10 Day Southern Escape

This morning take in a city sights tour which includes Te Papa Tongarewa. Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic voyages on the Interislander ferry en route to Blenheim.

Stay: Blenheim, Quality Hotel Marlborough. (B,D)

Head to Kaikoura and delight in the chance to embark on a whale watching cruise. Here is one of the few areas in the world where sperm whales can be sighted all year round. Continue your journey onwards to Christchurch.

Stay: Quality Hotel Elms, Christchurch (B, D)

Absorb the picturesque rural scenery from aboard your coach before beginning the ascent into the Main Divide, or maybe ride the TranzAlpine. Rejoin your group and continue along the coast and through rainforest to Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Marvel at the twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef.

Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (B, D)

Experience one of the world’s top scenic train trips aboard the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass.

Additional cost: $NZ 185 per person. Select option when requesting your quote.

Today you’ll travel across the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps this morning, through spectacular Haast Pass, skirting the tranquil shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the alpine resort town of Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu. Settle in for a relaxing two-night stay admiring the dramatic backdrop of towering mountains capped in snow overseeing the calming blue waters of Lake Wakatipu. Delicious food is always on the menu in Queenstown as it is renowned for its world-class culinary scene. This evening, you may like to dine at one of the many local restaurants located within the heart of the city and sample some of the region’s fresh flavours (own expense).

Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Queenstown Lakeview (2 nights) (B)

Queenstown is perfect for adventurers and leisure-seekers alike. Today, during time at leisure, you have the freedom to simply relax or choose one of Travelmarvel’s exciting optional experiences. These include a gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for spectacular panoramic views or a thrilling ride on the Shotover Jet (both own expense). (B)

Today, follow The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park. Journey along Milford Road, renowned as one of the world’s best alpine drives, to Milford Sound. Step aboard a ship to cruise the full length of this beautiful fiord, viewing the cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest and towering mountains that surround this World Heritage-listed area.

Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau (B, D)

Leaving the Fiordland region, journey through rolling Southland countryside before arriving in Dunedin for a tour. Later discover Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. Steeped in scandal and tragedy, filled with magnificent antiques and offering breathtaking views, Lanarch Castle provides a memorable holiday highlight. Enjoy some time at leisure before dinner.

Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (B, D)

Today you’ll journey along the east coast to see the Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Continue to Ōamaru to discover some of New Zealand’s finest 19th-century architecture. Head into Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to view Australasia’s highest mountain. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner.

Stay: Peppers Bluewater Resort, Lake Tekapo (B, D)

En route to Christchurch today you’ll pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built of locally gathered stone and oak and erected as a tribute to the early pioneers of the region. Our tour concludes on arrival at Christchurch Airport. (B)