21 Day Autumn South Island New Zealand Adventure
February 5th - 25th, 2025
Covering areas within the Otaga Peninsula, Catlins Forest Park, Longwood Forest Conservation Area, Fiordland National Park, Mount Aspiring National Park, Aoroki/Mt Cook National Park, Paparoa National Park, Victoria Forest Park, Nelson Lakes National Park, Richmond Hill Forest Park, Abel Tasman National Park, Marlborough Wine Country, Central Otago Wine Country and Canterbury.
21 Days taking in some of our very favourite towns, villages, cities, natural formations, nature spots, coastlines, mountain scapes, scenery and sightseeing including: Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, Moeraki Boulders, Katiki Point Lighthouse, Full Day Guided Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle Gardens, Nugget Point, Tokata Lighthouse, Hokoui Moonshine Museum, Colac Bay, Fiordland National Park, Glowworm Caves Adventure, Te Anau, Full Day Milford Sound Excursion, Doubtful Sound Excursion aboard the Patea Explorer, Queenstown, Fantail Falls, Gates of Haast, Ship Creek Walk, Knights Point Lookout , Fox Glacier, Franz Joseph Glacier. Pancake Rocks and Blow Holes at Dolomite Point, Buller Gorge Swing Bridge Nelson Lakes National Park, Richmond Hill Forest Park, Maruia Falls, Marahau, Abel Tasman National Park, Private Catamaran Cruise along Abel Tasman, Broadgreen Historic House, Nelson on Tasman Bay, Walking Tour of Nelson, Seifried Family Winemakers for Lunch and Wine Tasting, Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen with Afternoon Tea, Kaikoura Whale Watch Cruise, Kaikoura, Albatross Encounter Tour, Christchurch, Tram City Tour, Colonial Style Dining Tram the Only Tramway Restaurant in New Zealand and more!
This is a beautiful tour covering some of our very favourite stops on South Island New Zealand. Relax in comfortable accommodations and take in all the breathtaking beauty of this Island paradise. Price includes 20 nights of accommodation, all dinners, lunches and breakfasts listed in the itinerary, all activities, sightseeing and entrance fees as listed in itinerary, all taxes, fees and service charges. Guided minibus travel with airport pick up and drop off and luggage handling. This tour is limited to just 8 people for a more comfortable and intimate tour experience.
$11,995 per person.
$1795 single supplement.
$500 per person deposit to reserve.
Day 1 - February 5th - We will meet this morning at our Christchurch Airport accommodation to start the tour. We will spend the first part of the day exploring the coastline with a first stop in Timaru, the second largest city in Canterbury about midway between Christchurch and Dunedin. Timaru has many grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings, constructed in local volcanic bluestone. After more coastal exploration we will stop for lunch and then visit EnkleDooVery Korna which offers a fascinating and unique experience with a 'Wallaby Wander'. We will wander at leisure to view the wallabies in separate enclosures and have the opportunity to feed and photograph wallaby families and even cuddle orphan baby wallabies when available. After lunch we continue down the coast making our way to Oamaru. Oamaru, the largest town of the Waitaki District, has a rich history and proud heritage, enriched by the passionate and perhaps quirky locals and is most famous for its Blue Penguin Colony and Oamaru Limestone Architecture of the Victorian Precinct and Steampunk Art. After some time to take in the Victorian Precinct we get checked into our accommodation before dinner. After dinner we will head to the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony for an evening of discovering the world of the little blue penguin. Dinner and Overnight Oamaru. (B,L,D)
Day 2 - February 6th - This morning we start our journey to Dunedin with a first stop at the Elephant Rocks just outside of Duntroon. These large Hummocky Rock Formations that look amazingly like Elephants were created after fossil rich limestone deposited millions of years ago eroded, leaving behind an incredible boulder field which towers above your head. We next stop at Moeraki Boulders, a group of large spherical “stones” on Koekohe Beach near Moeraki on New Zealand’s Otago Coast. These boulders are actually concretions that have been exposed through shoreline erosion from coastal cliffs. Even today, there are still boulders remaining in the mudstone that will, eventually, fall on to the beach as they come loose due to erosion! Leaving Moeraki we drive out to Katiki Point, which is at the southern end of the Moeraki Peninsula. It is a must visit while in the area so that is just what we will do. Katiki Point Lighthouse is the main attraction here, but you will also find endangered Yellow-eyed Penguins, Little Penguins, Fur Seals and other wildlife. We will stop in the small seaside village of Karitane, well known for its golden beach. Then we get settled into our accommodation at Dunedin before gathering for dinner. Dinner and Overnight Dunedin. (B,D)
