14 Days | South Island | The Ultimate Experience | New Zealand

Queenstown  Lake Wakatipu Queenstown

The TSS Earnslaw is one of Queenstown’s best-loved icons. Nicknamed the ‘Lady of the Lake’, the historic steamship has been ferrying goods to hard-to-reach settlements and taking passengers on scenic rides down Lake Wakatipu as far back as 1912. The stunning alpine scenery surrounding Lake Wakatipu is even more moving when viewed onboard this vintage vessel.

Complement a cruise on the lake with a guided visit to a farm and a delicious barbecue lunch. Lounge on the terrace by the lake or indoors at the cosy Colonel’s Homestead as the tantalising aroma of the barbecue wafts over. You can take your pick of salads and bread to go with the mouth-watering spread on the grill. You’ll also have lots of time before and after your meal to interact with the farm animals and explore the farm on a walking tour led by a farm host who will entertain you with side-splitting tales of farm life.

Lunch Menu:

Carnivores will delight in the freshness of grilled fish from local waters, hearty slabs of beef steak, juicy pork, sumptuous lamb chops, fragrant pork spare ribs and tasty chicken drumsticks. Vegetarians will also have a lot on their plates with a range of fresh seasonal salads, delicious roast vegetables and an exciting vegetarian dish of the day.

Meals: Lunch

Accommodation: Queenstown St Moritz MGallery or similar

Queenstown Milford Sound

Drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound over 5 hours stopping at Te Anau along the way.

Spend the night aboard the iconic Fiordland Navigator and wake up to dawn in one of the most beautiful places on earth. It’s the ultimate Milford Sound experience! Enjoy accommodation in private cabins with ensuite bathrooms.

Choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or small boat. A Specialist nature guide will also be on board.  Take a Milford Guided Walk for an extra $50 per person.

Wildlife sighting opportunities – seals, penguins and dolphins.

The ship will depart at 430PM.

This overnight cruise through the heart of Fiordland provides astonishing views and the ultimate Milford Sound adventure. You’ll start by departing from the Milford Sound wharf in the late afternoon before cruising through Milford Sound accompanied by our specialist nature guide. They’ll explain the history and geology of the area and be on hand to answer your questions.

This cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and, if you’re lucky, maybe dolphins and penguins too.

The Fiordland Navigator then anchors in a sheltered cove. From here you can join the guide and explore in the vessel’s tender craft (small boat) or kayaks. If you prefer, you can simply relax on deck and soak in the beauty of this amazing place. If you’re feeling brave there’s always the option of a refreshing swim too. All activities are weather dependent. 

As evening falls, you’ll enjoy a delicious carvery buffet in the dining saloon – a feast prepared freshly by our on-site chef. Then it’s time to relax in the company of your fellow traveller, indulge in some star-gazing and story-sharing or simply retire to your private cabin.

Meals: 3-course buffet dinner

Accommodation: 'Fiordland Navigator'

Milford Sound Queenstown

The ship will arrive at 915AM.

Dig into a hearty breakfast before heading back to the dock.

Disembark to Fjord Navigator this morning and make your way back towards Te Anau. Admire waterfalls gushing into pools of sparkling water, take in the panoramic views from The Divide and the Hollyford Valley Lookout and take a thrilling walk over a footbridge at The Chasm.

The biggest lake in the South Island, Lake Te Anau is the perfect pit-stop. Admire the picturesque lake, capture some photographs and stop for a bite to eat.  From Te Anau, travel on to Mirror Lakes and stop here to take more photos! Carry on your journey towards Milford Sound as you come across many other scenic spots.

Along the way you’ll pass through small farming towns like Kingston, home of the famous Kingston Flyer steam train, and Mossburn, the deer capital of New Zealand.  This two-hour drive along Lake Wakatipu and into southern farmland is absolutely stunning The glistening waters of Lake Wakatipu are framed by the appropriately named mountain range, The Remarkables. You will arrive back in Queenstown late afternoon for your overnight accommodation.  

Meals: Cooked breakfast prepared by the on-board chef 

Accommodation: Queenstown St Moritz MGallery or similar

Queenstown Franz Josef Glacier (via Wanaka)

From Queenstown, you'll cross the Crown Range - the highest sealed road in New Zealand - to arrive in the Alpine town of Wanaka, gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park. Skirting the shores of both Lake Wanaka and Hawea, you will enter the small town of Makarora. Stop at Blue Pools for a 1 hour return walk through native beech forest to a glacier-fed swimming hole. Continue on through the remote seaside settlement of Haast before heading up the wild West Coast - a 600 km stretch of bush and native rainforest. Fox Glacier welcomes you first, then comes your destination for the night - Franz Josef township.

Meals: None

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef or similar

Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef is a small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12 km long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice from a viewpoint you can walk along the valley floor to the viewpoint below the terminal face. However, to go on the glacier itself you must take a licensed helicopter tour. 

