New Zealand South Island Itinerary in One Week

My husband and I went on a wonderful trip to New Zealand visiting both North and South Island. The trip was originally planned for 2021 but had to be postponed until this year. I prefer working with an agent, and Lindsay from our travel agency was extremely responsive, offering helpful options and suggestions. Even though the time we spent on the North Island was right after the torrential rains, we modified the itinerary to spend four days in the Taupo area and two days in Rotorua.

We hiked in the Tongariro National Park and part of the Great Lake Pathway, sailed to view the Maori Rock Carvings, and visited Orakei Korako geothermal pools and Huka Falls in the Lake Taupo area. In Rotorua, we relaxed in the mineral pools of the spa and enjoyed the indigenous Maori experience at Te Puia.

The next 12 days were spent on the South Island where we had sunny and warm weather! One of our favorite places was Abel Tasman Park where we went kayaking and hiked the beautiful Coast Trek. We continued our adventures with a memorable heli-hiking experience on the Tasman Glacier in the Mt. Cook region, followed by visiting the unique blue penguins and Royal Albatrosses on the Otago Peninsula and enjoyed a hike and cruise on the famous Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park.

We ended our journey with three days in the Lake Wanaka area where we kayaked, hiked, and visited some of the region's famous wineries.

We have been fortunate and blessed to travel the world and have used Zicasso to point us in the right direction. This travel company is among our top three; no, make that number one; the best travel agency we have worked with on all accounts.

Our agent and her team hit a home run. From the drivers and local guides to the food choices, experiences, lodging, and delightful and professional expertise shown to us, all of our expectations were exceeded. Truly, they care about making a traveler feel so very welcome, and the sheer beauty of New Zealand was only surpassed by the warm, kind, joyful, and loving people.

There were so many instances in which we had to pinch ourselves to make certain the magical journey was real. From the most delightful, delicious, and charming dinner with a magnificent Māori family, to the helicopter ride to Mount Owen, the boat trip to Abel Tasman, our Milford Sound boat ride, the Weta Studios, the magnificent lodging in Rotorua, and personally meeting our agent during our stay in Nelson, our two-week journey kept building more and more cherished memories. As it turned out, one of my friend’s daughters is studying in Christchurch, and after viewing our itinerary and speaking with another team member of the company, he and his wife have decided to explore other parts of New Zealand using this exemplary, professional, and probably best, detailed-oriented company.

We want to personally thank our agent for her marvelous suggestions, arrangements, and positive, charming, professional, and gracious personality. You truly created a most memorable trip experience that will not be forgotten and will always be appreciated.

This travel agent and the travel company team were out of this world! They crafted an amazing four-week adventure for us in New Zealand and Fiji. We started in Te Anau, NZ, where we focused on hiking and boating to both the Milford and Doubtful Sounds. We flew from Te Anau to the Nelson area at the top of the south island and fell in love with Mapua, located just 30 minutes from Nelson. We explored the Abel Tasman area extensively there. Next, we traveled (by plane again) to Russell, just across the way from Pahia and Kerikeri. It was a dream of a place, and we continued to hike, sail, and eat amazing food and drink delicious wines. Our accommodations couldn't have been better! Our travel company thought of everything! Last stop was Fiji - this their idea - make a stop in a super relaxing place on the way home back to Texas. The resort was out of a picture book - we had an extraordinary villa with our own plunge pool - the service, food, and staff were beyond amazing. We highly recommend this company - even when we had a travel snag, our agent answered his cell straight away and was on call to help us get to a solution. Can't say enough good things about him and his team!

Our trip to the South Island of NZ was well planned. We spent a week in the Marlborough area. We enjoyed a lovely train ride from Christchurch to Picton where we spent three nights and went on two mail boat cruises in two different sounds. Our accommodations in Picton were exactly what we wanted: a small, well-appointed hotel with a lovely restaurant. Our transition from the train to the car rental went smoothly.

Next up was our three-day hike in Abel Tasman Park. We loved the hike and the other tourists in our group. I highly recommend the lodging; the food was lovely. My only recommendation is to let clients know this is not an easy hike as there are ups and downs. We were the oldest members of our group, most in their 60s. We did fine, but the hike was more challenging than my husband anticipated. Nevertheless, we did enjoy the scenery, lodging, food, and guides. 

Our favorite two nights were at the retreat in Nelson. Absolutely fabulous. We were tired and worn out from hiking, so two days at the retreat were a treat. Great food, surroundings (including a pool and hot tub). The owner even did our laundry which was a bonus! She even made dinner reservations for us and arranged transportation so we didn’t have to drive. Our last night at a hot springs place was our least favorite. The food was fine, but the hot springs were too rocky for me to go in. Rooms were nice, and there was a steam room and massages. I think I was just ready to go back to Christchurch. It was very popular and there were a lot of people.

Franck arranged a wonderful trip for us, and I would highly recommend this travel company.