Exclusive South Island Retreat

A private driver will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to the Christchurch train station in time for your train journey.

Embark on a captivating journey from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass. Great Journeys New Zealand's Scenic Plus carriage provides comfort and vast panoramic views, making the TranzAlpine scenic train journey the perfect way to explore the 'Great Divide' and the indomitable spine of mountains that partition New Zealand's South Island. Scenic Plus offers an all-inclusive experience on the unique TranzAlpine scenic rail journey to invigorate all the senses! Enjoy epic scenery while you savour regionally inspired cuisine paired with sumptuous wine and beer, all from the comfort of your luxurious seat—a hosted dining experience like no other. Simply relax, sink back in your seat, and soak up the incredible scenery.

Your driver will meet you at Arthur's Pass Train Station and take you to Flockhill. 

Step into 36,000 acres of stunning alpine landscape and discover luxury adventure vacations in New Zealand's Southern Alps. The new Flock Hill offers an inspiring blend of exploration and harmony with nature. With pristine lakes, hidden caves, sweeping tussock fields, and towering mountains, Flock Hill is one of the most breathtaking destinations for adventure seekers. Create unforgettable memories with custom-designed activities, savor exceptional dining, and feel connected each morning as you step out into the expansive surroundings.

Set in an exclusive wilderness where nothing is manufactured, Flockhill inspires adventure and exploration. Activities arranged by the lodge offer a unique taste of Flockhill, shared in an intimate setting with fellow guests. You might embark on a scenic journey into the station’s remote backcountry, gaining an appreciation for New Zealand’s legendary farming heritage. Spend time with the animals, learn the art of dog-whistling, and watch as skilled dogs muster a flock of sheep. Alternatively, you might hop on an e-bike to explore the Lake Track, visit Lake Pearson, or set out on a scenic hike.

Surrender to the wilderness and discover something new today. Flock Hill offers a wide range of curated activities across the station, from horseback riding and rock climbing to biking, ATV tours, fly fishing, and more. Each activity provides a unique opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of Canterbury and the Southern Alps. 

Private helicopter transfer from Flockhill Lodge to The Lindis.

At The Lindis, dining is a harmonious blend of exceptional cuisine and breathtaking scenery. The lodge’s chefs create exquisite dishes using the finest locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, crafting menus that highlight the vibrant flavours of New Zealand. From leisurely breakfasts to indulgent multi-course dinners, each meal is thoughtfully paired with premium New Zealand wines for a truly immersive culinary experience. Set within the stunning Ahuriri Valley, the dining spaces offer panoramic views that enhance every bite, whether you’re savouring a meal in the elegant dining room or a private setting. 

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s pristine Ahuriri Valley, The Lindis Lodge is a luxurious retreat that offers an unparalleled connection to nature. Designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, the lodge’s striking architecture mirrors the contours of the valley, creating a sense of harmony and serenity. Guests are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and rolling hills from every corner of the property.

The Lindis Lodge provides an intimate and exclusive experience, with elegantly appointed suites that feature contemporary design, natural materials, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Activities abound, from fly fishing in the crystal-clear waters of the Ahuriri River and horse trekking across the high-country landscapes, to hiking and mountain biking through the rugged terrain. For those seeking tranquillity, the lodge offers relaxation spaces and indulgent fine dining, where locally sourced ingredients are transformed into exquisite dishes paired with premium New Zealand wines.

On this private scenic helicopter flight, you will be transferred from The Lindis to Blanket Bay Lodge. 

Blanket Bay has a commitment to nurturing the creativity and skills of young chefs and this has been rewarded with a string of awards for the Blanket Bay chefs over the years. Current Executive Chef Corey Hume is deeply passionate about his craft, he also champions distinctly New Zealand cuisine. "I love the possibilities that the joy of food can bring to people in their daily lives", states Corey. Blanket Bay features the best of New Zealand's vineyards and is especially proud to offer award-winning Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs, and Rieslings grown and bottled in nearby Central Otago. Dinner is served in the elegant Lake View Dining Room with its beamed ceiling and stone fireplace. For a more intimate affair, reserve our Wine Cave – a perfect venue for private dining for up to six people. On warmer evenings, under a clear southern sky, The Terrace is a magnificent setting with the fire behind and the mountain and lake vistas unfolding around you.

Nestled amidst rugged snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s finest Lodge – Blanket Bay. In this spectacular corner of New Zealand discover endless ways to restore your physical and spiritual well-being. There is nowhere else on Earth where there are so many activities so close by – fly-fishing and heli-skiing, the country’s best hiking on the Routeburn or Milford Tracks, jet boating and kayaking, 4WD tours, horse riding, art trails and vineyards, plus flight-seeing over the World Heritage Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. And let's not forget the numerous international standard golf courses around Queenstown.

