By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
New Zealand’s South Island is made for moments that take your breath away. Now, two new overnight experiences by Ngai Tahu Tourism offer Australians a rare chance to stay in some of the country’s most remote landscapes, from Fiordland’s rugged coastlines to the icy heights of Franz Josef Glacier.
In Fiordland, the Waitai Lodge Fiordland Escape delivers a coastal retreat that feels almost dreamlike. Accessible only by helicopter, the lodge sits in the Hollyford region, far from the usual tourist paths. Guests arrive to find private rooms, Chef-prepared meals and the kind of seclusion that makes the surrounding fjords feel entirely your own world.
The local terrain is as dramatic as the lodge itself. Walk through untouched forests, cruise the rivers by jetboat or simply linger in wood-fired hot tubs beneath a sky thick with stars. Every detail of the lodge and its surroundings encourages slowing down, noticing the small things and letting the vast landscape sink into your senses.
Franz Josef Glacier offers a different kind of overnight adventure. The Glacier Overnighter invites guests to camp atop Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere, under a velvet blanket of stars. A scenic helicopter flight delivers travellers to a high-altitude alpine camp, where experienced guides lead ice treks across the glacier.
A warm meal by candlelight follows, then the night stretches quiet and cold, except for the crackling of the camp stove. Dawn brings a sunrise over Aoraki/Mt Cook, painting the ice in soft shades of gold and rose.
After a final walk across the glacier, guests return via helicopter to the five-star Te Waonui Forest Retreat, with stories etched into memory. Select departures over the New Year offer a spectacular way to welcome 2026 from more than 1500 metres above sea level.
Both experiences shine for their combination of accessibility and remoteness. While helicopters make the journey possible, the locations themselves feel untouched and eternal.
"These are some of the most unique and remote travel experiences available in New Zealand,” says Jolanda Cave, General Manager of Ngai Tahu Tourism. "Whether you’re watching the sun rise over a glacier or dining by candlelight on the edge of the sea, these moments stay with people long after they return home.”
Ngai Tahu Tourism collaborated closely with guides and mana whenua, ensuring each experience reflects the landscape and honours the land. The Hollyford Wilderness Experience, which manages Waitai Lodge, has been recognised in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for the second consecutive year, ranking in the top 10 per cent worldwide.
It’s a nod to the care put into every detail, from the comfort of the rooms to the expertise of guides leading local explorations.
Australians heading south for Summer will find these options particularly appealing. The lure of Fiordland’s fjords and Franz Josef’s glaciers has never been stronger, with both experiences offering overnight stays that combine adventure, awe and a rare closeness to nature.
The festive season sees peak demand, so early bookings are essential for anyone hoping to secure a night under the stars or beside the sea.
Whether you prefer the quiet grandeur of Fiordland or the icy heights of Franz Josef, each experience offers a story to tell. At Waitai Lodge,
evenings in the hot tub or beside the fire feel like a private celebration with the land itself as your guest. On the glacier, every sunrise becomes a moment to pause and drink in the light. These are not trips designed to fill Instagram feeds but to fill memory banks.
Both adventures capture the essence of New Zealand in a way few other experiences can. They highlight the country’s natural beauty while letting travellers inhabit it fully, if only for one night.
For Australians seeking something different this Summer, these premium experiences provide a chance to step out of ordinary life and into the extraordinary landscapes that define the South Island.
