Itinerary

Day 1     
Arrive Christchurch
Fly from your homeport to Christchurch where you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel. Stay: Heartland Hotel Cotswold (D)

Day 2     
Christchurch - Franz Josef
This morning board the the TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world. Cross the Canterbury Plains and view rivers and valleys as you travel to Arthurs Pass. This afternoon we travel to Hokitika to visit the Greenstone Factory. There is an opportunity to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (B/D)

Day 3     
Franz Josef - Queenstown
See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south to Fox Glacier and down the West Coast via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty. Arrive into picturesque Queenstown, a year round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. Stay: Mercure Resort, Lakeview Rooms (2 nights) (B/D)

Day 4     
Queenstown - Christmas Day
Merry Christmas! Today board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings with the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine in the Colonel’s Homestead. Reboard the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a sing along by the piano on your return cruise to Queenstown. (B/L)

Day 5     
Queenstown - Te Anau
This morning travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining town, and visit the Lakes District Museum. You will then continue to Te Anau, the gateway to the Fiordland. This evening you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Deluxe Rooms (2 nights) (B/D)

Day 6     
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau
This morning enjoy a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. (B/L/D)

Day 7     
Te Anau - Dunedin
Travel north through Gore and Balclutha into Dunedin. Continue along the scenic Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle for a delicious afternoon tea and guided tour. Stay: Mercure Leisure Lodge (B/D)

Day 8     
Dunedin - Twizel
Travel to Oamaru, famous for its limestone and enjoy an informative update on this unique Precinct. Follow the Waitaki River to the rural centre of Twizel. Stay: MacKenzie Country Inn (B/D)

Day 9     
Twizel - Mt Cook - Methven
This morning marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the Southern Alps. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and see the Sheep Dog Statue before travelling into the alpine village of Methven. Stay: Hotel Methven Resort (2 nights) (B/D)

Day 10     
Methven - Akaroa - New Years Eve
This morning travel to the scenic Banks Peninsula, which includes Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours and the historical French inspired village of Akaroa. Enjoy time at The Giant’s House where you see original artworks, mosaics and touches of whimsy. Return to Methven to enjoy this evening’s festivities at your New Years Eve farewell dinner. (B/SD)

Day 11     
Depart Christchurch
Happy New Year! Time to say goodbye. You’ll be transferred to the Christchurch airport for your flight home after a memorable holiday. (B)

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