11 Day Ultimate Christmas Tour

Today visit the International Antarctic Centre designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This is followed by an introductory city tour of Christchurch. Enjoy free time this afternoon. This evening is also free to dine at leisure. (B)

Travel through the Southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and view the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Enjoy a scenic flight (optional, time and weather permitting) over the Southern Alps.

Stay: The Hermitage Hotel (B, D)

This morning depart Mt Cook and see Lake Benmore before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continuiue south to Dunedin where you will enjoy an informative city tour followed by some free time.

Stay: 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 morning tea in the grand ballroom. Continue south through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau.

Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas, (2 nights) (B, D)

This morning enjoy 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 onboard before returning to Te Anau for free time. (B, L, D)

Merry Christmas! Today travel to Queenstown, a year round resort, situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise to Walter Peak Station for a delicious gourmet Christmas dinner in the Colonel’s Homestead. Reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano on your return cruise.

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

Today is a free day. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. Here you can take a thrilling jet boat ride, pan for gold, 4WD tours into NZ back country, take a wine trail, fish for trout or take a leisurely stroll through Queenstown’s excellent shopping area and alongside the Lake Wakatipu. Your Coach Captain is available to assist in any bookings or advice. The evening is also free. You may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. (B)

Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining 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 Fox Glacier. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers.

Stay: Distinction Fox Glacier (B, D)

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to Arthur’s Pass and board The TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. This evening you will be treated to a special farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.

Stay: The George (B, SD)

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