Lakeside to Mountainside: New Zealand's Golden Summer

A Journey Through Queenstown and New Zealand's Spectacular South Island

January 12-18, 2026

Special Inaugural Journey Pricing

$7,395 per person with your own private room throughout the journey
$6,895 per person when sharing a room with a friend or family member

Key Trip Details:

Group Size: Limited to 8 women to ensure an intimate, personalized experience

Activity Level: Moderate - Nature walks on varied terrain, some uphill sections, boat excursions. Alternative arrangements available when possible.

Accommodation: Carefully selected boutique luxury accommodations with spectacular views and authentic New Zealand character.

Season: It’s summer in New Zealand! It will be warm and beautiful.

Day 1: Welcome to Queenstown (January 12)

  • Afternoon: Individual arrivals and check-in at our boutique hotel in Queenstown

  • Late Afternoon: Welcome drinks overlooking Lake Wakatipu

  • Evening: Welcome dinner at a premier restaurant featuring modern New Zealand cuisine with local ingredients

  • Overview of the journey ahead and introductions

Welcome drinks and dinner included

Day 2: Queenstown Orientation (January 13)

  • Morning: Leisurely breakfast followed by a guided walking tour of Queenstown

  • Late Morning: Skyline Gondola ride for panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu

  • Lunch: Light meal at the mountaintop restaurant

  • Afternoon: Gentle nature walk along the lake shore to experience New Zealand's pristine environment

  • Evening: Free time to explore Queenstown's vibrant dining scene with personalized recommendations

Gondola tickets, guided walking tour, and lunch included

Day 3: Central Otago Wine Region (January 14)

  • Morning: Short scenic drive through dramatic landscapes to Central Otago wine region

  • Late Morning: Exclusive tour and tasting at an award-winning women led boutique winery specializing in Pinot Noir

  • Lunch: Farm-to-table experience at the vineyard restaurant

  • Late Afternoon: Explore the historic gold mining settlement of Arrowtown with time for shopping and discovering local craft shops

  • Evening: Group dinner at a renowned restaurant in Arrowtown

Transportation, winery visit, tastings, lunch and dinner included

Day 4: Milford Sound Adventure (January 15)

  • Morning: Choose your journey to the magnificent Milford Sound:

    • Option A: Scenic Flight Experience ($395 RT additional cost- please note: weather permitting)

      • Depart Queenstown at 10:00 AM - 35-minute breathtaking flight over alpine landscapes

      • Arrive at Milford Sound at approximately 11:30 AM

    • Option B: Scenic Drive Experience (cost included)

      • Early departure from Queenstown at 7:00 AM - 4-hour journey with photo stops at Mirror Lakes and other highlights

      • Guided commentary throughout the drive

      • Arrive at Milford Sound at approximately 11:30 AM

  • Midday (11:45 AM): The group reunites at Milford Sound cruise terminal

  • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Private cruise for all GlidePath Travelers through the majestic fjord with a gourmet picnic lunch aboard our luxury vessel. Witness cascading waterfalls, ancient rainforest, and diverse wildlife while dining together.

  • Afternoon: Return journey

    • Flight Option: Depart Milford Sound at approximately 3:30 PM (weather permitting)

    • Drive Option: Depart Milford Sound at approximately 2:30 PM

  • Evening: All guests return to Queenstown by approximately 6:30 PM - Free time to relax at the hotel or explore local dining options

Private driver and van, Milford Sound luxury cruise and delicious lunch included. Optional scenic flights to and from Milford Sound are $395 roundtrip extra.

Weather Note: Fiordland's unique microclimate occasionally affects flights to Milford Sound.

Weather Contingency Plan: In the event that scenic flights to Milford Sound are canceled due to weather conditions (which happens occasionally in Fiordland National Park), guests who selected the flight option will:

  • Still participate in the scheduled private cruise experience via the scenic drive option

  • Receive a full refund of the $395 additional flight cost

  • Enjoy the same lunch and cruise as originally planned

Day 5: Lake Wanaka Exploration (January 16)

  • Morning: Easy and relaxing scenic drive over the Crown Range to Lake Wanaka - approximately one hour

  • Late Morning: Guided walk along the lake shore with a naturalist to learn about New Zealand's unique ecosystem

  • Lunch: Casual dining at a lakeside café in Wanaka

  • Afternoon: Visit to a local artisan food producer (honey, cheese, or lavender farm)

  • Late Afternoon: Free time to explore charming Wanaka; Puzzling World, shopping, and other unique sites

  • Evening: Return to Queenstown for free time and dinner on your own

Transportation, guided walk, artisan visit, lunch included

Day 6: Queenstown at Your Pace (January 17)

  • Morning: Your host is available to help you choose from an amazing number of optional activities , such as:

    • Gentle kayaking on Lake Wakatipu

    • Guided garden tour of historic homesteads

    • Additional wine tasting experience

    • Water sports

    • Beach time

  • Lunch on your own

  • Afternoon: Free time for personal exploration, shopping, or relaxation

  • Late Afternoon: Optional spa treatments at the hotel

  • Evening: Special farewell dinner at one of Queenstown's finest restaurants with lake views

  • Share favorite moments from our journey together

Optional morning activity guidance and farewell dinner included

Day 7: Farewell to New Zealand (January 18)

  • Morning: Leisurely breakfast with stunning lake views

  • Individual departures

  • Optional transfers to Queenstown Airport

What's Included:

  • 6 nights in boutique luxury accommodations

  • Daily breakfast

  • Welcome and farewell dinners

  • All scheduled lunches

  • Wine tastings and food experiences

  • Expert local guides

  • Private transportation to day trips

  • Milford Sound cruise with lunch

  • All entrance fees and activities as listed

  • All gratuities for guides and drivers

  • GlidePath Travel host throughout

What's NOT included:

  • Airfare

  • Optional scenic flight to and from Milford Sound

  • Alcoholic beverages with meals (except for welcome dinner, wine tastings, and farewell dinner)

  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

  • Personal expenses and souvenirs

  • Required travel insurance

Note: Sequence of activities may be altered due to weather conditions or other logistics. Alternative activities of equal quality will be provided if needed.