Arrive into the delightful and ever evolving city of Christchurch.

Known as the ‘most English City outside England’, in Christchurch you can explore the stunning Botanic Gardens and the picturesque Hagley Park, perfect for leisurely strolls.

You can discover Christchurch’s arts scene at the Canterbury Museum and the Christchurch Art Gallery then take a ride on the historic Christchurch Tram for a unique city tour, or visit the rejuvenated Riverside Market for local cuisine and shopping.

Standard: Distinction Christchurch

Deluxe: Eliza’s Manor

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.

Standard: Beachfront Hotel

Deluxe: Rimu Lodge

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

Standard: Scenic Hotel

Deluxe: Te Wai o Nui

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

Standard: Copthorne Resort Lakefront Queenstown

Deluxe: Browns Boutique Hotel

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.

Standard: Copthorne Resort Lakefront Queenstown

Deluxe: Browns Boutique Hotel

Today’s drive is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular, with stunning scenery on all sides. You will begin by driving along the shore of Lake Wakatipu, before continuing around the mountains to the lakeside town of Te Anau. Although your hotel is here, you will then continue along State Highway 94 to Milford Sound.

This road offers spectacular views of snow-capped mountains tumbling waterfalls as well as still lakes in the valleys below. Your destination is Milford Sound, a glacial cut fiord, that is bordered by steep cliffs. You may wish to join one of the scenic cruises that travel along the fjord to the entrance with the ocean.

Your return drive to Te Anau, offers further opportunities to stop and view the Mirror Lakes and Christie Falls.

Queenstown > Te Anau | 420 kms

Standard: Distinction Te Anau

Deluxe: Fiordland Lodge

From Te Anau it is just over three hours’ drive to the town of Dunedin on the south east coast. Dunedin is known as the “Edinburgh of the South” and you will be able to discover the town’s Scottish heritage during the afternoon.

You may like to visit the Otago Peninsula – home of a rare Royal Albatross Colony and endangered Yellow Penguins.  Alternatively you may prefer to spend time wandering through the historic Larnach Castle and its grounds.

Te Anau > Dunedin | 290 kms

Standard: Distinction Leisure Lodge

Deluxe: Fable Dunedin

Depart Dunedin and make your way up the South Island’s eastern coast back to Christchurch.

In Christchurch you can explore the stunning Botanic Gardens and the picturesque Hagley Park, perfect for leisurely strolls after your drive.

You can also take a turn punting on the River Avon, head to Port Hills for hiking and panoramic views, or go to the nearby Banks Peninsula for dolphin watching and coastal walks.

Dunedin > Christchurch | 360 kms

Standard: Crowne Plaza

Deluxe: Eliza’s Manor

When you are ready, return your car at the airport and check-in in time for your scheduled flight to continue your holiday or return home.