South Island Grand Discovery

On arrival in Christchurch, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers before dinner.

Please note: For arrivals later than 8.00pm, dinner is not included.

This morning, an introductory city tour showcases Christchurch’s revitalised centre, now buzzing with new energy. We then visit the International Antarctic Centre, where you will gain fascinating insight into life in Antarctica. Back in the city, enjoy a leisurely journey on the charming Christchurch Tram - a wonderful way to discover the city’s history and key landmarks. This evening is free for you to dine at leisure.

Today we board the TranzAlpine, widely regarded as one of the world’s great rail journeys. Travel across towering viaducts, through river valleys and dramatic gorges, before descending through the Otira Tunnel to Moana on the shores of beautiful Lake Brunner. After lunch at the Kingfisher Restaurant, we continue to the coastal township of Punakaiki.

This morning we explore the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. We then continue south to Greymouth, home of Monteith’s Brewing Co., where we enjoy a tasting over lunch.

Later, travel to Hokitika, well known for its greenstone, before arriving in Franz Josef. There may be time to take an optional scenic flight over the spectacular glaciers, weather permitting.

Take in the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as we travel south through the breathtaking Haast Pass. We arrive in Queenstown, a year-round resort town set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. With 3 nights here, there is time to slow the pace and enjoy this outstanding alpine setting.

Today we discover some of Queenstown’s highlights. Our first stop is Arrowtown, a charming former gold mining village, where we visit the Lakes District Museum. We then head to Gibbston Valley Winery for a tasting in New Zealand’s largest wine cave, followed by lunch in the restaurant.

This evening, board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. At the Colonel’s Homestead, enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner featuring seasonal, fresh and locally sourced produce. After dinner, there is a short farm tour before we reboard the TSS Earnslaw for the return cruise to Queenstown, complete with a sing-along around the piano.

Queenstown is known for its adventure activities, excellent dining, award-winning wine and lively atmosphere. Today is free for you to explore at your own pace. The crew will be happy to help you choose from the many optional activities available. This evening is also free for you to dine at one of Queenstown’s many restaurants.

This morning we travel through Te Anau to Milford Sound, where we board the Milford Mariner for an unforgettable overnight cruise. Take in the fiord’s waterfalls, rainforest, towering peaks and wildlife - seals are commonly seen, and with a little luck you may also spot dolphins or penguins. You may wish to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak - swimwear required - or simply relax on board. This evening, enjoy a freshly prepared carvery buffet dinner.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before we head back out towards the Tasman Sea, weather permitting, to see more of the fiord. Back on shore, we rejoin our coach and travel to Te Anau for a short break, before continuing to Invercargill. Here we visit Bill Richardson Transport World for a guided tour of this remarkable private collection, housed in a purpose-built Art Deco building. Displays include vintage trucks, rare classic cars, petrol pumps and an ever-growing wearable arts collection.

Our day begins at Classic Motorcycle Mecca, home to an impressive collection of more than 300 classic motorcycles from around the world. We then travel through the striking Catlins region, where rainforest meets rugged coastline.

At Curioscape in Curio Bay, enjoy an interactive introduction to the area, followed by lunch. We also visit Purakaunui Falls, a beautiful triple-tiered waterfall and a favourite photo stop. From here, we continue to Dunedin, where we stay for the next 2 nights.

Travel along the scenic Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On our guided tour, hear the tragic and scandalous stories that shape the castle’s history. Enjoy a Devonshire Tea and time to wander through the gardens, recognised as a Garden of International Significance.

Dunedin prospered during the gold rush and today has one of the Southern Hemisphere’s finest collections of Edwardian and Victorian architecture. An orientation tour introduces the city’s key sights. Optional activities include a wildlife excursion to see animals in their natural habitat, or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home.

This morning we leave Dunedin and travel to Oamaru, known for its distinctive limestone buildings. Following the Waitaki River inland, we enjoy superb views of Aoraki - Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. There is also an opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the Southern Alps, weather permitting. We then continue to Twizel for our overnight stay.

We continue to Lake Tekapo, where we see its vivid turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheepdog Statue, before returning to Christchurch. This evening, enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reflect on the journey with your fellow travellers at the farewell dinner.

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Please note: If departing the hotel before the restaurant opens, breakfast is not included.