South Island New Zealand Discovery

Modern and vibrant, Christchurch has transformed in recent years, a combination of cocktail bars and bustling restaurants, eye catching street art, new architecture and green spaces breathing new life into the city. Fly to Christchurch today to begin your tour of New Zealand’s South Island. You will be personally met at the airport by a representative and transferred from the airport to your hotel. Meet and Greet Personalized Arrival Transfer, Overnight Christchurch Hotel.

The largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch is located on the east coast, overlooking Pegasus Bay. Traditional Gothic architecture in the old city centre links Christchurch to its rich English heritage and the Avon River meanders through. A relaxing start to your day, familiarize yourself with the city and explore the sights and sounds, perhaps grab a bite to eat in the Salt District or tour the impressive street art by foot – found around every corner, from the sides of buildings to giant spray cans. In the evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers at the Welcome Reception and dinner. Luxury Tour, Dinner, Overnight Christchurch Hotel

Leaving Christchurch, start the day aboard the iconic Transalpine train, considered one of the great rail journeys’ of the world. Get uninterrupted views of amazing scenery from the open-air carriage, as pasturelands give way to the rocky gorges and peaks of the Southern Alps. Stretch your legs at Arthur’s Pass, at an elevation of 740m above sea level, it is the highest settlement on the South Island. Continue the journey along the west coast, passing through Hokitika before arriving at Franz Josef Glacier. UNESCO has recognized Franz Josef Glacier as having outstanding natural value and has listed the area as a World Heritage site. Breakfast, Tranz Alpine Train, Dinner, Overnight Franz Josef Hotel

Today's journey travels through some of the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand. Haast Pass is a 140km stretch of winding road, passing through rainforests, glacier country, rugged coastline and is dotted with walking tracks and lookouts. Arriving in Cromwell, known for growing stone fruit, you will have the opportunity to indulge in the local produce, before moving on to Arrow town, once a gold mining town in its heyday. The final stop for the day is Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Visit the highlights of Queenstown and familiarize yourself as we spend the next couple of days exploring this energetic city. Breakfast, Overnight Queenstown hotel

Set against the backdrop of the dramatic Southern Alps and overlooking the crystal clear waters of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is also known as New Zealand’s adventure capital. There are jet-boat rides, skiing, mountain biking to white water rafting for those wanting to get the heart racing, and wineries, boat cruises, wildlife parks and more for those who enjoy a more leisurely pace. You have the day to explore Queenstown and in the evening board the 100-year old steamship, TSS Earns haw for a relaxing cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for an evening of entertainment and a gourmet barbecue dinner. Breakfast, Highlight Dinner, Overnight Queenstown Hotel

Leaving beautiful Queenstown, and travelling along the famed Devil’s Staircase, you will be mesmerized by the stunning scenery on the way to Te Anau, known as the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Passing through rainforest and rugged wilderness, we arrive in Milford Sound for a magnificent cruise, seeing waterfalls, iconic Mitre Peak – the most photographed mountain in New Zealand – and hanging glacial valleys. Spend the evening relaxing in the lakeside town of Te Anau. Breakfast, Dinner, Overnight Te Anau Hotel

Departing the serene town of Te Anau, enjoy the leisurely morning journey to Dunedin, passing through green grazing fields. Dunedin is proud of its Scottish heritage and is home to many well preserved gothic style buildings, from the Edwardian and Victorian era. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Breakfast, Dinner, Overnight Dunedin Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on a guided tour of Dunedin and its highlights, including Larnach Castle, a Scottish inspired, baronial stately home with manicured gardens, built in 1871. Continue to the historic town of Oamaru, following the Waitaki River passing the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and the man-made lake, Lake Aviemore. Oamaru is known for its rich history and heritage and for being a little quirky. Arriving in Omarama, meaning ‘the place of light’, relaxes and unwinds, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, blue lakes and clay cliffs. Breakfast, Dinner, Overnight Omarama Hotel

Departing Omarama, travel through the Southern Alps and the Mt. Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Mt Cook. At 3724m high, Mt Cook was the training ground for Sir Edmund Hillary. Stop and stretch your legs in Lake Tekapo, blessed with Turquoise lakes and included in UNESCO’s Dark Sky Reserve. See the Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935 and still used for services today. Leaving the serenity of Lake Tekapo, travel through the Canterbury Plains on the way to Queenstown, where your journey began Breakfast, Overnight Christchurch Hotel

Time to say goodbye to New Zealand’s beautiful South Island, your fellow travelers and friendly hotel and tour hosts. You will be transferred from your Christchurch hotel to the airport to meet your flight home. Breakfast, Departure Airport Transfer