8 Day Southern Escape

Arrive in Christchurch and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director.

Drive through the Southern Alps to Westland Tai Poutini National Park, home to the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers as well as spectacular lakes and rainforests. Travel along the west coast to enjoy views of the picturesque alps. Over thousands of years, these remarkable natural wonders have created immense valleys.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Settle in for a two-night stay with the dramatic backdrop of towering mountains overseeing Lake Wakatipu.

Travel past the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, through Haast Pass, skirting the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea to Queenstown. The city is renowned for its world-class food, so during time at leisure, perhaps enjoy one of the many local restaurants.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Ride the Skyline Gondola 450 metres above the city to the top of Bob’s Peak for a buffet lunch at the Stratosfare Restaurant. All of Queenstown spreads below you.

After lunch with a spectacular view at Stratosfare Restaurant, the rest of the day is at leisure. Why not try one of our Select Experiences? Join the TSS Earnslaw for a cruise to Walter Peak Station, offering an insight into farming life in New Zealand’s high country, or take an exhilarating Shotover Jet Boat ride (both at own expense). This evening, perhaps tantalise your tastebuds as you discover Queenstown’s thriving foodie scene.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Cruise the full length of Milford Sound, a magnificent fiord with spectacular landscapes surrounding this World Heritage-listed area.

This morning after breakfast, skirt The Remarkables mountain range, tracing the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park and beyond to Milford Sound. Your reward is a cruise along the full length of the sound. Carved by ancient glaciers, Milford Sound is widely regarded as one of the most incredible natural wilderness areas on earth. Later, continue by coach to Te Anau. After time to settle in to your hotel, enjoy dinner.

Leaving the Fiordland region, today you’ll journey through rolling Southland countryside before arriving in Dunedin. Enjoy a tour taking in the city’s most significant landmarks and learn of its rich history. Take some time at leisure to explore the town as you please.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Enjoy spectacular views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, the highest point in Australasia.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Tonight, dine on local produce at your hotel’s restaurant during a special Farewell Dinner.

Journey along the east coast to see the Moeraki Boulders. These large spherical stones were formed more than 60 million years ago and can be found along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. Continue to Oamaru to see some of New Zealand’s finest 19th-century architecture. Later, en route to Lake Tekapo, journey into Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park to admire the sublime alpine scenery. Arrive at your hotel, Peppers Bluewater Resort, situated near the shores of Lake Tekapo.

Your final day in New Zealand begins with a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd on the edge of Lake Tekapo. Enjoy the pristine natural beauty. Your journey then concludes on arrival at Christchurch Airport.