7D6N NEW ZEALAND SPLENDID SOUTH - WINTER

On arrival, you will be met on arrival and privately transferred to your accommodation. Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps.  This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River. 

Overnight: Christchurch

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

(1) CHRISTCHURCH TRAM TOUR

Explore Christchurch’s city centre on board a beautifully restored heritage tram, one of the city's best-loved attractions. The all-day hop-on hop-off ticket allows you to visit the best of the central city sights at your leisure while friendly and knowledgeable drivers update with informative live commentaries. The Canterbury Museum & Botanic Gardens, The Terrace and Riverside Market, Margaret Mahy Playground and New Regent Street are just some of the sights to be seen from the comfort of your Tram and accessed from the 18 stops en route. A must-do family-friendly activity.

(2) PUNTING ON THE AVON RIVER

Sink back into the plush seats of your boat and let your thoughts drift away on this relaxing 30 minute eco-friendly journey through the centre of Christchurch City. Your skilled punter dressed in traditional Edwardian attire expertly propels you past the trailing willows and leafy banks of the prettiest stretch of the Avon River.

Departing Christchurch, travel through the impressive Canterbury plains farmland. Continue through some impressive alpine passes to the famous blue lakes of Lake Tekapo, stopping at the very popular Church of the Good Shepherd, before heading on to a vast landscape of ice and rock that surround Aoraki Mt Cook. 

Overnight: Mt Cook Region

Depart Mt Cook Village framed by the dramatic backdrop of Aoraki Mt Cook and the Southern Alps travelling alongside Lake Pukaki, one of the bluest lakes you will ever see. Travel through the tawny tussock high country, passing the fruit and wine growing region Cromwell and the stunning Kawarau Gorge before arriving in Queenstown.  Overnight: Queenstown

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

(1) GONDOLA RIDE

The Skyline Gondola base is situated a short five minute walk from central Queenstown. Take in the stunning views as you ride the Skyline Gondola cable car high above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak. The best views in the region are found here, spread out in a spectacular 220 degree panorama with breath taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peak.

Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.  Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer.

Overnight: Queenstown

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

(1) SHOTOVER JETBOAT RIDE

World famous as the ultimate jet boat experience. A unique combination of beauty and power, this 25 minute experience is like no other, blending pristine natural landscape with wall to wall canyon action from start to finish. Journey deep into the Shotover River Canyon as your expert driver whips your jet boat skilfully through the dramatic and narrow canyons, past rocky outcrops and around crags and boulders. Reach speeds of up to 85kph while skimming the surface of crystal clear waters and feel the spray in the 360 degree spins that are guaranteed to get your heart pumping. The Shotover Jet River Base is a 7km drive from central Queenstown. Complimentary shuttle from the Queenstown depot on select jet boat departures.

(2) DART RIVER WILDERNESS JET

The two hour wilderness jet adventure begins in Glenorchy, a beautifully scenic 45 minute drive from Queenstown. Journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park, where myth, heritage and fantasy come to life. Experience a unique combination of breath-taking scenery and an exhilarating ride following the braided, glacier-fed rivers by jet boat with exciting 360 degree spins along the way. Your passionate guides deliver an authentic touch, talking about the area's rich history, the Greenstone Trail and countless Maori legends. Walk amongst the ancient beech tree forests - an atmosphere that may be recognisable from The Lord of the Rings films. It is a complete experience in an untouched natural wonderland. Allow 4.5 hours. Complimentary return bus service is provided from the Queenstown depot to/from Glenorchy.

(3) WALTER PEAK FARM EXCURSION

Farming in the New Zealand high country is a way of life – and its one you can get up close to at Walter Peak. Departing from Steamer Wharf central Queenstown, the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw will transport you on a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Here you will be taken to the amphitheatre to watch the remarkable skill with which the farm dogs round up sheep from the paddocks. A guided walking tour of the farmyard visits the holding pens, where you can help feed the sheep and deer and even get up close to the Scottish Highland Cattle. Then a stroll to the charming old woolshed for morning or afternoon tea. There may also be time to stroll through the lakeside gardens before re-boarding the TSS Earnslaw for the cruise back to Queenstown.

Duration: 3.5 hours

(4) SKIPPERS CANYON SCENIC JET BOAT TOUR

Departing from central Queenstown, getting to the jet boat is half the adventure. Your driver guide will take you into sensational Skippers Canyon, a land rich in gold mining history and stunning scenery. Once on the boat, feel your adrenalin surge as you power deeper into Skippers Canyon and up the Shotover River. Highly skilled jet boat drivers manoeuvre the boat just inches from the sheer canyon walls and keep the excitement levels high with speeds in excess of 80kmh and a series of 360 degree spins. This is canyon jet boating at its best. Allow 3 hours.

Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses.  Today's stunning journey past mirror lakes, spectacular waterfalls and water-sculpted rocks. Venture into Milford Sound, a New Zealand treasure carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your return to downtown Queenstown. Duration:  approx. 12 hours.

Overnight: Queenstown

Depart Queenstown through the stunning Kawarau Gorge and fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell.  The journey follows beautiful Lake Dunstan and meanders through the dramatic Lindis Pass.   Travel the vast plains of the Mackenzie district, alongside magnificent turquoise blue lakes and the spectacular Southern Alps until the braided river crossings and flat greens plains signal your return to Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch

Suggestion:

You may choose to add a Queenstown-Christchurch domestic flight sector to your international flights rather returning on the same route to Christchurch.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

(1) CHRISTCHURCH TRAM DINNER

The Tramway Restaurant offers you a unique way to experience Christchurch. Dine in style in a an air-conditioned vintage tram and be treated to fine service, cuisine and beverages. Incorporate some fabulous dining with the central city sights of Christchurch’s passing right by your window. The Tramway Restaurant offers a great experience of inner city vibrancy and heritage ideal for celebrating special occasions, romantic date nights or simply to see Christchurch from a different perspective.

Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer to Christchurch Airport.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

(1) ANTARCTIC CENTRE

Located an 8 minute walk from Christchurch Airport or 20 minute drive from central Christchurch. See, touch, feel and fall in love with Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre where a slice of this astounding continent can be experienced. Brave an Antarctic storm, go off-road in a Hagglund Antarctic vehicle ride, befriend a husky dog, enjoy the 4D theatre experience and mingle with the little blue penguins. Experience Antarctica from all four dimensions and leave with a head full of knowledge and a heart full of love and inspiration. Just like the explorers before you. Allow 2-3 hours