Itinerary
- Day 1
Christchurch
You'll arrive in Christchurch and meet your Travel Director along with the rest of your group. The city has gone through quite a transformation over the last decade, with new architecture and a thriving food and bar scene worth checking out. This evening, you'll gather for drinks to get to know everyone before the journey begins.
Optional Activities
- Explore Christchurch's innovative architecture
- Visit forward-thinking restaurants and bars
Landmarks/POIs Christchurch - Day 2
Christchurch to Franz Josef
Early morning boarding of the TranzAlpine train takes you on one of the world's most scenic rail routes. You'll cross the Canterbury Plains heading toward the Southern Alps, watching snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, and deep gorges pass by your window. The train pulls into Hokitika, where you can learn about pounamu (greenstone) carving, then continues to Franz Josef. If you're interested, there's an optional glacier flight available this afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Scenic rail journey aboard TranzAlpine train through Southern Alps and Arthur's Pass
- View panoramic scenery of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys from train
- Stop in Hokitika, home of pounamu (native greenstone or jade)
Optional Activities
- Scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere
Landmarks/POIs Canterbury Plains Southern Alps Arthur's Pass Hokitika Franz Josef Glacier - Day 3
Franz Josef to Queenstown
You'll drive over Haast Pass through alpine scenery, stopping at Lake Wanaka where poplar and willow trees line the shoreline. Further on, you'll pass Lake Hawea and Lake Dunstan, stopping briefly for fresh stone fruit. Then it's on to Arrowtown where tree-lined streets offer boutique shopping before you arrive in Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with The Remarkables mountains as your backdrop.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Travel over Haast Pass
- View Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, and Lake Dunstan
- Stop in Arrowtown to explore tree-lined streets and boutiques
Landmarks/POIs Haast Pass Lake Wanaka Lake Hawea Lake Dunstan Arrowtown Lake Wakatipu The Remarkables - Day 4
Queenstown
This is your day to choose what interests you in Queenstown. You could explore Skippers Canyon, visit Lord of the Rings filming locations, or tour the vineyards surrounding the town (activities are at your own expense). Later this evening, you'll board the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a gourmet barbecue dinner and farm show await you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Gourmet barbecue dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm)
Included Activities
- Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship
- Gourmet BBQ Dinner and Farm Show at Walter Peak High Country Farm
Optional Activities
- Explore Skippers Canyon
- Visit Lord of the Rings movie scenery
- Wine tasting at surrounding vineyards
Landmarks/POIs Skippers Canyon Lake Wakatipu TSS Earnslaw Walter Peak High Country Farm - Day 5
Queenstown to Te Anau
You'll drive through Mirror Lakes and the Cleddau Valley to reach Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, a World Heritage site. A fiord cruise takes you past waterfalls that cascade down sheer rock faces, and you'll likely spot fur seals along the way. The return journey goes through Fiordland National Park with beech forests, meadows, and clear rivers. You'll finish in Te Anau on the edge of the South Island's largest lake, perfect for unwinding after such a full day.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive through Mirror Lakes and Cleddau Valley
- Cruise in Milford Sound/Piopiotahi to admire towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and untouched fiord scenery
- View fur seals in Milford Sound
- Drive through Fiordland National Park on return journey
Landmarks/POIs Mirror Lakes Cleddau Valley Milford Sound Fiordland National Park - Day 6
Te Anau to Dunedin
Start with a morning walk around the South Island's largest lake, taking in views of rolling green hills with sheep grazing. After that, you'll drive through pastoral countryside toward Dunedin. Once there, you can wander through art-lined alleyways, visit Speight's Brewery to try a local lager, see Larnach Castle, or head out to see local wildlife in this scenic part of the country.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Morning walk around Te Anau Lake
Optional Activities
- Explore atmospheric art-lined alleys in Dunedin
- Visit Speight's Brewery
- Visit Larnach Castle
- Discover local wildlife in the region
Landmarks/POIs Te Anau Lake Speight's Brewery Larnach Castle - Day 7
Dunedin to Oamaru
You have the morning to yourself in Dunedin. Sleep in if you like, or take a stroll around Otago University's grounds down to George Street, the city's main thoroughfare. As you travel north, you'll stop in Oamaru, a town with Victorian architecture and original boutiques that reflect its rich history.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Stroll around Otago University grounds to George Street in Dunedin
Optional Activities
- Explore Oamaru's Victorian architecture
- Browse original boutiques in Oamaru
Landmarks/POIs Otago University George Street Oamaru - Day 8
Oamaru to Christchurch
You'll travel to Lake Tekapo with its vivid turquoise water surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, local specialists host an indoor dark sky astronomy session so you can see the night sky from a new perspective. After that, you'll head back to Christchurch to reconnect with the city's remarkable transformation. Your Travel Director and the group will gather for drinks to celebrate the adventure you've shared.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- View the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
- Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo hosted by local specialists
Landmarks/POIs Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepherd Tekapo's Dark Sky Project - Day 9
Christchurch Departure
Your South Island adventure comes to an end. You'll depart Christchurch at your own pace, either continuing to explore or heading home. If you're interested in more New Zealand experiences, chat with your Travel Director about planning your next trip to this region.
Optional Activities
- Further exploration of South Island destinations
