11 Day Ultimate New Year Escape

A highlight will be time to explore Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum. Enjoy a city tour of the nation’s capital. This afternoon is free before preparing to see in the New Year with your fellow travellers. (B,D)

Board the Interislander Ferry and cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton, board the coach for travel to Blenheim. This evening at dinner sample local Marlborough wines.

Stay: Hotel Marlborough Vintners Hotel (B, D)

Tour through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine then travel to the seaside village of Kaikoura. Continue into the garden city of Christchurch for an introductory city sights tour.

Stay: Hotel Sudima Christchurch City (B)

Depart Christchurch and travel south through Oamaru, famous for its limestone. In Dunedin enjoy a city tour followed by some free time at leisure.

Stay: Hotel Distinction Dunedin (B,D)

Travel to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the scandalous history on a guided tour followed by an Ultimate High Tea. Continue south through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau.

Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (B, D)

This morning enjoy a fascinating drive to Milford Sound for a nature cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. Continue to Queenstown where this evening is free to dine at leisure.

Stay: Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights) (B,L)

Today is a free day with many sightseeing options available. This evening board the TSS Earnslaw and cruise to Walter Peak station. On arrival sit back and relax as you are treated to the best of NZ’s high country cuisine in the Colonel’s Homestead. (B, SD)

Travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass and see the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps enroute to Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers.

Stay: Hotel Te Waonui Forest Retreat (B, D)

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to Arthur’s Pass, board the TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world. Enjoy the spectacular scenery through to Christchurch. This evening you will be treated to a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new found friends.

Stay: Hotel Sudima Christchurch (B, SD)

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