Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand! Today you are met at Christchurch Airport and following an orientation tour of Christchurch city, you will be taken to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or stroll around Christchurch.

Overnight: Quality Elms Hotel, Christchurch

From Christchurch we traverse the Southern Alps aboard the famous Tranz-Alpine rail journey to Arthurs Pass. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps. Once you have crossed into the Southern Alps you are met at the village of Arthurs Pass by your coach to continue our journey to the West Coast – or the Coast as locals call it.

Continue northward along the Coast to visit the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki – these sedimentary rocks have been hammered by the sea, and wind erosion forming layered rocks giving a look of a large stack of pancakes. Retrace your steps and return to your overnight accommodation in Greymouth..

Overnight: The Ashley Hotel, Greymouth

The first stop this morning is at Hokitika where a visit is made to the Greenstone and Glass Blowing factories before continuing further south into the Westland National Park, the home of Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. On arrival, time is available for optional scenic flights over the Glaciers (Extra cost – Details Page 11). Continue towards the southern end of the South Island’s West Coast Road. There is a strong sense of entering a primeval land, and a feeling of total isolation.

Arriving at Haast, you are surrounded by a landscape of rainforest, wetlands, sand dunes and surf-pounded shingle beaches. This wilderness forms part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fiordland have some of the most dramatic forest and mountain scenery and natural resources in the world.

Overnight: Heartland Hotel, Haast

From the Westland National Park we travel through the Haast River valleys and over the Haast Pass to Makaroa and onto the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka. Travelling past Lake Hawea you reach the popular Lake Wanaka, the starting point of the mighty Clutha River.

This afternoon travel via Cromwell following the Kawarau Gorge Road Queenstown. Once in Queenstown enjoy an orientation tour before checking into our centrally located accommodation.

Overnight: Heartland Hotel, Queenstown

After attending church this morning, the remainder of day is at leisure until your dinner excursion tonight. This evening take a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the steamer TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station to dine at the Colonel’s Homestead.

Overnight: Heartland Hotel, Queenstown

Leaving Queenstown we skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s third largest lake. Travelling via Te Anau we reach the beautiful Eglinton Valley climbing to Homer Tunnel before descending through the spectacular Cleddau Canyon to reach Milford Sound, dominated by the grandeur of Mitre Peak and the Bowen Falls, where we enjoy a cruise and a provided picnic lunch. We then return to Te Anau to our accommodation.

Overnight: Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau

Depart Te Anau and travel the Southern Scenic Route to Invercargill, travelling through Riverton on the shores of the Aparima River. Now a seaside resort and farming town, the former whaling station maintains its links with the sea. Scores of fishing boats and pleasure craft string along the jetties lining the South Bank. On arrival in Invercargill, you will have time for lunch (own cost), before making a visit to the Queens Park Gardens. This afternoon, visit Bill Richardson Transport World. This is the largest private collection of its type in the world and with literally hundreds of motor vehicles and petrol pumps on display throughout 15,000sqm there is a lot to take in.

Overnight: Kelvin Hotel, Invercargill

Travel across flat farmland towards the east coast and the Southern Scenic Route through the Catlin’s to Dunedin. The Catlin’s is a place of awesome natural beauty with dense forest, farmland, towering cliffs and rocky coastal bays. There are wonderful views of this rugged coastline as the road winds north. This wild coast claimed many ships and as a result two lighthouses are features. The first of these at Waipapa Point was the scene of New Zealand’s worst civilian shipping disaster.

At Curio Bay see one of the world’s most extensive and least disturbed examples of a Jurassic fossilized forest. Further north a visit to view the McLean Falls is well worth the 15-minute walk through native bush.

There are other interesting points of interest that are well signposted. One of these is the spectacular Nugget Point lighthouse. The walking path to the lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the coast. It is also an exceptional viewing point for wildlife such as the NZ Fur Seal, NZ Sea Lion and occasional Elephant Seal.

Continuing north the road turns inland through the small town of Balclutha on the banks of the Clutha River then travels through rolling sheep country to Dunedin. A fantastic day of stunning views and wonderful wildlife.

Overnight: Victoria Hotel, Dunedin

This morning see the stunning white sandy beaches of St Clair and St Kilda before travelling down the Otago Peninsula to Taiaroa Heads. Visit Larnach Castle high on the hills above Otago Harbour. Learn about the tragic and scandalous history of this superbly crafted building which was built in 1871 and see the unique collection of New Zealand antiques and furniture. Enjoy a stroll around the beautiful gardens and climb the tower for panoramic views over Otago Harbour, Dunedin City and Taiaroa Heads.

Visit Natures Wonders at the tip of the Otago Peninsula. Owned by the Reid Family, this is a self-funded conservation effort to ensure that this land is preserved for all future generations to enjoy, by protecting the penguins, fur seals and other wildlife. Here board an 8-wheel all-terrain vehicle for an exhilarating 1-hour cross country tour. Here enjoy a very close encounter with a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals and their pups basking on the rocks and swimming in natural pools in front of you then walk down a purpose built hide on Penguin Beach to view little blue penguins in their nests (in season) and spot the rare and shy yellow eyed penguin in the nest or on the beach any time of the day.

This afternoon return to the city and our hotel.

Overnight: Victoria Hotel, Dunedin

Departing Dunedin, we travel north to view the extraordinary spherical Moeraki Boulders, shaped rather like giant marbles. Then onto Oamaru – here we visit ‘Whitestone City’.

Set in an original grain store that was built in 1882 and located within New Zealand’s most complete streetscape of Victorian commercial buildings, Whitestone City is a central heritage hub that facilitates interactive tours of the Victorian Heritage Precinct. Heading inland across the Waitaki Valley you will pass the major hydro dams of Aviemore and Benmore – a major source of power for New Zealand. After passing through the junction town of Omarama the road continues north through the tussock covered Mackenzie Country to Lake Pukaki a classic glacial formed lake. Travel along the shores of the lake into the Southern Alps and Mt Cook National Park. Time is available to enjoy an optional scenic flight over the ancient rivers of ice and the West Coast Glaciers (Extra cost).

Overnight: Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook

A day for spectacular sights. Travelling to Tekapo witness the magnificent blue waters of Lake Tekapo. Here you can view the Church of the Good Shepherd and the statue of the Collie dog, before travelling the vast Mackenzie Basin, over Burke’s Pass through Fairlie, Geraldine, and Ashburton and across the Canterbury Plains into Christchurch.

Overnight: Quality Elms Hotel, Christchurch

This morning we will attend church at the Transitional Cathedral (Cardboard Cathedral).

After church get the feel of this ‘English City’ with a sightseeing tour of Christchurch City. Your first visit is to the Canterbury Museum, where you can learn about the history and geography of the area. Other sights include Christ College, Hagley Park, and The Arts Centre (note due to the earthquake, The Arts Centre is re-opening in stages). Finish your tour with a stop at Sumner Beach, a quaint seaside village with lovely views of the Pacific Ocean. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Quality Elms Hotel, Christchurch

We farewell New Zealand this morning as we are transferred to the Christchurch Airport to connect with our flight to Australia, having enjoyed a wonderful time of fun, faith and fellowship!