Ultimate South Island Escape

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch

On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions.

Day 2: Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Day 3: Franz Josef - Queenstown

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast to Fox Glacier. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Day 4: Queenstown

Today is a free day with plenty of optional activities to choose from. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon or to get up close to a Kiwi bird. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

Day 5: Queenstown - Te Anau

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. This innovative museum is heavily involved in the protection of the historic buildings scattered around town. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Day 6: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a nature cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You may like to visit the Fiordland Cinema, specially constructed to screen the locally filmed movie Ata Whenua - Shadowland which will take you on an unforgettable journey (optional).

Day 7: Te Anau - Dunedin

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. Enjoy a city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. Optional activities available include a tour of the Speight’s Brewery, which produces New Zealand’s most popular beer, see wildlife in their natural habitat or take a tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing many treasures of a bygone era.

Day 8: Dunedin - Mt Cook

Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, hear the tragic and scandalous stories on a guided tour. There is time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook.

Day 9: Mt Cook - Christchurch

This morning marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch for an introductory city sights tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new found friends.

Day 10: Depart Christchurch

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

• Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
• Return airport transfers in New Zealand
• Ultimate Small Group Tour Coach with 20 luxury leather reclining seats on a full-size vehicle, 2 door access and panoramic windows
• Professional Coach Captain
• 9 nights in 4.5 star hotel accommodation
• Hotel porterage
• Meals as specified:
  • 9 cooked breakfasts
  • 8 sumptuous dinners including 2 specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner, selected beverages, Christchurch
  • 1 picnic lunch
  • 1 Ultimate High Tea: Larnach Castle
• All sightseeing and prepaid attractions including 1 rail journey & 2 cruises
• Comprehensive documentation pack

• Airfares
• Pre and post night arrangements
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities
• Optional activities
• Beverages, souvenirs and personal purchases
• Any other items not listed as included

This group tour is operating with a maximum of 20 passengers.

Hotels are subject to change due to availability.