Sublime South Island 9-Day Itinerary for Seniors

Giants migrate past Akaroa throughout the winter months, notably humpbacks and sperm whales, adding drama to the calm waters. While the whales are seasonal visitors, dolphins can be spotted year-round. They breed and live around Akaroa, and you can get incredibly close on a dolphin-watching cruise. By heading out in a small boat, you can watch dolphins as they pirouette and somersault out of the water. Their playful antics can be a real delight, especially when you come across giant pods. Sometimes, there are hundreds of dolphins in the water together. This cruise will take two to three hours, and the rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Astonishing landscapes define every journey on the South Island. Traveling between destinations is not just a transfer but an integral part of the travel experience. Today’s journey will be coastal and will have you winding up and over cliffs before reaching the charming town of Moeraki. Later in the day, you will travel about ten minutes from Moeraki to Katiki Point Lighthouse. Yellow-eyed penguins waddle around the lighthouse as they return from the Pacific Ocean to their nests on the hillside. You should note that there are other penguin encounters along the coast that are possible if you wish to customize this itinerary further.

Almost all visitors to New Zealand know of Milford Sound and the fjords. Tucked into the far south of the island is the country’s best-kept secret of the Catlins. Mostly explored by locals and those with plenty of time on their hands, this is also a beautiful destination for senior travelers who want to uncover the island’s pristine nature. Dozens of walking trails cross through forests and onto the coast. Waterfalls hide behind enormous trees, and peculiar rocks rise from golden cliffs. Your accommodation will be in the heart of the forest park, which is an excellent base for exploring in multiple directions. A private guide will customize each day to your interests, and there is a lot to enjoy, from promenades and slow strolls to a magnificent coastline.

Leaving the Catlins, you will cross empty landscapes, and the road will meander through arid plains beneath the shadows of mighty mountains. After being transferred to Te Anau, you will continue to the fjords and board a Milford Sound cruise. This is the most iconic of the fjords, and it is a towering spectacle of immense walls and gushing waterfalls. Setting off on an overnight cruise, you will tour the fjord and get close to its moss-ridden walls as you watch the dolphins frolic in the cold water. The boat is large and comfortable with spacious cabins that feature private balconies and windows that look out to the water. Spending the night is wonderfully serene, and it will be a chance for you to fully discover the fjord.

After spending the night, you can open the curtains to the roving mist of Milford Sound. The vista is usually fogged every morning, but as the mist clears, you can look at the walls and see the dolphins once more. After breakfast, there will be an opportunity to explore the fjord in a small boat. Afterward, soaring by helicopter, you will cross Fiordland National Park for the ultimate aerial perspective. The helicopter will descend and land on a glacier, where you can walk down the steps and spend some time on an actual glacier. This experience is very accessible for senior travelers, and you do not need to actually walk on the glacier. Tonight, you will be in Queenstown, staying at a hotel on the lakeside.

Queenstown is small and full of bucolic charms. From your lakeside hotel, you can indulge in a stroll along the waterside while stopping at some of the small cafes that line the lake. As with everywhere on your South Island tour, a local guide will customize today to your interests and mood. You can take the gondola up to Bob’s Peak for a perfect Queenstown view, drive to Wanaka or explore the Central Otago vineyards. Glenorchy is an excellent option because it is an old-world village that has been enveloped by mysterious nature. Taking a guided drive out here is another opportunity to connect with South Island nature without needing to hike or be very active.

After nine days on the South Island, you will be transferred to the airport for your outbound flight.