Day : 1
Arrive Christchurch
Number of Days : 1
The launch pad for our epic adventure is Christchurch, the Garden City of New Zealand, and a heady mix of British tradition and modern industrial architecture, most noteworthy for its vivid blue, red and green container mall that emerged following a devastating earthquake. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4pm). Spend some free time relaxing or explore this lively city on your own terms. Tonight, we meet your Travel Director and fellow companions for a Welcome Reception and dinner.
Day : 2
Christchurch - Punakaiki
Number of Days : 1
Climb aboard one of the world's most famous and spectacular scenic rail journeys, crossing the lush green Canterbury farmlands, traversing deep river gorges and journeying through the heart of the snow-capped Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass. We journey onwards by coach to Punakaiki to see the limestone Pancake Rocks, a natural wonder formed over millennia, and the Blowholes through which the force of the Tasman Sea bursts forth during high tide. Tonight we stay in an eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront and surrounded by the Paparoa National Park.
Day : 3
Punakaiki - Franz Josef
Number of Days : 1
Our day starts at a leisurely pace before visiting the small town of Hokitika, once famed as the centre of the West Coast Gold Rush and today renowned for its exquisite greenstone craft, which you will have a unique opportunity to admire during an exclusive jewellery demonstration by a Local Specialist jade carver. Gold rush fever still flowing through our veins, we proceed to the self-proclaimed wonderfully wacky gold mining town of Ross before arriving at the luminous blue-white Franz Josef Glacier, which legend has it was formed by the frozen tears of a Maori girl who lost her lover to the local peaks. You'll spend the night in eco-friendly accommodation surrounded by New Zealand's pristine wilderness and enjoy a unique opportunity to relax in Franz Josef's local geothermal hot pools.
Day : 4
Franz Josef - Queenstown (3 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Spend the morning at leisure relaxing at your forest retreat. Traversing Haast Pass through New Zealand's imposing Southern Alps and lush green beech forest, we arrive on the pebbled shores of the glacial lakes of Wanaka and Hawea, stopping at Makarora. We delve into the gold mining heritage of Arrowtown before arriving in the adventure tourism hotspot of Queenstown.
Day : 5
Queenstown Free Time
Number of Days : 1
Banish all thoughts of spending the day lounging around. Embrace the Kiwi philosophy to life of 'She'll be Right' and dive straight into the adrenalin capital of New Zealand. That means being bold and flinging yourself off bridges, abseiling down cliffs and jumping into waterfall pools, or exploring the trendy restaurant and arts scene of Queenstown. This evening, enjoy a memorable Regional Meal at one of Queenstown's fine dining restaurants, against the backdrop of the beautiful snow-capped Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu.
Day : 6
Queenstown Free Time
Number of Days : 1
A final day in Queenstown at your leisure could see you take an Optional Experience or simply relax at your hotel.
Day : 7
Queenstown - Milford Sound
Number of Days : 1
Our epic discovery of New Zealand's natural wonders continues south along the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau and deep into the dense rainforest of the exquisite World Heritage Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and rugged mountains as we weave our way west towards the coast. We drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel and emerge into a photographer's paradise, surrounded by Pop's Lookout, Cleddau Valley and the scenic Mirror Lakes. Our journey to Milford Sound sees us step off the beaten track and on the Chasm Walk for dramatic views of waterfalls and water-sculpted shapes in the rock. We experience the beauty and majesty of this destination tonight at Milford Sound Lodge with a unique and intimate opportunity to view the valleys, rainforest, mountains and wildlife of this soulful natural wonder.
Day : 8
Milford Sound
Number of Days : 1
Wake up to the startling beauty of Milford Sound. Board the Southern Discoveries vessel for a half day exploration of Milford Sound, often called the ‘eighth natural wonder of the world'. Sail out to the Tasman Sea, looking for wildlife along the way, for a visit to the underwater observatory and the opportunity to go sea kayaking in Harrison Cove. This afternoon learn more about breathtaking Fiordland National Park with an informative talk by a Local Specialist.
Day : 9
Milford Sound - Wedderburn
Number of Days : 1
Embark on a journey from the rainforests of pristine Fiordland National Park, through Te Anau and the rolling hill country of Southland to the dry and arid region of Central Otago. Arrive in Wedderburn and head out to a high-country farm to learn about life on the alpine plains with a Local Specialist. Finish the day with dinner at the local pub.
Day : 10
Wedderburn - Mount Cook
Number of Days : 1
Travel to the town of Naseby to learn the history of this gold mining region. Maybe you'll try your hand at the ancient sport of curling! From here it's on towards the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps and then along the shores of majestic Lake Pukaki, before arriving in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in Australasia, helped Sir Edmund Hillary hone his skills in preparation for his conquest of Everest. Tonight, enjoy dinner with a breathtaking mountain view.
Day : 11
Mt. Cook - Christchurch
Number of Days : 1
Our in-depth journey through New Zealand's South Island is almost at its end, but not before we visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo with its altar window framing stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Later, crossing the Canterbury Plains, we arrive in Christchurch and embark on a sightseeing tour to discover how the city is being rebuilt after the earthquake of 2011.
Day : 12
Depart Christchurch
Number of Days : 1
Your journey through New Zealand is at its end and it's time to bid farewell to this beautiful land and new friends, with a transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).
