South Island Christmas Journey (Superior) - 11 Days

On arrival into Christchurch, you are met by a representative and transferred to our hotel. This evening, we enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink while meeting our fellow travellers.

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

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

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

We travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. Here, we see the striking turquoise waters, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and the Sheep Dog Statue. We also take in views of the spectacular mountain ranges, including Aoraki - Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.

There is an opportunity to enjoy a scenic flight over the Southern Alps - optional and weather permitting.

We depart Mount Cook and pass Lake Benmore before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, a town known for its distinctive limestone architecture.

Continuing south, we arrive in Dunedin, where we enjoy a city tour followed by some free time. Optional activities include a wildlife excursion or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, which houses an impressive collection from a bygone era.

This morning, we travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, where we learn about its tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. We then enjoy an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom, followed by time to explore the surrounding gardens, recognised as a Garden of International Significance.

We say farewell to Dunedin and continue through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland, where we stay overnight. Today, you may choose to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves or the Fiordland Cinema, purpose-built to showcase the locally filmed Ata Whenua - Shadowland - both optional experiences.

Today is Christmas Eve, and we start with a leisurely morning before travelling to Manapouri. Here, we have lunch as we cruise across the tranquil waters of this glacial lake.

After a short journey over the Wilmot Pass, we board the Fiordland Navigator for an unforgettable overnight experience. As we cruise through the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound, naturalist guides provide informative commentary and point out resident wildlife. This evening, we enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared by the onboard chef.

Merry Christmas. We start the day with a hearty breakfast before returning to Deep Cove for the journey back to Manapouri.

On arrival, we meet our Ultimate Coach and travel to Queenstown, a year-round resort set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. This evening, we enjoy dinner at our hotel.

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown, with a wide range of optional activities available. You may wish to experience the thrill of a jet boat ride or take a heritage tour through the scenic Skippers Canyon.

This evening, we board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Here, we enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead, featuring seasonal, fresh and locally sourced produce. After dinner, there is a short farm tour before we reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a return cruise to Queenstown, complete with a lively sing-along around the piano.

We travel to Arrowtown, a historic goldmining village, where we visit the Lakes District Museum. We then continue via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, a region known for its striking natural beauty.

As we journey north, we take in views of the snow-capped Southern Alps before arriving in Fox Glacier. We continue to Franz Josef, where there is time for you to take an optional scenic flight over the glaciers - weather permitting - before heading to our hotel for the night.

We travel to Hokitika, where we visit a Greenstone Factory and learn about the significance of this traditional Māori stone. We then continue to Arthur’s Pass to board the TranzAlpine, one of the world’s great train journeys.

As we travel through the Waimakariri Basin, we take in views of dramatic rivers and valleys, crossing impressive viaducts and passing through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains.

On arrival into Christchurch, our coach transfers us to the hotel. This evening, we reflect on the journey and shared experiences at a farewell dinner, including selected beverages.

Today, we say goodbye as we are transferred to the airport for our flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Please note: If departing the hotel prior to the restaurant opening hours, breakfast will not be included.