Day 1
Christchurch
Arrive in Christchurch, where you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a complimentary drink before dinner and meet your fellow travellers.
Overnight: Sudima Christchurch City or similar (dinner included for arrivals before 8pm).
Day 2
Christchurch
This morning, visit the International Antarctic Centre to discover what life is like in Antarctica. Brave the Antarctic storm room, ride in a Hagglund all-terrain vehicle, see the little blue penguins, and enjoy the immersive 4D theatre. Then, take a guided tour of Christchurch to explore its rich history and culture. This afternoon, relax aboard the Christchurch Tram for a scenic city ride. The evening is free to sample the local culinary scene at your leisure.
Overnight: Sudima Christchurch City or similar (breakfast included).
Day 3
Christchurch – Mt Cook
Today, make your way across the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. Marvel at the stunning turquoise waters and see the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue. You will see incredible mountain ranges that include New Zealand’s highest peak - Aoraki / Mt Cook.
Overnight: The Hermitage Hotel or similar (breakfast and dinner included).
Optional excursion: Scenic flight over the Southern Alps.
Day 4
Mt Cook – Dunedin
Visit Lake Benmore before travelling along the Waitaki River to Oamaru – known for its limestone. Travel south to Dunedin, where you will explore the city via tour. After this, enjoy some free time to further explore the city.
Overnight: Distinction Dunedin Hotel or similar (breakfast and dinner included).
Optional excursion: Wildlife excursion, Tour of Olveston Historic Home
Day 5
Dunedin – Te Anau
This morning, journey along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle for a guided tour revealing its tragic and scandalous history. Enjoy an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom, then take time to explore the internationally recognised gardens.
Farewell Dunedin and travel via Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stop.
This evening, you might like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves or watch Ata Whenua – Shadowland at the Fiordland Cinema, a film showcasing the region’s dramatic landscapes (both optional).
Overnight: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas or similar (breakfast and dinner included).
Day 6
Te Anau – Doubtful Sound
Enjoy a leisurely morning before travelling to Manapouri, where you will enjoy lunch on a cruise across this stunning glacial lake. Join the Fiordland Navigator for an incredible overnight cruise through the stunning Doubtful Sound. Witness the resident wildlife and learn more about this breath-taking area from naturalist guides.
In the evening, indulge in a carvery buffet crafted by the onboard chef.
Overnight: Fiordland Navigator or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 7
Doubtful Sound - Queenstown
Today is Christmas Day! Enjoy a hearty breakfast and then travel to Deep Cove for your journey back to Manapouri, where you will travel onwards to Queenstown. This year-round resort on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is renowned for its beautiful alpine scenery. Dinner this evening will be at your hotel.
Overnight: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 8
Queenstown
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Queenstown with a range of activities on offer. You may choose to embark on a jet boat ride or tour the beautiful Skippers Canyon.
In the evening, board the historic TSS Earnslaw to voyage across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Indulge in a barbecue dinner with a range of seasonal and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. Next, head on a farm tour before boarding the TSS Earnslaw to cruise back to Queenstown, accompanied by a sing along by the piano.
Overnight: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 9
Queenstown – Franz Josef
Today you will visit Arrowtown, previously a goldmining village. Visit the Lakes District Museum before continuing along the Haast Pass to the stunning West Coast. Marvel at the peaks of the Southern Alps and travel to the township of Fox Glacier. Next, travel to Franz Josef and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before your overnight stay.
Overnight: Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef or similar (breakfast and dinner included).
Optional excursion: Scenic flight over glaciers
Day 10
Franz Josef – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch
Journey to Hokitika to visit the Greenstone Factory, then continue to Arthur’s Pass to board the TranzAlpine, celebrated as a great train journey of the world. Enjoy stunning views of rivers and valleys as you make your way through the Waimakariri Basin, over viaducts and through the farmlands of the Canterbury Plains. Arrive in Christchurch, where you will be transferred to your hotel.
Enjoy a final evening reminiscing on the memories created on this incredible trip along with your new friends at a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Sudima Christchurch City or similar (breakfast and dinner included).
Day 11
Depart Christchurch
Transfer to the airport for your flight home after a fantastic journey.
Breakfast included.