Day 3 - February 7th - Today we will have a Full Day Guided Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. Our Peninsula Perfection Tour begins in Dunedin, once the leading industrial and commercial centre of New Zealand and has retained many of its early buildings. Our tour begins with a scenic drive into the city to admire the largest collection of Edwardian and Victorian Structures. We also visit Baldwin Street, the “steepest street in the world.” The journey continues out onto the Otago Peninsula, where the southern rollers pound the coastline and rare wildlife comes ashore regularly throughout the year. Next we visit Larnach Castle Gardens, where a unique collection of specialised gardens can be explored and some of the finest views of the Otago Harbour can be seen. We will Lunch in the Larnach Castle Ballroom Café before departing. After lunch we follow the winding gravel roads towards Portobello, the main township on the Otago Peninsula. We will spend the afternoon viewing the unique and treasured penguins and other native wildlife that call the coasts of New Zealand home. We will go on an adventurous journey through a series of tunnels and hides to get unrivalled viewing of the ‘critically endangered’ Yellow-Eyed Penguin. We’ll also see Little Blue Penguins, Sea Lions and Fur Seals who come ashore regularly. Our final stop is at Taiaroa Head, where the Northern Royal Albatross can often be seen gliding around the headland. We then return to Dunedin where you can find dinner on your own. Overnight Dunedin. (B,L)
Day 4 - February 8th - Today we make our way to Invercargill near the southern tip of South Island. Our first stop will be Nugget Point, an iconic panoramic platform on the Catlins Coast with one of the Country’s Oldest Lighthouses perched above the famous rocks named by Captain Cook because they looked like pieces of gold. A walk out to the Tokata Lighthouse will reveal sensational views of the big blue beyond. If you look down onto the rocks below the lighthouse, you'll see a Colony of Fur Seals frolicking in the surf. It is also home to some of the world’s Rarest Penguins and one of the only places you might see Seals, Sea Lions and Elephant Seals in the same area. Those who know me will not find it at all strange that our next stop is Catlins' Teapot Land at Owaka. It's something just a bit different, and because the teapots come from all over New Zealand and the world, you may recognise pieces. It's a bit of nostalgia as well as good entertainment! We will stop in Gore to find some lunch before continuing on our way. In Gore we also find the Hokonui Moonshine Museum where we take a trip to the Illicit and Colourful Past of Gore’s Illicit Whisky Distilling and Bootlegging. The adventures of the Scottish Settlers and their exploits to avoid run-ins with the law are kept alive through dioramas, audio-visuals and artefacts. You can taste Old Hokonui made to the original recipe at the end of your visit, or even take a bottle home with you. We then get settled into our accommodation at Invercargill before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Invercargill. (B,D)
Day 5 - February 9th - Leaving Invercargill behind we will take the coastal route west before turning north and traveling alongside the Fiordland National Park to Te Anau, one of my very favourite spots in New Zealand. On our coastal route we will stop at Colac Bay for a walk on its sandy beach which is well know for surfing and beachcombing. Continuing our coastal journey, we stop at McCracken's Rest, a lookout and rest area perched on the edge of the cliff with commanding views of Te Waewae Bay and the tiny Solander Islands, formed by the eroded skeleton of a volcano. According to Maori legend, the Solanders are the broken tooth and crumbs tossed aside by Kewa the Whale, when it chewed between Stewart Island and the mainland. We will stop for lunch before we drive into the Longwood Forest to Otautau Art and Crafts Gallery. The gallery has a wide range of New Zealand Art and Crafts including original paintings from Famous New Zealand Artists, prints, photography, cards, woodwork, glass ware, pottery, jewellery, handmade leather handbags, and much more. We next stop at Curiosity Cottage Gardens, set in one half acre which has gradually evolved over 4 years from large lawns to an eclectic wonderland. The garden is on two levels many of the trees and shrubs can be said to be rebuilt with various objects. Fuchsias are their speciality followed closely by Polyanthus, Pansies and Lilies. There is a large berry section and a sizable vegetable garden. We then continue to Te Anau with time for you to explore before we get settled in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Te Anau. (B,D)
