Day 1
Christchurch
Upon arrival into Christchurch, transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at leisure. In the evening, meet with your tour guide and fellow travellers.
Flights should arrive prior to 4pm
Overnight: Ibis Hotel, Christchurch
Day 2
Omarama
Board the coach and see the work carried out to rebuild the city of Christchurch after the earthquake of 2011 before travelling over the countryside of the Canterbury Plains to begin your day of sightseeing. The first attractions on the list is the lake of Tekapo. Afterwards, head on to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the alpine scenery of Mt Cook National Park – this is sure to be one of the major highlights of the trip! Your day finishes in the heart of the Mackenzie Country at Omarama.
Overnight: Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 3
Dunedin
Today you’ll travel through Oamaru which is famous for its white limestone buildings made from locally quarried stone. Continue onto Dunedin, New Zealand’s southernmost city where the afternoon is at your leisure to explore.
Overnight: Dunedin Leisure Lodge (Breakfast included)
Day 4
Invercargill
Travel through Gore, the country music capital of New Zealand en-route to Invercargill. With an obsession for motor vehicles you'll find tributes to speed legends such as Burt Munro and Bill Richardson, who houses the largest private collection of classic vehicles in the world.
Overnight: Kelvin Hotel (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 5
Stewart Island
Your focus today is the wonderful Stewart Island, This fabulous location is 97% national parkland and home to all manner of birds and endemic flora and fauna. prepare for epic animal encounters as you discover the breeding grounds touring the valleys and bays with a local.
Overnight: Kelvin Hotel (Breakfast included)
Day 6
Queenstown
Today enjoy a taste of country life paired with classic southern hospitality as you meet a 'Southern Girl' local farmer. The Real Country Farm Show offers an authentic insight into rural New Zealand living. Later continue on to Queenstown and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Overnight: Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Queenstown (Breakfast included)
Day 7
Queenstown
Enjoy another relaxed day at your own pace to make the most of the wonders of Queenstown.
Overnight: Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Queenstown (Breakfast included)
Day 8
Franz Josef
Today you’ll visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown which is located by the Arrow River. Afterwards, make your way to Cromwell and a due of lakes – Dunstand and Hawea. Venture through the Haast Pass and Thunder Creek Falls before embarking on a picturesque rainforest walk. The final stop for today is undoubtedly one of the most breath-taking on the whole trip – Franz Josef Glacier, a rare and ever-advancing glacier.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 9
Punakaiki
You can take a scenic flight to see Franz Josef Glacier from the skies or enjoy a glacier hike (both optional) before departing for Hokitika, which is home to the native greenstone (jade). Travel to Punakiki to witness the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 10
Nelson
Explore the picturesque wilderness of the Heritage Highway through the mighty Buller Gorge and Kahurangi National Park before you arrive in Nelson. This is a small coastal destination; the second oldest settled city in the whole of New Zealand and the oldest in the South Island.
Overnight: The Rutherford Hotel (Breakfast included)
Day 11
Nelson
Spend a day at leisure in Nelson where you’ll have the option to take a journey to the top of the South Island, as well as enjoy a relaxed cruise in the Abel Tasman National Park. Alternatively, take a short bush walk, explore the arts and crafts stores, or simply relax and soak up the sunshine.
Overnight: The Rutherford Hotel (Breakfast included)
Day 12
Wellington
All aboard the Interislander for a cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound, along the Tory Channel, and across Cook Strait, travelling from the South Island to the North. Navigate a network of arms and inlets as you make your way to New Zealand’s vibrant capital, Wellington. Conclude your tour on a high note with a Farewell Dinner shared with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.
Overnight: Travelodge Wellington (Breakfast and Farewell dinner included)
Day 13
Wellington
This is your last day of the tour – enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way to Wellington Airport for your departing flight.
Flights should depart after 2pm
(Breakfast included)
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