10 Days – Best of New Zealand’s South Island

Day 1: Arrival in Christchurch

Welcome: Private airport transfer to your hotel in central Christchurch.

Leisure: Explore the riverside precinct, Botanic Gardens, or take a gentle stroll along the Avon River.

Accommodation: ★★★★

Evening: At leisure.

Day 2: TranzAlpine Train → Arthur’s Pass → West Coast → Franz Josef

Experience: Board the world‑famous TranzAlpine train for a spectacular journey across Canterbury Plains into the Southern Alps.

Explore: Disembark at Arthur’s Pass; continue by road through rainforest-clad valleys to Hokitika (pounamu/greenstone artisan stop).

Arrival: Reach Franz Josef Glacier village.

Optional: Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (weather permitting).

Evening: At leisure.

Day 3: Franz Josef → Haast Pass → Lake Wanaka → Queenstown

Journey: Travel the wild West Coast and cross the stunning Haast Pass.

Scenery: Lakes Hawea and Wanaka, alpine viewpoints, and river gorges along the route.

Arrival: Check in to your Queenstown hotel.

Evening: Explore the vibrant waterfront dining scene.

Day 4: Queenstown – Adventure or Relaxation Day

Explore: Enjoy a full free day to choose your experience.

Optional Activities:

• TSS Earnslaw cruises

• Gondola & luge

• Jet‑boating

• Wine tasting in Gibbston Valley

• Zipline or short hikes

• Evening: At leisure in Queenstown.

Day 5: Milford Sound Cruise (Full Day)

Journey: Travel through the Fiordland National Park via the iconic Homer Tunnel.

Experience: Cruise on the breathtaking Milford Sound — towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife sightings.

Return: Evening arrival back in Queenstown or Te Anau (based on tour flow).

Evening: Relax at leisure.

Day 6: Queenstown → Arrowtown → Dunedin

Explore: Visit historic Arrowtown’s quaint gold‑rush village.

En‑route: Pass through Cromwell and the Central Otago landscape.

Arrival: Arrive in Dunedin, a city known for its Scottish heritage.

Optional: Larnach Castle visit or Otago Peninsula wildlife encounters.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7: Dunedin → Oamaru → Lake Pukaki → Mt Cook / Tekapo

Morning: Dunedin city highlights, Victorian architecture, and coastal lookouts.

Route: Scenic travel north to Oamaru, then inland to the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki.

Experience: Enter Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park or stay lakeside in Tekapo.

Optional: Hooker Valley short walk or stargazing experience.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8: Mt Cook / Tekapo → Canterbury Plains → Christchurch

Explore: Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd (if staying in Tekapo).

Journey: Travel across the Canterbury countryside towards Christchurch.

Arrival: Check in to your hotel.

Evening: Free time to enjoy riverside restaurants.

Day 9: Christchurch City Tour + Free Afternoon

Morning: Explore Christchurch’s iconic sights — Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market, heritage tram precincts, street art, and the Avon River.

Afternoon: Free time for museums, shopping, or optional punting on the river.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10: Departure from Christchurch

Transfer: Hotel → Christchurch Airport.

End of Tour: Take home unforgettable memories of New Zealand’s glaciers, alpine passes, fiords, and heritage cities.

Inclusions:

• 9 nights ★★★★ accommodation across Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Dunedin, and Tekapo/Mt Cook.

• Daily breakfast.

• Private airport transfers on arrival and departure.

• TranzAlpine train journey sector (Christchurch → Arthur’s Pass).

• Fully guided touring throughout the programme.

• Milford Sound scenic cruise.

• Christchurch city sightseeing.

• Arrowtown visit & scenic stopovers through Wanaka, Haast Pass & Central Otago.

• All road transport in premium touring vehicle.

• Support from local destination experts.

• Flexible optional experiences available in Queenstown, Franz Josef, Dunedin & Tekapo/Mt Cook.

• SIC (seat‑in‑coach) touring where applicable.