10 Day Signature South Island Itinerary

Welcome to Christchurch

‘Haere Mai’ and Welcome to New Zealand.

On arrival into Christchurch, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.

Meals: Dinner (not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm)

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Distinction Hotel Christchurch

You will find The Distinction Hotel in the revitalised heart of Christchurch and Cathedral Square. Centrally located and a short stroll to the Botanical Gardens, New Regent Street, the Arts Centre, and Avon River. This hotel offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms including 3 floors of Superior Rooms and Suites.

Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur's Pass located in the centre of the southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation Franz Josef Glacier - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Situated on the very edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is only moments away from spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. The hotel comprises two wings, the Douglas and Graham wing - offering a variety of room types. The hotel's Canavans Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner using fresh, local produce. Next door, the Moa Bar offers a cozy spot to relax next to an open fireplace after a day of exploration.

Franz Josef - Queenstown

See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast to Fox Glacier township. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Millennium Hotel Queenstown is only minutes from Queenstown central shopping, entertainment and outdoor activities and offers a peaceful haven from the variety of activities in this lively city. With many guest rooms and suites to choose from the centre boasts a gym, sauna, spa, bar and restaurant, feature contemporary city-inspired designed. Many of our rooms also offer scenic views of the city and mountains, providing the perfect backdrop to your journey.

Queenstown (Free Day)

Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Your crew will assist with the many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel's Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as your cruise back to Queenstown.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Queenstown - Te Anau

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown to visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Te Anau - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

Distinction Luxmore Hotel - Te Anau

Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable newly refurbished accommodation in one of New Zealand's most popular scenic areas - Te Anau. Within easy walking distance of the township, surrounded by all local services, this 4-star hotel welcomes guests with 2 restaurants, free self parking, a fitness centre and free unlimited WiFi.

Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland (optional).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Te Anau - Dunedin

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the 'Edinburgh of the south' and enjoy a city tour. Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea and take time to wander around the Garden of International Significance.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 Night

A large statue of Robert Burns in front of a grand cathedral.

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

This 4-star hotel is located the heart of Dunedin and is filled with modern local artwork. Located just blocks from the Octagon and walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions like the fabulous First Church of Otago, and handy to great restaurants and shopping centres. Amenities Include an on-site Restaurant, cafe/bar and fitness centre.

Dunedin - Mt Cook - Twizel

Farwell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you continue to marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy as scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Twizel - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Distinction MacKenzie Country Hotel - Twizel

The MacKenzie Country Hotel, Twizel, is located very in the heart of the historic MacKenzie Basin. The hotel offers 108 spacious guestrooms including 80 standard rooms and 28 deluxe rooms; all offer shower over bath ensuites with surrounding views of the spectacular Ben Ohau Ranges and Mount Cook. Enjoy a meal in the restaurant or bar by choosing from the hearty menus revealing local cuisine accompanied by a range of New Zealand wines.

Twizel - Christchurch

Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch for a city tour. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Accommodation Christchurch - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Distinction Hotel Christchurch

Farewell Christchurch

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Meals: Breakfast (if departing the hotel prior to the restaurant opening, breakfast is not included).

Itinerary Variations:
The provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions.