Southern Alps & Alpine Lakes: NZ South Island Expedition with Mike
Nov 5, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026
Adventure
$3,999 USD
BOOK WITH $750 DEPOSIT
Southern Alps & Alpine Lakes: NZ South Island Expedition with Mike
Nov 5, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026
$3,999 USD
BOOK WITH $750 DEPOSIT
This eight-day expedition captures the raw, rugged essence of New Zealand’s South Island, journeying from the garden city of Christchurch to the adventure capital of Queenstown. Hosted by Mike Planeta and led by experienced local guides, this is a masterfully curated alpine adventure that blends guided trekking, legendary scenery, and immersive local insight.
Experience iconic alpine trekking with guided hikes through the Hooker Valley at the base of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and along a scenic portion of the famed Kepler Track. Cruise through the towering fjords of Milford Sound, enjoying a picnic lunch beneath cascading waterfalls and dramatic Mitre Peak. Spend time in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, where clear alpine air and minimal light pollution create extraordinary stargazing opportunities, including a visit to the Mount John observatory area overlooking Lake Tekapo.
Throughout the journey, explore glacier-carved valleys and luminous turquoise lakes, from Lake Tekapo to Lake Wanaka and the limestone-fringed shores of Lake Gunn. Evenings in Wanaka and Te Anau offer space to slow down, while free time in Wanaka and Queenstown allows flexibility for optional experiences such as a Mou Waho Island cruise or the adrenaline-fuelled Shotover Jet ride.
Balancing guided adventure with lakeside leisure and high alpine drama, this immersive South Island experience delivers soaring peaks, mirror-like waters, and unforgettable moments in one of the world’s most spectacular natural playgrounds.
Trip Start: Christchurch, New Zealand - Thursday 5th November 2026
Trip Finish: Queenstown, New Zealand - Thursday 12th November 2026
Trip Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Accommodation: 7 Nights Premium Hand-picked Hotels (Shared & Private Available)
Included Meals: Breakfast Daily, Picnic Lunch x 2, Dinner x 4
Group Size: Up to 20 Guests
Inclusions
Accommodation: 7 Nights Premium Hand-picked Hotels (Shared & Private Available)
Included Meals: Breakfast Daily, Picnic Lunch x 2, Dinner x 4
Hosted by Mike Planeta
Experienced Local English-Speaking Guides Throughout
All Private Ground Transportation as per Itinerary
All National Park Entry Fees and Included Activity Permits
Group Welcome Meeting in Christchurch
Welcome Dinner in Christchurch
Scenic Drive across the Canterbury Plains
Lake Tekapo Visit
Mount John Summit Hike
Visit to the Mount John Observatory Area
Overnight in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
Hooker Valley Track Guided Hike in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Mount Cook Visitor Centre Visit
Scenic Drive via Lindis Pass
Leisure Time in Wanaka
Diamond Lake Hike in Mount Aspiring National Park
Scenic Transfer to Te Anau
Scenic Drive along Milford Road
Lake Gunn Forest Walk
Milford Sound Fjord Cruise with Picnic Lunch
Kepler Track Scenic Forest Walk
Scenic Transfer to Queenstown
Leisure Time in Queenstown
Farewell Dinner in Queenstown
Exclusions
Arrival/Departure Flights
Airport Transfers
Visa/Entry Requirements
Meals Not Mentioned in Inclusions
Personal Expenses incl Tips
Travel Insurance (Required)
Optional Mou Waho Island Nature Cruise (Price TBC)
Optional Wildwire Waterfall Climb (Price TBC)
Optional Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour (Price TBC)
Optional Shotover Jet Boat Ride (Price TBC)
Your Host
Mike Planeta
My name is Mike and I live in San Diego! I have been to 55 countries and counting! I love to travel and just want others to experience that as well. I’m a retired athlete who ended up on reality tv somehow 😂.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Christchurch
Kia ora and welcome to Aotearoa. Arrive in the revitalised garden city of Christchurch, where leafy parks, contemporary architecture, and the gentle Avon River create a relaxed introduction to the South Island. Settle into your hotel and take time to stretch your legs with a stroll through Cathedral Square or the Botanic Gardens if time permits.
At 6:00 PM, meet your fellow travellers in the lobby before heading out for a celebratory welcome dinner. It’s your first taste of Kiwi cuisine and the perfect opportunity to connect, hear about the journey ahead, and toast the adventure to come.
🏨 Accommodation
🍽️ Included Meals
-
Welcome Dinner
✅ Activities
- Group Welcome Meeting
- Welcome Dinner
Day 2 Canterbury Plains and Mount John
Depart Christchurch and travel across the vast Canterbury Plains, where braided rivers and distant alpine peaks stretch to the horizon. As farmland gives way to high-country wilderness, the Southern Alps begin to dominate the skyline.
