21 Day Fully Customizable Grand Tour with 7 Reviews by Real New Zealand Tours Limited

21 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

10 peopleMaximum group size

2 peopleMinimum to book

15 - 90 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Auckland, New Zealand

Ends

Christchurch, New Zealand

Highlights

Discover the best scenery, wildlife, cities and towns of New Zealand

Enjoy a Queenstown sunrise hot air balloon, Polynesian spa, and swim with dolphins

Take the Interislander Ferry with exclusive access to the Premium Plus Lounge

Ride the famous TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Auckland

Itinerary

On this self-guided 21-day trip, explore cities, towns, villages and stunning scenery of both the North and South Islands of beautiful New Zealand. Explore the best of New Zealand independently and at your own pace.

On the North Island, you’ll travel to the Maori cultural center of Rotorua, visit the native Mitai family, explore the volcanic World Heritage site of Tongariro National Park and visit our two largest cities. After crossing to the South Island on the scenic Interisland Ferry, you will drive a circuit of spectacular scenery. Highlights include the wildlife mecca of Kaikoura, Aoraki, Mount Cook National Park, the mighty West Coast glaciers, and a cruise on the pristine world-acclaimed Milford Sound, just to name a few of the amazing destinations you can look forward to.

The tour is inclusive of all accommodations, a car rental, itinerary, and our full assistance. Please note we have deliberately included in the itinerary some two and three-night stays in some premier locations so that you can immerse yourself into and really enjoy, real Kiwi culture - with the locals! Exciting day to day attractions and activities all included. Please read through the itinerary for more details on the sites, tours and activities available each day.

This trip is fully customizable and length of tour can be made longer or shorter as per your demand. Please do enquire for more details!

day 1 - Auckland arrival

Once you touch down in New Zealand your detailed tour pack will be hand-delivered by one of our trusted representatives. The pack contains everything you need for the duration of your stay. It will include a comprehensive, printed and bound version of your itinerary as well as clear driving instructions and maps for each leg of your journey. It also contains all the reservation details for your accommodation and activities — along with relevant brochures and information. While in New Zealand we offer 24-hour support — details on how to contact us at any time will be available.

Welcome to Auckland City! New Zealand's self-proclaimed "City of Sails" is the country's largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, ancient rainforests and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Explore the central museums and galleries on foot, or take a drive through one of over 800 regional national parks to see deserted beaches, waterfalls and native forest.

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at City Life

day 2 - Explore vibrant Auckland City and twin harbours

(Suggested activity: Waiheke Island Explorer Hop On Hop Off Tour)

The most flexible tour on Waiheke Island, introducing you to the island's top spots! Hop on and off as much as you like at any of the 15 convenient stops which include vineyards, beaches, and restaurants. If you prefer, stay on board and enjoy a 1 1/2 hour scenic tour of the island.

The buses stop at some of the island's iconic spots including Oneroa Village, Onetangi Beach, Batch Winery, the new Tantalus winery/brewery, Mudbrick Vineyard, Cable Bay Vineyard, and more.

Knowledgeable tour drivers, and the addition of an on-board host, ensure you'll receive the most informative commentary as you travel around and you can get all the local tips and tricks for how best to enjoy Waiheke.

The Explorer Hop on Hop off departs from each hop on hop off location approximately every 60 minutes throughout the day.

Duration:4 hours

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at City Life

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - Auckland to Rotorua: Hobbiton movie tour

The drive south from Auckland takes you past the Bombay Hills and into the rolling farmland and rich dairy pastures of the Waikato. The Bombay Hills mark the outer boundary of the greater Auckland area and it's here you turn inland to central Waikato.

You’ll soon go through the town of Matamata where you can visit the fully intact Hobbiton film set used in the shooting of the Lord of The Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Continuing on, you’ll pass several small farming communities before telltale signs of steam and other geothermal activity signals your arrival in Rotorua.

(Suggested activity: Hobbiton Movie Set tour from Shires Rest)

Become immersed in The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films when you visit the actual Hobbiton movie set. Located just outside of Matamata in the heart of the lush Waikato farming region, your tour will begin with a drive through a picturesque sheep farm. You'll then be taken through Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill, and the Party Tree while your guide shares behind-the-scenes tales and insight into the making of the films.

