Return tour from Christchurch.
Fresh air, magnificent scenery and outdoor activities are just some of the attractions that await you in ‘the land of the long white cloud’. Sample the delicious fresh stone fruit of Cromwell. Feel the soft fleece of sheep at Walter Peak High Country Farm. And hear from an artisan the meaning behind each piece of intricately carved greenstone.
Highlights:
What's Included:
Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city in New Zealand’s South Island. The old city centre shows evidence of a rich English heritage, boasting some of the finest Gothic architecture outside of Britain. You’ll have time at leisure this afternoon: you might like to take a stroll along the banks of the Avon River before a Welcome Reception and dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.
Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Day 2: Christchurch – Franz Josef
This morning, board the iconic TranzAlpine train and take one of the world’s great rail journeys. Pass through magnificent landscapes ranging from the lush pastureland of the Canterbury Plains to the rugged gorges and pristine ice-fed streams and lakes of the Southern Alps. Alight at Arthur’s Pass, the highest settlement on the South Island, and continue to Hokitika, home of New Zealand’s famous greenstone. Pounamu (its Māori name) is of great cultural significance in Māori culture and was prized for its strength, durability and beauty. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier (optional scenic flight is available).
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Franz Josef – Queenstown
Drive over the spectacular Haast Pass this morning, passing the 96-metre Thunder Creek Falls, and serene Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. Stop at the town of Cromwell and enjoy the tastes of the delicious stone fruit for which the region is known. Next, you’ll visit the historic gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown, where more than 70 original buildings from the gold-rush era are preserved, before arriving in Queenstown. An orientation tour of the town, which sits on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic mountain ranges, completes your day.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown (2 nights)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Queenstown Free Time
Explore New Zealand’s adventure capital at your own pace today. There are jet boat rides and white water rafting for the thrill-seekers, and wine tours or intimate cafés for those who enjoy a more leisurely rhythm. You might like to visit the picturesque Queenstown Gardens and enjoy its beautiful tulips in spring or glorious roses in summer. Take a peaceful cruise this evening across Lake Wakatipu aboard the century-old TSS Earnslaw, the only remaining commercial passenger-carrying coal-fired steamship in the Southern Hemisphere. Your destination is Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you’ll enjoy a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner and entertaining after-dinner show offering glimpses of high-country farm life.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Day 5: Queenstown - Te Anau
This morning you’ll travel the iconic stretch of highway known as the Devil’s Staircase, and along the shores of serene Lake Wakatipu to the town of Te Anau. On your way to Milford Sound you’ll be awestruck by the towering native rainforests and rugged mountains of Fiordland National Park. Your cruise on the magnificent Sound takes in cascading waterfalls, hanging glacial valleys, and the sheer pinnacle of Mitre Peak – it’s sure to be one of the highlights of your New Zealand adventure. Return to lakeside Te Anau, where this evening you’ll have the option of visiting the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (own expense).
Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 Te Anau – Dunedin
Journey through lush green sheep-grazing country on your way to Dunedin this morning. After a city tour, the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. Sit back and relax, ride the historic Taieri Gorge railway or perhaps take a wildlife cruise to spot penguins and Royal Albatross.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Dunedin – Omarama
This morning during a tour of the city you’ll have the opportunity to visit the stately home known as Larnach Castle. Then set out for the historic town of Oamaru, with its elegant tree-lined streets and celebrated white limestone buildings. Later, follow the course of the mighty Waitaki River, passing the monumental Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Aviemore on your way to Omarama.
Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Omarama – Christchurch
Travel through the awe-inspiring Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park. At 3,724 metres, Aoraki/Mt. Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain. Stop at serene Lake Tekapo, and view the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, whose altar window frames a perfect view of the Southern Alps beyond the lake. Later, traverse the fertile Canterbury Plains and return to the vibrant city of Christchurch, where your holiday began.
Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 9: Farewell from Christchurch
Bid farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Twin share - $3225 per person / Solo - $4240 per person
2020 departures:
5, 12 & 26 October; 2, 9 & 23 November; 7, 14, 21 & 28 December
2021 departures:
11, 18 & 25 January; 1, 8, 15 & 22 February; 8, 15, 22 & 29 March
Twin share - $2995 per person / Solo - $3905 per person
5 April (Other April departures sold out)
Twin share - $3225 per person / Solo - $4240 per person
4 & 18 October; 8, 22 & 29 November; 6 & 13 December
2022 departures:
4, 10, 17& 31 January; 7, 14, 21 & 28 February; 7 & 14 March
Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to book your preferred departure. We can also book your flights and arrange travel insurance for you.
Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown
Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Heritage Gateway Hotel
Ibis Hotel Christchurch
What to Bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
Water bottle
Camera
Jacket in cooler months
Travel at 60 booking conditions apply.
Want to find an alternative? Search for another holiday here or contact us.