Day 1

You will be met on arrival from your flight and a private driver will deliver you to your Christchurch accommodation.

Welcome to Christchurch, the the Garden City and gateway to the South Island and its vast and diverse range of scenery, activities and wonderful experiences.
Christchurch City boasts one of the largest public parks in the country and the city centre is full of impressive stone buildings reminiscent of the English university towns. The focal point of the city is Cathedral Square and from here you can explore the museums and art galleries and of course the shops and restaurants. One of the best ways to see some of the city centre sights and attractions though is by the famous historic trams. A 30 minute loop allows hop-on, hop-off at museums, art galleries, gardens and shops.

Day 2

Christchurch's compact city centre is best explored on foot or by taking the hop-on, hop-off historic trams.
Amongst the not to be missed attractions is the International Antarctic Centre. Christchurch is the base from which many Antarctic programmes host their supply operations. The International Antarctic Centre offers the visitor a unique insight into life on the frozen continent. You can view little blue penguins that have been rescued and given a new home as well as taking a ride in the impressive Haaglund tracked vehicle.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve lets you experience New Zealand native birds including the kiwi, plus other animals up close.
Getting a little further out you can also enjoy a Christchurch Wildlife Cruise. Departing from Lyttelton this two hour trip offers you the chance to see the rare hectors dolphins in their natural environment.
For an evening like no other the Tamaki Heritage Village takes you back in time to the when European and Maori first met. This interactive outdoor theatre is designed to let you see, hear, smell and feel the atmosphere and tensions that arose during this time. The evening finishes off with a sumptuous and plentiful dinner prepared in the traditional Maori hangi style.

Day 3

Crossing the vast Canterbury Plains as you head South, State Highway 1 crosses many braided rivers that start their life as glacial melt water high in the Southern Alps. New Zealand's longest bridge at Rakaia crosses such an example. The towns of Timaru followed by Oamaru are worth a short detour to the town centre.
The town of Oamaru is most famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. Explore the old quarter or if you don't mind a late arrival into Dunedin then stay around to see the blue penguins come ashore at dusk.
Just a little further south and you arrive at Moeraki and its famous Moeraki Boulders. Following a look at these incredible and unique geological features don't miss taking a late lunch or coffee and cake at Fleur's Cafe in Moeraki Township. The last stretch of road follows the coastline before crossing the hills and descending into the city of Dunedin.

Day 4

Dunedin City Centre is full of grand and fascinating buildings and none more so that Dunedin Railway Station, recently listed as one of top 100 buildings in the world. From the station you can take a scenic train journey along the Taieri Gorge.
The Otago Peninsular is just a short drive from the city centre and offers some unique wildlife experiences. Here you can visit the only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world. The beaches and hillsides are also home to the yellow eyed penguin, the world's rarest penguin and seals, sea lions and a host of other bird life can be seen. Monarch Wildlife Cruises offer a choice of guided tours to explore the peninsular. New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle, has spectacular views from its extensive gardens and also a fascinating history.

This premier package includes the full Otago Harbour and Taiaroa Head wildlife cruise, scenic Otago Peninsula bus tour, and guided tours of the Royal Albatross Colony, the Yellow Eyed Penguin Reserve and a visit to wading bird habitats. Also includes either a tour of Larnach Castle, one of Dunedin’s great landmarks or a visit to the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre with its absorbing display of local sealife.

Day 5

The drive to Te Anau takes you through classic Southland farmland scenery but if you want to spend the whole day exploring a little off the beaten path than taking the Southern Scenic Route through The Catlins is highly recommended. Following the incredible Otago coastline to Invercargill the route passes through the fishing town of Riverton and Colac Bay before heading north through Tuatapere and onto Manapouri. It's from here that you can embark on a day or overnight cruise to Doubtful Sound.
Just a little further north and you arrive into the lake side township of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the world famous Milford Sound.

Day 6

The drive from Te Anau to Manapouri is just 30 minutes but allow at least one hour to include check in time for your cruise.

