South Island Splendors – A Journey Through Nature & Thrill 11 Days / 10 Nights

Day 1 : Arrive Christchurch

After you clear Customs and Immigration, collect your luggage and transfer by a private vehicle to your hotel for an overnight stay. This afternoon is free to explore the city at your leisure. Enjoy punting on the Avon River, explore the Botanic Gardens or discover the city on the Hop-On Hop Off Tram.

Hotel : Sudima Christchurch City or Similar

Day 2 - Tekapo (B)

The drive from Christchurch to Tekapo unveils the natural beauty of New Zealand's South Island, with the Canterbury Plains gradually giving way to the dramatic landscapes of the Southern Alps. En route to Lake Tekapo, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas, serene lakes, and glimpses of the snow-capped peaks that await you at your destination. This evening, enjoy the wonders of southern night sky and experience the thrill of peering through powerful telescopes. When the stars are hidden from view, you will be taken on a journey to discover the nocturnal world of an astronomer. See research equipment that is out-of-bounds to the general public and experience the wonders of astronomy. With the use of powerful telescopes you can view distant object such as planets, star-clusters, nebulae and distant galaxies.

.Hotel : Sudima Christchurch City or Similar

Day 3 - Oamaru (B,D)

The drive from Tekapo to Oamaru is a picturesque journey that transitions from the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo to the charming town of Oamaru on New Zealand's East Coast. Along the way, you'll be captivated by the diverse landscapes, from the serene countryside to the dramatic coastal vistas, setting the stage for your exploration of Oamaru's unique attractions, including the enchanting Blue Penguin Colony.

Hotel : Pen-y-Bryn Lodge or Similar

Day 4 - Oamaru (B,D)

Pen-Y-Bryn Lodge in Oamaru is a charming Victorian-era retreat nestled on the picturesque Otago Peninsula. This luxurious accommodation offers an elegant blend of heritage and modern comfort, with its Victoria Room providing a tranquil haven for guests. With its rich history and captivating landscapes, Oamaru promises a unique and memorable experience.

Hotel : Pen-y-Bryn Lodge or Similar

Day 5 - Dunedin (B)

The scenic drive from Oamaru to Dunedin takes you through the stunning Otago region, offering picturesque vistas of rolling farmland and rugged coastline. As you approach Dunedin, the landscape transitions into a captivating mix of hills and valleys, foreshadowing the city's vibrant culture and charming architecture. Arrive Dunedin mid-morning to take a wonderful journey back in time, on a guided tour of New Zealand's castle, Larnach Castle. Meet your guide back at the bus and continue the tour along the Peninsula. Join an invigorating Wildlife Cruise around Taiaroa Head, home to the world's only mainland nesting place of royal albatross. Watch as these huge birds glide in from the ocean and soar high above their hillside nests. You’ll cruise beneath a historic lighthouse, perched high above volcanic cliffs. Watch as NZ fur seals play and swim around the rocky outcrops below. Then it’s a short way out to sea to spot other species of albatross, cormorants, petrels and other rarely seen ocean birds. Occasionally you might spot blue penguins, dusky or hectors dolphins or sea lions.

Hotel : Larnach Lodge or Similar

Day 6 - Queenstown (B)

The drive from Dunedin to Queenstown is a journey of ever-changing scenery, taking you from the charming coastal city through rolling farmland and into the heart of Central Otago's alpine landscapes. As you approach Queenstown, the dramatic landscapes of the Southern Alps and the glistening Lake Wakatipu come into view, setting the stage for your adventure in this renowned South Island destination. Enjoy a two-night stay in Queenstown.

