South Island Discovery

Arriving in Christchurch you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. This afternoon we will join punting boatmen in traditional Edwardian dress for a leisurely River Avon cruise through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. We then enjoy a stylish journey on a heritage tram through the ever-changing city centre.

Please note: The included activities for this tour begin in the early afternoon on day 1. Please ensure you arrive in Christchurch in time to begin the tour.

Travelling before October 2026: Christchurch – Fox Glacier. Today, we embark on the renowned Tranz-Alpine rail journey through the Southern Alps to Greymouth. We'll see the vast Canterbury Plains and farmland, which is followed by the breathtaking gorges and valleys of the Waimakariri River. We then ascend into the Southern Alps, which we then cross to reach the lush rainforests of Westland before concluding the journey at the town of Greymouth.

Driving further south, we visit the town of Hokitika and its galleries of greenstone jewellery and artwork. Continuing to Hokitika Gorge, we stretch our legs and discover the blue/green waters that pass through the rugged rocks. Following the road south, we reach Franz Josef and then on to the Village of Fox, which is where the huge rivers of snow and ice of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers flow from vast snowfields high in the Southern Alps, down almost to sea level. If the weather allows, there is the option of a helicopter ride over the glaciers at an extra cost.



Travelling in or after October 2026: Christchurch – Fox Glacier. This morning, we embark on the famous Tranz-Alpine rail journey across the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. From the train windows we enjoy views of the Canterbury Plains before entering the dramatic gorges and valleys of the Waimakariri River. We then climb into the Southern Alps before rejoining our coach at Arthur’s Pass to continue west towards the rugged coastline.

We pause in Hokitika to explore galleries specialising in pounamu (greenstone) jewellery and artworks before continuing through forests and farmland with the Alps to our east and the Tasman Sea to our west. Our journey takes us past Franz Josef and on to Fox Glacier village, where vast rivers of ice flow down from the high Southern Alps almost to sea level.

Fox Glacier – Wanaka. First thing today we visit nearby Lake Matheson which, when weather conditions are just right, perfectly mirrors Mount Cook in its waters creating a stunning visual effect. From here we head up over the Haast Past along the river road, which took more than 40 years to complete, travelling deep into Mt Aspiring National Park to Lake Wanaka and the picturesque resort town of Wanaka.

Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.

Today we have a choice of two included excursions. Option 1 sees you join an eco tour. Depart Wanaka by boat and escape civilisation as we cruise to an island where we hike through vibrant native vegetation to find a hidden mountaintop lake surrounded by small islands. We trek on to reach the island's summit for a 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its mountains and valleys, and the Arethusa Pool. Look out for the rare Buff Weka, a flightless bird extinct on Mainland NZ since 1920, which often joins visitors.

Option 2 is a 4WD adventure. We will explore a perfect mix of stunning scenery, history, and farm life in New Zealand's High Country. We will traverse remote back roads on an authentic farm with Lake Wanaka as our backdrop, surrounded by nature's beauty. We get up close to farm animals and visit historical sites, all while enjoying optional hikes through alpine meadows and lakeside forests, offering a unique insight into Wanaka's history, heritage, modern farming, and breathtaking landscapes.

When we return to Wanaka we have the afternoon at leisure to relax or enjoy the town.

Travelling before October 2026:Wanaka – Te Anau. We begin our day from Wanaka, stopping at the iconic Cardrona Pub. Then we venture through the Crown Range Road to explore historic Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village nestled beneath majestic peaks near the Arrow River. We carry on along the scenic road between the Remarkables mountain range and stunning Lake Wakatipu before traversing a glacial valley turned farmland to reach Lake Te Anau, the South Island's largest freshwater lake and the entry point to Fiordland National Park.



Travelling in or after October 2026: Wanaka – Te Anau. Departing Wanaka, our first stop is the much-photographed Cardrona Pub before we travel over the Crown Range Road to historic Arrowtown, a gold rush village nestled beside the Arrow River. From here, we continue along the road between the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu, before crossing a glacial valley transformed into farmland to reach Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park.

On arrival we experience Fiordland from a new perspective. We board a jet boat on the Waiau River, following its winding course to the serene shores of Lake Manapouri. Afterwards we visit Woodstone Farm, a 220-acre property with a fully restored 100-year-old woolshed. Here we meet the farmer, gain insight into New Zealand’s agricultural heritage, and watch a working dog and sheep-shearing demonstration before returning to Te Anau.

Te Anau – Queenstown. The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic drives you can experience. Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is awe-inspiring, and features towering mountains and deep valleys sculpted by ancient glaciers. Milford Sound, famously dubbed the 'eighth wonder of the world' by Rudyard Kipling, is a breathtaking destination in any weather.

Following this we embark on a comfortable cruise, passing the iconic Mitre Peak to reach the Tasman Sea. Keep a lookout for seals and dolphins, which often grace the fiord's waters. After the cruise we retrace our route back to Te Anau and then journey through the Southland farmlands and circle the stunning Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown.

Nestled amid majestic mountains and on the pristine shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown's natural beauty and unique ambiance provide an ideal setting for a visit filled with adventure, exploration, or relaxation. Today, we have the freedom to choose our own activities: thrill-seekers might opt for activities like zip-lining at Bob's Peak, a heart-pounding Shotover jet-boat ride, or white-water rafting. For those of us seeking a more leisurely experience, we can enjoy a gondola ride to Bob's Peak or embark on a 4WD safari to Skippers Canyon. Queenstown also offers boutique wineries, local gardens, and a chance to cruise Lake Wakatipu on the elegant steamship TSS Earnslaw for a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Queenstown – Twizel. This morning, we head north through Kawarau Gorge and past the scenic Lake Dunstan. We cross the Central Otago Countryside to the Lindis Pass where we descend into the Mackenzie Basin where the Southern Alps dominate the horizon. We enjoy a picturesque drive along Lake Pukaki to arrive at Mt. Cook Village, nestled at the base of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mt. Cook. Our overnight stay awaits in the charming town of Twizel.

Travelling before October 2026:Twizel – Christchurch. Today we get to experience Kiwi culture by visiting a local home on Lake Tekapo's shores to learn the art of making Pavlova, a beloved New Zealand dessert. We enjoy our Pavlova while taking in the stunning lake views. We admire the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, beautifully situated against the backdrop of the Southern Alps. Continuing our journey through the high country's tussock plains, passing through charming towns like Fairlie and Geraldine, en route to Ashburton we then travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch, a city that combines post-earthquake regeneration with a rich blend of heritage, culture, and innovation.



Travelling in or after October 2026: Twizel – Christchurch. This morning, we travel to Lake Tekapo for a visit to a local home on the lakeshore, where we learn the art of preparing Pavlova, a much-loved New Zealand dessert. We enjoy our pavlova while admiring views across the turquoise lake. A short stroll takes us to the Church of the Good Shepherd, a small stone chapel beautifully set against the Southern Alps.

We then continue across the tussock plains and through the rural towns of Fairlie and Geraldine, before travelling via Ashburton and across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Tonight, we gather for a relaxed farewell dinner at a local restaurant,

Today our adventure in New Zealand comes to an end. A transfer takes you to Christchurch Airport for your flight home.