Arrive at Lake Tekapo and hike to the summit of Mount John for sweeping 360-degree views across the Mackenzie Basin. The turquoise lake, golden tussock, and snow-capped peaks combine for one of the most photogenic vistas in the country. Continue to Mount Cook Village, nestled beneath New Zealand’s highest mountain.
🏨 Accommodation
🍽️ Included Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
✅ Activities
- Scenic Drive across the Canterbury Plains
- Mount John Summit Hike
ℹ️ Further Information
- Today we recommend wearing comfortable hiking clothes and sturdy hiking boots. Please also bring a day pack with plenty of water, a jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Day 3 Hooker Valley to Wanaka
Today brings one of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine walks. In Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, follow the Hooker Valley Track across swing bridges spanning glacial rivers, with ever-changing views of Aoraki rising dramatically ahead. The walk culminates at a glacial lake often dotted with small icebergs.
After visiting the National Park Visitor Centre to learn about the region’s mountaineering history, travel through the rugged Lindis Pass before descending into the lakeside beauty of Wanaka.
🏨 Accommodation
🍽️ Included Meals
-
Breakfast
✅ Activities
- Hooker Valley Track Hike
- Mount Cook Visitor Centre Visit
- Scenic Drive via Lindis Pass
ℹ️ Further Information
- Today we recommend wearing comfortable hiking clothes and sturdy hiking boots. Please also bring a day pack with plenty of water, a jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Trip Photos
Important Notes
ARRIVAL:
You will need to make sure your travel plans allow you to arrive at the meeting point by the scheduled guest meeting time. More information on this will be provided once the trip is confirmed. Your arrival airport is Christchurch International Airport (CHC).
DEPARTURE:
On the final day, you are free to depart at any time. Your departure airport is Queenstown Airport (ZQN).
AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
Airport transfers are not included as part of this trip, so you will need to make your own arrangements. More specific information on transport options for your arrival and departure airports will be available on the airport’s website.
Pre-booked airport transfers are available for most airports via Expedia – please select “Cars” and then “Airport Transportation”: https://bit.ly/expedia-best-in-travel-vip
ADDITIONAL NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION:
We are unable to organise additional nights accommodation on your behalf. Our exact hotels will be finalised and advised roughly 2-3 months prior to the trip starting. We will advise guests once that happens, and we then recommend booking accommodation via our affiliate link at https://bit.ly/booking-com-best-in-travel
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Be sure to check entry requirements based on the passport that you will be travelling with. It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport meets minimum requirements, and that you have arranged any required visas before arrival. Visa information is available in the destination guide linked below.
DESTINATION GUIDE:
For a detailed destination guide for this trip’s location, head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/new-zealand-destination-guide/
TRIP CONFIRMATION:
A trip is listed as PENDING until the minimum guest numbers are reached, at which point the trip becomes CONFIRMED. Guests will be notified when a trip becomes CONFIRMED.
BOOKING T&Cs:
We recommend you familiarise yourself with our Booking Terms & Conditions for more information about our booking, deposit and cancellation policies.
BOOKING FLIGHTS:
We recommend booking flights as soon as your trip is CONFIRMED, but not before unless you are able to secure flexible tickets.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is required for this trip and must be arranged independently. Please ensure you purchase a policy that suits your personal needs and covers the destination and activities included in your itinerary. We strongly recommend organising your travel insurance as soon as your trip is CONFIRMED.
For more information on travel insurance and to view our recommended travel insurance providers, head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/protect-your-adventure-best-in-travels-guide-to-travel-insurance/
ISSUES & CONTACTS DURING THE TRIP:
If you experience any issues that you need resolved during this trip, please chat to your host or your local driver/guide. Emergency contact details for your local trip operator will be provided prior to the trip starting.
For more information on the correct process for handling issues during a trip, including emergency situations, please read the following guide: https://bestintravelgroup.com/managing-emergencies-other-issues-on-your-best-in-travel-adventure/
INCLUSIVITY:
For information on how Best In Travel creates a welcoming space for all travellers, please head to: https://bestintravelgroup.com/everyones-welcome-inclusivity-on-best-in-travel-group-trips/
TRAVELLER CONDUCT & WELLBEING:
For a quick guide on how to enjoy our group trips safely, respectfully, and with the right balance of fun and wellbeing, head to: https://bestintravelgroup.com/group-trips-great-times-how-to-eat-drink-stay-well-on-the-road/
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