Day 1 - Arrive into Christchurch
Arrive Christchurch City
Arrive into Christchurch. From the moment you arrive in New Zealand a friendly smile awaits as the Grand Pacific Meet and Greet representatives ensure you are welcomed in true Kiwi style and transferred to your hotel. This evening is a great opportunity to meet fellow travellers as you enjoy a welcome dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
| Your accommodation: Millennium Hotel Christchurch The Millennium Hotel Christchurch is centrally located in picturesque Cathedral Square - the heart of Christchurch for business and shopping. The hotel is only minutes from the city's key tourist attractions and a host of restaurants and cafes. |
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Day 2 - Christchurch City and surrounds
Explore Christchurch City
Travel to the International Antarctic Centre this morning for a totally unique experience as you have breakfast with the penguins in a ‘state of the art’ enclosure. Climb aboard the amazing Hagglund, buckle up and experience an adventure ride in this all terrain amphibian vehicle. Enjoy a guided tour around the centre as you discover how life in Antarctica survives through a series of fun, exciting and interactive exhibits. Return to the city for a tour of the grand architecture, historic homesteads and immaculate parks. Visit the historic Antigua Boat Sheds, your boarding point for an authentic Edwardian punting experience along the picturesque Avon River.
This afternoon some free time is available. Use your complimentary Tramway Pass to explore the city including the popular arts and craft markets. This evening you will experience the dramatic encounter Lost in our Own Land, where the Maori Village, the fortified pa and the Colonial Village sites come to life throughout this spectacular display. Feast on a traditional Maori Hangi and Colonial banquet before a steam train ride concludes your evening as you take with you memories of this powerful journey that shaped the history of New Zealand.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
| Your accommodation: Millennium Hotel Christchurch The Millennium Hotel Christchurch is centrally located in picturesque Cathedral Square - the heart of Christchurch for business and shopping. The hotel is only minutes from the city's key tourist attractions and a host of restaurants and cafes. |
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Day 3 - Christchurch to Dunedin
Christchurch to Dunedin
Heading south this morning you visit Trotts Garden. This stunning private garden offers different landscaped sections and delightful vistas at every corner. Morning tea is served before travelling to Oamaru, famous for its Limestone Buildings.On arrival enjoy a personal ‘local’ welcome followed by lunch at the New Zealand Malt Whisky company.Enjoy time to wander through the vibrant Historic Precinct before the short journey to the Parkside Limestone Quarry and Garden. A tour of the quarry showcases one of nature’s finest building materials and afternoon tea will be served in the garden. Continue to Dunedin, a city where a strong Scottish heritage remains today.This evening prior to dinner, an entertaining Haggis Ceremony will comprise of traditional bagpipes, Highland dancers and the Robbie Burns world famous poem ‘Address to the Haggis’ will be recited.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
| Your accommodation: Scenic Circle Southern Cross Hotel The Scenic Circle Southern Cross Hotel enjoys a premium location in the heart of Dunedin's bustling city centre, and is the perfect location from which to explore Dunedin - just a short walk to The Octagon, Railway Station, theatres and shops. |
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Day 4 - Dunedin City
Dunedin
Travel out along the spectacular Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, an iconic New Zealand attraction built in 1871. A guided tour will reveal the exciting yet scandalous history, magnificent architecture, New Zealand antiques and breathtaking tower views. Morning tea will be served as you marvel at the beautiful gardens which have been lovingly restored by the Barker family over the last 40 years.A short drive brings you to Natures Wonders where your hosts will thrill you with a cross-country adventure in the ultimate all terrain vehicle, an 8-wheel-drive ARGO. See stunning coastal scenery and an extraordinary range of wildlife,including the world’s rarest penguin, the Yellow-Eyed, in its natural habitat.
