Solo South Island Escape (Superior) - 11 Days

On arrival in Christchurch, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your tour leader and fellow travellers before dinner.

Please note: For arrivals later than 8.00pm, dinner is not included.

This morning we visit the International Antarctic Centre, where interactive displays offer a fascinating insight into life in Antarctica. Experience the Antarctic storm room, ride in a Hagglund all-terrain vehicle, see the little blue penguins and enjoy the immersive 4D theatre.

Afterwards, we take a city tour of Christchurch to learn more about its history and culture. This afternoon, enjoy a leisurely ride on the Christchurch Tram. The evening is free for you to explore Christchurch’s dining scene.

This morning we board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the world’s great train journeys. Travel across vast viaducts, through river valleys and past dramatic gorges as we climb to Arthur’s Pass in the heart of the Southern Alps. Rejoining the coach, we continue to Hokitika, famous for its greenstone, then travel on to Franz Josef. Time is available to take an optional scenic flight - weather permitting - over the glaciers.

Today we take in the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as we travel south to picturesque Queenstown. We continue through Haast Pass, a region of striking natural beauty, before arriving in Queenstown. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this alpine resort is one of New Zealand's most scenic destinations. This evening is free for you to dine at leisure.

Today is yours to enjoy Queenstown at your own pace. You may choose the excitement of a jet boat ride or join a heritage tour into scenic Skippers Canyon.

This evening, we board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station for a gourmet barbecue dinner. After dinner, enjoy a short farm tour before reboarding the TSS Earnslaw for the return cruise and a sing-along.

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, a former gold mining settlement. Here we visit the Lakes District Museum, which plays an important role in preserving the town’s historic buildings and stories. We then continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. You may wish to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves this evening - optional.

We travel from Te Anau through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most dramatic natural settings. Here we board our cruise and take in the scale of this remarkable fiord, including Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak, while enjoying lunch on board.

This afternoon we return to Te Anau, where some free time is available. You may also choose to round off your Fiordland experience with a screening of Ata Whenua - Shadowland at the Fiordland Cinema - optional.

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, often known as the Edinburgh of the South, and enjoy a city sights tour. We then continue along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, where a guided tour reveals its tragic and scandalous history. Enjoy a delicious High Tea in the Grand Ballroom and time to wander through the gardens, recognised as a Garden of International Significance.

Today we travel to Oamaru, known for its distinctive limestone buildings, then follow the Waitaki River and pass Lake Benmore. As we continue inland, enjoy impressive views towards Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.

This morning we take in the grandeur of Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. There is also the opportunity to join an optional scenic flight, weather permitting, for breathtaking views over the Southern Alps.

We then continue to Lake Tekapo, where we see its striking turquoise waters, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue, before returning to Christchurch. This evening, enjoy a pre-dinner drink with your fellow travellers at the farewell dinner.

It is time to bid farewell to Christchurch. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Please note: If you depart the hotel before the restaurant opens, breakfast is not included.