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)
Day 2
Christchurch
Your morning will start with a trip to the International Antarctic Centre designed to provide an informative account of life in the coldest place on earth. Feel the chill of the Antarctic storm room, ride on the Hugglund all-terrain vehicle, see the little blue penguin and be immersed in the 4D theatre. Followed by a city tour of Christchurch and a free evening allows you to explore further.
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: Te Waonui Forest Retreat 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: 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: 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
Once you’ve departed Te Anua you will travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the “Edinburgh of the South”. Enjoy a fascinating city tour along with some free time to explore for yourself.
Overnight: Distinction Dunedin Hotel or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 9
Mt Cook
Today you will travel along the Otago Peninsula to spend some time visiting the fascinating Larnach Castle to hear scandalous stories about its history, wander the gardens before enjoying an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom. Continue your travels to Oamaru which is famous for its jaw-dropping limestone, following the Waitaki River, Lake Benmore on your way to Mt Cook.
Overnight: The Hermitage Hotel (Aoraki Wing) or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 10
Christchurch
Marvel at Mt Cook this morning, there might be 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.
