Day 1
Christchurch
Upon arrival in Christchurch, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your hotel. Should you have time, we would recommend enjoying a double-decker bus tour of the city, learning about the fascinating pioneer history and the dreadful earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and how they are rebuilding.
Overnight: Bella Vista Christchurch
Day 2
Mt Cook National Park
Day two involves delving into the heart of the South Island. The journey to Mt Cook National Park and its picturesque village is a very scenic one, including driving across the Canterbury Plains, a short stop in the charming town of Lake Tekapo, and a view of stunning Lake Pukaki.
You also have the option to enjoy a Glacier Explorers tour – the only one of its kind in New Zealand. Board the boat and you’ll be graced with unbeatable views of ice cliffs and icebergs, as well as the usually unseen and inaccessible glacier The Tasman.
Overnight: Mt Cook Lodge & Motels
Day 3
Aoraki-Mt Cook National Park
Standing at a whopping 3754m tall, Aoraki-Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain, which you will spend your day exploring. Head to the Visitor Centre at the southern end of Lake Pukaki to see the mountain peak in all its glory, before perhaps partaking in one of the heart-pumping activities, including a scenic flight with a glacier landing, the Mt Cook Encounter Guided Walk, and a stargazing tour of the Mt John Observatory.
Overnight: Mt Cook Lodge & Motels
Day 4
Dunedin
After a free morning, you will travel from Mt Cook Village to Dunedin, stopping along the way for a short pit-stop in Omarama, plus a scenic tour of the Whitestone Prectinct in Oamaru. You’ll also enjoy a guided walk along Koekohe Beach at Moeraki Boulders before arriving in Dunedin.
Overnight: Motel on York
Day 5
Dunedin & the Otago Peninsula
With a strong Scottish influence and beautiful rugged coastlines, Dunedin is an eclectic hub of historical and modern architecture – including the striking Railway Station. In the morning, you will explore the Saturday famer’s market for a taste of delicious handmade crepes and local honey, before embarking on a self-guided walking tour of the Street Art that adorns many parts of the city.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a tasty tour of the Cadbury Chocolate Factory and delve into the local history at the Otago Museum. The trip to Larnach Castle is optional but highly recommended, and the Otago Peninsula is abundant in Albatross – the largest mainland colony in the world, in fact.
Overnight: Motel on York
Day 6
Taieri Gorge Train
In the morning, you will be transferred to the train station for your departure on board the Taieri Gorge Train, which is teeming in early settler history. The juxtaposition of modern carriages with panoramic windows and restored, traditional carriages make this an unforgettable train ride, and the views of pioneer stone work is also great to see. The train will either drop you off at Pukerangi or Middlemarch (depending on the day), where you will be transferred to Queenstown via Central Otago.
Overnight: Blue Peaks Lodge
Day 7
Queenstown
The day is free for you to explore New Zealand’s adventure capital. There are plenty of activities to choose from, including a wine trail in Gibbston Valley, a boat trip on board the vintage TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for a gourmet dinner, a four-wheel drive to Macetown, a fun Lord of the Rings tour, the Nevis Bungy, or just a simple stroll along the waterfront.
Overnight: Blue Peaks Lodge
Day 8
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
On the way to your overnight cruise, you will travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, perhaps stopping at the Kingston Township for a ride on the classic steam train The Kingston Flyer (offered during the summer months) before arriving in Manapouri.
At 12.30 you will depart Manapouri for a short cruise across Lake Manapouri, before hopping on a coach travelling over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove, where you will board your overnight cruise.
The Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise on board the Fiordland Navigator is truly spectacular. Offering a special dinner, bed and breakfast experience, you’ll be well fed as you sail through the beautiful Doubtful Sound. The spacious deck is perfect for watching the picturesque landscapes and wildlife go by, including fur seals, dolphins, and sometimes even rare penguins, and there’s ample opportunity to kayak.
Overnight: Fiordland Navigator
Day 9
Manapouri to Queenstown
At midday, your cruise will arrive back at Manapouri, where you will embark on a coach trip back to Queenstown.
Overnight: Blue Peaks Lodge
Day 10
Franz Josef Glacier
Your journey to Franz Josef Glacier will include the wonderful sights of Wanaka, Cromwell and Hawrea before travelling over the Haast Pass into Westland. A local shuttle will take you to the glacier base for a scenic short walk, or you could hop on a scenic helicopter flight for an entirely unique view. Keep an eye out for keas – New Zealand’s native parrot.
Overnight: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Day 11
Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef, a small yet vibrant town, is your base for today. There’s a great opportunity to walk along the valley floor without a guide, but to really delve into the glacier’s beauty we’d recommend taking a guided tour with the Franz Josef Glacier Guides, or book a fun helicopter landing. Fancy putting your feet up instead? Take a visit to the Glacier Hot Pools, featuring three main pools with water coming directly from a glacial stream.
Overnight: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Day 12
Greymouth Train Station by Intercity Coach
There’s plenty to see on your journey to Greymouth Train Station, including stopping at the Bushman’s Centre for refreshments, and eating lunch in Hokitika before exploring the area’s rugged coastlines and quaint town centre.
Once at Greymouth Train Station, you will board the TranzAlpine – one of the greatest rail journeys in the world – and travel across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.
Overnight: Bella Vista Christchurch
Day 13
Christchurch
Your tour ends here. You’ll be privately transferred to Christchurch airport for your onward flight.
