Since its 2010/11 earthquakes, Christchurch has reinvented itself in more ways than one. It's time tonight to meet your travelling companions for a Welcome Reception. Stay: Ibis Hotel Christchurch

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. (B/D) Stay: Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel

Oamaru, with its Victorian heritage 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 among them. Thirsty? Visit Speight's Brewery, a New Zealand institution. (B) Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

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. (B/D) Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel

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. (B) Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort

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. (B/D) Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort

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. (B/D) Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Swap snow for pounamu (native greenstone or jade) in Hokitika. Just when you thought your adventure couldn't get any better, you'll board 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. (B/D) Stay: Ibis Hotel Christchurch

New Zealand's South Island never fails to wow. We hope you find the words to describe this epic New Zealand tour to your family back home. (B)

Since its 2010/11 earthquakes, Christchurch has reinvented itself in more ways than one. It's time tonight to meet your Travel Director and travelling companions for drinks. Stay: Ibis Hotel Christchurch

Christchurch is not only rebuilding itself after the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes, but is changing the way architects think about design. Case in point the mind-bending Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold clad central library. You will view these on your city tour.

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 local specialists, 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. (B/D) Stay: Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel

Your visit to Clyde will have your camera clicking non-stop. This charming historic town may be small, but it's full of character, with its town centre designated as a historic precinct, featuring buildings from its gold mining past now transformed into cafes and shops. Next, head to Gore, the Country Music capital of New Zealand, before continuing toward Fiordland National Park and stunning Te Anau, nestled on the shores of the South Island's largest lake. Immerse yourself in the serenity - this is as good as it gets. (B/D) Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel

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 Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Venture out into the pristine fiord on an included sightseeing cruise for awe-inspiring scenery with towering cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and abundant wildlife. (B)

Follow state Highway 6, winding along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, the Devil's Staircase from Kingston to Queenstown is a breathtaking stretch of road with a combination of lake and Mountain views. Visit the historic gold rush village of Arrowtown, where you can wander the streets, lined with trees and character-filled boutiques, then continue to Queenstown for your two-night stay in the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Tonight, glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner and farm show. (B/D) Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown

Take today at your own pace; you won't be lost for things to do in Queenstown. Like adventure? Feel the wind in your hair on the high-octane jet boat ride, perhaps. There's a reason why Queenstown is known as the "Adventure Capital of the World". Nature lover? Discover some of New Zealand's feathered friends at a wildlife centre. (B)

Try and keep count of today's lakes. Leaving Lake Wakatipu behind. But Lake Dunstan awaits, as do its orchards. Pause to refuel on flavour-packed stone fruit. Then there's Lake Hawea. Over the Haast Pass to the town of Franz Josef/Waiau, where, this afternoon you may choose to fly over Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. (B/D) Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Swap snow for pounamu (native greenstone or jade) in Hokitika. Just when you thought your adventure couldn't get any better, you'll board 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. Join your Travel Director tonight for drinks and dinner to celebrate your week touring New Zealand's South Island. (B/D) Stay: Ibis Hotel Christchurch

New Zealand's South Island never fails to wow. We hope you find the words to describe this epic New Zealand tour to your family back home. (B)