[ Image – Larnach Castle, on the Otago Peninsula ] 

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive into Christchurch

Arrive into Christchurch where you will be met by your Tour representative and transferred to your hotel.

Your accommodation: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (or similar)

This 4.5-star hotel is centrally located in the revitalised Cathedral Square. Ideally positioned, only a few minutes’ walk from the brand-new Christchurch Convention Centre

Day 2 – Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before arriving to Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (or similar)

Located in the heart of Franz Josef Village the hotel offers all the amenities you would expect and is close to the shops, restaurants, and activities on offer

Day 3 – Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu.

Your accommodation: Mercure Resort Queenstown (or similar)

Mercure Resort Queenstown is located near the shores of Lake Wakatipu, only 3 minutes’ drive from the centre of town. The hotel boasts spectacular views over the lake and the Remarkables Mountain Range

Day 4 – Queenstown free day with TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Dinner

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. 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.

Your accommodation: Mercure Resort Queenstown (or similar)

Mercure Resort Queenstown is located near the shores of Lake Wakatipu, only 3 minutes’ drive from the centre of town. The hotel boasts spectacular views over the lake and the Remarkables Mountain Range

Day 5 – Queenstown to Te Anau

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).

Your accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau (or similar)

The perfect base for all your Fiordland travel, Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable accommodation right in the heart of Te Anau

Day 6 – Te Anau to Milford Sound to Te Anau

Depart Te Anau for 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. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. This evening you may like to visit the Fiordland Cinema, specially constructed to screen the locally filmed movie Ata Whenua – Shadowland which will take you on an unforgettable journey. (optional).

Your accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau (or similar)

The perfect base for all your Fiordland travel, Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable accommodation right in the heart of Te Anau

Day 7 – Te Anau to Dunedin

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the “Edinburgh of the South” and enjoy an informative city tour. Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnarch Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Tonight, a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift.

Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (or similar)

Just two blocks from the Octagon in the heart of the city, Scenic Hotel Dunedin City is close to shops, parks and the best city attractions and services. The hotel provides excellent 4-star accommodation to Dunedin’s visitors.

Day 8 – Dunedin to Mt. Cook to Twizel

Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you continue to marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay.

Your accommodation: MacKenzie Country Hotel (or similar)

Located in the heart of the Mackenzie region the hotel’s natural stone architecture compliments the mountains and rivers of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. With 108 well equipped rooms the hotel can offer every facility needed for a comfortable stay

Day 9 – Twizel to Lake Tekapo to Christchurch

This morning you continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, and see the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch. A tour of the city and some free time to explore before a farewell dinner with your newfound friends.

Your accommodation: Sudima Christchurch Airport (or similar)

Located 2 minutes from the Christchurch International Airport the Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport is just 15 minutes from Christchurch City Centre.

Day 10 – Depart Christchurch

After breakfast (included) your tour concludes this morning. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home

THIS ITINERARY IS THE PROPERTY OF THE TOUR COMPANY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Available dates: Available on request
Pricing: From $4,439 double/twin share. Email info@travlink.net or within NZ call 0800 99 77 88 for more about this unique tour