodBooked by Atlas Indeed
After checkout, head to your final destination of Mount Cook for a final few days exploring an iconic setting in the south island.
Self Driving
Settle into your hotel and take the rest of the afternoon to relax.




With your professional alpine guide, you will fly high on to the “white ice” of NZ’s longest glacier– the mighty Tasman, and explore one of New Zealand’s natural wonders. Your guide will meet you at Mt Cook Airport and provide a safety brief and fit your equipment, before an exciting helicopter flight into the mountains.
Land at 1,200 metres and spend up to 2 hours on the ice, on a guided interpretive walk on the “white ice”. This is an amazing landscape of fluted ice, runnels, moulins, and sinuous winding streamlets.
You will trek on gentle undulating terrain, below the highest peaks of the Southern Alps. The snow-clad peaks tower above huge ice-falls that bulldoze and grind down the mountain sides.
The helicopter flies you back after approximately 1.5 – 2 hours on the ice.
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Upon return to your hotel, take the afternoon to relax at your leisure and soak in the incredible views and atmosphere of your lakeside villa.
This unique experience begins with a “trust the chef” 4-course dining experience at Moraine Lodge.
Dinner is followed by a fun and informative stargazing experience in the Pukaki Observatory. The purpose-built observatory and adjoining wine cellar began from the concept of an underground space. Its thick concrete walls maintain the cool temperature needed to cellar the wines, and the sitting area in the cellar allows us to share a welcome drink with guests while we introduce the Southern sky and the spectacular stargazing experience to come.
The observatory itself features a retractable roof and 6-inch refractor telescope. When the roof recedes, the observatory walls frame a breathtaking window to the stars. The telescope can sight the rings of Saturn and bands of Jupiter, as well as sparkling star clusters, nebula and planets.
The Retreat’s setting in the heart of the Dark Sky Reserve makes it an ideal location for astrophotography. If you’re lucky, you may also get a glimpse of the Southern Lights, or Aurora Australis.
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Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat | Villa PuakaBooked by Atlas Indeed
Hooker Track is renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes and unparalleled views of the Southern Alps. This scenic 6.5-mile return hike leads adventurers through rugged terrain, crossing swing bridges and glacial rivers, culminating in a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the iconic Hooker Lake and its namesake glacier. This hike is rated as moderately challenging.
Self-Guided

Panorama Room combines gourmet cuisine with panoramic views of the majestic Southern Alps and the awe-inspiring landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Booked by Atlas Indeed | Paid Locally

Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat | Villa PuakaBooked by Atlas Indeed
After checkout, make the drive to the Queenstown airport for your domestic flight to Auckland. (You can also depart from Queenstown airport home if you’d like)




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Thank you for travelling with us. We hope you had a fantastic trip and we wish you a safe flight home!
While on the trip, you can access your curator team if any need arises to make your trip as smooth as possible. We are here to support you.