Are the January 20 to 29, 2027 dates confirmed?

These are proposed planning dates for the priority list. Pink Rhino will confirm the departure, hotels, cruise and booking terms before deposits are accepted.

How active is the South Island journey?

The trip is designed at a moderate to active level. Key walks will include flexible pacing, and Wānaka and Queenstown will offer choices for different comfort levels.

Can I book both islands?

Yes. The January schedule is being designed so the North and South Island trips can be joined back to back as one complete New Zealand journey.

Are the listed hotels and Milford cruise final?

Not yet. Fable Christchurch, Peppers Bluewater, Edgewater Wānaka, Kinross Winery, Milford Mariner and Millennium Queenstown are planning references. Final properties or vessels may be comparable alternatives.

New Zealand South Island: Landscapes & Adventure

Available Packages

Wednesday
January 20, 2027

Friday
January 29, 2027

New Zealand’s South Island feels cinematic at every turn, from turquoise lakes and glacier-carved valleys to vineyard country and the deep stillness of Milford Sound. Join a hosted LGBTQ+ small group of no more than 12 travelers for 10 immersive days from Christchurch to Queenstown, with premium stays, considered adventure and enough unhurried time to take it all in.

Proposed departure: January 20 to 29, 2027. Price: US$7,495 per person based on double or twin occupancy. Optional private room: add US$2,450, subject to availability. Deposit: US$750. Final balance is due 90 days before departure. Travel the South Island on its own or begin with our North Island journey for the complete New Zealand experience. Hotels, activities and operating details remain subject to supplier confirmation.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Dates

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Dates

FAQs

South Island: Alpine Drama, Wine Country and Milford Sound

Te Waipounamu, New Zealand’s South Island, delivers scale and beauty in every direction. Travel from Christchurch to the turquoise shores of Lake Tekapo, stand beneath Aoraki/Mount Cook and cross high-country landscapes to Wānaka, where alpine adventure meets a relaxed lakeside rhythm.

Continue into Central Otago for cellar doors and a vineyard stay, then sail deep into Milford Sound for a rare overnight on the water before ending in Queenstown. Designed for a maximum of 12 guests, this journey blends premium boutique hotels, private group transportation, active days and meaningful time to pause. Featured properties and the Milford Sound overnight are proposed or comparable and will be confirmed before booking opens.

South Island Moments You Will Remember

See Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook beneath vast alpine skies
Hike the Hooker Valley beneath glaciers and mountain peaks
Set your own pace beside beautiful Lake Wānaka
Taste world-class Central Otago wine and stay among the vines
Sail into Milford Sound and wake surrounded by wilderness
Celebrate the journey with two nights in energetic Queenstown

Day 01 :

Christchurch Welcome

Arrive in Christchurch and settle into the South Island’s garden city. Meet the group over a relaxed welcome dinner and prepare for the alpine journey ahead. Proposed stay: Fable Christchurch Hotel or similar.

5 Stars Hotel

Day 02 :

Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Travel inland across the Canterbury Plains toward the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, with time for lakeside walks and wide-open Mackenzie Basin views. Proposed stay: Peppers Bluewater Resort or similar.

4 Stars Hotel

Day 03 :

Aoraki and the Hooker Valley

Spend the day in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, with a planned walk on the Hooker Valley Track and flexible options for different energy levels. Proposed stay: Peppers Bluewater Resort or similar.

4 Stars Hotel

Day 04 :

Clay Cliffs and Wānaka

Follow a scenic route through the Omarama Clay Cliffs and over Lindis Pass before arriving beside Lake Wānaka. Proposed stay: Edgewater Hotel Wānaka or similar.

4 Stars Hotel

Day 05 :

Wānaka Your Way

Choose a day shaped around hiking, cycling, a lake outing or simply enjoying Wānaka’s cafés and waterfront. Proposed stay: Edgewater Hotel Wānaka or similar.

4 Stars Hotel

Day 06 :

Arrowtown and Gibbston Valley

Pause in historic Arrowtown, then continue into Central Otago wine country for tastings and an overnight among the vines. Proposed stay: Kinross Winery or similar.

4 Stars Hotel

Day 07 :

Milford Sound Overnight

Journey into Fiordland and board an overnight cruise through Milford Sound, with time to absorb its waterfalls, cliffs and quiet after the day visitors leave. Proposed vessel: Milford Mariner or similar.

4 Stars Hotel

Day 08 :

Milford to Queenstown

Wake on the water, complete the cruise and travel back through Fiordland to Queenstown for an easy evening. Proposed stay: Millennium Hotel Queenstown or similar.

4 Stars Hotel

Day 09 :

Queenstown Finale

Take in Queenstown from above with a gondola or hill walk, then enjoy free time before a celebratory farewell dinner. Proposed stay: Millennium Hotel Queenstown or similar.

4 Stars Hotel

Day 10 :

Queenstown Departure

Share a final breakfast before individual airport transfers and onward journeys, or extend your stay in Queenstown.