Tour Introduction
Experience the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s South Island on this immersive journey through alpine landscapes, glacial lakes and iconic national parks. From vibrant Christchurch to the towering peaks of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the charm of Wānaka and the serenity of Fiordland, every day blends nature, connection and discovery. Enjoy guided walks, unforgettable scenic drives, local food and wine experiences, and time to relax in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Designed for women who love the outdoors, this journey balances gentle challenge with comfort, camaraderie and inspiring scenery — creating meaningful moments, shared laughter and memories that will stay with you long after the journey ends.Highlights
Fly into Christchurch and experience a progressive evening of local cuisine, Māori storytelling and vibrant city culture
Journey across the Canterbury Plains to turquoise Lake Tekapo and the dramatic alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook
Enjoy guided hikes through glacier country with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps
Travel through Lindis Pass to lakeside Wānaka and cruise the lake at sunset
Explore Mount Aspiring National Park on the spectacular Rob Roy Glacier Track
Discover Fiordland with a jet boat ride and guided walk on the Kepler Track
Walk part of the world-famous Milford Track and cruise the awe-inspiring Milford Sound
Arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s alpine playground set on Lake Wakatipu
Challenge yourself with iconic alpine hikes and panoramic mountain vistas
Relax in Central Otago with Arrowtown charm, vineyard tastings and regional cuisine
Celebrate an unforgettable South Island journey with nature, connection and adventure
Friends for Company!
Inclusions
Fully escorted from Australia, with a Sisterhood tour hostess on hand for support and to help make your holiday truly memorable
Return airfares to Christchurch, including taxes, ex Melbourne (other departure cities upon request)
All sightseeing as per detailed itinerary including picturesque hikes
All meals as per detailed itinerary
All transportation as per detailed itinerary
4 Star accommodation in good locations
Willing to share option (subject to availability)
Meet and greet prior to departure via Zoom
Notice
Challenging Fitness Rating - A high level of fitness is required for these tours. You can expect to participate in challenging walks for longer periods often on uneven and steep terrain. Prepare to be active for most of each day. You must be capable of boarding and disembarking coaches and boats unaided and at times handle your luggage. For more information on our physical ratings please click here
Itinerary
Day 1 - Sunday 11 April 2027
Melbourne - Christchurch (D)
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel. Your tour hostess and fellow travellers will meet you at the designated departure point at Melbourne Airport for our flight to Christchurch, New Zealand.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the flight.
On arrival at Christchurch Airport we'll be met by our coach driver and transferred to our hotel.
The remainder of the day is free before an evening experience with the flavour and stories of Christchurch on a progressive evening walking tour that blends local cuisine, Māori storytelling, and the city’s vibrant culture. Led by passionate local indigenous Māori guides, this immersive experience takes you on a journey through the heart of the city. As you meander through hidden laneways, riverside paths, and historic precincts, you’ll stop at a curated selection of local establishments. At each stop, share premium seasonal small plates and pairings that showcase the region’s rich culinary landscape. Along the way, your guide will share the stories of their ancestors, the traditions of manaakitanga (hospitality), and the layered history of Christchurch’s post-earthquake transformation.
Overnight - Distinction Christchurch (or similar)
Day 2 - Monday 12 April 2027
Christchurch - Mount Cook (B, L, D)
Depart the city travelling across the sheep and crop farmlands of the Canterbury Plains then inland through the rural town of Fairlie and Burkes Pass to Lake Tekapo. The Lake Tekapo township faces north across a remarkable turquoise coloured lake to the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps. Lake Tekapo gets its intense milky-turquoise colour from fine rock-flour ground by glaciers which is suspended in the water.
Stop to see the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, before stopping for lunch at the private home of locals Angie & Stan at Morelea Lakeside. Their home is set on the shores of Lake Tekapo and Angie will share her secrets of the truly Kiwi dessert – pavlova (yes we’re claiming it!). Enjoy lunch – and a taste of pavlova – as you drink in the views of this beautiful lake.
Continue our journey around glacially formed Lake Pukaki into Mt Cook National Park. At the heart of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine region is Mt Cook, at 3754 metres the highest peak in Australasia.
