Southern Escape

Arrive in Christchurch, a picturesque city known for its English influence, incredible natural surroundings, and lively local attractions. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers.

Discover the must-see sights of Christchurch on a guided tour. Visit Christchurch Cathedral, considered the true heart of the city. The grand Gothic-revival Anglican Cathedral is undergoing restoration after experiencing extensive damage in the 2011 earthquake. At the Bridge of Remembrance, which spans the Ōtākaro/Avon River, remember the fallen soldiers who fought in global conflicts since WWI. Then, continue to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a vast 21-hectare oasis of tranquillity nestled in the heart of the city. Explore the stunning Central Rose Garden or the serene conservatories, and experience why Christchurch is often called the Garden City.

With free time this afternoon, explore Christchurch at your leisure. Perhaps visit one of the city's galleries or discover a small bar to enjoy New Zealand's renowned wine, or choose one of our carefully selected Enhance Your Journey optional activities to further explore this charming southern city.

Enhance Your Journey – Christchurch Tram Pass

Hop aboard one of Christchurch's restored heritage trams and explore the city centre, accompanied by insightful live commentary from the local driver. Hop off wherever you like to further explore a particular point of interest and rejoin another tram at any of the stops conveniently located along the same route. Your Christchurch tram pass is valid for the entire day, giving you the freedom to explore New Zealand's second-largest city in an unhurried way.

Enhance Your Journey – Punting on the Avon

Enjoy a gentle, informative guided punt ride through central Christchurch as your classically attired punter points out the flora and wildlife along the picturesque Avon River.

Today begins with an Insider Experience. Later, take a scenic drive along the West Coast. This stunning region is home to the Franz Josef/Waiau and Fox Glaciers, as well as spectacular lakes and rainforests. 

Insider Experience – Ride the iconic TranzAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass

Journey through the heart of the Southern Alps, passing dramatic gorges, alpine rivers, and lush beech forests aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train. This scenic rail journey offers breathtaking views and a relaxing way to experience one of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.

A stunning drive across Haast Pass brings you to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Here, enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Bask in idyllic views at Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Relax and unwind in your room, which boasts sublime views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped peaks of The Remarkables. You’ll be just a short stroll from Queenstown’s vibrant centre, allowing you to explore and make the most of all that this lively resort town has to offer. Whether it's great food and wine, shopping or adventure that you're after, Queenstown has something just for you.

Today is free for you to spend at leisure. You’ll find plenty to see and do around Queenstown, from thrilling adventures through to simply relaxing and soaking in incredible views. Perhaps choose one of our exciting Enhance Your Journey options (additional expense). This evening, enjoy your Insider Experience. 

Insider Experience – Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining

Savour a gourmet lakeside dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm, reached by a vintage steamship across Lake Wakatipu. Gain an insight into life on a high-country New Zealand farm. 

Enhance Your Journey – Million Dollar Cruise

Glide across the mystical waters of Lake Wakatipu, keeping your eyes peeled for local bird life as well as enormous trout, which swim in the lake’s waters. 

Enhance Your Journey – Shotover Jet Boat Ride

Those feeling adventurous can head out on a thrilling jet boat ride, roaring through narrow river canyons just centimetres from sheer rock walls.  

Enhance Your Journey – Wine Sampler Tour

Venture through New Zealand's southernmost wine region as you sample a selection of vintages from the local vineyards and wineries.

Follow The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu to the incredible Fiordland National Park, where an Insider Experience awaits. Later, travel to the lakeside town of Te Anau.

Insider Experience – Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and enjoy spectacular scenery

Journey through the beautiful Fiordland National Park on your way to magnificent Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Once you arrive, set sail on a cruise along the full length of its pristine waters, basking in all the natural wonders you encounter. 

Journey through the rugged countryside of Southland before arriving in Dunedin for a city tour. This picturesque city is known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand, where you can spot sea lions, fur seals, rare penguins and the world’s only mainland-breeding albatross colony. After being settled by Scots in 1848, the city has retained its Gaelic roots with its stunning Gaelic-inspired architecture, performances of the haggis ceremony and the finest-tasting whisky in the country.

See the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki and visit the charming town of Oamaru. Journey to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for a special Insider Experience. You may choose to enhance your journey with an amazing option on offer. Tonight, enjoy another special Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Farewell Dinner at The Hermitage's Alpine Restaurant

Centrally located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, The Hermitage’s Alpine Restaurant serves delicious meals crafted from fresh, seasonal produce. The spectacular views provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience.

Insider Experience – Stay in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Traverse the glorious alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and take in the spectacular surrounds as you pass towering mountains and glacier-fed rivers. Stay the night surrounded by sweeping views of New Zealand’s highest peak.

Enhance Your Journey – Glacier Explorer Cruise

Step aboard a MAC boat for an up-close encounter with stunning icebergs on the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier. Surrounded by the dramatic alpine landscape of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, you’ll glide across the milky-blue waters while learning about the glacier’s history, geology, and ongoing changes (additional expense). 

Journey alongside the shimmering waters of Lake Pukaki before stopping at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a perfect photo opportunity with breathtaking lake views of Lake Tekapo/Takapō. Then continue on to Christchurch, where your journey concludes.