Activities available from Blanket Bay (enquire for pricing):
At Blanket Bay, guests can immerse themselves in a variety of outdoor adventures set against some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes. Experience a magical horseback ride on Wyuna Station, where riders of all levels can explore the stunning high-country terrain. Take to the skies on a private two-hour scenic helicopter tour of Milford Sound and Fiordland, departing from the lodge’s lawns to reveal glaciers, coastal fiords, and majestic Mt. Tutoko. For those who enjoy exploring on foot, the area offers incredible hiking and scenic walks, with options to be guided through remote gems like The Paradise or Routeburn Valleys. Fly fishing enthusiasts can cast their line in nearby rivers, streams, or the lake edge, with guided fishing and gear hire available for a chance to reel in impressive trout. Adventures at Blanket Bay promise unforgettable experiences in every direction.

Experience the real Fiordland and Milford Sound. Away from the crowds on your exclusive helicopter tour you'll discover the unique character of Fiordland. Glacier carved fiords dominate the landscape and lead out to the remote and wild west coast. This World Heritage Area is shaped by the massive rainfall it receives annually, creating endless waterways made up of rivers, lakes and waterfalls all surrounded by lush green untouched rainforests. Your scenic helicopter will fly over the ice-capped mountains and Milford Sound, where you'll experience a bird's eye view of this famous fiord, following the fiord you reach the west coast where you'll land and experience the rugged beauty and extreme isolation of a west coast beach. On your return flight to Queenstown you'll experience an alpine glacier landing where you can step foot on the blue ice rarely seen by people.

You will be transferred on a private helicopter from Blanket Bay Lodge to Mount Cook Lake Side Retreat. 

Dining at Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat is a culinary journey that combines exceptional flavors with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and Lake Pukaki. The retreat’s chefs craft gourmet dishes inspired by fresh, locally sourced ingredients, celebrating the best of New Zealand’s produce. Each meal is thoughtfully prepared, offering a perfect balance of creativity and authenticity. Guests can savor their dining experience in the elegant Pukaki Observatory, under a canopy of stars, or in the comfort of their private villa. Paired with a selection of fine New Zealand wines, dining at Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat is as memorable as its stunning surroundings.

Located in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, with no light pollution. Join your guide in the underground wine cellar for a wine and whisky experience and then move through to Pukaki Observatory for an observing and astrophotography tour of the night sky through the 6 inch refractor telescope.

Climb on board your own private helicopter and fly over New Zealand largest glaciers and tallest peaks with your experienced pilot. Get up close to New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki and explore the ancient blue ice of the glaciers. Once you've flown over the mighty Alps you will discover the magic of the West Coast landscape, snow capped mountains descend into lush green coastal rainforests as you come into land on a secluded West Coast beach. Sip drinks beside your own private bonfire as your pilot dons a wetsuit and catches fresh crayfish straight from the sea. Climb back onboard for another exhilarating scenic flight before your own private dining experience high in the alpine with freshly caught crayfish.

Enjoy a private helicopter transfer from Mount Cook Retreat to Otahuna Lodge.

The cuisine celebrates the best of seasonal New Zealand produce, with an emphasis on fresh Otahuna estate-grown offerings. Dinner is a five-course chef’s degustation menu which changes daily, making use of the fresh produce sourced from the property's potager garden and orchard. Honest, uncluttered flavours, the finest local ingredients and elegantly restrained presentation are the hallmarks of the Otahuna table.  At dinner, guests dine communally in the opulent formal dining room - ornate original wallpaper, a roaring fire and sparkling candlesticks exemplify the gracious living of the Victorian era. Alternatively, they may retreat to a private table for two in the sunken wine cellar, the intimate library, the drawing room turret, or a location of their choosing.

Otahuna Lodge is a beguiling Victorian mansion that offers its guests a unique sense of wonder and discovery. New Zealand's largest private historic residence has been revitalized with luxury accommodation, glorious gardens and sophisticated cuisine. The spectacular 118-year-old gardens of Otahuna were laid out and cultivated under the direction of A. E. Lowe who trained at Kew Gardens, London. Wide vistas over the lawn and lake contrast beautifully with intimate walks which wind through heavily wooded areas. The gardens of the country estate offer a range of guest amenities and activities including swimming, tennis, croquet and petanque among others.

Activities – for current pricing please enquire at the Lodge

 At Otahuna Lodge, guests can indulge in a variety of activities that highlight the region’s charm and the lodge’s exceptional offerings. Join Executive Chef Jimmy McIntyre for a hands-on, three-hour cooking class, where you’ll explore the philosophies behind the Lodge’s renowned cuisine, spend time in the organic potager garden, and learn expert techniques in the kitchen. For relaxation, enjoy a 60 or 90-minute massage in the tranquil setting of the estate’s historic laundry buildings. Adventure seekers can try their hand at fly fishing with the guidance of a local expert, targeting brown and rainbow trout or Chinook salmon during the fishing season. Horseback riding excursions, tailored to all experience levels, are available nearby with private guides, while hiking and biking trails showcase Canterbury’s diverse landscapes. Guests can also take advantage of complimentary bicycles to explore the scenic 6-kilometre loop around the Otahuna Valley.

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.

Bid farewell to New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Maori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!