Duration:3 hours

Accommodation:Motel Other

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Explore Rotorua, Maori villages

Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the worlds most active volcanic regions. Geothermal landmarks aside, this city of sulphur has a rich indigenous history. Home to several prominent Maori tribes, a visit to one of the Maori Villages should be high on your agenda, as should an excursion to the Polynesian Spa for an invigorating soak in its natural mineral hot springs.

Spike your adrenaline at Velocity Valley Adventure Park on stomach-dropping attractions such as static skydiving, or a giant swing reaching 130 km per hour. Alternatively, head up the Rotorua Gondola for soaring lake views, and ride the luge at night for an extra thrill.

Fans of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit should drive to nearby Matamata and experience the actual movie set ‘Hobbiton’. Make the most of your time in Rotorua with an excursion through the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of the area’s most colorful volcanic attractions.

(Suggested activity: Mitai Maori Village)

An evening at Mitai will give you an awe-inspiring introduction to the indigenous Maori culture. Marvel at the beautiful bush setting and see warriors in traditional dress who paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream while trout and eels swim beneath the surface. Enjoy a traditionally cooked hangi meal and round your evening off with a spectacular cultural performance that tells the story of the Maori people, their past, carvings, and ta Moko -Tattoo art. Be captivated by the displays of weaponry and combat and be amazed by the spine-tingling Haka finale. Truly an experience to remember.

Duration:3 hours

Accommodation:Motel Other

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - Lake Rotorua – Wellington via Lake Taupo

The drive from Rotorua to Wellington takes you via the township of Taupo, home to New Zealand’s largest lake. Following the lakeshore south, you’ll pass Turani and then ascend the central plateau onto the high country of the Rangipo Desert.

Skirting the edge of Tongariro National Park, you’ll reach the military town of Waiouru before descending through rich farmland and the rural towns of Taihape And Mangaweka. Follow the coast through Paraparaumu, Paekakariki and Plimmerton to arrive at your destination: Wellington.

Duration:5 hours

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at City Life

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Wellington, Weta Workshop

Wellington City, home to New Zealand’s center of government has a largely cosmopolitan feel. Often referred to as ‘mini-Melbourne’, this (self-described) windy city is a melting pot of art, culture, food and fashion. Quirky laneway bars, underground art shows, and hipster eateries make up its inner city vibe, while a host of sandy beaches outside the urban bustle bring a cheerful holiday feel.

Head to Te Papa Museum for a history lesson and a ticket to one of its many international exhibitions or jump aboard the Wellington Cable Car at Lambton Quay — the only running funicular railway in the country. For those with an eye for boutique fashion, wander along Cuba Street to sample some of the city's best vintage stores. Break for coffee at a hipster cafe and be sure to snap a pic outside the ‘Beehive,’ New Zealand’s parliamentary debate chamber.

Go behind the scenes at Weta Workshop, the Oscar Award Winning design studio behind Lord Of The Rings, The Hobbit, and Avatar. We recommend a 45 minute guided tour through both the Workshop and Weta Cave.

If you're a foodie at heart, a two hour round trip to Martinborough is a must-do. Take your time as you wind through spectacular wine country, and be sure to stop in at Martinborough Wines or Ata Rangi Martinborough.

For an educational day out, learn about New Zealand's native species at Zealandia — the world's first fully fenced eco-sanctuary and home to over 40 types of endangered and native birds.

(Suggested activity: Middle Earth Film Locations Half Day Tour)

In a small group, you will head out to the Valley to explore the very best filming locations Wellington has to offer. See Rivendell where Frodo recovered from his knife attack, the River Anduin where the Fellowship voyaged to Amon Hen, the Gardens of Isengard where Gandalf rode to see Saruman and the site of the orcs felling the trees, the quarry used for the filming of Helms Deep in Rohan and Minas Tirith in Gondor. Then back to the city to visit the Mount Victoria lookout and Buckland Forest where you can find the "shortcut to mushrooms" then "get off the road" and hide where the Hobbits hid from the Black Riders before taking a run to the Buckleberry Ferry and discovering Dunharrow Rohirrim encampment along the way.

