MELBOURNE TO WELLINGTON

Welcome to our fascinating Rail and Coach Tour of New Zealand! After we are collected by our chauffeurs, we are transferred to Melbourne International Airport where we meet our Tour Director and fellow passengers, ready to board our direct flight to Wellington. On arrival, we’ll be met by our coach and driver and then transferred to our centrally located accommodation. We enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel this evening.

Inflight Refreshment

OVERNIGHT:  James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, WELLINGTON

EXPLORING WELLINGTON

This morning depart the hotel for a half-day sightseeing tour that includes a drive along pretty Oriental Bay, see the iconic ‘Beehive’ and the Executive Wing of the New Zealand Government and a drive past Old St Pauls Church which is one of New Zealand’s finest examples of colonial Gothic architecture. Visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum - time here for a guided tour to learn about the shaping of its land, the spirit of its diverse peoples, its unique wildlife, landscapes and its distinctive popular culture. Our sightseeing tour finishes at the Wellington Botanical Gardens. Enjoy the unsurpassed views of the city and harbour, exotic forests, native bush and colourful floral displays that are well loved by locals and visitors alike. Return to the city centre at leisure by taking a historic trip on the Wellington Cable Car (ticket included). For over 100 years, passengers have enjoyed the dramatic views of the city and surrounding hills. Ride the iconic cable car through the hillside terraced houses of Kelburn to Lambton Quay. (Cars run every 10 minutes to Lambton Quay – a short walk from your hotel). Enjoy dinner this evening at a waterfront restaurant.

OVERNIGHT:  James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, WELLINGTON

WELLINGTON - PICTON - BLENHEIM

Start today with a cruise on the Wellington Harbour out into the Cook Strait and through New Zealand’s only true sounds, the picturesque Marlborough Sound into Picton. The bustling port of Picton is the terminal for inter-island ferries, and gateway to the ‘Mainland’, the South Island’s self-proclaimed nickname. On arrival, we meet our new driver and board the coach as you continue to Blenheim. Fifty years ago there was hardly a commercial grape grown in the Blenheim area. Now the Marlborough district is the top wine producing area in New Zealand with its wines winning awards around the world. When we arrive at Blenheim, enjoy wine tasting and lunch at a local vineyard. Then visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum where the Knights of the Sky exhibit occupies 3,000 sq metres and is one of the world’s largest collections of WWI aircraft and rare memorabilia including a mix of dramatically staged static displays along with flyable aeroplanes. This innovative and visually stunning exhibition depicts aircraft in context, some recreating actual incidents. You don’t have to be an aviation enthusiast to enjoy this exhibit!  We have time to freshen up before dinner in the hotel.

OVERNIGHT:  Canmore Chateau Marlborough, BLENHEIM

BLENHEIM TO CHRISTCHURCH

We can enjoy a morning at leisure. Sleep in and relax or do some personal sightseeing.  This afternoon, we board the Coastal Pacific Train to Christchurch. Pass through the southern reaches of the Marlborough wine country then travel along a thin ledge of land pinned between the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Kaikoura Ranges. Pass Kaikoura, a popular whalewatching area then cross the farmlands of the North Canterbury Plains and arrive in Christchurch at approximately 7:30pm. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  Hotel Elms, CHRISTCHURCH

DISCOVER CHRISTCHURCH

We have a later start today! Enjoy a sightseeing tour as an introduction to this city, once known as ‘the most English town outside of England’. Post-earthquake, the city combines urban regeneration and innovation with heritage, culture and creativity. Included is a 30 minute Punting on the Avon service by knowledgeable and professional boatmen in straw boaters and traditional dress, giving an informative and entertaining guide to the Avon River and the Botanic Gardens. Our morning tea stop is in the lovely gardens at Mona Vale Estate. The remainder of the day is at leisure to independently explore Christchurch city - we have included an all-day pass on the restored heritage Christchurch Tram so you can enjoy a journey in style through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre. Knowledgeable drivers will inform you about the city, its landmarks and local sights. Your day-long ticket allows you to get on and off the tram as often as you please! The journey takes you to the appropriate stops for Cathedral Junction, the Avon River, Gothic-style Arts Centre, the Canterbury Museum and New Regent Street. These are just some of the sights to be seen from the comfort of your tram, or accessed from the 18 stops enroute. Board at any of the 18 tram stops, and get on and off with your ticket throughout the day. The trams run approximately every 15-20 minutes. We dine this evening at the Curators House situated in a heritage building in the lovely Botanic Gardens. With its own kitchen garden, fresh regional produce is served, with a Spanish influence.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  Hotel Elms, CHRISTCHURCH