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY: Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter Line

Take a spectacular scenic flight over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers. Land at the head of one and view the incredible sight of this frozen river.

Meals: None

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef or similar

Franz Josef Greymouth Train Station Christchurch

Today, you’ll head north through the historic gold mining region of Hokitika. Known for its Greenstone (Pounamu) this seaside town has a rich history dating back to the 1860’s. Head to the coast and take in the endless sea-views or pick up a souvenir at one of the many craft shops. Continue on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point for the next leg of your journey - the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

Drop your rental car at the Greymouth Train Station depot located inside the train station building before boarding your train to Christchurch. 

Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You'll travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch. On arrival at the Christchurch train station, please catch a taxi to your overnight accommodation.

Meals: None

Accommodation: Crown Plaza Hotel or similar

Christchurch

The Christchurch Tram City Tour Loop in New Zealand is open and ready to take you on an amazing ride on our heritage trams, filled with history and the best sightseeing in the city! The wonderfully restored heritage Trams are one of the main attractions in Christchurch and now you too can enjoy a trip through the city centre in comfort and style. Friendly drivers are well-informed regarding the history and facts of the city.  They will share their knowledge about the various landmarks and sights on the way and, with a day-long ticket in hand, you can hop on and off as many times as you like throughout the day!

The trip takes you to various main stops so that you can also enjoy Punting on the Avon and sign up for the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Caterpillar Tour.   Some of the main sights that you will enjoy from the comfort of your Tram include New Regent Street, The Art Gallery, Cathedral Junction, Avon River, the Canterbury Museum and the Arts Centre.  You are welcome to board at any of the 17 tram stops and, with your ticket for the day, you can get on and off as you please.  The trams run at intervals of 15 to 25 minutes so you won’t have long to wait until another one arrives.  The seats inside offer cosy and secure seating while the outside seats are not weatherproof.  Due to safety reasons, all children on the trams must be accompanied by a paying adult.  Just like any other city, you must ensure the safety of your child in traffic.  The trams are happy to accommodate folded prams on board.  Pick up a hire car from Christchurch Airport depot at 430PM for your 6-day rental. 

Meals: None

Accommodation: Crown Plaza Hotel or similar

Christchurch Blenheim 

A Christchurch to Picton Road trip is the perfect way to get out of your comfort zone and explore some of the amazing scenery New Zealand has to offer. Take a direct route to Picton and you can get there in just 4 hours and 27 minutes. Of course, you’ll want to add a toilet and food stop or two along the way, which will add a little time. But, it’s easy enough to do in one day. Kaikoura is the perfect place to plan a stop to stretch your legs. Known for its abundant wildlife you can take a trip along the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, which starts at the town centre and ends at the lookout points at Point Kean. You can then spend your time checking out the sites in Blenheim. 

Meals: None

Accommodation: Chateau Marlborough Hotel Blenheim or similar

Blenheim Picton

The drive to Picton is short on today – only 30KM. The best thing to do in the region is take a walk on Prince Charlotte Track over Marlborough Sound. The Queen Charlotte Track is best accessed from Picton at the top of the South Island of New Zealand. Enjoy bush walking and ridge top views of the sunken river valleys of the Marlborough Sound.

Meals: None

Accommodation: Picton Yacht Club or similar

Picton Nelson

The drive to Nelson is about 2.5 hours.  The best way to experience the tropical coastal scenery that Marlborough is known for is to drive the Queen Charlotte Drive, which is 34.8 km (21.6 miles) in length and includes many of the best stops on the drive from Picton to Nelson. You can start the Queen Charlotte Drive in either Picton and it is known as one of the most scenic drives in the country by New Zealanders. 

Meals: None

Accommodation: Hotel Nelson or similar

Nelson

Dishing up a winning combination of beautiful surroundings, sophisticated art and culinary scenes, and lashings of sunshine, Nelson is hailed as one of New Zealand’s most ‘liveable’ cities. In summer it fills up with local and international visitors, who lap up its diverse offerings. 

Meals: None

Accommodation: Hotel Nelson or similar

Nelson Christchurch 

The Nelson to Christchurch road trip is a favourite amongst Kiwis and international tourists alike. This is largely thanks to vibrant and sunny cities like Nelson and Hanmer Springs that serve as hubs for some of the country’s best art, food and wine. Plus, natural attractions like Nelson Lakes National Park and Abel Tasman National Park offer world-class hiking trails amongst pristine landscapes. Check into your accommodation on arrival.

Meals: None

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Christchurch or similar

Christchurch Australia

After you check out of your hotel, the remainder of the day is free to explore Christchurch at leisure.  Please drop off your car at Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.  We wish you a safe trip home!

Meals:  Inflight Menu (on some carriers, meals will need to be purchased)