ESSENCE OF SOUTHERN NEW ZEALAND

Essential Highlights

Rugged alpine wilderness in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, other-worldly beauty in Franz Josef and fast-paced fun in Queenstown: this is the South Island you’ve been dreaming of and then some. Kicking off and finishing up in Christchurch, you’ll tick off the very best bucket list experiences a New Zealand tour can offer, tailored by you.

Christchurch Sightseeing includes the Transitional Cathedral - you'll see what it's made of

Mount Cook Scenic Drive through the Southern Alps and along the shores of Lake Pukaki

Mount Cook Orientation tour

Cromwell Visit a local orchard to taste its delicious stone fruit

Arrowtown Visit this historic faithfully restored gold-mining settlement

Queenstown Orientation tour

Franz Josef Orientation tour

Franz Josef Scenic Drive through spectacular contrasting landscapes of alpine forests and vivid blue lakes

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Day 1, Christchurch - Mount Cook

Lodge, enjoying a welcome dinner together. Later, kick o the adventures with an optional visit to the world-renowned Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. Taking a mesmerising journey through the cosmos with an expert astronomy guide, you’ll be seeing stars! D Hotel: Hermitage

Day 2, Mount Cook Sightseeing

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Start/end Overnights Sightseeing stops

B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner

Welcome to the spectacular South Island! Meet your Travel Director and the rest of the group before kicking o your week-long southern adventure with a Christchurch tour. You’ll soon see how the Garden City gets its nickname, and discover how it’s rebuilding after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. You’ll marvel at the ingenuity of the locals as you visit the Transitional Cathedral in Latimer Square - the world’s only cathedral made substantially of cardboard! Now the mountains are calling as we journey towards the scenic Southern Alps and along the shores of Lake Pukaki before arriving in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Here, we’ll spend two nights in the serene Hermitage

No, you're not dreaming! But waking up surrounded by mountains in the breathtaking Aoraki Mount Cook National Park will have you living out your ultimate travel fantasies. Today is all about showing you the best of the South Island’s must-see natural wonders your way. You could choose to set sail on a unique boat tour across a glacial lake to view the towering Tasman Glacier or explore the stunning scenery of the Tasman Valley and National Park with an overland adventure in a 4WD. The choice doesn’t end as the sun goes down; you could opt to swap travel stories with the group at an optional dinner in the luxurious Panorama Room at the Hermitage. B

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Day 3, Mount Cook - Queenstown

Settle in for a scenic drive travelling south over the Lindis Pass through Central Otago, known for striking landscapes, delicious wine and the world’s adventure capital Queenstown. Our first stop on this scenic drive is historic Cromwell, where you’ll take in views of the sparkling Lake Dunstan and call in at a local orchard for a taste of the town’s delicious stone fruit before making a stop at the faithfully restored gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown. After an exhilarating journey, excitement will be at an all-time high as we pull into Queenstown! Get your bearings around this alpine town and its glorious lakeside setting before arriving at your accommodation. Tonight is about exploring

Queenstown, your way. If you’re feeling Lake Wakatipu calling your name, you’re in luck! You could choose to cruise across the lake on a vintage steamship to feast on a gourmet BBQ dinner on the Walter Peak High Country Farm or back in town you could relax and savour the lakeside scene over a glass of tasty Central Otago wine. B Hotel: Holiday Inn Express

Day 4, Queenstown Your Way

Thrillseekers, foodies, and outdoor enthusiasts are all in for a treat, today is all about taking in Queenstown and its world-famous adventures how you choose. Movie bu s can get the best of both worlds on a scenic tour of Glenorchy to discover iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations, while today also o ers the chance to tick a must-see South Island icon o your bucket list and join the day trip to the Fiordland National Park, cruising through the showstopping Milford Sound. Wine-lovers can opt to join a Boutique Wine Tour of Queenstown, sampling Central Otago’s signature Pinot Noir and more. With so many unforgettable ways to explore Queenstown find a place to grab a bite and raise a glass to another incredible day. B

Life is about the choices we make. Choose how to enhance your trip, your way. Here are just a few of our favourites.

Experience The Unforgettable

Surrounded by snow-capped alps, you will be expertly guided through the ice age as you view the gigantic Tasman Glacier Ice wall, icebergs and the chance to embrace mother nature’s legacy.

Cruise On The Eighth Wonder

From thundering waterfalls to sky-high mountains and lush rainforests, a cruise is the perfect way to experience Milford Sound to the fullest.

A Unique Jetboating Experience

Escape into the heart of the mighty Haast Valley in a powerful fully enclosed jetboat as you follow the braided river passing ancient untouched forests, snow capped mountains and giant waterfalls.

Day 5, Queenstown - Franz Josef

Today is all about stunning scenery as we make our way to the glacial village of Franz Josef. Travelling further into Central Otago, keep your eyes peeled for the vivid blue waters of Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka before we travel over Haast Pass, where you can choose to join the Haast River Safari to explore the breathtaking Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. Continuing our journey, we’ll see the impressive drop of Thunder Creek Falls and the grand sight of Mt. Hooker, flanked by extensive glaciers, before we reach our destination in Franz Josef Glacier. Make the most of your afternoon in Franz Josef and, weather permitting, choose to join a once-in-alifetime helicopter ride over the glacier. Or how about a visit to the reinvigorating Glacier Hot Pools? B, D Hotel: Scenic

Day 6, Franz Josef - Christchurch

It’s our final full day together on the South Island, but we're not done with show-stopping sights just yet! First, relax with a stroll through the small but lively village of Franz Josef. Later, you’ll explore the driftwood strewn beaches of Hokitika before travelling inland to the small settlement of Arthur’s Pass for one last photo-worthy stop. Finishing o our journey in Christchurch, you’ll join your Travel Director, Driver and the group for dinner. B, D Hotel: Rendezvous Day 7, Depart Christchurch

With countless adventures under your belt it’s time to say goodbye to the group over one last breakfast. B

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