Day 1
Christchurch
Upon arrival in Christchurch, meet a tour representative and transfer to your hotel. Depending on time of arrival, you will have the rest of the day to enjoy at leisure before a drink and dinner where you will meet your tour leader and group.
Overnight: Distinction Christchurch Hotel or similar (dinner included).
Day 2
Christchurch
In the morning, embark on a city tour of Christchurch to immerse yourself in its vibrant energy. After this, you will make your way to the International Antarctic Centre to learn more about life in Antarctica. Return to Christchurch for a journey on the Christchurch Tram, seeing the city’s key landmarks and learning more about its history.
The evening is yours to dine at leisure.
Overnight: Distinction Christchurch Hotel or similar (breakfast included).
Day 3
Christchurch – Moana – Punakaiki
The day begins with one of the world’s great train journeys aboard the TranzAlpine. Marvel at river valleys, dramatic gorges and huge viaducts before travelling through the Otira Tunnel to Moana. In this lakeside town, you will enjoy lunch at Kingfisher Restaurant before continuing to the town of Punakaiki.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 4
Punakaiki – Franz Josef
Today, explore the incredible Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes before making your way south to Greymouth. Sample craft beers over lunch at Monteith’s Brewing Co. before boarding the coach and travelling to Hokitika, known for its Greenstone. Later, arrive in Franz Josef, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a scenic flight over the incredible glaciers.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Optional excursion: Scenic flight over glaciers
Day 5
Franz Josef – Queenstown
Today, you will journey south through the Haast Pass and enjoy views of the peaks of the Southern Alps. Queenstown is your next destination, situated on the shores of the stunning Lake Wakatipu.
Overnight: Mercure Queenstown Resort or similar (breakfast and dinner included).
Day 6
Queenstown
The day begins with a visit to the old gold mining village of Arrowtown. Explore the Lakes District Museum before travelling to Gibbston Valley Winery where you will enjoy a wine tasting in New Zealand’s largest Wine Cave and lunch in the restaurant.
In the evening, board the historic TSS Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu, arriving in Walter Peak Station. During the journey, indulge in a fantastic gourmet barbecue dinner sourced from the Colonel’s Homestead. Embark on a short farm tour before cruising back to Queenstown accompanied by a sing along by the piano.
Overnight: Mercure Queenstown Resort or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 7
Queenstown
Today is yours to explore Queenstown at leisure. Known as the adventure capital of the world, there is much to discover here.
Overnight: Mercure Queenstown Resort or similar (breakfast included).
Day 8
Queenstown - Milford Sound
In the morning, travel to Milford Sound and board the Milford Mariner for an incredible overnight cruise. Marvel at the diverse landscape – from waterfalls and mountains to rainforest and wildlife, there are many spectacular sights to take in. You may even see seals, dolphins and penguins.
There will be opportunities to explore along the way by tender boat or kayak, though you may choose to simply relax. Dinner will be a fantastic carvery buffet.
Overnight: Milford Mariner or similar (breakfast and dinner included).
Day 9
Milford Sound – Te Anau – Invercargill
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading back out to sea, exploring more of the fiord. After this, return to the wharf and meet your coach. Drive to Invercargill, with a short break in Te Anau. Visit Bill Richardsons Transport World for a tour of this private collection of vintage trucks, rare classic cars, petrol pumps and Wearable Arts.
Overnight: Distinction Invercargill or similar (breakfast and dinner included).
Day 10
Invercargill – The Catlins – Dunedin
Start the day with a visit to Classic Motorcycle Mecca, home to over 300 global classic bikes. Make your way through the breath-taking Catlins region, where rainforests and stunning beaches collide. Before lunch, visit Curioscape – an interactive experience full of immersive exhibits and a theatre.
After this, travel to Purakaunui Falls, a majestic waterfall and the perfect photo spot. Enjoy stunning views of the coast during the journey to Dunedin.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 11
Dunedin
Journey along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, where you will take a guided tour and learn about the castle’s history. Explore this Garden of International Significance and then enjoy a fantastic Devonshire Tea.
Next, you will embark on an orientation tour around Dunedin, learning about the city’s key landmarks. You my choose to embark on a wildlife excursion or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City or similar (breakfast included).
Optional excursion: Wildlife excursion, Tour of Olveston Historic Home.
Day 12
Dunedin – Mt Cook – Twizel
Travel to Oamaru, famous for its limestone, and follow the Waitaki River. Witness Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional scenic flight over the Southern Alps. Next, travel to Twizel for an overnight stay.
Overnight: Distinction Mackenzie Country or similar (breakfast and dinner included).
Optional excursion: Scenic flight over the Southern Alps.
Day 13
Twizel – Christchurch
Today, travel to Lake Tekapo – where you will witness its stunning turquoise waters alongside the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue.
Arrive in Christchurch and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before dinner and drinks to reminisce on your time in New Zealand with the rest of the group.
Overnight: Distinction Christchurch Hotel or similar (breakfast and dinner included).
Day 14
Departure
Bid farewell to New Zealand today as you travel home, taking the memories of an incredible journey with you.
Breakfast included
