Accommodation
Iconic luxury lodges, remote alpine chalets and ultraluxe villas
Experiences
From the farmyard to the vineyard
Itineraries
From Northland to Southland and the West Coast to the East Cape
Adventure, scenery, food and wine, nightlife, history and luxury abound in Queenstown and Fiordland, the jewels in New Zealand’s crown!
Queenstown is an absolute hotspot, and deservingly so. The alpine resort town sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks in every direction. It’s the home of an incredible array of spine-tingling activities such as bungy jumping and jetboating, but equally offers as many leisure activities such as cruises and wine tasting. Its restaurants and bars are full every night of the week, and there’s more luxury accommodation here than anywhere else. Visitors swim in summer and ski in winter. All of this, and more, makes Queenstown a must visit on any trip to New Zealand.
Covering the entire southwestern corner of the South Island and a staggering 10% of New Zealand’s entire landmass, Te Wahipounamu is one of the largest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. This vast wilderness area is said to be the best remaining representation of Gondwana, when dinosaurs walked the land. The park is covered in rainforests, interrupted only by soaring mountain peaks and deep brooding lakes. The coastline is pierced by deep fiords, including world famous Milford Sound, said to be the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’.
Further south still, you’ll find more that will charm you. Explore the Scottish city of Dunedin, chocca-full of grand historic buildings. Skirt the Catlins Coast, a windswept corner of New Zealand home to penguins, sea lions and seals. And Stewart Island, the most southerly part of mainland New Zealand, a bastion of our rare native birds.
Luxury Destinations in Queenstown & The Fiords
Explore a selection of our favourite locations
Luxury accommodation Queenstown & The Fiords
Experience some of our favourite places to stay
Luxury Experiences in Queenstown & The Fiords
Discover a few of our favourite activities
Itinerary Inspirations
These itineraries have been designed to inspire you with a small selection of the many unique adventures to be had in this beautiful region. Once you have a feel for the destinations and experiences that best resonate with you, we will tailor every element of your perfect luxury travel itinerary, exclusively for you.
Take a weekend break to Queenstown and Milford Sound
Seize the opportunity to visit iconic Queenstown without the crowds of international tourists! No visit would be complete without a day tour to Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most famous attraction. Ditch the eight hour bus ride and view breathtaking Fiordland National Park from the air as you fly over the cascading waterfalls, ancient glaciers and lush rainforests. Land for a cruise in the majestic fiord. Then head back to town and get your adrenaline fix with a thrilling jetboat ride, another must do Queenstown adventure.
- Inclusions
3 nights’ accommodation (3 nights at Matakauri Lodge including all meals and breakfast), 4 days rental vehicle including full insurance and GPS, excursion to Milford Sound with return scenic flights and cruise on the fiord, and a Shotover Jet ride.
Take a weekend break to Minaret Station
Amazing Minaret Station is located in a private valley deep within the Southern Alps near Wanaka. Accessible only by helicopter, it’s hard to find a more remote setting! A multitude of activities are available, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, skiing and helicopter trips to Mount Cook and Fiordland. Spend the day exploring and the afternoon enjoying the dramatic mountain scenery from your private hot tub on the deck of your chalet.
- Inclusions
3 nights’ accommodation (3 nights at Minaret Station including all meals and beverages), return helicopter transfers from Wanaka or Queenstown, and a private hiking guide.
Cycle the beautiful Otago Rail Trail
The Otago Rail Trail is a fantastic mix of adventure, scenery and history. Discover gorgeously quaint towns that have changed little since the gold rush. Admire the endless breath-taking views of rugged Central Otago. And enjoy good honest hospitality from the friendly locals and hoteliers on the way. A must for any cycling enthusiast.
- Inclusions
3 nights’ accommodation (1 night at Pitches Store in Ophir, 1 night at Inverlair Lodge in Oturehua and 1 night at Kokonga Lodge), return private transfers between Queenstown Airport and your accommodation, breakfast daily, bicycle hire with all equipment, luggage transfers, and side trip to Naseby for curling.
many many many thanks!!!!!!
We have been blown away by everything - hotels, food, people, golf, wine - the list is endless. You did an amazing job
Planning a 7 week trip is daunting enough without the complications of COVID cancellations, rebookings, and closures. Yet every connection, every transportation detail, every accommodation, every meal, everything was flawless.
From our arrival in Sydney .. to our last stop in Queenstown .. we will carry with us the best memories of our trip and all of your efforts. The incredible private boat tours .. the bespoke wine tours with the best guides .. our accommodations .. and the excellent itinerary and pacing, made for a perfect trip.
We can't thank Southern Crossings enough for making this trip all, and more, than we had imagined. You allowed us to see the best of your countries: the people, the beauty, the culture. Five stars, a blue ribbon, and a gold medal to everyone at Southern Crossings!
Your country, its people and your team could not have made us feel more welcome.
Thank you for all the special moments you enabled us to experience.