Day 6 - February 10th - Today we will be picked up from our accommodation in Te Anau for a Full Day Milford Sound Excursion. Milford Sound has been dubbed the 8th Wonder of the World and is easily one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is the home of the iconic Mitre Peak which towers more than a kilometre straight out of the water. Towering cliffs and peaks are decorated with cascading waterfalls, all surrounded by luxuriant rainforest. The journey to Milford Sound is spectacular in its own right with many extraordinary places to stop for photos or walks in the Fiordland National Park. We will take in the spectacular alpine scenery at such places as Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, Eglinton Valley, Pops View, Monkey Creek, Homer Tunnel and The Chasm. Once at Milford Sound we will join a Nature Cruise exploring the length of the fiord and learning about the history of the region with a specialist nature guide. We will experience the cool spray of a waterfall as we move in close to sheer rock faces where you can watch for Dolphins, Seals and, in season, the rare Fiordland Crested Penguins. We will have a Picnic Lunch to enjoy while cruising the fiord. Then we return to Te Anau where you will have the evening free. There is a Wee Pie Shop in town that has World Famous Meat Pies, but they also have the best tasting chips I have ever had in my life! If you want to get from one end of town to the other, the best way to do it is to stroll along the fabulous Lake Front Walkway while gazing at the Largest Body of Freshwater in Australasia! With benches all along the way, it is the perfect place to sit with a takeaway coffee, or perhaps one of those world famous pies I was talking about! Overnight Te Anau. (B,L)
Day 7 - February 11th - Today we experience the spectacular, remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound on our all day guided day trip. Doubtful Sound is unspoiled, unmatched and unforgettable. We start in Manapouri with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri. A coach then takes us across Wilmot Pass, travelling on a sub-alpine road through dense rainforest. Arriving at Deep Cove we’ll be met by the crew and the majestic Patea Explorer. As we cruise through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery the commentary by the knowledgeable Skipper will enhance our wildlife viewing, including dolphins, fur seals and even occasionally penguins. We before we start our journey we will collect our picnic lunches from the Manapouri Café. The end of the day will find us back in Te Anau with some time for further exploration before we gather for dinner. Nestled on the edge of the South Island’s largest lake, Te Anau is the spectacular stepping off point for those exploring the wilderness of Fiordland or those wanting to savour a place of peace and relaxation. Te Anau is known as one of the friendliness of small-town New Zealand. Dinner and Overnight Te Anau. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - February 12th - This morning before we leave Te Anau behind we will make a stop to pick up things for a later Picnic Lunch we will have alongside the Oreti River as we make our way to to Queenstown. Our drive will take us first east to Lumsden where we stop at Five Fingers Craft Shop. Situated in the Old Railway Station, the craft shop is filled with a wide variety of locally handmade crafts. Such things as knitted wool jerseys, scarves, socks, hats, ceramics, jewellery, quilting, art, baby items, soaps, Kiwiana, Christmas and wooden products. After doing a bit of shopping we continue north driving the road from the Remarkables Mountain Range to Lake Wakatipu. We will stop at the Devil's Staircase Lookout for some spectacular views up and down the Kingston Arm of the lake. We will also stop in Lower Shotover where the shallow waters of the Shotover River feed into the Kawarau River, which draws water from the Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu. From the bridge you can enjoy panoramic views of the Shotover River and the Remarkables Double Cone Peak, Cecil Peak, Coronet Peak and Brow Peak. We then make our way into Queenstown and to our accommodation to get settled in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Queenstown. (B,D)
Day 9 - February 13th - Today will be a down day for everyone in delightful Queenstown. Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of the region create the perfect backdrop for a day full of adventure, discovery and rejuvenation. Queenstown is also known for its Hobbits as much of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy was filmed in the area. You might want to take in the Skyline Gondola for breathtaking views and also Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Markets or incredibly tranquil Queenstown Gardens right at the heart of town. You can also visit the Marine Parade that is comprised of the idyllic Queenstown Beach, the iconic Bathhouse Café, and the solemn Queenstown Fallen Soldiers Memorial. There is a pathway connecting it to the Queenstown Gardens. Enjoy the day at your leisure and get rested up for the second half of the tour! Overnight Queenstown. (B)
