Southern Wonders

Kia ora and welcome to Ōtautahi, Christchurch. Today is your orientation day, your day to ease yourself into your holiday. A shuttle transfer will take you to your hotel.  From here you relax or choose to explore New Zealand's biggest city - your hotel is a great base to visit Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanical Gardens. This evening you'll join your group for a Welcome Briefing and Dinner.

Included

• Hotel transfer from airport (non-exclusive shuttle)
• Welcome Dinner

In the morning, you board the TranzAlpine train for a magnificent scenic train journey to the west coast of the South Island. Sit back and enjoy a true winter wonderland! This afternoon you'll journey to a land of the legends at Pounamu Pathways at their Greymouth Experience Centre. This included cultural activity will allow you to become immersed in the rich tapestry of Poutini Ngāi Tahu and the Māwhera Pā settlement.

This captivating exhibition features monumental sculptures, audio-visual elements, and history told through audio and illustrations, allowing you to become familiar with the region's Māori culture.

Included

• Breakfast
• Tranz Alpine train journey
• Pounamu Pathways

Please note that the TranzAlpine unfortunately will not be running on all departures. Where this is the case, you will instead continue to the West Coast in the vehicle with your guide.

This morning you have the morning free to visit a jade carving studio where you can learn about the spiritual significance of this precious stone for the Māori and learn how to make your own pendant. Alternatively, discover New Zealand's iconic kiwi at the National Kiwi Centre, offering an intimate encounter with this flightless bird as well as other fascinating bird species. Later travel to Franz Josef, the heart of glacier country, where nature's wonders await exploration.

Included

• Breakfast

Early morning you might want to seize the opportunity for an exhilarating helicopter flight above the majestic glaciers. Thereafter journey across Lake Mapourika, where you'll enjoy exclusive access to private rainforest trail through the captivating Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Stepping off the boat, you'll find yourself transported into a Jurassic rainforest, like entering another world! Experience the pristine beauty of old-growth rainforest, untouched and preserved in its natural state. This haven is home to abundant birdlife, including the graceful white herons and New Zealand's native bush birds.

Included

• Breakfast
• Cruise and Nature Walk Lake Mapourika

Today you head to Queenstown. Sometimes referred to as the St Moritz of the South seas, Queenstown is a resort adventure town surrounded by mountains and nestled on the shore of Lake Wakatipu. En route, you'll visit Arrowtown which is a charming historical town from the gold rush days. Here you go on a walk to the old Chinese gold-digging settlement. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel and relax after the day.

Included

• Breakfast
• Visit to Arrowtown
• Dinner

With a full day in Queenstown, let's work on that bucket list! There are heaps of options to choose from: wine tasting and lunch, skydiving over the lake, hiking trails to die for, bungy jumping while your Haka friends cheer you on, drive through Lord of the Rings scenery, and jetboating are just a few of our favourites.

Included

• Breakfast

Please note that if your departure did not include the TranzAlpine Train then this evening you will be boarding the TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu. Dinner included.

For those keen to have more activity time you are free to enjoy the morning ticking off more iconic activities or just soak up the atmosphere at the lake edge. Your Haka Tour Guide will be offering a 3hour-walking tour up Queenstown Hill. The Queenstown Hill Time Walk is a 500-metre climb through pine forest to the summit of Te Tapu-nui (mountain of intense sacredness).

As you make your way along the track, you will walk by the popular 'Basket of Dreams' sculpture. From the summit (weather permitting), you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding land and some of Queenstown's main landmarks. This afternoon you'll drive onto Te Anau, known as the ‘Gateway to Fiordland'.

Included

• Breakfast
• Queenstown Hill Hike

Today, you head to Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park, locally considered the eighth natural wonder of the world! On this 2-hour scenic cruise, you'll admire thundering waterfalls, sky-high mountains, and lush rainforests. The trip includes insightful commentary by friendly guides, as well as amazing nature and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Return to Te Anau and then onto parts less travelled and arrive in Invercargill at the southern tip of New Zealand. As New Zealand's Southernmost city, Invercargill is idyllically located on the Southern Scenic Route and is the gateway to some of the country's most popular natural attractions. The city itself has plenty to offer too. Wide avenues are lined with well-preserved Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco heritage buildings. You'll find facades with Italian and English Renaissance styles, Gothic stone tracery, and Romanesque designs. Many of these remarkable historical buildings play host to a wide range of shops and a selection of lively bars and restaurants.

Included

• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Milford Sound Cruise

You travel to Ōtepoti / Dunedin, known as the Scottish city of New Zealand! Dunedin was settled primarily by the Scottish and its name comes from Dùn Èideann, the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Dunedin is also well known for its abundant marine wildlife which includes penguins, albatross and seals. Here you'll visit a local gin distillery before heading to NZ's only castle. Larnach Castle offers superb views of the harbour, ocean and peninsula views. Make sure you take time to wander through the beautiful gardens at Larnach Castle.

Included

• Breakfast
• Boutique gin distillery visit
• Dinner as part of your Larnach Estate Feature Stay
• City tour including the world's steepest road!

Leaving behind Dunedin, you'll trace the coastline to the unique Moeraki Boulders, resembling giant marbles. From here, you travel to the cute town of Oamaru where you'll visit the Steampunk Museum in Oamaru's Victorian precinct. You continue on to Christchurch, where you will you enjoy a final dinner together. Your guide will confirm all transfer arrangements for the next day with you bid you farewell.

Included

• Breakfast
• Moeraki Boulders visit
• Entry to Steampunk Museum
• Farewell dinner

Today your New Zealand Southern Wonders Tour sadly comes to an end. A transfer will have been organised for you to bring you to the airport. We wish you safe onward travels!

Included

• Breakfast
• Airport transfer