(Suggested activity: Zealandia By Night Wildlife Sanctuary Tour)

Duration:4 hours

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at City Life

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Interislander Wellington to Picton Marlborough Sounds

The 92-km journey between Wellington and Picton takes around 3 hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. Leaving Wellington Harbour you pass many interesting points such as Pencarrow Head on top of which is New Zealand's oldest lighthouse (1859). Red Rocks is home to a seal colony and Oterangi Bay is the site that recorded the country's highest ever wind speed of 268 kph (167 mph).

From the Cook Strait, spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island can be enjoyed and dolphins and many sea birds are often seen. Around one hour of the cruise takes you through the Marlborough Sounds and this region of bush covered mountains, small islands, crystal clear waters and secluded bays offer remarkable photographic opportunities. The final leg of your cruise travels through Queen Charlotte Sound before coming to an end in the picturesque town of Picton.

Collect your rental car. This tour can be priced with any of the rental cars available in our fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUVs.

Duration:3 hours

Accommodation: Resort

Meals:Breakfast

day 8 - Picton–Kaikoura via Marlborough vineyards

From Picton head south on State Highway One towards Blenheim, and the wine-producing region of Marlborough. Ideally located to enjoy an afternoon sampling the local produce, stop for a guided wine tour with Sounds Connection Wine Tours. Yealands Seaview winery in Seddon well worth a stopover (turn left).

Crossing the dry hills of the Marlborough ranges you head towards one of the most spectacular coastlines of the South Island, the Kaikoura Coast. The road hugs the shore for around 50 kilometers and offers many chances to view the native wildlife such as seabirds and New Zealand fur seals. To the east is the Pacific Ocean and to the west, you'll follow alongside the Kaikoura Ranges before arriving into the bustling Kaikoura Township.

The Kaikoura Coast is renowned for its abundant marine life, and this is a huge visitor drawcard. Due to the teeming food supply in its icy seas, whales, seals, and dolphins are frequently spotted year-round in the area. Observe the fur seal colony basking in the sun at the tip of the peninsula and be sure to take a trip by boat to view the whales.

If you prefer, hop aboard a 30-minute scenic flight and see the coast by air. But if you're feeling really adventurous take a dip with the resident seal population on either land or boat-based trip. Kaikoura township has a charming feel and after a day of marine adventures is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat. not to be missed is a meal of fresh crayfish — the town's signature dish. Before you leave, visit historic Fyffe House for insight into the region’s Whaling Past.

Duration:2.5 hours

Accommodation:Motel Other

Meals:Breakfast

day 9 - Whalewatch or swim with dolphins, Christchurch

(Suggested activity: Dolphin Encounter Swimming with Dusky Dolphins)

Experience a magical swimming encounter with dusky dolphins off the coast of Kaikoura. You’ll be taken out in the catamaran and have the chance to swim in the water with these wild mammals in a completely natural environment. The dusky dolphin inhabits the waters around Kaikoura for most of the year — making it one of the only places in the world where dolphins can be encountered every day.

(Suggested activity: Whale Watch Kaikoura)

Experience New Zealand's only marine-based whale watching company. Whale Watch Kaikoura offers a once-in-a-lifetime, up-close encounter with the giant sperm whale. You are also likely to encounter New Zealand fur seals, dusky dolphins, and albatross. Depending on the season you may also see pilot, blue and southern right whales as well as migrating humpbacks. Often orcas can be spotted here and the world's smallest dolphin, the Hectors, occasionally make an appearance.

Cruise in style on modern catamarans, specifically designed for whale-watching, featuring large passenger cabins and outside viewing decks.

Kaikoura to Christchurch

Today you travel down the coast before heading inland through the North Canterbury wine region: the Waipara Valley. As you drive through this area you’ll be greeted by one of New Zealand's most notorious animals, the sheep. If you’ve time on your hands we recommend taking a detour to Hanmer Springs for a relaxing dip in its thermal pools.

Duration:3 hours

Accommodation:Motel Other

Meals:Breakfast

day 10 - Christchurch city hop aboard Grand Tour

Explore Christchurch City! Following the 2011 earthquake that razed its center and much of the outlying suburbs, Christchurch is well into a multi-billion-dollar makeover. In the middle of the Canterbury Plains, bordering the pacific ocean, New Zealand’s newest city is an ideal gateway to exploring the middle of the South.