Day 10 - February 14th - We have a long drive ahead of us as we make our way to the West Coast of New Zealand. Today will be mostly about breathtaking vistas along the coast as we make our way to Franz Josep Village. As we start out, we make our way through the Mount Aspiring National Park to Fantail Falls. This is a beautiful and easily accessible waterfall which drops into the crystal clear Haast River. We then stop at the Gates of Haast, a series of rapids on the Haast River reminiscent of the Falls of Dochart in Scotland. We will stop for lunch in Haast situated in the heart of Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. After lunch we stop at Ship Creek for a Spectacular Walk through the Dunes for a real taste of the Wild West Coast and the Tasman Sea! We will also stop at Knights Point Lookout for more stunning views. We will continue our west coastal drive all the way to Franz Josep Village where we get checked into our accommodation before dinner. The small but lively Franz Josef village is surrounded by lush rainforest with the high snow-capped Alps above. Dinner and Overnight Franz Josep Glacier. (B,D)
Day 11 - February 15th - Put on your hiking boots this morning as today we will take in Fox Glacier and also Franz Josep Glacier at the Aoroki/Mount Cook National Park. Glacier Country is located amongst the untamed natural wilderness of the West Coast of the South Island. From the Highest Mountains, Largest Glaciers, Rainforests, Dramatic Beaches and everything in between, Glacier Country is spectacular! We will drive to the parking area for a hike into see Fox Glacier. We will follow the south bank of the Fox River through ancient podocarp rainforest. The track heads gently up the valley crossing ancient glacial moraine surfaces, with the forest reflecting the various ages of the glacier moraines which it has colonised. The first viewpoint of the glacier is reached after approximately 40 minutes walk. Then the track winds gently downhill through the rainforest for approximately 10 minutes to a view point of Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe. We then stop in Fox Glacier Village for you to find some lunch. The village is tucked discreetly into the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, it has a stunning outlook across surrounding farms and offers breathtaking views of New Zealand’s two highest peaks, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. After lunch we visit Franz Joseph Glacier which is an easy hike along a wide river stone track. The hike finishes with a short climb to the viewing area, where you can see the icy wonderlands. Dinner and Overnight Franz Joseph Glacier. (B,D)
Day 12 - February 16th - Today we take we continue our beautiful coastal drive north along the Tasman Sea and then head inland to the Hokitika Gorge where we walk along a track through dense hardwood forest before emerging onto a viewing platform. From here you can look down to the stunning Hokitika Gorge and out to the lush farmland of Kowhitirangi. We will walk along curving boardwalks to reach a swing bridge where there are excellent views of the blue-green waters of the Hokitika River as it makes its way through the rock sided Hokitika Gorge. We then cross the swing bridge and in a few minutes through the bush we find another viewing platform looking out to the gorge upstream of the bridge. We then make our way into Hokitika, one of New Zealand's Hidden Gems, nestled on the edge of the Tasman Sea. It has more galleries and studios per capita than anywhere in New Zealand. There are some lovely old buildings on the town’s historic walk and you will see many galleries specializing in Pounamu Jewellery and Art Works, Gold Jewellers, Wood Turners and Potters. We will have lunch here and then make our way further along the Tasman Sea Coastal Drive to the Pancake Rocks and Blow Holes at Dolomite Point near Punakaiki, one of the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast with good reason, they really do look like pancakes! The 'pancakes' are a heavily eroded limestone area where the sea bursts through several vertical blowholes. Dinner and Overnight Westport. (B,D)
Day 13 - February 17th - This morning we make start our journey to Kaiteriteri on the Northwest Coast. Our drive will take us through the Victoria Forest Park, the Nelson Lakes National Park and the Richmond Hill Forest Park with a few stops along the way. We first stop at the Buller Gorge Swingbridge spanning over 300 feet across the Buller Gorge and suspended 60 feet above the mighty Buller River providing some awesome view up the river! We next stop at the captivating Maruia Falls, formed as a result of the 1929 Murchison Earthquake forcing the Maruia River to cut a new channel over an old river bank. Able to be heard before they are seen, the sound of water plummeting into the deep pools below provide forewarning of the majestic waterfall that awaits at the base of the track. The rocky open riverbed provides an unobstructed view of one of New Zealand’s Must See Waterfalls. We will stop in Murchison for lunch before we stop at the Kawatiri Historic Railway Walk which follows a short section of the former railway line that ran from Nelson towards Murchison. The track crosses an Old Rail Bridge before passing through a train tunnel built in 1923. We then make our way to Kaiteriteri to get settled in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Kaiteriteri. (B,D)