From Pearl Harbour, Manapouri, you cruise across picturesque Lake Manapouri to West Arm and then travel by coach over Wilmot Pass through dense rainforest. There are opportunities along the way to examine the plant life and view the spectacular scenery. Once at Doubtful Sound you board the catamaran, Commander Peak, for a 3 hour cruise of beautiful Doubtful Sound to the Tasman Sea.
On board there is excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest and mountains. Of particular interest, if sighted, are fur seals basking on the rocks, or a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins. Rare Fiordland crested penguins are sometimes encountered in the right season.
An interesting on board commentary keeps you informed and on the return journey, the vessel's engines are turned off and visitors are treated to the ‘Sound of Silence'. At some stage on the excursion (maintenance and operational schedules depending) you have the opportunity of visiting the Manapouri Underground Power Station by coach.

Day 7

The Milford Road

Countless photo opportunities and short walks mean this drive should not be rushed. The Mirror Lakes create perfectly clear reflections of the surrounding mountains and glacier formed meadows and ancient native beech forest create a unique and fascinating landscape. The Homer Tunnel is an incredible engineering feat at 1219 metres long. The road slopes towards Milford at a rate of 1 in 10. The chasm (a short 15 minute walk) demonstrates the incredible power water has as it continues to shape and carve the valley. Most stops and points of interest are well signposted on the 121 kilometre road but don't underestimate how long this drive will take you with scenic stops.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is the best known of the sounds that lie throughout Fiordland National Park and is also the only fiord accessible by road. Sheer cliffs starting hundreds of metres below the waters surface rise spectacularly to the sky. It is 16 kilometres from the head of the fiord to the open sea and Real Journeys cruise vessels will take you there and back comfortably in around 2 hours. Dolphins and seals can often be seen, and following a large downpour the waterfalls that line the fiords are magnificent, particularly the 146 metre high Stirling Falls.

An extended and leisurely 2½ hour cruise of Milford Sound on board the Milford Mariner, MV Sinbad or Milford Wanderer. These modern vessels, purpose built for operating in a fiord environment, have been designed along the lines of a traditional trading scow, and have real character. These relaxing cruises have special appeal for the independent traveler and an on board nature guide provides detailed interpretation and commentary.. There is plenty of time available to explore points of interest and to view the stunning scenery, including waterfalls, rainforest and the towering peaks. Keep a lookout for dolphins, seals and penguins.

Day 8

Crossing the rolling tussock lands you pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of New Zealand. On the southern shore of Lake Wakatipu sits Kingston, home to classic steam train, The Kingston Flyer. Following the lake north the Remarkable mountain range towers over you as you approach the adventure capital of Queenstown.

Enjoy a return scenic cruise from down town Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm on board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw.
On arrival at Walter Peak Station  enjoy a delicious carvery style buffet dinner featuring New Zealand specialities - succulent roast meats, fresh seafood, salads and vegetables. The traditional desserts are hard to resist. Following your meal you have the option of an entertaining farm show or relaxing in the bar before returning on board the TSS Earnslaw to Queenstown.

Day 9

The most scenic Jet Boating in New Zealand. A 1½ hour ride along the Dart River amongst towering mountains and the refreshingly beautiful wilderness of the Mt Aspiring National Park.
Then take a short and easy walk, of 20-40 minutes, through ancient forests, unchanged for 80 million years. Hear an informative and entertaining commentary on the area and its history - including the quest by early Maori for highly prized pounamu (greenstone).Board your back road 4WD coach for a journey to Paradise and beyond.
This 40-50 minute trip allows the opportunity to explore a region filled with spectacular vistas which have inspired many talented film makers to bring their projects to this area, including Lord of the Rings. Total trip time is around 6 hours from Queenstown or 4 hours from Glenorchy.