Enjoy punting on the Avon River, take a historic tram ride, catch the gondola to the rim of an extinct volcano or do all three! See the world's only Cardboard Cathedral and for nature enthusiasts, wander the renowned Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Drive an hour in any direction to ski, mountain bike, wine taste, whale-watch, bungy jump or play golf. Visit the International Antarctic Centre or take a day to go on safari at Orana Wildlife Park. Take the winding Port Hills road to the French settlement of Akaroa and tour the vines in Waipara for an authentic New Zealand wine-tasting experience.

(Suggested activity: Christchurch Grand Tour)

Hop aboard the Grand Tour luxury coach for an interactive guided journey around Christchurch. See the best of this port city including beautiful parks, gardens, seaside suburbs, and hills. You will learn about its history and future plans for the well underway multi-billion dollar rebuild following the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Included in the tour are four of Christchurch's premier attractions: punting on the Avon, the Caterpillar Botanic Gardens tour, the Christchurch Gondola, and a hop-on-hop-off ticket for the heritage Tram.

Duration:3 hours

Accommodation:Motel Other

Meals:Breakfast

day 11 - Christchurch to Mount Cook National Park

Today you'll drive through the heart of the South Island, crossing the vast Canterbury plains. Catch your breath in Geraldine before continuing through Fairlie. Ascending Burkes pass you'll come to the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo.

Follow the road and take in the view of Aoraki Mt Cook (New Zealand's tallest mountain) from the shores of Lake Pukaki, known for its glacier-fed turquoise blue color. Continue along the lake to your final destination Mount Cook Village. Please note there are no food or shops at Mount Cook you will need to stock up prior to arriving in Mount Cook if you wish to self-cater.

(Suggested activity: Glacier Explorers Mt. Cook)

Experience 500-year-old icebergs up-close on the Mt Cook terminal lake. The Glacier Explorers tour is the only one of its kind in New Zealand - and one of only three in the world! Very few glaciers terminate into lakes and even fewer of them are accessible. See towering ice cliffs and floating icebergs from the safety of a specially designed boat. These boats provide a safe way to view unseen and inaccessible areas of New Zealand's largest glacier - The Tasman.

(Suggested activity: Tasman Valley 4WD Tour)

A rugged back road 4WD adventure accessing awe-inspiring views over the Tasman Glacier and its gigantic moraine wall. You will get to stop at several vantage points and have the opportunity to walk up to the top of the Tasman Glacier moraine wall to view some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities within the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Your professional guide has a wealth of knowledge of the Aoraki/Mt Cook area. Learn about the area, its unique geology, local flora and fauna and get an entertaining insight into the rich pioneering history and stories of the past 150 years.

Duration:5 hours

Accommodation:Motel Other

Meals:Breakfast

day 12 - Mount Cook National Park to Dunedin via Oamaru Wataki

Today you'll leave Mount Cook National Park and travel past Twizel, one of the locations for the Lord of the Rings films. Go through Omarama — gliding capital of New Zealand — but be sure to stop at The Wrinkly Ram, a great local cafe also offering sheep shearing demonstrations. Driving through the Waitaki Valley follow the hydropower generating system towards the east coast. Stretch your legs in Oamaru, known for its white stone buildings constructed with the local Oamaru Stone. If you were a little late off the mark this morning you may get the chance to see the blue penguins come ashore at dusk.

Continue south down the coast to Moeraki, and take a detour towards the beach to see the Moeraki Boulders, a unique geological feature well worth a look. As you arrive in Dunedin, take in the city’s Edwardian and Scottish heritage reflected in the buildings around the city center: the Octagon.

Duration:4 hours

Accommodation:Motel Other

Meals:Breakfast

day 13 - Explore Dunedin city and the Otago Peninsula wildlife

Known as the Edinburgh of the South, Dunedin City has a heavy Scottish influence. Surrounded by rugged coastal plains and windswept beaches it’s home to an eclectic mix of historical and modern architecture as well as industrial technology. Renowned for its Flemish Baroque-inspired ‘gingerbread house’ railway station, this university town is bustling with life.

Head to the Saturday farmers market held in the aforementioned railway grounds for a taste of organic produce, handmade crepes, and local honey. Explore the many cafes and wine bars in The Octagon, then continue on a self-guided walking tour of the internationally acclaimed Street Art dotted around the city.