Dinner at the hotel this evening.
Overnight - Hermitage Mount Cook (or similar)
Day 3 - Tuesday 13 April 2027
Mount Cook (B, D)
This morning, we take a guided hike to Kea Point. Kea Point is an easy, beautiful walk in Aoraki/Mount Cook. The track is suitable for everyone, with a gentle incline of 180 metres over 3km. The track weaves in and out of native bush, and features sections of boardwalk, subalpine grasslands, scrub and gravel before we arrive at our destination - the Kea Point lookout.
Kea Point Hike - Elevation gain 180m, total distance: approx. 6km return from the Hermitage.
From the Hermitage, we will depart on foot along Kea Point Track to the Kea Point Lookout and then return the way we came.
We'll return to the hotel by bus.
Today, we'll enjoy views of Mueller Glacier and the moraine wall, Mount Sefton, Hooker Valley and Aoraki/Mount Cook - We'll allow 2-4 hours (duration varies depending on group size and fitness levels)
A basic level of fiitness is required to complete this walk
Also available:today:
Hooker Valley (subject to being re-opened in 2027). This walk is probably more well known than Kea Point.
Dinner tonight at our hotel.
Overnight - Hermitage Mount Cook (or similar)
Day 4 - Wednesday 14 April 2027
Mount Cook - Wanaka (B, L)
Today, wer travel back alongside glacial Lake Pukaki and pass through the small towns of Twizel and Omarama. Travelling across the barren terrain of the Lindis Pass and the picturesque Otago countryside to the Cromwell.
We stop for lunch at The Stoaker Room where they we grill, bake, steam and smoke local produce in our French Oak Pinot Noir Barrel Cookers – called Stoakers. Enjoy a shared Stoaker Tasting Platter with matching wines.
We then continue to delightful lakeside town of Wānaka.
This evening, we'll board a 17m catamaran for an evening drink on the lake. Relax with a glass of wine, beer, spirit mix or soft drink and a shared cheese board. Cruise down to Eely point while discovering the history of the famous #thatwanakatree. Track past Ruby Island home of the 1920's Cabaret Dance Hall. Then head across to the magnificent cliffs of The Peninsula and on to take in Mount Gold and the Stevensons Arm.
Dinner at leisure tonight - Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - Edgewater, Wanaka (or similar)
Day 5 - Thursday 15 April 2027
Wanaka (B)
Today, we'll enjoy the Rob Roy Glacier Track - This small-group adventure offers a deeper connection to the land, with expert interpretation, breathtaking scenery, and a chance to explore the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park. Join us on one of New Zealand’s most spectacular day hikes to the awe-inspiring glacier. Enjoy a scenic drive into the Matukituki Valley, along braided rivers and misty mountains. Enter the park via a stunning swing bridge and head along the Rob Roy Glacier Track. See towering icefalls cascade from the Southern Alps and explore the rich forest fauna with your guide.
Walking Distance: 10km over 4 hours / Altitude gain: 472
Dinner at leisure tonight - Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - Edgewater, Wanaka (or similar)
Day 6 - Friday 16 April 2027
Wanaka - Te Anau (B)
Today, we travel through the fruit growing region around Cromwell, turning right at Frankton to follow the eastern shores of Lake Wakatipu around the Devil’s Staircase to Kingston with The Remarkables Ranges to our left.
We continue on through the lovely Southland countryside where sheep, cattle and deer farming predominate.
Afternoon and evening at leisure. Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue for dinner.
Overnight - Distinction Hotel & Villas Lake Te Anau (or similar)
Day 7 - Saturday 17 April 2027
Kepler Track & Jet Boat Ride (B, L)
We start our morning with a thrilling jet boat ride on the majestic Waiau River, fringed by ancient beech forest and scenery straight out of The Lord of the Rings. Feel the surge of the river before drifting across the tranquil waters of Lake Manapouri, soaking in the serene surroundings.
