Day : 1
Your Journey Begins
Number of Days : 2
You will fly over the international date line on your way to New Zealand.
Day : 3
Welcome to Christchurch!
Number of Days : 1
On arrival at Christchurch Airport you'll be transferred by private car to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Perhaps visit the International Antarctic Centre or Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand's only open range zoo. In the evening meet your Travelling Concierge for a Welcome Dinner with wine.(WD)
Day : 4
Christchurch to Punakaiki
Number of Days : 1
First up it's all aboard the TranzAlpine train. Rated as one of the world's great scenic railway journeys, you'll travel in the comfort across the Canterbury Plains through the Southern Alps. From Arthur's Pass, travel to Punakaiki to view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. You'll stay in an eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront. Enjoy dinner while watching the thundering surf at your doorstep!(BB / DW)
Day : 5
The mighty Franz Josef Glacier
Number of Days : 1
(Relaxed Start) Visit the small town of Hokitika, the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast, and meet a local greenstone (jade) carver for a jewellery demonstration. Then visit the West Coast's Treetop Walkway, where you may take a stroll through the canopy of this lush rainforest. Now you're off to the gold-mining town of Ross before arriving at Franz Josef, where a glacier guide explains the history behind the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. Your eco-friendly accommodation is set amid native bush, with an emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation. This evening, why not enjoy Franz Josef's local geothermal hot pools or perhaps a massage?(BB / DW)
Day : 6
Romantic Arrowtown and on to Queenstown
Number of Days : 1
Later today, travel over the Haast Pass and along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, stopping at Makarora at lunchtime. You'll also stop to explore the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown on the Arrow River, followed by an orientation tour of Queenstown.(BB / DW)
Day : 7
Take to the skies in Queenstown
Number of Days : 1
(Relaxed Start) Today is free for you to explore New Zealand's adventure-capital at your leisure. Perhaps play a round of golf or indulge in spa treatment at your resort? Tonight ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak for dinner with a view overlooking stunning Queenstown, the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu.(BB / HD)
Day : 8
Queenstown at leisure
Number of Days : 1
(Relaxed Start) Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Why not take a trip to the Gibbston Valley Winery, take a jet boat ride down the mighty Shotover River or get wet white water rafting down the Kawarau River? Tonight you can dine at one of the many local restaurants and cafés in town, or simply relax at your resort.(BB)
Day : 9
Cruising the Milford Sound
Number of Days : 1
(Relaxed Start) Travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Lake Te Anau, the largest in the South Island. Head through World Heritage Fiordland National Park's rainforest, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges. Drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to a photographer's paradise surrounded by Pop's Lookout, Cleddau Valley and the amazing Mirror Lake. Afterwards, walk to see the impressive Chasm waterfall. The best way to experience Milford Sound is on the water, so take some time to kayak this majestic fiord. As night falls, cruise the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea with plenty of time to view waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife.(BB / D)
Day : 10
Milford Sound to Stewart Island
Number of Days : 1
(Relaxed Start) Enjoy the many early morning activities on board. Later, continue to the southern-most city in New Zealand, Invercargill. You'll board a ferry at Bluff to cruise to Stewart Island, the 3rd largest island in New Zealand, for a wondrous experience. With its clear, clean waters, lush rainforest, sweeping sands, flora and fauna and unspoilt natural beauty, you'll get a glimpse into an enviable simpler, slower lifestyle.(BB)
Day : 11
Stewart Island wildlife
Number of Days : 1
Sightseeing this morning takes you to see the villages and bays. Later, cruise on Paterson Inlet to see remote sandy beaches and beautiful wildlife. Stop at Ulva Island and take a tour with a Local Expert from the Wildlife Sanctuary. Learn about native birds like the Weka and spend time up close to native flora and fauna – a day of exploration and education. Tonight, try your hand at a bit of kiwi-spotting in the native bush near your accommodation.(BB / L)
Day : 12
Stewart Island to Mount Cook
Number of Days : 1
This morning you'll board a ferry and journey across Foveaux Strait, making your way back to the New Zealand mainland. Admire the rural farming views of Southland and the spectacular alpine scenery of the Southern Alps. Venture over the Lindis Pass and along the shores of Lake Pukaki into the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in the southern hemisphere, helped Sir Edmund Hillary hone his climbing skills in preparation for his conquest of Everest. In the evening, enjoy dinner with a breathtaking mountain view.(BB / DW)
Day : 13
Mt. Cook to Christchurch
Number of Days : 1
See Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, where you'll stop to view the Church of the Good Shepherd. You're welcomed into the home of Angie and Stan Taylor to enjoy a barbecue lunch in their 240 hectare garden. Then travel along the Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch. On a sightseeing tour see how Christchurch is being rebuilt after the earthquake of 2011.(BB / L)
Day : 14
Farewell from Christchurch
Number of Days : 1
Say farewell to your fellow travellers as your journey comes to an end with your transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.(BB)