Drive to the coast and watch the freighters passing in the distance while you sunbathe, or hire a mountain bike and test your legs on one of the many trails available in the area. For a more immersive historical experience, follow the coast to New Zealand's only castle, Larnach Castle. On your way back be sure to head to the Otago Peninsula to see the largest mainland Albatross colony in the world.

(Suggested activity: Monarch Wildlife Cruise from Wellers Rock)

An unforgettable experience viewing rare and fascinating wildlife. Board the Monarch Boat and take in the fascinating sight of the Northern Royal Albatross as it comes in to nest on spectacular cliffs of Taiaroa, Otago Peninsula. You'll also see eight other species of birds including sooty shearwaters and petrels as well as sea lions, fur seals, and — if you're really lucky — dolphins and whales.

(Suggested activity: Penguin Place Conservation Reserve Tour)

Learn about the endangered yellow-eyed penguin when you visit Penguin Place — a private conservation reserve dedicated to ensuring the survival of this unique species. The project is entirely funded by guided tours which allow the conservation team to engage in habitat restoration, predator control, a research program, and an on-site rehabilitation facility. On your tour, you will learn about the issues the yellow-eyed penguin faces, their life cycle and how the project is carried out. You'll take a short bus trip over to the reserve and be led on foot by your guide through a system of covered trenches to viewing hides which allow access to the living and breeding habitat of this very shy bird without disturbing them.

(Suggested activity: Larnach Castle and Gardens)

Larnach is New Zealand's only Castle, built in 1871 by politician and merchant, William Larnach, a man of great vision who helped shape New Zealand's early history. It was built for William's beloved first wife Eliza; it took 200 workmen three years to build the shell and a further twelve years were spent by master craftsmen to embellish the interior. The Castle is located high up on the Otago Peninsula and looks down on Dunedin city giving beautiful views.

The gardens have an International Garden of Significance status and have a unique collection of specialized areas for you to explore. The Ballroom cafe is a fantastic place to rest and reflect on all you have seen while enjoying a delicious range of refreshments. As with the entire castle, the ballroom had an interesting and varied history prior to its beautiful restoration, uses ranged from a lunatic asylum, antique sales room to the penning of sheep.

Duration:4 hours

Accommodation:Motel Other

Meals:Breakfast

day 14 - Dunedin to Lake Te Anau via the spectacular Catlins

The drive to Te-Anau takes you through classic Southland farming scenery. Head off-the-beaten-track today and follow the coastline instead of the inland route. Go through the Catlins area and be sure to take a detour to Kaka Point to view its majestic cliffs and pounding surf. Continue through Invercargill to Riverton and Colac Bay, and then head north to Manapouri.

From here you can embark on a day or overnight cruise to the remote beautiful Doubtful Sound — renowned for its natural beauty. Just a short way further will bring you to your lakeside destination of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.

Duration:4 hours

Accommodation: Guest house

Meals:Breakfast

day 15 - Milford Sound Nature Cruise — fiords, penguins, seals

The road to Milford Sound offers some of the most beautiful and iconic scenery in the country. From crystal clear lakes and towering mountains to lush glacier formed meadows, this area is dramatic and unyielding. Stretch your legs on the Chasm Walk, a short stroll through native beech forest to see several powerful waterfalls. Continue on through the Homer Tunnel, an engineering marvel at 1219 meters long. Arriving in the village of Milford, you will be greeted with an amazing view of Mitre Peak.

A day cruise into the heart of the sound with Real Journeys is not to be missed. You’ll learn about how this magnificent area was formed and experience the wonder of the falls that line the Fiord before back-tracking the way you came.

Milford Sound Nature Cruise

A two-hour nature cruise of spectacular Milford Sound. Onboard one of three purpose-built vessels you'll experience tumbling waterfalls, towering peaks, lush ancient rain forest and native wildlife. Learn about the region, its history and natural surroundings while enjoying a delicious picnic lunch. As you cruise, keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and penguins — frequent visitors to the fiord.

After a day at Milford Sound, drive back to Te Anau.