Hotel : The Dairy Private Hotel or Similar

Day 7 - Queenstown (B)

Explore the extraordinary beauty of Milford Sound with a comprehensive adventure. After check-in, your pilot provides a briefing on the route, encompassing the famous Skippers Canyon, the Paradise region known for its role in the Lord of the Rings/Hobbit Trilogies, and awe-inspiring features like the Donne Glacier. A 35-minute flight offers a majestic overview of Milford Sound, followed by a personal escort to the "Spirit of Milford" for a Nature Cruise, ensuring an intimate experience with stunning flora and fauna. The return flight showcases Fiordland National Park's pristine alpine lakes and waterfalls, including the 580m-tall Sutherland Falls. This unforgettable journey concludes in Queenstown. The remainder of your day is free.

Hotel : The Dairy Private Hotel  or Similar

Day 8 - Franz Josef (CB)

The drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef is a captivating journey that takes you through the heart of New Zealand's South Island. As you navigate through the rugged landscapes, you'll witness the transition from the stunning alpine scenery of Queenstown to the lush rainforests and glacier-clad peaks of Franz Josef, offering a diverse range of natural beauty along the way.

Hotel : Westwood Lodge or Similar

Day 9 - Franz Josef (CB)

This morning, join a guided tour and venture into the lush West Coast temperate rainforest, the majestic Franz Josef Glacier rises before you – a geological wonder and one of the world's most unique glaciers. This adventure promises awe-inspiring beauty whether under the clear blue skies or a shroud of mystical mist, evoking the ethereal realms of Narnia or the iconic landscapes of Lord of the Rings. Explore at your own leisure, meandering alongside glacial rivers, pristine streams, and through the enchanting podocarp forests, uncovering hidden natural gems like native snails, wild mushrooms, and a plethora of orchid species. Immerse yourself in the symphony of native bird songs and cascading waterfalls, all while savoring a hot cup of tea and keeping an eye out for the elusive Chamois or Tahr atop the snow-capped mountains. This journey promises a magical encounter with nature.

Hotel : Westwood Lodge or Similar

Day 10 - Christchurch (B)

Embark on an unforgettable transition from Franz Josef to Greymouth, where you'll journey through the captivating landscapes of New Zealand's West Coast. Following this scenic drive, return your rental vehicle and then board the iconic TranzAlpine Train, a rail adventure renowned for its breathtaking vistas. This unforgettable ride winds its way to Christchurch through the Southern Alps, providing an unparalleled window into the South Island's rugged beauty, from rainforests to towering peaks, making it a truly remarkable way to experience the heart of New Zealand's natural wonders. On arrival in Christchurch, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Hotel : Sudima Christchurch City or Similar

Day 11 - Depart Christchurch (B)

After breakfast, you have free time to explore the city before transferring to Christchurch Airport for your return flight.

·      Round-trip private transfers Christchurch Airport to Hotel

·      1 night Christchurch, Sudima Christchurch City, Luxe King including breakfast

·      8 Day Intermediate Car Rental including unlimited mileage

·      1 night Tekapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort, Deluxe Lakeview Room including breakfast

·      Dark Sky Project Summit Experience

·      2 nights Oamaru, Pen-y-Bryn Lodge, Victoria Room including breakfast and dinner

o   Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony Evening Viewing

·      1 night Dunedin, Larnach Lodge, Lodge Queen Room including breakfast

o   Castle to Cruise Tour

·      2 nights Queenstown, The Dairy, Oasis including continental breakfast

o   Milford Sound Fly/Nature Cruise/Fly

·      2 nights Franz Josef, Westwood Lodge, Main House Suite including breakfast

o   Franz Josef Nature Tour

·      TranzAlpine Rail from Greymouth to Christchurch

·      One-way private transfer from Christchurch Rail Station to hotel

1 night Christchurch, Sudima Christchurch City, including breakfast

·      Car Rental excludes additional insurances, petrol, bond, additional drivers (NZ$5+GST per day up to a maximum of NZ$25 +GST for the entire length of rental), Standard Insurance Excess (payable direct) and miscellaneous charges

·      Anything not mentioned in Inclusions

*Prices are quoted in NZD and are ‘from’, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplements apply. Other date ranges are available, however seasonal surcharges apply. Advertised pricing reflects low season pricing. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. All prices, itineraries and routing are subject to change without notice.