Fly to the gateway of the South Island prior to the start of your guided tour. Christchurch is constantly evolving following the devastating earthquake that hit the city in 2011 and has become a modern and thriving garden city.

Since its 2010/11 earthquakes, Christchurch has reinvented itself in more ways than one. Discover how if you choose to step back in time aboard the Christchurch Tram, linking some of the city’s most legendary attractions. It’s time tonight to meet your travelling companions for a Welcome reception.

Wyndham Garden

On your city tour view the mind-bending Transitional Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold-clad central library. From here, your outlook is the Canterbury Plains: the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, snow-capped mountains and atmospheric towns. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, hosted by passionate guides, will forever change the way you see the night sky. You’ll see for yourself it may be one of the quietest spots on the planet, yet it has one of the busiest skies in the universe.

Heritage Gateway Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner

If you’ve ever wanted to see New Zealand’s oldest public gardens, today you’re in luck. Oamaru, with its stately tree-lined streets and limestone buildings, stands proud before you journey further south toward the Edinburgh of the South: Dunedin. It’s easy to while away the afternoon in the city’s atmospheric art-lined alleys. Or venture further afield to discover the wildlife that thrives in this pretty pocket of the country – fur seals and penguins among them. Thirsty? Visit Speight’s Brewery, a New Zealand institution.

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Breakfast

Dunedin’s Scottish ancestry is everywhere you look, from the manicured grounds of Otago University to the city’s main George Street. Rolling green hills dotted with doe-eyed sheep are replaced by soaring mountains as you weave your way into Fiordland National Park and the South Island’s biggest lake and the town of Te Anau. Soak up the serenity – it doesn’t get any better than this.

Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner

From the moment you step outside today, nature rules. Your route through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows and mirror-like lakes. Gin-clear rivers carve the countryside, with all roads leading to your Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Cruising this World Heritage listed expanse will give you goosebumps, a string of waterfalls creating a misty curtain across sheer escarpments. Look out for dolphins – they’re a common sight here.

Copthorne Hotel and Resort

Breakfast

Take today at your own pace. Like things fast and furious? Feel the wind in your hair on the high-octane Skippers Jet, perhaps. There’s a reason why Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the country. Nature lover? Discover some of New Zealand’s feathered friends at a wildlife centre. Wherever you wander, make sure you’re back in time to glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner.

Copthorne Hotel and Resort

Breakfast, Dinner

Try and keep count of today’s lakes. Leaving Lake Wakatipu behind, Arrowtown appears on the horizon. We know you’ll want to linger in the movie-set-like streets, lined with trees and character-filled boutiques. But Lake Dunstan awaits, as do its orchards. Pause to refuel on flavour-packed stone fruit. Then there’s Lake Hawea followed by Lake Wanaka, with its Instagrammable shoreline of poplars and willows. Over the Haast Pass to the town of Franz Josef, where, this afternoon you may choose to fly over Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere.

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Breakfast, Dinner

Swap snow for pounamu (native greenstone or jade) in Hokitika. In Māori tradition, it’s bad luck to buy this sacred stone for yourself; flutter your eyelids at your loved one. Just when you thought your adventure couldn’t get any better, you’ll aboard the TranzAlpine train bound for Christchurch, through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys.

Wyndham Garden

Breakfast, Dinner

It is time to bid farewell to the South Island as you depart Christchurch and fly to the capital city of Wellington. Pick up your choice of hire car from the airport and travel to the city for a relaxed two-night stay allowing time to explore the Botanical Gardens, Zealandia and Te Papa National Museum.

Take your time to travel through along the southern tip of the North Island towards Napier. This coastal resort town is famous for its art deco appearance and wine production. A two night stay here will allow ample time to relax and immerse yourself in this cultured town. Tour the region in a traditional art deco vintage car or join a self-guided bike tour of the surrounding vineyards.

Wellington > Napier | 324 kms

Drive through the rugged hills, plunging valleys and expansive vistas towards Taupo. This resort town sits on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake and is surrounded by impressive natural wonders, such as the powerful Huka Falls and the steaming Craters of the Moon.

Napier > Taupo | 142 kms

The road to Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most fascinating. The lakeside town of Rotorua sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire which contributes to the abundance of geothermal activity which occurs within this region. On your way towards the town stop at one of the geothermal parks to see bubbling mud pools and erupting geysers. Rotorua is also the perfect destination to discover more about the country’s unique Maori culture at Te Puia Arts and Craft Institute or during a traditional evening Maori Hangi feast.

Taupo > Rotorua | 80 kms

The final part of your self drive takes you through green countryside and rolling farmland as you head towards the bright lights of Auckland for a 3 night stay. Take a day cruise over to Waiheke Island or for the more adventurous hike up Mount Eden at sunrise or sunset and take in the panoramic views.

Rotorua > Auckland | 232 kms