Duration:3.5 hours

Accommodation: Guest house

Meals:Breakfast

day 16 - Lake Te Anau to iconic Queenstown, adventure capital

Today you’ll cross vast tussock lands on your way to Queenstown. Pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of the nation. Continue on through the Southland countryside where the road begins to hug the lake edge and the Remarkables mountain range towers over your approach into the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Duration:2 hours

Accommodation:Apartment Suites Other

Meals:Breakfast

day 17 - Explore Queenstown and surrounding area

Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic and scenic wonders.

Head down the Gibbston Valley wine trail to sample some of the region’s best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100-year-old steamship — the TSS Earnslaw — to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's ‘Rata.’ Check out nearby historic Arrowtown and enhance your experience with a four-wheel drive trip to Macetown.

Take a leisurely lakeside stroll or ride the gondola for breathtaking views. Venture further afield into the Fiordland National Park or head over the Crown Range to Wanaka. Drive through Lord Of The Rings country — or for the really fanatic, jump aboard one of many dedicated LOTR tours. And after all of that if you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski.

(Suggested activity: Skyline Gondola Queenstown and 3 Luge Rides)

In the heart of Queenstown, located 450 meters above town in the Ben Lomond Scenic Reserve is the Skyline Complex. A gondola ride to the summit makes for awe-inspiring views of the city surround. Arrive at the complex and wander the outside viewing decks for a picture-perfect outlook. Then onto the Luge! The 800-meter luge track offers an exhilarating journey through banked corners, tunnels, and dippers.

(Suggested activity: Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure)

Riding the iconic ‘Big Red’ Jet Boat through the narrow Shotover Canyon is an exhilarating experience not to be missed. Your skilled jet boat driver pushes the boat to 85 kph, skimming across shallow water and past towering canyon walls. This 25-minute white water ride includes 360-degree spins and maximum thrills.

(Suggested activity: TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak including gourmet BBQ dinner and a farm tour)

Go back in time on this return trip to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship. You'll be greeted off the boat and guided through beautiful lakeside gardens to the charming homestead. Here you'll enjoy a Gourmet BBQ dinner which your chef will prepare in front of you. The seasonal menu includes an expansive array of local produce, including succulent meats cooked on the outdoor rotisserie and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads.

Finish your meal with an irresistible dessert, New Zealand cheeses and freshly brewed tea and coffee. After dinner, an entertaining and informative demonstration gives you a glimpse of life in the high country. On your cruise home, enjoy the camaraderie of a singalong with the ship's pianist or breathe in the fresh night air as you watch the lights of Queenstown draw nearer.

Duration:4 hours

Accommodation:Apartment Suites Other

Meals:Breakfast

day 18 - Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier (via Lake Wanaka)

From Queenstown you'll cross the Crown Range — the highest sealed road in New Zealand — to arrive in the Alpine town of Wanaka, the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. Skirting the shores of both Lake Wanaka and Hawea, you will enter the small town of Makarora. A must stop is the iconic Cardrona hotel 30 minutes before Wanaka (on the left).

Stop at the beautiful 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 ancient rain forest. Fox Glacier welcomes you first, then comes your destination for the night: Franz Josef township.

Duration:4.5 hours

Accommodation:Motel Other

Meals:Breakfast

day 19 - Explore Franz Josef Glacier village

Franz Josef is a small but lively village in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12 km-long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains, the village has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice from a viewpoint you can walk along the valley floor to the terminal face without a guide. However, to go on the glacier itself you must take a licensed helicopter tour —spectacular and highly recommended.

(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 as it winds its way through ancient carved valleys. Should the weather not be suitable to take this flight you are able to transfer your booking onto a similar tour on any of the Helicopter Line's operations in Queenstown or Mt Cook.

(Suggested activity: Glacier Hot Pools)

Nestled within the lush ancient rain forest surrounds, the Glacier Hot Pools is a haven of tranquility. Unwind in one of the three main pools. Temperatures range from 36 to 40 degrees and the water comes directly from a glacial stream. Wash off the day and rejuvenate in this unique forest paradise.

Duration:4 hours

Accommodation:Motel Other

Meals:Breakfast

day 20 - TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to 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 1860s. Head to the coast and take in the endless sea-views, Tasman sea 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 Tranz Alpine 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, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your accommodation.

Duration:3 hours

Accommodation:Motel Other

Meals:Breakfast

day 21 - Private transfer to Christchurch Airport

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.

Duration:30 hours

Meals:Breakfast

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