Itinerary
- Day 1
Christchurch
You'll arrive in Christchurch and meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers. The city has transformed itself with modern architecture and contemporary dining spots, so there's plenty to see even on arrival day. This evening you'll have drinks together to kick off the trip.
- 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 a scenic rail journey across the Canterbury Plains toward Arthur's Pass, where you'll see snow-capped peaks, beech forests, and river valleys from your seat. You'll arrive in Hokitika, known for its greenstone work, then head on to Franz Josef. In the afternoon, there's an option to take a scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier)
Included Activities
- TranzAlpine train ride through the Southern Alps
- See Franz Josef Glacier from a panoramic viewpoint
Optional Activities
- Scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere
Landmarks TranzAlpine Train Route Canterbury Plains Southern Alps Arthur's Pass Hokitika Franz Josef Glacier 
- Day 3
Franz Josef to Queenstown
Travel over Haast Pass through alpine terrain toward the Southern Lakes. You'll stop at Lake Hawea and Lake Dunstan, both with distinctive blue waters, to stretch your legs. Next, visit Arrowtown, a historic gold mining village with tree-lined streets and local shops, before continuing to Queenstown with views of The Remarkables mountain range across Lake Wakatipu.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown)
Included Activities
- Visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown
Landmarks Haast Pass Lake Hawea Lake Dunstan Arrowtown Lake Wakatipu The Remarkables 
- Day 4
Queenstown
Queenstown offers choices for your day. You can explore Skippers Canyon, visit Lord of the Rings filming locations, or spend time in the local vineyards at your own pace. Later, board the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you'll have dinner and watch a farm show.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Gourmet barbecue dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm with farm show)
- 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 the natural drama of Skippers Canyon
- Step into Lord of the Rings movie scenery
- Sip through surrounding vineyards
Landmarks Skippers Canyon Lake Wakatipu TSS Earnslaw Walter Peak High Country Farm - Day 5
Queenstown to Te Anau
Travel from Mirror Lakes through Cleddau Valley to Milford Sound, a World Heritage site. The fjord features waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs, and you'll likely spot fur seals during your cruise. After heading back through Fiordland's beech forests, you'll reach Te Anau, sitting on the edge of the South Island's largest lake, where you can relax for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Distinction Luxmore Hotel)
Included Activities
- Milford Sound Cruise
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 New Zealand's largest lake, taking in views of green hills and sheep. Then travel through pastoral countryside to Dunedin. In the afternoon, you can wander through art-filled alleys, check out Speight's Brewery, visit Larnach Castle, or head out to see local wildlife depending on your interests.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Scenic Hotel Dunedin City)
Optional Activities
- Invigorating morning walk around the lake
- Explore Dunedin's art-lined alleys
- Visit Speight's Brewery
- Visit grand Larnach Castle
- Discover local wildlife on the Dunedin coast
Landmarks Speight's Brewery Larnach Castle Dunedin Coast 
- Day 7
Dunedin to Christchurch
This morning you can sleep in or take a walk around Otago University's grounds and head down to George Street at your own pace. On the drive back to Christchurch, you'll stop in Oamaru to see Victorian architecture and browse local boutiques.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Stroll around Otago University grounds
- Explore George Street in Dunedin
- Visit Oamaru with its Victorian architecture and original boutiques
Landmarks Otago University George Street Oamaru - Day 8
Christchurch and Lake Tekapo
Head to Lake Tekapo with its turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. You'll visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, then participate in an indoor dark sky astronomy experience led by local specialists, which really changes how you see the night sky. Back in Christchurch, your Travel Director shows you how much the city has rebuilt over the past decade. Tonight you'll have farewell drinks with your group.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis Hotel Christchurch)
Included Activities
- Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - Indoor Guided Dark Sky & Astronomy Experience in Tekapo
Landmarks Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepherd - Day 9
Christchurch
Your tour ends in Christchurch as you depart. The South Island offers so much more to explore, so many travelers find themselves planning their return visit before they even leave.
