Southern Explorer

Your itinerary

Day 1 Mon: Arrive Christchurch

On arrival at the hotel the afternoon is free for you to explore the 'Garden City' of Christchurch at your leisure. This evening enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.

Accommodation: The Heritage Hotel, Christchurch.

Day 2 Tue: TranzAlpine –Franz Josef

Today enjoy a spectacular journey over the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine train. Visit the fascinating Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki. Next we visit Hokitika where you can see beautiful native greenstone (jade) jewellery and artefacts. We explore amazing Franz Josef Glacier and you also have the opportunity to take a spectacular optional scenic flight over the glacier (weather permitting).

Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, Franz Josef. (B)

Day 3 Wed: Franz Josef

Experience picturesque scenery today and see the Haast Pass, Thunder Creek Falls, Lake Wanaka, Cromwell and Kawarau Gorge. Visit colourful and historic Arrowtown this afternoon, before continuing to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. Tonight enjoy an evening at leisure in Queenstown.

Why not experience the Kiwi Haka & Dinner tonight?

Accommodation: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, 2 nights. (B)

Day 4 Thu: Queenstown

This morning is free to explore Queenstown (ask your Tour Director about optional activities). Later, we take a scenic journey on the steamship T.S.S. Earnslaw across stunning Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak sheep station. Enjoy a sheep dog demonstration and delicious carvery dinner. (B) (HD)

Day 5 Fri: Milford Sound

Discover the stunning scenery of Fiordland this morning and see the Homer Tunnel and The Chasm. We take a magical cruise on Milford Sound seeing Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Overnight in pretty Te Anau, on the shores of glorious Lake Te Anau.

Accommodation: Village Inn, Te Anau. (B)

Day 6 Sat: Te Anau – Dunedin

Today we travel through rich fertile South Otago and enjoy time at leisure to explore charming Dunedin, founded by Scottish settlers. Perhaps visit Cadbury World or take an optional Albatross & Yellow Eyed Penguin cruise.

Accommodation: Southern Cross Hotel, Dunedin. (B)

Day 7 Sun: Dunedin – Mt. Cook

Enjoy a guided tour and morning tea at Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only authentic castle, followed by a sightseeing tour of Dunedin. Later, we journey through Oamaru, famous for its white limestone buildings to Twizel, the gateway to Mount Cook National Park.

Accommodation: MacKenzie Country Inn, Twizel. (B)

Day 8 Mon: Christchurch

See the fantastic scenery of Mt. Cook National Park this morning (optional scenic flights available – weather permitting). Visit the beautiful turquoise Lake Tekapo and see the Church of the Good Shepherd, before travelling over colourful plains to Christchurch. Discover the sights of Christchurch on the Christchurch Tram.

Accommodation: The Heritage Hotel, Christchurch. (B)

Day 9 Tue: Depart Christchurch

You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Maori Cultural Experience

Symbol denotes OPTIONAL

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