Itinerary
- Day 1
Christchurch
You'll arrive in Christchurch on your own schedule and settle into the city at a comfortable pace. This South Island hub has become known for its creative architecture and food scene with restaurants and bars worth checking out. Later this evening, you'll meet your Travel Director and the other travelers in your group for drinks to kick things off.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis Hotel Christchurch)
Optional Activities
- Explore Christchurch's innovative architecture
- Dine at forward-thinking restaurants and bars
Landmarks Christchurch - Day 2
Christchurch to Franz Josef
Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world's most scenic rail journeys. The route crosses the Canterbury Plains and winds through the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass, with tunnels and viaducts offering views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, and dramatic gorges. You'll arrive in Hokitika, known for its pounamu (native greenstone), then continue on to Franz Josef. That afternoon you have the option to book a flight over Franz Josef Glacier for an extra fee.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier)
Included Activities
- TranzAlpine train journey through Southern Alps and Arthur's Pass
Optional Activities
- Scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere
Landmarks Canterbury Plains Southern Alps Arthur's Pass Hokitika Franz Josef Glacier 
- Day 3
Franz Josef to Queenstown
The drive takes you over Haast Pass through alpine scenery toward the Southern Lakes region. You'll pass Lake Wanaka with its tree-lined shoreline, then Lake Hawea and Lake Dunstan with their striking blue waters. Stop in Arrowtown to walk around its charming streets lined with boutiques and trees before heading to Queenstown. The town overlooks Lake Wakatipu with views of The Remarkables mountain range in the distance.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown)
Optional Activities
- Stop to purchase stone fruit along the route
Landmarks Haast Pass Lake Wanaka Lake Hawea Lake Dunstan Arrowtown Lake Wakatipu The Remarkables 
- Day 4
Queenstown
You've got the full day to pick from Queenstown's adventure options. Explore Skippers Canyon, visit Lord of the Rings filming locations, or tour the local vineyards (activities are at your own expense). In the evening, you'll board the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner and farm show.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Gourmet BBQ Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown)
Included Activities
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak on TSS Earnslaw Steamship
- Gourmet BBQ Dinner and Farm Show at Walter Peak High Country Farm
Optional Activities
- Explore Skippers Canyon
- Visit Lord of the Rings movie scenery
- Wine tasting at surrounding vineyards
Landmarks Skippers Canyon Lake Wakatipu Walter Peak High Country Farm - Day 5
Queenstown to Te Anau
Drive through Mirror Lakes and the Cleddau Valley to reach Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, a World Heritage site. A cruise takes you through the area where waterfalls create misty curtains across sheer cliffs, and you'll likely spot fur seals along the way. Afterward, you'll return through Fiordland National Park with its beech forests and clear rivers before ending the day in Te Anau on the edge of the South Island's largest lake.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Distinction Luxmore Hotel)
Included Activities
- Cruise across Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
- Fiordland National Park entrance
Landmarks Mirror Lakes Cleddau Valley Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Fiordland National Park Te Anau - Day 6
Te Anau to Dunedin
Start with a morning walk around the South Island's largest lake, taking in the green hills and sheep stations. Then travel to Dunedin, a pastoral city where you'll have the afternoon free. Check out the atmospheric art-lined alleys, visit Speight's Brewery (a local institution), tour grand Larnach Castle, or head further out to see the region's wildlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Scenic Hotel Dunedin City)
Optional Activities
- Morning walk around Te Anau lake
- Explore atmospheric art-lined alleys in Dunedin
- Visit Speight's Brewery
- Visit Larnach Castle
- Wildlife watching excursion
Landmarks Te Anau Speight's Brewery Larnach Castle 
- Day 7
Dunedin to Oamaru
This morning you can sleep in or take a stroll around Otago University's grounds and down to George Street in the city center. On the drive, you'll stop in Oamaru, a town with Victorian architecture and original boutiques scattered throughout its streets.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Stroll around Otago University grounds
- Explore George Street in Dunedin
- Visit Oamaru's Victorian architecture and boutiques
Landmarks Otago University George Street Oamaru - Day 8
Oamaru to Christchurch
Travel to Lake Tekapo, known for its vivid turquoise color against snow-capped mountains. You'll see the Church of the Good Shepherd overlooking the water, then participate in an Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience led by local specialists at Tekapo's Dark Sky Project. Drive back to Christchurch where your Travel Director walks through the city's transformation over the past decade.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis Hotel Christchurch)
Included Activities
- View the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
- Witness the universe at Tekapo's Dark Sky Project - Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience
Landmarks Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepherd Tekapo Dark Sky Project - Day 9
Depart Christchurch
Your South Island tour wraps up today. You can depart Christchurch Airport at any time that works for you.
