Southern Spotlight

Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception.

See how Christchurch has rebuilt itself after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, and pop into the Transitional Cathedral, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral, built almost entirely of cardboard. Later, travel over the fertile Canterbury Plains to soak up spectacular scenery. You’ll view the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, and stop for a quick photo with the bronze statue of a collie dog. You may wish to view Mount Cook National Park from the air this afternoon on an optional experience scenic flight. Your day finishes in the heart of the Mackenzie Country at Omarama.

Visit to the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme, an intricate series of interconnected lakes and canals, and the monumental spillway of the nearby Benmore Dam. Then travel to the historic town of Oamaru, with its elegant tree-lined streets and celebrated white limestone buildings. Continue to Dunedin, New Zealand’s southernmost city, where your afternoon is at leisure. You may like to take a wildlife cruise, or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway.

This morning you’re free to explore Dunedin at your own pace: you might like to visit stately Larnach Castle. This afternoon, travel through lush green sheep-grazing country on your way to Fiordland National Park and the town of Te Anau. Tonight, why not consider an optional experience and take a boat tour of the mysterious Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

Your experience in magnificent Milford Sound is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. Travel through tall native rainforests and rugged mountains of Fiordland National Park, then cruise the serene waters of this natural wonder. On the way to Queenstown see Mirror Lake, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls, then travel along the Devil’s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy an informative orientation tour on arrival.

Explore New Zealand’s adventure capital at your own pace today. There are jet boat rides and white water rafting for the thrill-seekers, and wine tours or intimate cafés for those who enjoy a more leisurely rhythm. You might like to visit the picturesque Queenstown Gardens and enjoy its beautiful tulips in spring or glorious roses in summer. Take a peaceful cruise this evening across Lake Wakatipu aboard the century-old TSS Earnslaw, the only remaining commercial passenger-carrying coal-fired steamship in the Southern Hemisphere. Your destination is Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you’ll enjoy a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner and entertaining after-dinner show offering glimpses of high country farm life

Your destination today is the wild west coast of the South Island. Stop to visit the gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown, where more than 70 original buildings from the gold-rush era are faithfully preserved. Sample luscious stone fruit in Cromwell and enjoy the serenity of the region’s vivid blue lakes, the most famous of which is tranquil Lake Wanaka. Drive over the spectacular Haast Pass, passing the 96-metre Thunder Creek Falls and stopping for a leisurely rainforest walk on your way to the extraordinary Franz Josef Glacier.

Travel on this morning to Hokitika, home of New Zealand’s famous greenstone. Pounamu (its Māori name) is of great cultural significance in Māori 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 Arthur’s Pass to board the iconic TranzAlpine train and embark on one of the world’s most renowned rail journeys. Pass through magnificent landscapes ranging from the rugged gorges and pristine ice-fed streams and lakes of the Southern Alps, to the lush pasture-land of the Canterbury Plains. This evening in Christchurch, join your Travel Director and new-found friends for a Farewell Dinner.

Included: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner

Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.