Southern Highlights

Kia ora and welcome to Christchurch for a two night stay. The wonder of New Zealand begins here. Celebrate the start of your journey with a welcome dinner. Please book your flight to arrive into Christchurch prior to 05:00 PM.

Freechoice: Go punting on the Avon River, take a Botanic Gardens Tour or a city tour of Christchurch. Alternatively, visit the seaside town of Akaroa or the International Antarctic Centre – the choice is yours.

Join the TranzAlpine this morning for your rail journey across the Southern Alps. Visit the home of New Zealand’s native greenstone, Hokitika. Stand in wonder at Franz Josef Glacier with its ever-changing face before your overnight stay. Optional flight - Take a helicopter flight over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and experience the wonder of a landing in this natural alpine landscape (additional expense, please book prior to departure).

Enjoy a ride on the Haast River Jet boat before you arrive in Queenstown for your two night stay.

Freechoice: Wilderness and adventure beckon on the Dart River, or enjoy a guided tour of local wineries. Alternatively, feel exhilarated on the Shotover Jet, take a 4WD Safari of the Scenes tour exploring ‘The Lord of the Rings’ filming locations. Ride the Skyline Gondola for views of Queenstown or opt for a guided tour through Skippers Canyon. Freechoice Dining: Take a steamship cruise on TSS Earnslaw and enjoy dinner at Walter Peak, dine at a local restaurant or enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Visit the lakeside town of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Enjoy a two night stay. Enrich Experience a special screening of ‘Ata Whenua – Shadowland’. Also known as ‘Fiordland on Film’, this short movie takes you on an unforgettable journey over the World Heritage-listed wilderness.

Travel to Fiordland National Park to witness the spectacular beauty of Milford Sound. Stand in awe of the towering cliffs, peaks and waterfalls. Sunset Drinks Tonight enjoy a drink at your hotel as you watch the sunset.

See the fertile, sheep-filled farming land of Central Otago en route before soaking up the alpine landscape of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Enjoy an overnight stay in Mount Cook.

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Travel through the patchwork countryside of the Canterbury Plains before arriving back in Christchurch for an overnight stay.

It’s time to bid a fond farewell to your new friends and the wonders of New Zealand. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.