Christchurch's energy is evident wherever you go. The city has bounced back after the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and is now thriving once again. Contemporary art galleries, boutiques and open-air markets add to the city's creative vibe. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception. Stay: Distinction Hotel, Christchurch (B)

'You're invited' to Morelea Farm, a typical working sheep farm, where you'll get a taste of traditional New Zealand country life. You'll be welcomed into the home of Angie and Stan Taylor and their 240 hectare garden. You'll have the chance to experience sheep shearing and farming demonstrations before enjoying a Be My Guest BBQ lunch, and wait until you try Angie's famous pavlova dessert! Listen to the family's story of growing up in rural New Zealand and their challenges of farming in the foothills of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Later see Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on your way to Twizel. Stay: Mackenzie Country Inn, Twizel (B/BG/DW)

This morning after breakfast, visit the spectacular Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme, a series of interconnected lakes and canals used to generate electricity on the Waitaki River, New Zealand's longest. See the monumental spillway of the Benmore Dam before exploring the historic town of Oamaru, with its stately tree-lined streets and celebrated white limestone buildings. Then you'll make your way to New Zealand's southernmost city, Dunedin, home to many fine examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

Designated by UNESCO as a City of Literature, Dunedin is a magnificent example of a small city that lives, breathes and connects through its people, its culture and its intense love of literature. It is well known as a university town of excellence in research and learning, and a city where writers, books and literature thrive. With the rest of your afternoon at leisure, relax and unwind or join an optional experience to see more of the region. This afternoon choose one from a range of Included Choice sightseeing experiences. Tour stately Larnach Castle, ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway, take a wildlife cruise or an interactive tour of Speight's Brewery. Stay: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Dunedin (B/DW)

Today, travel through lush green sheep-grazing country on your way to the spectacular Fiordland National Park and the town of Te Anau, nestled in the southwestern corner of the South Island. Lake Te Anau covers an area of 344 km², making it the secondlargest lake in New Zealand and the largest in the South Island. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel. Stay: Distinction Hotel, Te Anau (B/DW)

Today you will want to have your camera battery charged, and ready to go! Journey out to Milford Sound on one of the most scenic roads you will ever see, travelling through native rainforests, alluvial flats and meadows. You will stop at Mirror Lakes and then it's on to the Homer Tunnel, man's attempt to master the sheer rocky ranges. Marvel at the stunning Cleddau Valley, stop for a little walk to the Chasm, and then it's on to Milford Sound, where you will cruise the waters of this natural wonder. Your cruise takes in the Bowen and Stirling Falls, glacial hanging valleys, and the sheer pinnacle of Mitre Peak. From Milford Sound, you will travel on to the beautiful sights of Queenstown. Tonight you may want to take a gondola to Bob's Peak and dine at the Skyline Restaurant, Stratosfare, overlooking Queenstown (own expense) – the ultimate way to end a highlight day! Stay Two Nights: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (B)

Today choose one from a range of Included Choice sightseeing experiences. If you're feeling energetic you have the option to ride the exhilarating Shotover Jet boat or take the gondola to Bob's Peak for thrilling luge rides. For the more laid-back, a 4WD minibus tour will take you through spectacular Skippers Canyon, or you might like to visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park, where a zoologist will introduce you to some amazing animals. This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue 'highlight dinner' at the Colonel's Homestead. An entertaining farm show provides a glimpse into high-country farm life. (B/HD)

Visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, on the Arrow River, previously one of the world's richest rivers. Enjoy the tastes of delicious stone fruit at Cromwell, the stone fruit capital. Travel over the Haast Pass, view amazing Thunder Creek Falls and take a small rainforest walk. Then it's on to Franz Josef Glacier, the world's most accessible glacier. Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, (Douglas Wing) (B/DW)

Explore Franz Josef Glacier this morning, then spend some time amongst temperate rainforest giants on the West Coast Treetop Walkway. Travel to Hokitika, home of New Zealand's famous greenstone, then on to Punakaiki. You'll spend the night in an eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront. Stay: Punakaiki Resort (B/DW)

Travel to the alpine village of Arthur's Pass and board the TranzAlpine. This spectacular train journey dates back to 1914, and is rated as one of the word's most scenic train trips. The train forges through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys. Join your Tour Director this evening for a farewell dinner with wine. Stay: Distinction Hotel, Christchurch (B/FD)

Your tour concludes after breakfast. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Christchurch has bounced back after the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and is now thriving once again. Contemporary art galleries, boutiques and open-air markets add to the city’s creative vibe. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception. Stay: Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Visit the home of Angie and Stan Taylor for a Be My Guest barbecue lunch, and hear about a lifetime spent farming in the Southern Alps. This afternoon see Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, and view the famed Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue to the outdoor-adventure hub of Twizel. (B/L/D) Stay: MacKenzie Country Hotel

This morning, visit the spectacular Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme on the mighty Waitaki River. Explore the historic town of Oamaru, with its stately tree-lined streets and celebrated limestone buildings, then make your way to New Zealand’s southernmost city, Dunedin, home to many fine examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. With the rest of your morning at leisure, relax and unwind or join an optional experience to see more of the region. This afternoon, choose one from a range of Included Choice sightseeing experiences. Tour imposing Larnach Castle, ride the historic Taieri Gorge railway, take a wildlife cruise, or experience an interactive tour of famous Speight’s Brewery. (B/D) Stay: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

Today, travel through lush green sheepgrazing country on your way to the spectacular Fiordland National Park and the town of Te Anau, nestled in the southwestern corner of the South Island. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B/D) Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas

Your experience in magnificent Milford Sound today is sure to be one of the highlights of your journey. Travel first through native rainforests and lush meadows to Mirror Lakes and the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel, and marvel at the stunning Cleddau Valley. Your unforgettable Milford Sound cruise takes in cascading waterfalls, hanging glacial valleys, and the sheer pinnacle of Mitre Peak. After disembarking, travel on to beautiful Queenstown. (B) Stay: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (2 nights)

Today, choose one from a range of Included Choice sightseeing experiences. If you’re feeling energetic you have the option of riding the exhilarating Shotover Jet boat. For a more laid-back experience, a minibus excursion will take you through spectacular Skippers Canyon, or take the gondola to Bob’s Peak for amazing views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu and then visit a Kiwi Birdlife Park. This evening, settle into a peaceful cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm, for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner and an entertaining farm show. (B/D)

Your destination today is the wild west coast of the South Island. Stop to visit the faithfully-restored gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown, and enjoy the serenity of the region’s vivid blue lakes. Drive over the spectacular Haast Pass, passing the 96-metre Thunder Creek Falls on your way to the extraordinary Franz Josef Glacier. (B/D) Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing)

Consider an optional experience helicopter flight over the glaciers, or you may wish to take a stroll through the small but lively Franz Josef village. Travel on to Hokitika, home of New Zealand’s famous greenstone. Continue to Punakaiki to view the intriguing Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. You’ll spend the night in an eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront. (B/D) Stay: Punakaiki Resort

Join your personal guide for a tour of Monteith’s Brewing Company, including tastings at the brewers’ table, before sitting down to lunch. Afterwards, board the iconic TranzAlpine train in Greymouth and embark on one of the world’s great train journeys, passing through magnificent landscapes ranging from the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to rugged gorges and pristine ice-fed streams and lakes. Back in Christchurch, join your Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner. (B/D) Stay: Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast. (B)