2020/2021 Christchurch > Christchurch

Grand vistas and shimmering waters

The South Island showcases some of its most spectacular scenery throughout its heartland. Head deep into the epic wilderness, tap into Maori legends and sample some of the finest cuisine around.

Beginning in Christchurch, you’ll have a chance to explore a city rejuvenating itself after the 2011 earthquake. Take one of the great rail journeys through the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine before marvelling at magnificent Franz Josef Glacier. Head to Queenstown and indulge in the fantastic experiences on offer. Greet a new day in peaceful and serene Milford Sound. Surrounded by the majesty of Fiordland National Park, exploring this pristine part of the world will take your breath away. A visit to New Zealand’s oldest university city, Dunedin, with its Scottish heritage is the perfect way to round off this wonderful journey.

Tour Code:: SSI
Duration:: 12 days
Departure City:: Christchurch
Return City:: Christchurch

Selected Itinerary

12 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Christchurch

Kia ora and welcome to Christchurch. The wonder of New Zealand begins here. Settle in for your two night stay in Christchurch.
Day 2 - Christchurch

Freechoice

Go punting on the Avon River, take a Botanic Gardens Tour or enjoy a city tour around Christchurch.

Freechoice Dining

Experience a Kiwi home-hosted dinner with a local family or enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Christchurch > Franz Josef

Join the TranzAlpine this morning for your rail journey across the Southern Alps. Stand in wonder at Franz Josef Glacier with its ever-changing face before your overnight Special Stay.
Optional flight - Take a helicopter flight over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and experience the wonder in this natural alpine landscape (additional expense, please book prior to departure).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Franz Josef > Queenstown

Enjoy a ride on the Haast River Jet boat before you arrive in Queenstown for your three night stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5 - Queenstown

Freechoice

Take the Dart River Wilderness Jet, or tour local wineries. Alternatively, feel exhilarated on the Shotover Jet, a 4WD Skippers Canyon, or Safari of the Scenes tour exploring ‘The Lord of The Rings’ filming locations.

Freechoice Dining

Take a steamship cruise on TSS Earnslaw and enjoy dinner at Walter Peak, ride the Skyline Gondola and dine overlooking Queenstown, or simply relax at the hotel’s restaurant.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Queenstown

Enjoy a day at leisure to discover Queenstown.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7 - Queenstown > Milford Sound

In the darkness of the Te Anau caves, see the shimmer of thousands of glow-worms. Enjoy an overnight Special Stay on board the Milford Mariner amidst the majesty of Milford Sound.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Milford Sound > Dunedin

Awake to breathtaking beauty in Milford Sound. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Then immerse yourself in New Zealand’s oldest University City, Dunedin, with a two-night stay.

Freechoice Dining

Choose between Speight’s Brewery and the hotel’s Carlton Restaurant.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Dunedin

Freechoice

Tour Larnach Castle or visit the breeding colony of Royal Albatross. Alternatively, take a heritage walking tour, cruise Otago Harbour or take the scenic Taieri Gorge Railway.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 10 - Dunedin > Mount Cook

Visit the Moeraki Boulders, a unique sight featuring huge spherical boulders scattered across a sandy beach. Enjoy a Special Stay at Mount Cook.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Mount Cook > Christchurch

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd before returning to Christchurch for your Special Stay

Enrich

Celebrate your adventures during an iconic tram ride.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 - Christchurch

Bid farewell to New Zealand.

Meals Included: Breakfast