A home cooked lunch is provided before returning to the city where you visit the Otago Settlers Museum. Learn about the Scottish history of Dunedin followed by a walking tour taking in several historic buildings including the railway station and First Church.Return to the hotel with time to relax enjoying a free evening to dine at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
| Your accommodation: Scenic Circle Southern Cross Hotel The Scenic Circle Southern Cross Hotel enjoys a premium location in the heart of Dunedin's bustling city centre, and is the perfect location from which to explore Dunedin - just a short walk to The Octagon, Railway Station, theatres and shops. |
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Day 5 - Dunedin to Te Anau
Dunedin to Te Anau
A leisurely start to the day before an informative guided tour of Dunedin’s premier historic home - Olveston House, which showcases the lifestyle of a privileged family in the early 1900s.Morning tea will be served before departing Dunedin. Travel through Balclutha to Gore where time is available for lunch and to explore the Hokonui Moonshine Museum that celebrates the history of illicit whisky making. Continue to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and our overnight stay.Tonight a special dinner consisting of crayfish for the main course will be served.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
| Your accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas The Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas offers a range of deluxe accommodation from hotel rooms and suites to villas. It also features the renowned MacKinnon Room restaurant, conference facilities, and guest facilities include a pool, spa, sauna, barbeque area. |
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Day 6 - Doubtful Sound overnight cruise
Te Anau to Doubtful Sound
Enjoy a relaxing start to the day, a walk along the lakefront may provide a pleasant option. Relax in the comfort of the Fiordland Cinema as you view the amazing production of Ata Whenua - Shadowland which brings to life the Fiordland World Heritage areas in this unforgettable journey.After the screening enjoy a delightful morning tea in stylish surrounds. Board your coach for the short trip to Manapouri, the starting point of your breathtaking Doubtful Sound experience.After a short cruise across Lake Manapouri, travel by coach to the boarding point of your overnight vessel the Fiordland Navigator. Stunning views of the dramatic landscape including dynamic mountain ranges, cascading waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife, will keep you entertained. Enjoy a kayak trip around the shoreline or take the tender craft out with your nature guide before its time to drop anchor for the night and enjoy a delicious evening meal in the spacious dining saloon.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
| Your accommodation: Fiordland Navigator, Doubtful Sound The Fiordland Navigator is purpose built for cruising in the fiords. The vessel offers spacious viewing decks, a comfortable dining saloon and observation lounge. ROOM TYPE: Private cabin ensuite. More... |
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Day 7 - Doubtful Sound to Queenstown
Doubtful Sound to Queenstown
This morning after a hearty breakfast, time is available to explore once again,before returning to Deep Cove and then onto Manapouri where your coach will be waiting.Continue to Queenstown, located on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu and your home for the next three days.Your first stop is the spectacular Shotover River where you board the world’s most exciting Jet Boat ride for the thrill of a lifetime. Next, take to the skies on your premier scenic helicopter flight. View the breathtaking beauty of the Wakatipu basin and the untamed Shotover River before landing on The Remarkables, situated 1538 metres above Queenstown. A glass of champagne is served as you enjoy the stunning scenery offering incredible views.Reboard your helicopter for a special flight to land on site at Millbrook Resort,where you will be warmly welcomed and given a full update on all the facilities available. Tonight a welcome to Millbrook dinner will be provided.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
| Your accommodation: Millbrook Resort Millbrook offers luxurious charm and quality, reflecting the unique character of the region. Every need is catered for with Millbrook’s 18-hole championship golf course, our award-winning restaurants, from our magnificent spa facility designed for total body rejuvenation and the complimentary health and fitness centre. |
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Day 8 - Queenstown
Queenstown
Start the day with a short coach ride to the Wine house and Kitchen, a stunning renovated homestead with superb views. A cooked breakfast is served before a short stroll across to the Kawarau Bridge where the world’s first commercial Bungy site opened in 1988.Here experience the Secrets of Bungy Guided Tour revealing the origin of Bungy through a range of interactive exhibits plus a fascinating cinematic experience.Exclusive viewing decks allow you to witness a ‘bungy jump’ up close and personal.Escape back in time as you board a 1937 convertible Chevrolet bus that has been lovingly restored. Your driver and guide will provide a fascinating talk on the region as you visit a number of well known art and craft studios in and around Arrowtown. Lunch will be served at a spectacular location before returning to the Resort late afternoon for some free time. Dinner this evening is at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
| Your accommodation: Millbrook Resort Millbrook offers luxurious charm and quality, reflecting the unique character of the region. Every need is catered for with Millbrook’s 18-hole championship golf course, our award-winning restaurants, from our magnificent spa facility designed for total body rejuvenation and the complimentary health and fitness centre. |
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Day 9 - Queenstown free day
Queenstown free day
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure, or simply soak up the surrounds and luxurious facilities at Millbrook. Your Coach Captain and Tour Escort are available to assist with the many sightseeing options available whether it be a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon or a total wilderness experience on the famous Dart River.