Day 10

Queenstown offers adventure for all tastes and abilities. From some of the more well know adrenalin sports such as bungy jumping and skydiving to the more sedate such as sampling the local wines or exploring the historic Chinese settlement at Arrowtown, there is something for everyone.
Sitting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu there are many water based activities to enjoy. The TSS Earnslaw is a rare working example of a steamship still operating and cruises take you to Walter Peak Station to enjoy a farm tour, lunch or a farmhouse dinner. The Kawarua Jet offers a slightly faster experience with thrilling one hour jet boat rides. Fishing and sailing are also possible here.
The Gibbston Vallley is a short drive from Queenstown and it's here you will find the vineyards producing some of the finest wines in New Zealand, particularly the Pinot Noir. Appellation Wine Tours have a choice of tour options to ensure you get to experience the best and of course have the chance to sample the vintages.
Arrowtown is a popular destination for many visitors to Queenstown. This historic gold mining town features many original buildings and now also boasts some great shopping. The Lakes District Museum is also here and ranks as one of the best in the country.
Nomad Safaris offer 4WD excursions in and around Queenstown to otherwise difficult locations such as Skippers Canyon and Mace Town. Informative guides share theirs and other locals stories of the region.
At the Head of the Lake sits Glenorchy. The 40 kilometre drive along the lake edge is worth the trip alone however arriving into this peaceful township you could easily rest the day away sitting on the shores of the lake. A great trip from here is the Dart River Wilderness Safari, by far the most scenic jet boat excursion in the country. A short walk amongst native beech forest plus a 4WD bus journey is capped off with over 1 1/2 hours and around 35 kilometres of exhilarating jet boat action as you head deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park.
See here for many more ideas and activities in and around Queenstown.

Day 11

The sheer cliffs of the Kawarau Gorge guide you towards Cromwell and along the Gibbston Valley, one of New Zealand's premier wine growing regions. At the famous historic Kawarau Bridge you can take a bungy jump or just watch others if you would rather. Cromwell sits at the head of the Kawarau Gorge. Cromwell old town has restored buildings from before the valley was flooded to create Lake Dunstan for the hydro systems.
Bendigo, just off the main highway, was one of Otago’s original gold mining settlements and well marked paths will guide you to explore the remains of stone cottages and other buildings from this bygone era.
The Lindis Pass is one of New Zealand’s highest roads with the summit reaching 971 metres. The tussock covered hills offer an unusual contrast as you pass from the Central Otago and onto the Mackenzie Basin.
The towns of Omarama and Twizel are the last stops before you arrive at Lake Pukaki and take the Mt. Cook Highway along the shores to the village.
In Mt. Cook Village a myriad of activities are available from glacier landings by ski plane or helicopter, kayaking on a glacial lake and a host of walks to suit all abilities and time frames. At The Hermitage Hotel the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is a must see.

After an awe inspiring flight through breathtaking scenery your ski equipped aircraft lands on one of the glaciers in the Mount Cook or Westland National Park, the engine is stopped, and you alight onto the glacier where climbers would take hours or days to reach. With the engine shut down you are able to experience the "natural quiet" of the mountains, broken only by the occasional avalanche or sounds from the glacier as it makes its way down the mountain.
Upon re-embarking an even more spectacular take off from the snow covered glacier is followed by the return flight to base hugging the other side of the valley with your pilot identifying points of interest including climber huts, icefalls, peaks, and occasional ski tourers and climbers, before you land back at your point of departure.
Approximately 40 minutes duration and includes 10 minute glacier landing.
This flight offers fantastic close up views of Aoraki Mount Cook, Mt Tasman and the Southern Alps from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
Fly the length of the Tasman Glacier before landing on the glacial snow and ice for 10 minutes.

Day 12

At 3754 metres Aoraki Mt. Cook is New Zealand highest mountain and the peak can often be seen from the visitor centre at the southern end of Lake Pukaki.
Mt. Cook National Park offers the visitor a huge range of activities. Mt. Cook Ski Planes operate scenic flights that include a unique ski landing on a glacier. At around 15 kilometres long the Tasman Glacier is New Zealand's longest and a Glacier Explorers tour will show you these unique features.
There are many short hikes in and around the park and these are well marked and there is something for almost every ability. Longer full day hikes are also available however to get the most out of the area we recommend taking one of the guided hikes. Discovery Tours offer a range of professionally guided walks that will take you away from the busy tracks while teaching you more about the unique local flora, fauna and geology. For those with an interest in the night sky astronomers from the nearby Mt. John Observatory offer Stargazing Night tours. The region is considered to have some of the clearest night skies in the Southern hemisphere.
The Hermitage Hotel complex offers fine dining, cafes a bar and its newest addition is the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre showcasing the regions contribution to pioneering the sport of mountain climbing and of course Sir Ed's incredible achievements and his dedication to helping others around the world.

