Kia ora and welcome to Christchurch, the Garden City and the South Island’s largest city!

Today we will meet you upon your arrival at Christchurch International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city center.

If you arrive early and you’re feeling fresh, you might grab a map from reception and take yourself on a walk through the city to see how it is rebuilding after the devastating 2011 earthquakes. For a stroll to take your breath away, be sure to check out the Botanic Gardens – the city is named after them for a reason!

This evening we’ll board the famous Christchurch Tram Diner for a unique dining experience. Enjoy fresh local cuisine whilst meandering around the city.

Meals:  D
Hotel: Distinction Christchurch

Today we’ll leave the city behind for a journey into the heart of the MacKenzie Country, while driving on some of the most picturesque roads in New Zealand.

We’re bound for Tekapo this morning, with plenty of jaw-dropping sights to snap photos of along the way. Lake Tekapo’s turquoise color and mountain backdrop are breathtaking already, but add the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd standing right at the water’s edge into the mix, and you’ve got a photographer’s dream!

Tekapo is in the heart of one of the biggest dark sky reserves in the world, which we’ll take advantage of this evening during a one-of-a-kind stargazing experience at Mount John Observatory. At 1,029m high, Mt. John offers unrivalled 360-degree views across the largest accredited International Dark Sky Reserve in the world. During this approx. 2 hour experience, an expert astronomy guide will bring the night sky to life, sharing the science and the stories of the Southern skies. Stargaze using the naked eye guided by lasers and then proceed to explore deeper through up to 16″ optical telescopes, including in the private observatory dome. Take in the incredible Milky Way, far off planets, star clusters, solar systems, and even distant galaxies; every night sky is uniquely different. Extreme cold weather jackets will be provided to keep you warm at the summit, along with full use of telescopes. Note that this experience is weather-dependent.

Meals: B
Hotel: Peppers Bluewater Resort

Following breakfast, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the Southern Alps to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.”

On arrival, be ready to fall in love with New Zealand’s coolest town. Your local guide will get you started with an introduction before recommending the best dining for a great night out.

Have some free time to enjoy one of the 200+ activities this incredible city has to offer. You can swing or jet-boat through canyons, jump off bridges and out of planes, and even conquer the white water rapids.

For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground, there are also biking and hiking trails to die for, wine and beer-tasting tours, and even scenic lake cruises.

This evening, we’ll enjoy a group dinner at Blue Kanu – the home of Polyn-asian cuisine.

Meals: B, D
Hotel: QT Queenstown

Today we’ll catch a scenic flight from Queenstown to explore Milford Sound by air and by boat!

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of both Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Park before boarding our cruise. Sit back and relax as we make our way into Milford Sound past the iconic Mitre Peak.

We’ll sail the length of the jaw-dropping 16km fiord, out past St Annes Point Lighthouse, with informative commentary from our skipper who will highlight points of interest along the way including the mighty Lady Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, and Stirling Falls.

You will literally gasp at the insane beauty of this very special place, full of towering peaks, sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforest. It’s one of the most stunning places we have ever seen ON THIS PLANET. It’s a true highlight and we’re so excited to be able to bring you here!

Be sure to keep an eye out for seals basking in the sun, pods of dolphins, or rare Fiordland Crested Penguins that can be found seasonally within the region.

After our cruise, we’ll fly back to Queenstown and have some downtime. There are so many fun bars and restaurants in Queenstown, so this evening is up to you as to how you’ll spend it!

Meals: B
Hotel: QT Queenstown

Soak in the last of those stunning lake views in Queenstown this morning, before we make our way to Wanaka.

En route, we’ll stop at one of the local wineries to taste some of the best New Zealand wines before continuing our short but scenic journey through the Southern Alps. Wanaka, nestled in New Zealand’s picturesque South Island, produces exceptional wines for the country, and its particularly known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Wanaka wines boast elegance, vibrant acidity, and expressive fruit flavors, and are known by wine enthusiasts worldwide.

We’ll visit the famous #thatwanakatree and stroll along the shore of Lake Wanaka upon arrival.

Meals: B
Hotel: Oakridge

Set at the southern end of its namesake lake with views of snow-capped mountains, Wanaka is picturesque and home to some of the best views in New Zealand. The town is small, but well-known, and the area is a magnet for travelers seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Today, we’ll spend the day getting to know this quaint town. After breakfast, we’ll take a cruise on the lake across to Mou Waho (one of the only islands in Lake Wanaka) to discover the rich beauty in this unique eco-sanctuary.

Later, we’ll visit the Wanaka Lavender Farm, where local lavender and honey are made – and where the views are epic!

Meals: B
Hotel: Oakridge

Today, we’ll enjoy a final breakfast in Wanaka before traveling to our next beautiful spot – Franz Josef (about a 4-hour drive).

You can sit back and enjoy a picturesque drive through the mountains. Don’t worry, we’ll stop a bunch along the way to stretch our legs at the Blue Pools, Fantail Falls, and Thunder Creek Falls before checking in to our accommodation in Franz Josef.

We’ll enjoy a group dinner tonight.

Meals: B, D
Hotel: Rainforest Retreat

Today, we’ll check out Franz Josef – home of the Franz Josef Glacier, one of the most popular attractions in New Zealand.

Here, we’ll learn about native Maori culture and experience the traditional Maori art of carving your own Pounamu (jade).

Afterwards, we’ll get out and about to explore the Glacier with a heli-hike! Don’t worry, glacier gear will be provided.

Meals: B
Hotel: Rainforest Retreat

After an early breakfast, we’ll drive to Greymouth and the train station to experience the most scenic train ride in New Zealand – the TranzAlpine Train.

It’s one of the world’s greatest train journeys, traveling from coast to coast on New Zealand’s South Island, taking in the vast Canterbury Plains, spectacular Southern Alps, and wild West Coast. Enjoy an upgraded experience in the Scenic Plus Cabin with local food and wines, private open-air viewing carriage, and private host. Sit back and enjoy the ride.

Our local guide will pick us up in Christchurch and drop us off at the hotel for our final night in New Zealand.

Today is our final day of the tour, and we are so happy to have shared this journey together!

Depending on your flight time, you may be able to fit in some last-minute activities or sightseeing. Our local guide will get us to the airport in time for departing flights.

This has been an incredible adventure and we hope you take some lasting memories home with you.

Haere rā! Ka kite anō au ia kōrua! Farewell and we’ll see you again!

Meals: B
Hotel: —