After the jetboat adventure, we'll set out on a guided hike along the Kepler Track from Lake Manapouri to Rainbow Reach. This mostly flat, well-formed trail meanders through native forest, wetlands, sandy beaches, and past an authentic ‘kiwi’ tramping hut. Cross a swing bridge, admire stunning scenery, and learn about Fiordland’s unique flora and fauna, as well as local community conservation projects.
Hiking time: 2-3 hours / Length: 6km / Elevation: 50m
Trip duration: 6 hour
Dinner at leisure tonight - Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - Distinction Hotel & Villas Lake Te Anau (or similar)
Day 8 - Sunday 18 April 2027
Milford Sound Track & Cruise (B, L, D)
A fabulous highlight today! A guided half day walk to Giant Gate Waterfall on the world famous Milford Track, followed by a Milford Sound cruise.
We start the day bright and early with a scenic drive to Milford Sound. From here, we take a short water taxi to Sandfly Point on the Milford Track. The walk meanders alongside the cascading Arthur River through lush rainforest to Giant Gate Waterfall. This spectacular sight is best viewed from the swing bridge spanning the river. The track is well formed and relatively flat, but can be rough underfoot in places.
After our walk, we'll enjoy Milford Sound’s awe-inspiring scenery by boat. Cruise the full length of the fiord and experience the grandeur of Mitre Peak, mountains and wildlife, as you sit back and relax. Following our beautifully scenic cruisewe travel back to Te Anau by road.
Hiking time: 3.5 hours / Length: 11km / Elevation: 50m
Trip duration: 11.5 hours
Moderate difficulty level
Day 9 - Monday 19 April 2027
Te Anau - Queenstown (B)
Today we retrace our journey from Te Anau, passing through Kingston at the southern tip of Lake Wakatipu, along the Devil's Staircase and into the lakeside resort town of Queenstown.
Check into our hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure. Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue for dinner.
Adventure, beauty and connection await in Queenstown, New Zealand’s alpine playground. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and framed by the dramatic Remarkables, Queenstown blends adrenaline and elegance — from scenic cruises and wine tasting to mountain adventures and lakeside dining. A breathtaking escape perfect for unforgettable memories with friends.
Overnight - Millennium Queenstown (or similar)
Day 10 - Tuesday 20 April 2027
Queenstown (B)
For those ready to tackle a challenging walk, hiking to the Ben Lomond summit is an unforgettable adventure. Reaching the saddle provides a perfect spot to take a break and soak in the incredible vistas of Moonlight Station, Mount Crichton Station, and beyond. From here, the trail becomes steeper and more demanding, but the effort is well worth it. Once we reach the summit, we’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of Queenstown, the Wakatipu Basin, and even as far as Fiordland and Westland National Parks on clear days.
Distance: 11km return / Elevation gain: 958 m
Duration: 5-7 hours from top of the gondola
Difficulty: Difficult/Moderate
Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue for dinner.
Overnight - Millennium Queenstown (or similar)
Day 11 - Wednesday 21 April 2027
Queenstown (B, L, D)
Central Otago is New Zealand’s southernmost wine region. After some amazing hikes throughout your time in New Zealand, today is for relaxing and sampling some of the renowned Pinot Noir.
Nestled in a river valley surrounded by mountains, sits Arrowtown a charming gold-mining town established in 1862 that is rich with natural beauty, history and culture. The gold-mining history is still visible today with over 70 historical buildings and features remaining in the town centre and dotted around the surrounding landscape. Enjoy some time to wander through the streets before heading out to the Gibbston area, to Kinross Winery.
We'll enjoy a wine tasting followed by a relaxed 2-course sharing style lunch in this beautiful vineyard setting.
Later this evening we'll celebrate our amazing adventure at a local restaurant on the lakeside for dinner to celebrate our last night in the South Island.
Overnight - Millennium Queenstown (or similar)
Day 12 - Thursday 22 April 2027
Queenstown - Melbourne (B, L, D)
Today, we farewell our neighbours from across the ditch and transfer to the Queenstown Airport for our flight home to Melbourne,. Sit back, relax and enjoy the flight.
Thanks for joining us for your latest adventure and we look forward to welcoming you back.