Day 1

ARRIVAL IN CHRISTCHURCH

CHRISTCHURCH

Upon arrival at Christchurch International Airport, collect your rental vehicle and enjoy a short self-drive to your hotel.
Set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the Southern Alps, Christchurch is a vibrant garden city interwoven by the meandering Avon River. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s green urban parks or visit the International Antarctic Centre for an interactive, icy insight into the frozen continent.
Set between the deep Pacific Ocean and the snow-draped peaks of the Southern Alps, Christchurch is a vibrant city defined by resilience, innovation, and natural beauty. Known as the Garden City, its historic center features lush urban sanctuaries like the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and the tranquil, meandering Avon River. Modern architecture and vibrant street art seamlessly blend with restored stone heritage buildings, creating an inviting gateway to the South Island.
Beyond its leafy avenues, Christchurch holds a deep connection to the frozen frontiers of the far south. As one of the world's primary departure gateways for Antarctic research expeditions, the city offers immersive insights into polar exploration at the International Antarctic Centre. Positioned along the Canterbury Plains, Christchurch provides the perfect blend of coastal refinement and alpine anticipation before setting off across the island.
The Christchurch Tramway Restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that combines heritage charm with modern New Zealand cuisine. Aboard a beautifully restored, colonial-style 36-seater vintage tramcar, guests enjoy a curated multi-course meal featuring fresh local produce as they glide through the historic city center. As you dine, the tram winds past iconic landmarks, vibrant inner-city parks, and the scenic Avon River, offering an intimate, atmospheric way to take in Christchurch’s sights by night.
Memorable Experiences: Self-drive arrival, Avon River strolls, International Antarctic Centre entry
Meals: Iconic Christchurch Tram Dinner
Hotel Category: First Class Hotels

Day 2

CHRISTCHURCH TO THE GLACIER REGION

GLACIER REGION

Depart Christchurch and cross the fertile patchwork of the Canterbury Plains before climbing into the mountain vistas of Arthur’s Pass National Park. Winding through alpine passes, arrive at New Zealand’s wild West Coast—a rugged sanctuary of rainforests, glacial rivers, and geological wonders where ancient rivers of solid white ice tumble into coastal valleys.
Carved through the heart of the Southern Alps, the journey to the West Coast via Arthur’s Pass ascends through sheer alpine gorges, soaring viaducts, and mist-shrouded beech forests. Descending toward the Tasman Sea brings you to a rare geological marvel: the ice sheets of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Tumbling rapidly from high alpine snowfields into temperate rainforests near sea level, these ancient rivers of ice create a stark, dramatic contrast of brilliant white against deep forest green.
Thanks to a temperate maritime climate, these glaciers are among the most accessible in the world, allowing travelers to witness dynamic glaciology up close. Dynamic forces constantly reshape the valley floors, leaving steep rock walls, carved river basins, and rushing meltwater rivers in their wake. Whether exploring the rainforest tracks near their terminal faces or viewing the vast ice falls from above on a scenic flight, the region showcases raw planetary energy in motion.
Memorable Experiences: Arthur's Pass alpine drive, West Coast rainforest scenery,Optional West Coast Wildlife Centre visit
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Category: Deluxe Alpine Lodge

Day 3

EXPLORING THE GLACIER REGION

GLACIER REGION

Enjoy a full day amidst the natural wonders of the Glacier Region. Thanks to a temperate maritime climate at low altitude, Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are among the most accessible glaciers in the world. Explore the valley tracks, witness the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, or take an optional scenic helicopter flight with an alpine snow landing.
Memorable Experiences: Glacier valley views, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks exploration, Optional Heli-Hike experience (weather permitting)
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Category: Deluxe Alpine Lodge

Day 4

GLACIER REGION TO QUEENSTOWN

QUEENSTOWN

Journey south along the scenic Haast Pass corridor before descending into Queenstown, the world’s alpine adventure capital. Surrounded by towering mountain ranges and Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown blends high-octane exploration with boutique vineyards and rich gold mining history. Enjoy a free evening to settle into this lakeside resort town.
In the evening enjoy the famous Skyline Gondola & Buffet Dinner: Includes the scenic gondola ride up Bob's Peak and a buffet dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant overlooking Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
Nestled along the glacial shores of Lake Wakatipu and framed by the dramatic jagged crests of The Remarkables, Queenstown is New Zealand’s ultimate alpine resort town. World-renowned as the "Adventure Capital of the World," its compact center buzzes with energy, high-octane outdoor pursuits, and sophisticated dining. The surrounding countryside reveals boutique vineyards in the Gibbston Valley and charming gold-rush heritage towns like Arrowtown.
The sheer scale of Queenstown’s natural setting invites both intense exploration and quiet reflection. Lake Wakatipu's crystalline waters mirror the surrounding alpine peaks, while mountain gondolas and high-country tracks offer panoramic vistas over vast wilderness corridors. From historic steamship voyages across the lake to serene hot baths overlooking mountain canyons, Queenstown balances thrilling outdoor culture with refined alpine luxury.
Memorable Experiences: Haast Pass mountain drive, Lake Wanaka vistas, arrival in alpine Queenstown, Skyline Gondola dinner
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Category: Deluxe Hotel

Day 5

QUEENSTOWN

Included today is the adventurous Skippers Canyon Scenic Jet Boat Tour -Combines a 4WD guided tour along the historic Skippers Canyon Road with high-speed jet boating on the upper Shotover River.
For the rest of your day choose to relax along the lakeshore, explore historic Arrowtown, or partake in world-class excursions—ranging from steamship cruises aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Farm, or soaking in the private pools at Onsen Hot Pools.
Memorable Experiences: Free day in Queenstown, Optional Recommended Activities- TSS Earnslaw cruise, Onsen Hot Pools
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Category: Deluxe Hotel

