South Island Christmas Journey - 11 Days

On arrival into Christchurch, you are met by a representative and transferred to our hotel. This evening, enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers, followed by dinner together.

Please note: If arriving later than 8.00pm, dinner is not included.

This morning, we visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to offer an engaging insight into life in Antarctica. We experience the chill of the Antarctic storm room, ride in a Hagglund all-terrain vehicle, see little blue penguins, and enjoy the immersive 4D theatre.

Afterwards, we take a city tour of Christchurch, exploring its history and culture. This afternoon, we enjoy a leisurely ride aboard the Christchurch Tram. This evening is free for you to explore Christchurch’s culinary scene.

This morning, we board the TranzAlpine, widely regarded as one of the world’s great rail journeys. We travel across vast viaducts, river valleys and dramatic gorges as we ascend to Arthur’s Pass in the heart of the Southern Alps.

At Arthur’s Pass, we rejoin our coach and continue to Hokitika, known for its greenstone, before travelling on to Franz Josef. There is time to take an optional scenic flight - weather permitting - over the impressive glaciers.

It's Christmas Eve! We get in the festive spirit as we take in views of the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps before heading south via Haast Pass, a region known for its striking natural beauty.

Continuing to Queenstown, we arrive at this picturesque resort town set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. We spend the next two nights here, enjoying all that this year-round destination has to offer.

Merry Christmas! Today, we board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. We enjoy a gourmet Christmas lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead, showcasing the best of New Zealand’s high-country cuisine.

We then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for the return cruise to Queenstown, with time to enjoy a sing-along by the piano. This evening is free for you to dine at leisure.

We enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, a historic gold mining village. Here, we visit the Lakes District Museum, which plays an important role in preserving the town’s heritage and historic buildings.

We then continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today, you may choose to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves - an optional experience.

We depart Te Anau for a scenic drive to Milford Sound, where we board our launch for a cruise through this magnificent fiord. We take in views of the dramatic landscape, including the striking 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 wish to round off your Fiordland experience with a visit to the Fiordland Cinema to watch Ata Whenua - Shadowland - an optional experience.

We travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, a city known for its well-preserved Edwardian and Victorian architecture, reflecting its prosperity during the 19th-century gold rush.

On arrival, we enjoy a city tour before continuing along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. Here, we join a guided tour and learn about its fascinating and often tragic history. We also enjoy a traditional Devonshire Tea and have time to explore the gardens, recognised as a Garden of International Significance.

We leave Dunedin and travel to Oamaru, a town known for its distinctive limestone buildings. We then follow the Waitaki River, passing Lake Benmore, as we continue towards Aoraki - Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.

There is an opportunity to take an optional scenic flight - weather permitting - over the Southern Alps for a different perspective of this remarkable landscape. We then continue to Twizel for our overnight stay.

We continue to Lake Tekapo, where we take in the striking turquoise waters. We also visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue - both iconic landmarks of the Mackenzie region.

Arrive in Christchurch for a few hours at leisure. This evening, we come together for a pre-dinner drink, followed by a farewell dinner, reflecting on the memories shared with our fellow travellers.

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. If departing the hotel prior to the restaurant opening, breakfast is not included.