Southern Spectacular

Welcome to Christchurch for your two-night Scenic Special Stay at Crowne Plaza Christchurch. Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island and a vibrant example of resilience. Christchurch's arts scene is one of the most eclectic in the country, with boutique galleries and street art all over town. Charming and quirky cafes are a common sight, while the Riverside Market and the restaurant-filled Terrace are unmissable.

Scenic Freechoice Dining: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or at the hotel's restaurant.

• Market Place Restaurant & Bar: With its modern and charming atmosphere, dine at the Market Place Restaurant & Bar serving rich robust flavours and delicious New Zealand produce.
• Riverside Market: Overlooking the Avon River in the heart of Christchurch, Riverside Market offers a unique inner-city market and dining experience that champions local produce and flavours from around the world.

Please note: You will be joining the group on day 13 of a longer itinerary.

Today, enhance your Christchurch stay with your choice of one of the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

Scenic Freechoice:

• Punting on the Avon: Enjoy one of Christchurch's iconic tourist attractions as a skilled punter propels you along the Avon River. Travel past trailing willows, woodlands and the leafy banks of the Botanic Gardens or through the city of Christchurch on board a classic punt.
• Botanic Gardens Tour: Explore the Botanic Gardens including commentary by your expert guide and driver. Discover the natural beauty, history and culture of this central city oasis while at the same time being taken around the gardens in comfort and style.
• Christchurch Sightseeing Tour: A half day sightseeing tour of Christchurch highlighting both the damage to the city inflicted by several large earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, and the rebuild currently in progress, together with the surviving beauty of the city and the historical landmarks.
• International Antarctic Centre: Take a ride on the Penguin Express to the Antarctic Centre. The centre provides an exciting experience where you can discover the enchanting penguins, seals and other wildlife and learn about life on this vast continent.

Scenic Enrich: Uncover Christchurch's culinary secrets on a Kai (‘food' in Maori) Safari. In between courses you will learn popular Maori words, discover the city's best kept secrets, and be introduced to friendly locals.

Join the TranzAlpine this morning for your rail journey across the Southern Alps. One of the world's great train journeys, TranzAlpine takes you from coast to coast across the South Island. Along the way, you'll pass the patchwork countryside and braided rivers of the Canterbury Plains and the gorges and valleys of the Waimakariri River. Once you arrive, it's time to see the ever-changing face of the imposing Franz Josef Glacier for yourself. This World Heritage area is just five kilometres from the town of Franz Josef and offers a unique look at a relic of the last ice age. Enjoy an overnight stay at your Scenic Special Stay hotel Te Waonui Forest Retreat.

You may choose to take a helicopter flight over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and experience the wonder of a landing in this natural alpine landscape (additional expense, please book prior to departure).

Please Note: Select departures do not include the TranzAlpine rail journey.

Enjoy a ride on the fully enclosed Haast River Safari jet boat for a closer look at the glacial valley of the South Westland World Heritage area. Stay warm and dry as you cruise past spectacular mountain views, rushing waterfalls and lush native forests. Afterwards, you'll head to the alpine city of Queenstown for a three-night stay at Millennium Hotel Queenstown or similar.

Welcome to Queenstown, the South Island alpine village that's the adventure capital of New Zealand. Today, elevate your Queenstown stay with your choice of these exciting Scenic Freechoice activities.

Scenic Freechoice:

• Shotover Jet Adventure: As the accelerator hits the floor, your adrenaline hits the roof as you power through the Shotover River and deep into the nearby canyons. It's an amazing ride, as your driver skilfully whips past rocky outcrops.
• Skyline Gondola: Take a scenic ride in the iconic Skyline Gondola and enjoy spectacular views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
• Skippers Canyon: Discover this gold mining area on a tour offering some of the most spectacular remote mountain scenery and historic sites at every corner. Travel in a comfortable 4WD minibus.
• TSS Earnslaw – Walter Peak: Enjoy dinner at Walter Peak along with a steamship cruise on TSS Earnslaw.

Enjoy a day at leisure to discover Queenstown. Best known for its thrilling skiing scene, Queenstown also offers an incredible assortment of scenic walks and hikes, a thriving boutique winery scene, jet boats and kayaking, and of course, spectacular views at every turn.

Visit the lakeside town of Te Anau, a visually remarkable gateway to Fiordland National Park, where you'll witness the spectacular beauty of Milford Sound. Stand in awe of the towering cliffs, peaks and waterfalls as this natural wonder unfolds around you.

Tonight, you'll enjoy a Scenic Special Stay surrounded by the majesty of Milford Sound on board the Milford Mariner. Anchor in a sheltered cove where you'll have the opportunity to explore the area in a small boat or kayak and learn about your surroundings from the resident specialist nature guide. Then settle in for a three-course buffet dinner prepared by the Mariner's on-board chef.

Awake to stillness and breathtaking beauty in Milford Sound. Then it's time to cross the South Island again as you head to New Zealand's oldest university city, Dunedin. Here, you'll enjoy a two-night centrally located Hotel at the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross or similar.

Welcome to Dunedin, which sits on a sheltered harbour. Rich in heritage and stunning scenery, Dunedin is renowned as the wildlife capital of New Zealand. Look for well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture, the world's steepest street and the world's smallest and rarest penguins as you explore this beautiful city. Today, make the most of your time in Dunedin with your choice of these Scenic Freechoice activities.

Scenic Freechoice:

• Tour of Larnach Castle: This superbly crafted building, built in 1871, showcases a unique collection of New Zealand antiques. Enjoy your guided tour of the castle and view the beautiful surrounding gardens. Learn of Larnach' s history and the amazing story of how this stunning piece of architecture was built.
• Northern Royal Albatross Tour: Situated on the tip of the Otago Peninsula, learn about the secret lives of the albatross and gain an intimate knowledge of these amazing birds with your expert guide. Witness the fascinating social and family life of the breeding colony.
• Monarch Wildlife Cruise: From Port Chalmers, board the Vivienne J for a wildlife cruise through Otago Harbour's historic bays, volcanic headlands and tranquil islands. Enjoy morning tea as you watch royal albatross, fur seals and seabirds, with chances to spot dolphins, sea lions and little blue penguins.

Cross the mountainous, fertile, sheep-filled farming land of Central Otago en route to the heady alpine landscape of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, where the mountains touch the sky. Enjoy an overnight Scenic Special Stay at The Hermitage.

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Built in 1935, the Church of the Good Shepherd acts as a memorial to the pioneers of the surrounding Mackenzie region. A popular and charming tourist attraction, the Church holds regular Sunday Services.

Then, travel through the patchwork countryside and past the braided rivers of the Canterbury Plains on your way to Christchurch. This agricultural hub produces more than 80% of New Zealand's grains, crops and seeds. You'll arrive Christchurch for your Scenic Special Stay at Crowne Plaza Christchurch or similar.

Scenic Enrich: Celebrate your adventures during an iconic tram ride through Christchurch.

It's time to bid a fond farewell to your new friends and the wonders of New Zealand and head home with stories for life.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.