Southern Splendour

This is a great introduction to some of the most spectacular landscapes New Zealand has to offer.

Be charmed by magnificent vistas and majestic snow-capped mountains dotted with turquoise lakes under the world’s darkest skies.

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL CHRISTCHURCH

Depending on your preferred travel choice, you will either be met and privately transferred, or self drive to your accommodation.

Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps.  This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River.

Enjoy admission to the International Antarctic Centre today or tomorrow for an icy insight into this astounding continent.

DAY 2 – CHRISTCHURCH – TEKAPO/MT COOK

Depart a fertile patchwork made with every shade of green, to a scenic wonderland with golden tussocks, snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes.  At Lake Tekapo the solitary ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ takes pride of place against the backdrop of a vivid blue glacier-fed lake. Thought-provoking, educational and entertaining, the Dark Sky Experience is an experience which will forever change the way you see the night sky.  Lap up the  fresh air and sparling skies in this International Dark Sky Reserve.  

Christchurch – Tekapo/Mt Cook: 230/330km (approx 3/4hrs)

DAY 3 – TEKAPO/MT COOK – QUEENSTOWN

Embrace the dramatic vast landscape of a rugged land of ice and rock that showcases multiple giant peaks including New Zealand’s highest mountain.  Then hug the shores of beautiful Lake Pukaki before travelling through the historic Central Otago region to Queenstown.

Tekapo/Mt Cook – Queenstown: 255/265km (approx 3hrs, 15mins)

DAY 4 – QUEENSTOWN

Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.

Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer.

DAY 5 – QUEENSTOWN – MILFORD SOUND – QUEENSTOWN

Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses.  Today’s stunning journey takes you past mirror lakes, spectacular waterfalls and water-sculpted rocks. Venture into Milford Sound, a New Zealand treasure carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your return to Queenstown.

Queenstown – Milford: 287km (approx 3hrs 50mins) each way.

DAY 6 – DEPART QUEENSTOWN

Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or return of your rental car.

INCLUSIONS:

DAY 1-

Overnight: Christchurch

Included Activities:Antarctic Centre

DAY 2-

Overnight: Tekapo or Mt Cook

Included Activities: Dark Sky Experience

Optional Activities: Tasman Glacier Boat Trip

DAY 3-

Overnight: Queenstown

DAY 4-

Overnight: Queenstown

Optional Activities:Shotover Jetboat Ride

DAY 5-

Overnight: Queenstown

Included Activities:Milford Sound Cruise