Day 6

QUEENSTOWN TO MILFORD SOUND & TE ANAU

MILFORD

Embark on one of the world's most scenic drives into Fiordland National Park. Pass mirror-like alpine lakes, towering waterfalls, and glacier-carved rock walls en route to Milford Sound. Cruise beneath sheer cliffs and roaring cascades before returning to the peaceful lakeside township of Te Anau for the evening.
Encompassing over 1.2 million hectares of untamed wilderness, Fiordland National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site carved by ancient ice age glaciers. The journey along the Milford Road traverses mirror-like alpine lakes, echoing granite canyons, and the engineered marvel of the Homer Tunnel. Emerging from the mountains reveals Milford Sound—famously declared by Rudyard Kipling as the eighth wonder of the world—where sheer rock walls rise vertically out of dark, deep waters.
In Milford Sound, dramatic cliffs such as Mitre Peak loom over cascading waterfalls like Stirling Falls and Lady Bowen Falls that plunge hundreds of meters into the sea. Dense temperate rainforest clings to near-vertical rock faces, creating lush, mist-draped ecosystems where fur seals, dolphins, and rare penguins thrive. Cruising beneath these giant granite precipices offers an awe-inspiring encounter with one of the planet's most pristine marine fiords.
Memorable Experiences: Fiordland National Park scenic drive, Milford Sound glacier-carved fiord cruise, Te Anau lakeside stay
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Category: Deluxe Hotel

Day 7

TE ANAU TO DUNEDIN

DUNEDIN

Drive east through Southland toward the historic coastal city of Dunedin. We recommend taking a scenic detour along The Catlins coastline to visit Nugget Point, where dramatic cliffs meet native sea life. Arrive in Dunedin, famous for its grand Victorian and Edwardian architecture and vibrant Scottish heritage.
Situated along the sheltered waters of the Otago Harbour, Dunedin is a city rich in Scottish heritage, grand Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and vibrant academic culture. Often called the "Edinburgh of the South," its historic streets feature imposing stone landmarks, including the famous Dunedin Railway Station and Larnach Castle. The surrounding hills present dramatic coastal views where wild southern oceans meet steep volcanic cliffs.
Extending east from the city, the Otago Peninsula is a world-renowned wildlife sanctuary protecting rare coastal biodiversity. Along its wave-sculpted beaches and rugged headlands, travelers can spot royal albatrosses soaring on massive wingspans, endangered yellow-eyed penguins, and basking sea lions. Combining historic urban charm with untamed wildlife encounters, Dunedin showcases the wild, romantic soul of New Zealand's southeastern coast.
Memorable Experiences: Scenic drive through Southland, optional Catlins & Nugget Point detour, Dunedin heritage architecture walk
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Category: Deluxe Hotel

Day 8

DUNEDIN & OTAGO PENINSULA WILDLIFE

DUNEDIN

Discover the rare coastal biodiversity of the Otago Peninsula. Enjoy a guided Argo wildlife tour offering intimate views of native seals, sea lions, and marine bird colonies against dramatic coastal cliffs. In the evening, get ready for an encounter with the world's smallest penguins at the Blue Penguins Pukekura sanctuary with the Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience -A guided late-evening tour at Taiaroa Head to observe wild Kororā (Little Blue Penguins) returning from sea to their nests.
Memorable Experiences: Guided Argo Wildlife Tour, Otago Peninsula coastal views, Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Category: Deluxe Hotel

Day 9

DUNEDIN TO LAKE TEKAPO / MT COOK

LAKE TEKAPO

Drive north along the Pacific coastline, stopping to marvel at the spherical Moeraki Boulders and the historic limestone architecture of Oamaru. Turn inland toward the Mackenzie Basin, where the road reveals turquoise glacier-fed lakes and the towering peak of Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.
Located in the heart of the high-country Mackenzie Basin, Lake Tekapo is world-famous for its striking turquoise waters, colored by fine glacial flour suspended in the lake. On its shores stands the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd, whose famous altar window frames direct views across the water toward the Southern Alps. Designated as part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the region offers some of the clearest, most dazzling stargazing conditions on Earth.
Continuing deeper into the basin leads to the sovereign presence of Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak at 3,724 meters. Surrounded by giant glaciers, braided riverbeds, and rugged alpine tracks like the Hooker Valley trail, Mount Cook National Park is a majestic high-altitude wilderness. The towering ice-capped peaks and pristine glacial lakes offer an unforgettable finale to a South Island expedition.
Memorable Experiences: Moeraki Boulders beach walk, Oamaru Victorian township, Mackenzie Basin & Mt Cook alpine views
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Category: Deluxe Alpine Lodge

Day 10

LAKE TEKAPO / MT COOK TO CHRISTCHURCH

CHRISTCHURCH

Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo, where framed altar windows look directly across turquoise waters to the Southern Alps. Drive northeast across the braided river valleys and fertile green fields of the Canterbury Plains, returning to Christchurch for your final evening.
Memorable Experiences: Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo photo stop, Optional Dark Sky Stargazing Experience
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Category: Deluxe Hotel

Day 11

DEPARTURE FROM CHRISTCHURCH

CHRISTCHURCH

Enjoy your final breakfast in Christchurch before driving to Christchurch International Airport. Return your rental vehicle at the airport terminal prior to checking in for your departure flight.
Memorable Experiences: Vehicle return, departure assistance
Meals: Breakfast