Day 1
Christchurch
Arrive in Christchurch and be transferred to your hotel. This evening you’ll meet your fellow travellers over a complimentary pre-dinner drink.
Overnight: Sudima Christchurch City or similar (Dinner included for those arriving before 8pm)
Day 2
Christchurch
This morning, visit the International Antarctic Centre to experience life on the icy continent. Brave the Antarctic storm room, ride in a Hagglund vehicle, see little blue penguins, and enjoy the 4D theatre. Then, take a guided city tour of Christchurch, rich in history and culture. This afternoon, relax on a scenic ride aboard the Christchurch Tram. Your evening is free to explore the city’s vibrant food scene.
Overnight: Sudima Christchurch City or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 3
Arthur’s Pass – Franz Josef
You’ll board one of the world’s best train journeys – the TranzAlpine. Gasp at the remarkable scenery as you whizz over magnificent viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika to a Greenstone Factory before continuing onto Franz Josef, you’ll have the chance to experience an optional scenic flight over the astonishing glaciers.
Overnight: Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 4
Franz Josef – Queenstown
Today you will travel south along the West Coast which offers amazing sights of the stunning snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. Continue via the Haast Pass before arriving into picturesque Queenstown. The evening in Queenstown will be free for you to enjoy at your own leisure.
Overnight: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 5
Queenstown
The daytime is free for you to explore as you please. In the evening, you will board the TSS Earnslaw for a leisurely cruise to Walter Peak Station, where you’ll be treated to a delicious first-class dinner and a short farm tour in the Colonel’s Homstead.
Overnight: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 6
Te Anau
Your morning starts at a leisurely pace before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you will visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you might like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional cost).
Overnight: Distinction Te Anau Hotels & Villas or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 7
Milford Sound
Enjoy the fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you will board your launch for a nature cruise along the breath-taking fiord, a wonderful way to start the day. With views of spectacular Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak as your backdrop, enjoy your picnic lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau for some free time, perhaps visit the Fiordland Cinema which was specially constructed to screen the locally filmed movie Ata Whenua – Shadowland which will take you on an unforgettable journey.
Overnight: Distinction Te Anau Hotels & Villas or similar (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 8
Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, and enjoy a city tour. Continue along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle to hear its tragic and scandalous history. Savour an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom, then explore the internationally renowned gardens at your leisure.
Overnight: Distinction Dunedin Hotel or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 9
Mt Cook
Bid farewell to Dunedin and travel to Oamaru, renowned for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and pass by Lake Benmore as you journey towards Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.
Overnight: The Hermitage Hotel or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 10
Christchurch
This morning there is an opportunity for a scenic flight (optional cost and weather dependant). Continue your journey to Lake Tekapo for views of the brilliant turquoise water and the Church of the Good Shephard before arriving into Christchurch for a city tour. This evening will be spent dining with your fellow travellers at the farewell dinner.
Overnight: Sudima Christchurch City or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 11
Christchurch
Today marks the end of your tour. Say goodbye to your team and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
(Breakfast included)