Day 14 - February 18th - Loved for its turquoise water and golden sand beach, the sunny town of Kaiteriteri is a launching place for trips into the Abel Tasman National Park. Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's Smallest National Park, but it is an easily-accessible coastal paradise. Crystal clear streams tumble down mossy valleys to join the ocean. Granite and marble formations fringe the headlands, which are cloaked in regenerating native forest. At Te Puketea Bay, a perfect crescent of golden sand, a walking track leads up Pitt Head to an Ancient Maori Pa fort site. We will have our own Private Catamaran Cruise with a full day charter in the Abel Tasman National Park where we could expect to see many secluded coves, golden sand beaches, pristine waters and native wildlife. We will have time to explore the many tidal lagoons, stop and enjoy one of the many secluded beaches, or stretch our legs with a small walk in the national park. We may want to stop at the iconic Split Apple Rock, visit a Fur Seal Colony and go ashore at Anchorage Beach, a great spot for our Picnic Lunch. The day is entirely up to us and we will be provided with a picnic lunch to enjoy in the national park. The end of the day finds us returning to Kaiteriteri for you to do some exploring on your own and find some dinner. Overnight Kaiteriteri. (B,L)
Day 15 - February 19th - This morning we make our way along Tasman Bay to Nelson with many coastal stops along the way. We will stop in Motueka to walk along the beach and see the Wreck of the Janie Seddon. The Janie Seddon vessel was built in 1901 and some say it fired the first shots of WW2. After the war, it was sold as a fishing trawler in 1947 to Talley’s Fisheries, but it had a short life in fishing so it was sold to a Christchurch company for scrap, but the steel was too hard to cut up and utilized, and the vessel was towed and beached in Motueka and it remains there in the water forever. At low tide, you can hop close to the shipwreck on the rocks put into the wet sand to have a better view to it. After another lovely beach along Moutere Inlet we stop at Seifried Family Winemakers for Lunch and Wine Tasting. From the beautiful Waimea Plains come the inspired and innovative wines of the South Island's Oldest Family Winery with Hermann and Agnes at the helm along with their 3 children. And home to the fabulous Sweet Agnes Riesling - New Zealand's most awarded dessert wine! Just on the outskirts of Nelson we find the Broadgreen Historic House, a charming cottage beautifully furnished and restored to show family life in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The house was built in 1855 for Mr and Mrs Edmund Buxton and their six daughters and is an excellent example of early colonial cob construction and how people live 150 years ago. Dinner and Overnight Nelson. (B,L,D)
Day 16 - February 20th - Nelson, a port city is located on an inlet at the head of Tasman Bay, at the mouth of the Matai River. A local guide will take us on a City Walking Tour with highlights including a visit to Lord of the Rings Ringmaker Jens Hansen, Nelson Cathedral, the Centre of New Zealand View, along with the stunning beauty of The Queens Gardens, the Maitai River Walk, Nelson Provincial Museum and The Suter Art Gallery. Along the walk we will see fabulous examples of art deco, colonial and modern architecture, and sculptures that are discovered as we meander through this extraordinary city. After our walk we will Stop for Lunch and then take a Nelson Short Sail Cruise. Our skipper will guide us through the ropes as we sail from Nelson waterfront, across the harbour and out through The Cut on a leisurely cruise. We will enjoy the wind in the sails and maybe even try out the helm, work the sheet ropes and play sailor! Then the rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to enjoy all the delights that Nelson has on offer. Overnight Nelson. (B,L)
Day 17 - February 21st - This morning we start our journey to Kaikoura, one of our favourite destinations. We will stop to take in the Cullen Point Track, a short scenic walk leading to a Cullen Point Lookout, giving views of Mahau Sound, as well as Kaituna and Pelorus Estuaries. We then make our way into the Marlborough Wine Growing Region of New Zealand. We must have at least one wine experience in the Marlborough Region, so we will visit the Wairau River Wines Restaurant and Cellar Door, one of the regions original wine tourism destinations. While here we will have lunch and then step up to the tasting counter to discover the diversity of Saint Clair with a large selection of award winning wines. Our next stop is Blenheim, one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand. Central Blenheim is best explored by foot, with an abundance of great cafes, restaurants shops and galleries, along with popular walkways along the Taylor River Reserve. You can shop till you drop in Blenheim Central with boutique gifts, high-end NZ designers, furniture & appliances, handcrafted local products, chain stores, and so much more! From here we make our way to Kaikoura along the coastline to get checked into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner Overnight Kaikōura. (B,L,D)
