Arrive into the delightful and ever evolving city of Christchurch to enjoy a day at leisure exploring the charming parklands, lively bars and restaurants and heritage buildings.

Distinction Christchurch

This morning make your own way to Christchurch Railway Station for the TranzAlpine train. Depart Christchurch on the TranzAlpine for your journey across Arthur’s Pass to Greymouth. The TranzAlpine train journey is rated one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys and travels from one coast of New Zealand to the other.

From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rainforest to the west coast town of Greymouth.

On arrival at Greymouth you will collect your rental car and make your way to your hotel in Hokitika.

Beachfront Hotel

This morning make your way down the West Coast to Franz Josef from Greymouth or Hokitika. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Franz Josef. Nowhere in the world’s temperate zones are glaciers as accessible as South Westland’s most famous pair, Franz Josef and Fox. Both descend to levels of about 1000 feet (300 metres) above sea level.

Franz Josef Glacier is a remnant of a much older, larger glacier, which flowed from the alpine snowfields right to the sea. The glacier is over 12 km long extending into the rainforest just 5km from the Franz Josef Township, making it easy to visit. Walk to viewpoints, for for a close-up view of the spectacular ice formations, take a guided walk along the valley floor, heli-hike excursion or scenic flight.

Hokitika > Franz Josef | 160 kms

Scenic Hotel

Make your way to Queenstown where on arrival you will have the remainder of the day at leisure. Queenstown nestles in Queenstown Bay, about midway along the eastern shores of the azure blue waters of Lake Wakatipu. An unusual feature of the lake is the regular ‘breathing’, a 3-inch rise and fall every 15 minutes. Striking mountain peaks surround Queenstown, and although still rural in character, the town has developed into a tourist resort for all seasons.

Situated more than 300 metres above sea level, it is sufficiently inland to provide a sharp contrast between the hot summer and bracing winter. The Autumn colours and the Lake District are justly famous and a delight to photographers and painters. Winter brings spectacular snow scenery, ice-skating, white water rafting and much more.

Franz Josef > Queenstown | 348 kms

Copthorne Resort Lakefront Queenstown

Full day at your leisure to select your optional sightseeing (at your own expense): thrilling jet boat rides, vintage steamer lake cruises, visit to high country sheep stations, mountain gondola rides — the list is endless and you also have time to relax and simply marvel at the beautiful scenery.

Copthorne Resort Lakefront Queenstown

Make your way to Te Anau via Milford Sound where time is available to enjoy a cruise on the scenic sound (at your own expense).

Queenstown > Te Anau | 420 kms

Distinction Te Anau

Make your way to Dunedin – the “Edinburgh of the South”. This afternoon in Dunedin time is available to explore — you may like to visit the Otago Peninsula – home of the Royal Albatross Colony, the Yellow Penguins or historic Larnach Castle (at your own expense).

Te Anau > Dunedin | 290 kms

Distinction Leisure Lodge

Depart Dunedin and make your way to Christchurch, known as the ‘most English City outside England’ or the ‘garden city’. It is home to beautiful gardens, quirky new shopping malls and restaurants and English heritage.

Dunedin > Christchurch | 360 kms

Crowne Plaza

Tour ends with returning your rental car to the Christchurch City or airport depot.