9 Day Southern Wonders Tour

Fresh air, magnificent scenery and outdoor activities are just some of the attractions that await you in ‘the land of the long white cloud’. Sample the delicious fresh stone fruit of Cromwell. Feel the soft fleece of sheep at Walter Peak High Country Farm. And hear from an artisan the meaning behind each piece of intricately carved greenstone.

Map

Day 1 Welcome to Christchurch
Explore Christchurch, the largest city in New Zealand’s South Island. The old city centre shows evidence of a rich English heritage, boasting some of the finest Gothic architecture outside of Britain. You’ll have time at leisure this afternoon: you might like to take a stroll along the banks of the Avon River before a Welcome Reception with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.

Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch

Day 2 Christchurch – Franz Josef
This morning, board the iconic TranzAlpine train and take one of the world’s great rail journeys. Pass through magnificent landscapes ranging from the lush pasture land of the Canterbury Plains to the rugged gorges and pristine ice-fed streams and lakes of the Southern Alps. Arrive at Arthur’s Pass, the highest settlement on the South Island, and continue to Hokitika, home of New Zealand’s famous greenstone. Pounamu (its Māori name) is of great cultural significance in Māori culture and was prized for its strength, durability and beauty. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier (optional scenic flight is available).
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 Franz Josef – Queenstown
Drive over the spectacular Haast Pass this morning, passing the 96-metre Thunder Creek Falls and serene Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. Stop in Cromwell and enjoy the tastes of the delicious stone fruit for which the region is known. Next, you’ll visit the historic goldmining settlement of Arrowtown, where more than 70 original buildings from the gold-rush era are preserved. An orientation tour of Queenstown, which sits on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic mountain ranges, completes your day.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown , 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Queenstown Free Time
Explore New Zealand’s adventure capital at your own pace today. There are jet boat rides and white water rafting for the thrill-seekers, and wine tours or intimate cafés for those who enjoy a more leisurely rhythm. You might like to visit the picturesque Queenstown Gardens and enjoy its beautiful tulips in spring or glorious roses in summer. Take a peaceful cruise this evening across Lake Wakatipu aboard the century-old TSS Earnslaw, the only remaining commercial passenger-carrying coal-fired steamship in the Southern Hemisphere. Your destination is Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you’ll enjoy a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner and entertaining after-dinner show offering glimpses of high country farm life.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight dinner

Day 5 Queenstown – Te Anau
This morning you’ll travel the iconic stretch of highway known as the Devil’s Staircase, and along the shores of serene Lake Wakatipu to the town of Te Anau. On your way to Milford Sound you’ll be awestruck by the towering native rainforests and rugged mountains of Fiordland National Park. Your cruise on the magnificent Sound provides views of cascading waterfalls, hanging glacial valleys, and the sheer pinnacle of Mitre Peak – it’s sure to be one of the highlights of your New Zealand adventure. Return to lakeside Te Anau, where this evening you’ll have the option of visiting the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 Te Anau – Dunedin
Journey through lush green sheep-grazing country on your way to Dunedin this morning. After a city tour, the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. Sit back and relax, or consider an optional experience. You could ride the historic Taieri Gorge railway or perhaps take a wildlife cruise to spot penguins and Royal Albatross.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Dunedin – Omarama
This morning during a tour of the city you’ll have the opportunity to visit the stately home known as Larnach Castle. Then set out for the historic town of Oamaru, with its elegant treelined streets and celebrated white limestone buildings. Later, follow the course of the mighty Waitaki River, passing the monumental Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Aviemore on your way to Omarama.
Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 Omarama – Christchurch
Travel through the awe-inspiring Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park. At 3,724 metres, Aoraki/ Mt. Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain. Stop at serene Lake Tekapo, and view the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, whose altar window frames a perfect view of the Southern Alps beyond the lake. Later, traverse the fertile Canterbury Plains and return to the vibrant city of Christchurch, where your holiday began. This evening, join your Travel Director and new-found friends at a Farewell Dinner.
Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Day 9 Farewell from Christchurch
Bid farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown<
Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Heritage Gateway Hotel
Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Need accommodation before or after your tour?
Our special discounted rates make booking accommodation with us during your holiday both easy and affordable at selected hotels and resorts.

What's Included

•  Comfortable accommodation
•  Travel by luxury coach
•  Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
•  Airport transfers

Departure Dates