9 Day Taste of the South Island

After a city tour, depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, and view the sheepdog memorial. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Ōmarama.

Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel (B, D)

Depart Ōmarama and see Lake Benmore before following the Waitaki River to Ōamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented, comprising bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift.

Stay: Mercure Leisure Lodge (B, SD)

This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Farewell Dunedin and travel to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay.

Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Superior Rooms) (B, D)

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year-round resort town which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Stay: Mercure Queenstown Resort (2 nights) (B, L)

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your Coach Captain is available to assist with the many sightseeing options available, whether it be the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon, or the helicopter flight of a lifetime. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you at the Colonel’s Homestead. (B, SD)

Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village, and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel to Fox Glacier. Continue to Franz Josef where time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers.

Stay: Hearland Hotel Glacier Country (B, D)

Travel to Hokitika and visit a pounamu (jade) studio. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Stay: Heartland Hotel Cotswold (B, D)

Time to say goodbye. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B)