Southern Spectacular

9 Nights

Christchurch

Watch master carvers working with magnificent New Zealand greenstone and learn about the joys and challenges of farming in the foothills of the Southern Alps. These personal encounters provide a human touch that complements the grandeur of the renowned natural beauty of the Land of the long White Cloud, with its soaring peaks and waterfalls and its serene lakes and pastureland.

From £2595pp

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Highlights

Experience warm Kiwi hospitality at Morelea Farm for Be My Guest a BBQ lunch
Visit Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo
Journey through spectacular Fiordland National Park with its magnificent scenery
Cruise on the truly inspiring natural wonder Milford Sound
Visit historic Arrowtown
See Franz Josef Glacier
Visit a green stone factory
Walk around Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks
Journey over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
Cruise to a High Country farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner
Included Choice experiences
Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide

Christchurch has bounced back after the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and is now thriving once again. Contemporary art galleries, boutiques and open-air markets add to the city’s creative vibe. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception.

Meals Included: Ro

Accomodation

Distinction Hotel Christchurch

The newly renovated Distinction Hotel Christchurch is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square.

Visit the home of Angie and Stan Taylor for a Be My Guest barbecue lunch and hear about a lifetime spent farming in the Southern Alps. This afternoon see Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, and view the famed Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue to the outdoor-adventure hub of Twizel.

Included: Breakfast, Be My Guest Lunch and Dinner with wine

Meals Included: Full Board

Accomodation

MacKenzie Country Inn

The MacKenzie Country Inn is located in the town of Twizel which is in the very heart of the historic MacKenzie Basin, surrounded by both man-made and natural lakes and waterways.

This morning, visit the spectacular Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme on mighty the Waitaki River. Explore the historic town of Oamaru, with its stately tree-lined streets and celebrated limestone buildings, then make your way to New Zealand’s southernmost city, Dunedin, home to many fine examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. With the rest of your morning at leisure, relax and unwind or join an optional experience to see more of the region. This afternoon choose one from a range of Included Choice sightseeing experiences. Tour imposing Larnach Castle, ride the historic Taieri Gorge railway, take a wildlife cruise or experience an interactive tour of famous Speight’s Brewery.

Meals Included: B dw

Accomodation

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

Dunedin’s largest and most prestigious hotel, the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, enjoys a premium location in the heart of the city. Just a short walk from the Octagon, railway station, theatres, shops, and close to Otago university, it is the perfect location from which to explore Dunedin.

Today, travel through lush green sheep-grazing country on your way to the spectacular Fiordland National Park and the town of Te Anau, nestled in the southwestern corner of the South Island. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Meals Included: B dw

Accomodation

Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas offers chic, elegant accommodation for the perfect Fiordland getaway. Surrounded by extensive, colourful gardens and overlooking spectacular Lake Te Anau and the Fiordland ranges, this 4 star hotel and villa accommodation sets the tone for your stay in one of the world’s most breathtaking regions.

Your experience at magnificent Milford Sound today is sure to be one of the highlights of your journey. Travel first through native rainforests and lush meadows to Mirror Lakes and the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel, and marvel at the stunning Cleddau Valley. Your unforgettable Milford Sound cruise takes in cascading waterfalls, hanging glacial valleys, and the sheer pinnacle of Mitre Peak. After disembarking, travel on to beautiful Queenstown.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accomodation

Millennium Hotel Queenstown

At the Millennium Hotel Queenstown, you will always find spellbinding luxury and it is easy to relax in the air of timeless elegance. This welcoming Queenstown hotel captures the essence of a truly unique region and is perfect for either an international conference venue or as a restful haven from the rigours of Queenstown's many outdoor adventure pursuits.

Today, choose one from a range of Included Choice sightseeing experiences. If you’re feeling energetic you have the option of riding the exhilarating Shotover Jet boat or taking a gondola to Bob’s Peak for thrilling luge rides. For the more laid-back, a minibus tour will take you through spectacular Skippers Canyon, or you might like to visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park. After an action-packed day, settle into a peaceful cruise this evening across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue highlight dinner and an entertaining farm show.

Meals Included: B hd

Accomodation

Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Your destination today is the wild west coast of the South Island. Stop to visit the faithfully-restored gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown, and enjoy the serenity of the region’s vivid blue lakes. Drive over the spectacular Haast Pass, passing the 96-metre Thunder Creek Falls on your way to the extraordinary Franz Josef Glacier.

Meals Included: B dw

Accomodation

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is close to the edge of one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, welcoming you to this enticing and dramatic region.

Explore the glacier this morning, then spend some time amongst temperate rainforest giants on the West Coast Treetop Walkway. Travel on to Hokitika, home of New Zealand’s famous greenstone. Pounamu (its Maori name) is of great cultural significance in Maori culture and was prized for its strength, durability and beauty. It was used for weapons, tools and personal ornaments, and also denoted great status. Continue to Punakaiki to view the intriguing Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. You’ll spend the night in an eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront.

Meals Included: B dw

Accomodation

Punakaiki Resort

Punakaiki Resort is a Williams Hotel Group property. Other Williams Hotel Group properties include: The Ashley Hotel Greymouth, The Ashley Hotel Christchurch, Grand Mercure Oakridge Resort Wanaka and the Towers on the Park Christchurch.

Board the iconic TranzAlpine train in the village of Arthur’s Pass this morning and embark on one of the world’s great train journeys, passing through magnificent landscapes ranging from the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to rugged gorges and pristine ice-fed streams and lakes. The train forges through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, towering beech forests and lush river valleys. Back in Christchurch, join your Travel Director for a farewell Dinner.

Included: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner

Meals Included: Half Board

Accomodation

Distinction Hotel Christchurch