Your holiday itinerary (ex Perth, Western Australia)

Day 1. Perth to Christchurch
Your courtesy home collection will transfer you to Perth Airport for your overnight flight to Christchurch.

Day 2. Arrive Christchurch (D)
On arrival to the South Island’s largest city, Christchurch, you will be transferred to your hotel for an early check in. You will have the day to relax and recharge before coming together for a welcome dinner.
Two nights: Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square.

Day 3. Uncovering Christchurch (BL)
Board a classic punt at the historic Antigua Boatsheds landing. Your Edwardian-styled punter will guide you quietly along the Avon River as you absorb the beauty of Christchurch’s Hagley Park.
Discover hidden cultural treasures and taste the diverse flavours of Christchurch on an inner-city walking tour. Guided by principles of manaakitanga (hospitality) and whanaungatanga (connection), the experience weaves Māori cultural narratives with the joy of sharing kai (food). Enjoy handpicked local bites, each with its own story, as you journey from traditional mahinga kai along the riverbanks to modern culinary creations. In the afternoon, you are free to roam Christchurch at your leisure with an all-day tram ticket.

Day 4. Arthurs Pass and Franz Joseph Glacier (BD)
Today travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains and into the heart of the Southern Alps. Traverse Arthurs Pass through the snow capped mountains before descending into the lush rainforests of the Westland. Overnight adjacent to the huge rivers of snow and ice of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier.

Day 5. From Glaciers to the Alpine resort of Queenstown (B)
Drive south through the dense forests crossing fast running streams and past pretty bush fringed lakes. At Haast turn inland and continue through the Haast Pass and cross the Southern Alps. The road skirts glacial Lake Wanaka then Lake Hawea to Wanaka township. On a clear day there are splendid views across the lake to Mt Aspiring. Travel through Central Otago a sheep, cattle and fruit growing area, and scene of a major gold rush last century. Three nights: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown.

Day 6. Arrowtown history and a cruise in Queenstown (BD)
Today visit Arrowtown, a beautiful town steeped in goldrush history. Visit the Lakes District Museum with a peep into the past including the vault of an 1860’s bank where thousands of priceless a of priceless exhibits: gold pans, shovels, maps, clothing, weaponry and even a gold nugget or two. In the afternoon, enjoy an engaging wine experience led by talented and entertaining wine advisors. This is far more than a tasting, discover the history, terroir, and winemaker expression across Central Otago’s diverse subregions. Sample exceptional wines from some of New Zealand’s finest wineries. This evening, we have a taste of rural life in New Zealand. Begin with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu in the 1912 vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm, one of the original farms of the area.In the ambience of the Colonel’s Homestead, enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you. After dinner enjoy an entertaining brief farm experience including a sheep shearing demonstration. On the magical night-time cruise home, enjoy the camaraderie of a sing-a-long with the ship’s pianist or breathe in the fresh night air on the moonlit decks as you watch the lights of Queenstown draw nearer.

Day 7. Queenstown free day (B)
Today is at leisure to rest or to enjoy Queenstown as you wish, it has a plethora of optional sightseeing activities available from jet-boating on the thrilling Shotover Jet; a jet-boat excursion along the scenic and remote Dart River; take a gondola Ride for a stunning scenic view of the Remarkables, walks along Lake Wakatipu, winery tours to the premier Central Otago wineries; 4WD tours into unforgettable Skippers Canyon and scenic flights.

Day 8. Milford Sound Magic (BL)
Depart early this morning and travel around Lake Wakatipu and through Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. The scenery is spectacular with lofty mountains and deep valleys carved out by Ice Age glaciers. There are clear rushing streams and leaping waterfalls set in magnificent native rainforest. Rain or shine, the journey into Milford Sound captivates even the most seasoned traveller. At Milford Sound board a comfortable vessel for a scenic cruise down Milford Sound past towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea. Enjoy a scenic lunch while taking in this extraordinary landscape while keeping an eye out for waterfalls, dolphins, and seals.
Overnight: Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau.

Day 9. Dunedin – The university city (BD)
Depart Te Anau and travel across the rolling farmland of Southland and Otago. A striking feature of this area is the large number of deer farms that are easily seen from the road. The road travels through a number of small country towns before crossing the fast flowing Clutha River and heading north into Dunedin, established in the 1840’s and proud of its Scottish heritage.
Visit the Royal Albatross colony which is the only mainland nesting site in the world for these magnificent birds.
Overnight: Distinction Dunedin Hotel, Dunedin.

Day 8. Exploring Annecy (B)
Enjoy a guided exploration of Annecy’s medieval centre and canals. Take a boat cruise on Lake Annecy, surrounded by mountains and admire the breathtaking scenery. This evening, have dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

Day 9. Mont Blanc in Chamonix (B)
Take a full-day excursion to Chamonix. Ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car for dramatic views of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe.

Day 10. Dunedin sight seeing (BD)
Embark on a sightseeing tour of Dunedin, a city established in the 1840’s. Nestled on hills at the head of a lovely harbour, Dunedin is known for it’s universities. Travel through the CBD along George and Princes Streets and through the Octagon which features the historic Town Hall and St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral. Visit Baldwin Street (officially the steepest in the world) and Olveston House – an impressive turn-of-the-century house that is still home to lavish furnishings and art collections that have been collected from all corners of the world.  This afternoon, travel up the eastern coastline through the towns of Palmerston and Oamaru, well known for its lovely white stone buildings and Blue Penguin Colony. From here drive inland across the Waitaki Valley Basin to the town of Twizel.
Overnight: Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel, Twizel.

Day 11. Christchurch (BD)
Depart Twizel and travel towards Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, following the scenic route along the shores of Lake Pukaki. This area is renowned for its striking turquoise waters and dramatic alpine backdrop. At the heart of the park stands Aoraki/Mt Cook, Australasia’s highest peak at 3,754 metres. The national park spans over 70,000 hectares of glaciers, snowfields, rugged rock faces, and alpine vegetation, offering breathtaking views of 15 prominent peaks and five major glaciers. The Tasman Glacier, the longest in New Zealand, stretches 27 kilometres through the valley, ending near the Blue Lakes where meltwater flows into Lake Pukaki.
After exploring Mt Cook Village and its surroundings, continue your journey south-east, passing Lake Pukaki and then Lake Tekapo. Here, visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and the bronze sheepdog statue, both set against the stunning lake and mountain backdrop. Travel over Burkes Pass and across the fertile Canterbury Plains before arriving back to Christchurch.
Overnight: Distinction Hotel, Christchurch.

Day 12. Christchurch to Perth (B)
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home via Auckland after a memorable New Zealand holiday. On arrival back into Perth we will see you safely home.

Itinerary is subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 08 9754 2026 for details.