Day

Itinerary

1

Welcome to Christchurch

Your New Zealand adventure begins in Christchurch, whose lush green surrounds have earned it the nickname, the Garden City. Spend the afternoon at leisure before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a welcome drink and dinner to kick-off your holiday of a lifetime.  Hotel: Crowne Plaza Christchurch. Included Meals: Dinner with wine

2

Welcome to Christchurch

Christchurch – Punakaiki

Traverse the Canterbury Plains and snow-capped Southern Alps on board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. The gentle chug-chug in extraordinary surrounds gives way to more epic scenery as you board the coach at Arthur’s Pass and travel to Punakaiki to see the limestone Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Your home tonight is in an eco-friendly resort on the waterfront. Hotel: Punakaiki Resort

Included Meals: Breakfast, dinner with wine

3

Punakaiki – Franz Josef

A leisurely start to the day arriving in the town of Hokitika where you’ll enjoy a jewellery demonstration by a local greenstone (jade) carver. Then visit the gold-mining centre of Ross. Today’s final stop, en route to your eco-friendly retreat in the bush, is the luminous icy depths of the Franz Josef Glacier. Spend the night surrounded by the pristine wilderness and in the warm embrace of the local geothermal hot pools. Hotel: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Included Meals: Breakfast, dinner with wine

4-6

Franz Josef – Queenstown

Day 4: Franz Josef – Queenstown

Spend the morning contemplating the exquisite setting or take to the air on a scenic flight over this spectacular glacier (own expense). Later, meander through the Haast Pass and along the pebble-laden shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, stopping in Makarora and the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown. The adventure capital of Queenstown awaits and you’ll have an opportunity to explore it during an orientation tour before settling in at your hotel. Included Meals: Day 4: Breakfast, dinner with wine.

Day 5: Queenstown Free Time

Calling all thrill seekers! Today’s the day to earn your adventurer stripes braving some of Queenstown’s most daring activities. Or indulge your more serene side with a round of golf or relaxing spa treatment. This evening, enjoy a memorable Highlight Dinner at one of Queenstown’s fine dining restaurants.Included Meals:  Breakfast, Highlight dinner

Day 6: Queenstown Free Time

Another daring day awaits in New Zealand’s adrenalin capital. Consider a day indulging in the region’s vintages at the Gibbston Valley Winery, or board a jet boat for an exhilarating ride down the mighty Shotover River.  Included Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Queenstown, 3 nights.  

7-8

Queenstown – Milford Sound

Day 7: Queenstown – Milford Sound

Skirting the shores of Lake Wakatipu southwards, venture to Te Anau and then deep within the Fiordland National Park. Driving through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel and emerge into a photographer’s paradise where glaciers and peaks give way to the unexpected beauty of Mirror Lake. Stop to explore the wonder of the Chasm Walk before arriving at Milford Sound Lodge, with its exquisite views of the Cleddau Valley. Included Meals: Day 7: Breakfast, dinner with wine. D

Day 8: Milford Sound

Wake up to the startling beauty of Milford Sound and board the Southern Discoveries vessel for a half day exploration of Milford Sound. Cruise out to the Tasman sea looking for wildlife along the way, and take the opportunity to go sea kayaking in Harrisons Cove. This afternoon learn more about Fiordland National Park with an informative talk by a local expert. Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner with wine

Hotel: Milford Sound Lodge, 2 nights.

9

Milford Sound - Wedderburn

This morning, embark on a journey from the rainforests of Fiordland to the hills of Central Otago, travelling through Te Anau and the rolling hill country of Southland to the dry and arid region of Central Otago. Arriving into Wedderburn you’ll head out to a high country farm to learn about life on the plains. Finish the day with dinner at the local pub. Hotel: Wedderburn Cottages. Included Meals: Breakfast, dinner with wine

10

Wedderburn – Mt. Cook

Travel to the town of Naseby to learn the history of this gold mining town. Maybe you’ll try your hand at the ancient sport of curling! From here it’s on towards the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps and then along the shores of Lake Pukaki before arriving in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Enjoy dinner against the spectacular backdrop of the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere.  Hotel: The Hermitage Hotel. Included Meals: Breakfast, dinner with wine

11

Mt. Cook – Christchurch

Discover the shores of Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd today, before crossing the Canterbury Plains and arriving in Christchurch this afternoon. Embark on an in-depth sightseeing tour of the city to learn about its rebirth after the 2011 earthquake.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Christchurch. Included Meals: Breakfast

12

Farewell from Christchurch

It’s time to say a fond farewell to your fellow travelers as your Inspiring Journey comes to an end today.  Included Meals: Breakfast