11 Day Southern Discovery

Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand. On arrival a Kirra representative will greet you at the airport with transport waiting to take you to your downtown city hotel. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail party

Stay at Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Today begins with a unique experience combining history and sightseeing. Enjoy a journey in style through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre on-board a beautifully restored heritage tram. We then visit the International Antarctic Centre before crossing the Canterbury Plains, New Zealand’s largest area of flat land that lies between the mighty Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean. Its patchwork of agricultural activity ranges from grazing grass and wheat to herbs and sunflowers. On arrival at Tekapo, we stop to view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog Memorial overlooking the lake. There is time this afternoon for some optional alpine flightseeing by ski-plane or helicopter over Aoraki Mt Cook, a world heritage listed national park covering over 70,000 hectares of breathtaking mountain scenery (subject to weather conditions).

Stay at Peppers Bluewater Resort

Travel through the townships of Twizel and Omarama before beginning the assent over the Lindis Pass to Cromwell, located deep in the heart of Central Otago in the valley of Upper Clutha. Travel through the lush farmlands of the region before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park.

Stay at Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau

After breakfast, travel to Manapouri and enjoy a leisurely cruise across this picturesque lake to West Arm. Travel over the Wilmot Pass and pause to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening far below. Board ‘Patea Explorer’ for a three hour cruise through this pristine fiord. During the cruise, knowledgeable and friendly nature guides will share with you their passion for the region through their commentary. They will answer questions, point out landmarks and provide you with information about the varied wildlife you may encounter like dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguin. As the majesty of Doubtful Sound unfolds before you, its vastness will take your breath away. Later this afternoon, travel on to Queenstown, regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination and enjoy dinner at your hotel on arrival.

Stay at Copthorne Lakefront Hotel & Resort Queenstown

Queenstown boasts an incredible array of adventure and leisure activities in all its various forms and your Coach Captain will happily recommend and assist with any optional activities you would like to do. Alternatively, you may prefer to browse in the many shops and galleries. Tonight, ride the Skyline gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed.

Stay at Copthorne Lakefront Hotel & Resort Queenstown

This morning, we visit Arrowtown. Set beneath the rugged Crown Range, this historic village was once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860’s and features a fascinating collection of mining cottages with an atmosphere straight out of last century. Stop at Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. View the untouched wilderness and pristine lakes of the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks before arriving on the rugged and wild West Coast, home to the twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef.

Stay at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

At Hokitika, we stop to visit to a Pounamu, (also known as Greenstone or Jade) factory. Marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes that are the Pancake Rocks & Blowhole before checking into our eco resort located in the Paparoa National Park and only a stone’s throw from the beach

Stay at Punakaiki Resort

Skirt the west coastline before heading inland to Murchison. Travel north through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving at Nelson, a city of charm based on a harbour that is the busiest fishing port in New Zealand. This afternoon, visit the World of Wearable Art & Classic Car Museum.

Stay at Heritage Rutherford Hotel