An up close amazing encounter with icebergs, on a glacial terminal lake. Glacier Explorers is the only tour of its kind in New Zealand, and one of only three in the world! Very few glaciers terminate into lakes and even fewer of these are accessible to the average person. By using a boat you get close to towering icecliffs and huge floating icebergs. The boats provide a safe way to unseen and inaccessible areas of New Zealand's largest glacier. Being able to view, touch and taste 500 year old ice is a new experience for most people! Departing from Mount Cook Village outside The Hermitage Hotel you board a small bus for a pleasant trip to the Tasman Valley, followed by an easy 1/2hr stroll through the National Park. Then board your MAC boat, and enjoy the ever changing ice face of the Tasman Glacier icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. The 3 hour trip (1 ¼-1 1 ½ hours on the lake) enjoys a commentary throughout provided by your experienced guide.

There are many short walks starting in or close to Mt. Cook Village to suit all interests and abilities. The information below is provided by the Department of Conservation . Located in the village is a fantastic Department of Conservation information centre and you can get updates on track conditions and suitability plus you can learn about the area, its natural history and its people. Listed below are a selection of short walks but check with the information centre first.

Governors Bush Walk
Time: 1 hr return

This delightful bush walk begins at the public shelter and explores one of the last stands of silver beech forest in the Park. A gradual climb leads to a lookout point before the track descends and returns to the village. This popular walk offers birdlife, a good viewpoint of the mountains and shelter in poor weather.

Bowen Bush Walk
Time: 10 min return

This easy forest walk begins across the road from Alpine Guides. The loop track wanders through totara and celery pine forest and has an alternative exit or entry towards Glencoe Lodge.

Glencoe Walk
Time: 30 min return

Start from behind the Hermitage. The walk zigzags through totara trees with a ferny understorey, emerging at a lookout near the prominent water tanks above the Hermitage. Walkers are rewarded with a birds-eye view of the village and beyond to the white ice of the Hooker Glacier and Aoraki/Mount Cook. Sunrise and sunset are good times to catch light-play on the mountains.

Red Tarns Track
Time: 2 hr return

Begin at the Public Shelter and follow the path to Black Birch Stream. Cross the bridge then climb steeply to the Red Tarns. A viewpoint offers a spectacular panorama of the valley and Aoraki/Mount Cook. The tarns were named from the red pond weed that grows in them.

Kea Point Walk
Time: 2 hr return from the village, 1 hr return from the White Horse Hill carpark.

Start from the Hermitage lawn and cross the road to the track sign (or leave from the public shelter at the campground). This walk gently winds its way through sub-alpine grasslands and scrub to the Mueller Glacier moraine wall. The track passes through landscape that was formed in 1913 when a stream cut through from the glacier to the original Hermitage site, damaging the building. The walk ends at a viewing deck that gives stunning views of Mt Sefton and Footstool, the Hooker Valley, Mueller Glacier Lake and Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Hooker Valley Track
Time: From the village: 1st swingbridge: 1 hr 30 min return, 2nd swingbridge: 2 hr return, Hooker Lake: 4 hr return

Begin at the Visitor Centre or White Horse Hill camping areas. Starting from the camping area reduces the times by 45 minutes. One of the most popular walks in the park, it leads up the Hooker Valley towards Aoraki/Mount Cook. The track passes close to the Alpine Memorial, which is a great viewpoint. Continue on to Hooker River and cross twice on swingbridges before reaching Stocking Stream Shelter. Continue beside the river to its source to reach the Hooker Glacier terminal lake.

Day 13

Your first stop today should be the visitor centre on the southern shores of Lake Pukaki. As well as a great presentation detailing the formation of the region over thousands of years you are also often rewarded with uninterrupted views of over 50 kilometres to the peak of Mt. Cook.
Lake Tekapo, the northern most of the large Southern Lakes also the reflective quality that Pukaki has making the waters a bright turquoise on certain days. This busy little township is home to some of the most photographed subjects in the country, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog statue. It's a great place to take a scenic flight, enjoy a guided horse trek, a boat trip on the pristine lake or just enjoy the magnificent views.
From here you descend from the high country through Burkes Pass and into rich farmland. Beautiful Valley guides you to the town of Geraldine before you cross the vast Canterbury Plains back towards Christchurch City.

Day 14

Explore more of Christchurch before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.