11 Day Ultimate New Year Escape

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Reboard your coach for a city tour. This afternoon is free before preparing to see in the New Year with your fellow travellers. (B, D)

This morning board the Interislander Ferry and enjoy the scenery as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Board your Ultimate Coach for the short journey to Blenheim. This afternoon you will be treated to a unique wine and cheese tasting experience, set amongst the wine barrels at Cloudy Bay Estate, one of the original wine makers in the Marlborough region.

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. This evening is free to dine at leisure.

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. Optional activities you might be interested in include a tour of the Speight’s Brewery or the chance to see local wildlife in their natural habitat.

Stay: Hotel Distinction Dunedin (B,D)

Travel 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 an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

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

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a nature 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 which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is at leisure, you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

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

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. There are many optional activities available including the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon or to get up close to a Kiwi bird. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station.
Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown. (B, SD)

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

Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat (B, D)

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to 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 Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new 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)