Day 18 - February 22nd - Today will be spent in and around Kaikōura. The Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range provides a dramatic backdrop to the town centre located on the east side of a small peninsula extending out into the South Pacific Ocean. This stunning view alone captivates those who visit Kaikoura. First thing this morning we take a Kaikoura Whale Watch Cruise where Giant Sperm Whales are present all year. We may also encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins the Wandering Albatross. Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales are also visible depending upon the season. The world’s largest dolphin, the Orca or Killer Whale (yes this is actually a dolphin!) can be spotted, as well as the world’s rarest and smallest dolphin – the Hector. We then return to Kaikoura where you can find some lunch and have a wee wander. After lunch we take an Albatross Encounter Tour where you'll meet one of the greatest varieties of seabirds and pelagic birdlife you'll find anywhere in the world. It's just a 15- minute ride out, during which you'll be treated to spectacular views of the stunning Kaikoura Coast. On the tour you will encounter many species of Albatross from the Great Albatross to the Wanderings and Royals, the Smaller Albatross known locally as the Mollymawk, the Salvin's, White-Capped, Black-Browed and the Buller. Dinner and Overnight Kaikoura. (B,D)
Day 19 - February 23rd - This morning we make our way to Christchurch with a few stops along the way. We will stop at Gore Bay to see the Cathedral Cliffs. These artistically sculpted vertical ripples of the cliffs in creamy brown siltstone and sandstone were laid down millions of years ago. We next stop for Lunch and Wine Tasting at Waipara Springs Winery. This founding winery and café of the Waipara Region, was established in 1981 and remains an entirely owned and operated Family Estate. This afternoon we stop at Breedenbroek Gardens featuring Four Broad Herbaceous Borders sheltered by High Hornbeam Hedges and Formal Box- Hedged Rose Beds linked by Arches. Bay hedges enclose a potager garden and beyond, a small orchard is planted with various fruit trees. A natural creek meanders through the garden flowing into a large informal pond the bank is planted with Gunnera, Iris, Arum Lilies and the red stemmed Cornus Siberica. A board walk leads you around the pond and through a native area. The we are off to Christchurch where we get settled into our accommodation before you have the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore on your own. Overnight Christchurch. (B,L)
Day 20 - February 24th - We absolutely fell in love with Christchurch and the resiliency of its inhabitants! It is hard to imagine how a city so ravaged by earthquakes can still retain such beauty and instill such a feeling of peace! Christchurch is one of the world’s most unique destinations with the central city filled with cutting-edge architecture alongside some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand. The Avon River intersects the city, bringing a natural landscape to the urban environment. We will take a Tram City Tour to familiarize ourselves with the city. The journey takes you to the appropriate stops for Punting on the Avon, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour and the Gondola Shuttle bus. Some of the sights to see on the 17 stop route are Cathedral Junction, the Avon River, Gothic-style Arts Centre, the Canterbury Museum and New Regent Street. You will have a day long ticket to get off and on at your leisure throughout the day. You will have tickets to a must do Christchurch Adventure, the Gondola for a sightseeing experience that you’ll never forget! Soar suspended above the valleys as the birds fly beneath your cable car. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Christchurch cityscape, over the Canterbury Plains out to the mighty Southern Alps and the dramatic hills of Banks Peninsula. For something special this evening we are dining on the only Tramway Restaurant in New Zealand offering a unique way to view the inner city of Christchurch while enjoying a delicious evening dinner. This luxury air- conditioned, Colonial Style Dining Tram will treat us to the finest service, cuisine and beverages New Zealand has to offer! Dinner and Overnight Christchurch. (B,D)
Day 21 - February 25th - Return to Christchurch International Airport for the journey home.