Meals included: Breakfast
| Your accommodation: Millbrook Resort Millbrook offers luxurious charm and quality, reflecting the unique character of the region. Every need is catered for with Millbrook’s 18-hole championship golf course, our award-winning restaurants, from our magnificent spa facility designed for total body rejuvenation and the complimentary health and fitness centre. |
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Day 10 - Queenstown to Mt. Cook
Queenstown to Mt. Cook
The mountain ranges of Queenstown will fade into the distance as you journey into the Mackenzie Country, also known as the Mt Cook region, New Zealand’s treasure Highland. This is a powerfully emotive landscape, over one million acres of high golden tundra encircled by sky piercing mountains. Depending on weather conditions a range of activities have been organised for you this afternoon to showcase the dramatic scenery and turquoise glacial lakes. Late afternoon time is available to relax and soak up the ambience or you may choose to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. This $7.5 million ‘state of the art’ museum and theatre showcases the history of climbing and transport in the Mt Cook region.You may also like to experience the region’s dramatic mountains first hand with an optional scenic flight (weather permitting) including a snow landing.This evening enjoy a superb dinner in the hotel’s premier restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
| Your accommodation: Hermitage Hotel The Hermitage Hotel ringed by magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, is a world-renowned tourist destination and has been an icon of superior accommodation and dining since 1884. |
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Day 11 - Mt Cook to Hanmer Springs
Mt. Cook to Hanmer Springs
The majestic scenery continues as you travel via Lake Tekapo towards Hanmer Springs. View the brilliant turquoise water; visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue.The highlight of the region is a visit to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa where you will unwind in this unique alpine environment. Included is either a30 minute back massage or facial at the award winning spa complex.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
| Your accommodation: Heritage Hotel Hanmer Springs The spa resort of Hanmer Springs is home to the traditional hotel and villa accommodation provided by the Heritage Hotel. Revel in the majesty of this restored turn of the century lodge, set amongst mature trees and with the Southern Alps as your constant backdrop. |
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Day 12 - Hanmer Springs to Nelson
Hanmer Springs to Nelson
Today you travel via Springs Junction to Nelson renowned for its abundance of working artists and galleries.Take the creative ride of your life when you visit the totally unique World of Wearable Art and Classic Car Museum. An exclusive area has been reserved for you where an informative talk will be presented on how art is literally taken off the wall to adorn the body in wildly wonderful ways. Also housed in the Museum is an amazing collection of cars ranging from the early 1900s.Continue to your resort where your luxury one bedroom cottage overlooks the immaculate Village Green, which is where a delightful wood fired barbeque dinner will be served al fresco style this evening.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
| Your accommodation: Monaco Hotel & Resort Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco is the perfect place to relax in the old world charm of a village atmosphere in Nelson New Zealand. Located just 15 minutes from from central city this quaint handcrafted resort village offers charming hotel & fully furnished one and two bedroom cottages overlooking colourful cottage gardens and a grassy village green. |
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Day 13 - Nelson to Blenheim
Nelson to Blenheim
Travel into the countryside to a local farm for a real Kiwi experience. Suit up and climb aboard your 4-wheel quad bike for a guided tour through farmland and native forest admiring New Zealand’s largest Matai Trees. Arrive at the Tree Top café where spectacular coastline views are on offer. Morning tea is served in this panoramic setting and you may choose to try the adrenalin charged Skywire (optional) set 305m above sea level.
Continue to Havelock, the Greenshell mussel capital of New Zealand. Enjoy a truly unique cruise and take in the natural beauty of this tranquil environment.Learn about the history of the pioneering families who have settled in the Sounds over six generations and visit a mussel farm where freshly steamed mussels are served with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Continue to Vintners Retreat our accommodation set amongst the vines. A special winemakers dinner will be presented this evening commencing with a visit to Forrest Estate Winery where you will greeted by the vineyard owner and wine maker who will share his wine making experiences with you. Return to Vintners for pre dinner drinks and canapés. A tastefully decorated private dining room reflecting a food and wine theme will be our venue for a five course degustation menu with specific wines matched for each course.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
| Your accommodation: Vintners Retreat Blenheim Situated in the grounds of a park-like retreat, with stunning views of the Richmond Range, the 14 Villa style accommodations offer a range of options from the Stables, Lodges and Manors all in absolute luxury. |
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Day 14 - Blenheim to Christchurch
Blenheim to Christchurch
After breakfast we will depart the region of ‘vines’ and head south to the coastal town of Kaikoura. Iconic to the region, the Whale Watch tour is a unique experience. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year round residents. You may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, a pod of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross as you enjoy a 2.5 hour boat cruise to view the whales up close with a full commentary and boxed lunch provided.En-route to Christchurch, travel through the Waipara Valley and visit the popular Pegasus Bay Winery - pioneers of local grape growing and wine making. This evening enjoy an intimate farewell dinner in the ambience of a private room and share with your new friends the highlights of the last two weeks.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
| Your accommodation: Millennium Hotel Christchurch The Millennium Hotel Christchurch is centrally located in picturesque Cathedral Square - the heart of Christchurch for business and shopping. The hotel is only minutes from the city's key tourist attractions and a host of restaurants and cafes. |
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Day 15 - Depart Christchurch today
Depart Christchurch
Enjoy breakfast at leisure this morning. After an ultimate New Zealand experience it is time to say goodbye. You will be personally transferred to the airport for your onward journey. Take with you the fond memories of your time in New Zealand that will last forever!
Meals included: Breakfast