CHRISTCHURCH - ARTHURS PASS - FOX GLACIER

Depart Christchurch on the Tranz Alpine Rail Service for a scenic train ride to Arthurs Pass in the heart of the mighty Southern Alps. Arrive at Arthurs Pass and alight the train. Reboard your coach and drive across Arthurs Pass and on to Fox Glacier on the West Coast. After a long day of travelling, we enjoy dinner at the hotel.

OVERNIGHT:  Heartland Hotel, FOX GLACIER

FOX GLACIER TO QUEENSTOWN

Today we travel south through native rainforest, over mountain streams and around bush-fringed lakes into the rugged beauty of the Haast Pass. From here continue around the shores of glacial Lakes Hawea and Wanaka then through the fruit-growing region of Central Otago into the delightful lakeside resort of Queenstown. Dinner this evening is at the hotel.

OVERNIGHT: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Lakefront, QUEENSTOWN

FREE DAY IN QUEENSTOWN

Today is at leisure. Queenstown has a plethora of optional sightseeing activities available from jet-boating on the thrilling Shotover Jet; a jet-boat excursion along the scenic and remote Dart River; winery tours to the premier Central Otago wineries; 4WD tours into unforgettable Skippers Canyon; scenic flights; or if you dare – bungy jumping or tandem sky-diving! Extra cost for optional sightseeing excursions. This evening we have a taste of rural life in New Zealand. Steeped in Queenstown’s pioneering history, our experience commences with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu in the 1912 vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm, one of the first farms set up in the region and still a working farm. In the ambience of the Colonel’s Homestead, enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you. After dinner enjoy an entertaining brief farm experience including a sheep shearing demonstration. On the magical night-time cruise home, enjoy the camaraderie of a sing-a-long with the ship’s pianist or breathe in the fresh night air on the moonlit decks as you watch the lights of Queenstown draw nearer.

Lunch at own expense and arrangements

OVERNIGHT: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Lakefront, QUEENSTOWN

QUEENSTOWN TO TE ANAU

Leaving Queenstown we follow the eastern shores of Lake Wakatipu around the Devil’s Staircase to Kingston with The Remarkables Ranges to our left.  Continue on through the lovely Southland countryside where sheep, cattle and deer farming predominate before reaching Te Anau, our next two night stop.

OVERNIGHT:  Distinction Luxmore Hotel, LAKE TE ANAU

MILFORD SOUND

We depart Te Anau for a full day excursion travelling via Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. The scenery is spectacular with lofty mountains and deep valleys carved out by Ice Age glaciers. There are clear rushing streams and leaping waterfalls set in magnificent native rainforest. At Milford Sound enjoy a cruise down the fiord past Mitre Peak to the open sea. Seals and dolphins are often seen in the clear waters of the fiord. A boxed picnic lunch is included aboard the cruise. The boat returns to Milford Wharf and we return to Te Anau travelling via the Cleddeau Gorge, Homer Tunnel and the lovely Eglinton Valley. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

OVERNIGHT:  Distinction Luxmore Hotel, LAKE TE ANAU

TE ANAU TO DUNEDIN

This morning, we depart Te Anau and travel across the rolling farmland of Southland and Otago. A striking feature of this area is the large number of deer farms that are easily seen from the road. The road travels through a number of small country towns before crossing the fast flowing Clutha River and heading north into Dunedin. A brief sightseeing tour of the city established by settlers from the Presbyterian Church of Scotland in the 1840’s is included. The city is set on hills at the head of a lovely harbour  and is renowned for its educational facilities including Otago University, New Zealand’s first university. We have time to freshen up before dinner.

OVERNIGHT:  Scenic Hotel Dunedin City, DUNEDIN

EXPLORING DUNEDIN

This morning, we depart on a sightseeing tour of Dunedin; enjoy the views of the harbour from the hill suburbs. See the University of Otago with its historic bluestone buildings on the banks of the Leith River. We drive through the CBD along George and Princes Streets and through the Octagon which features the historic Town Hall and St Pauls Anglican Cathedral and a statue of the Scottish poet Robbie Burns. We make a visit to historic Olveston House which was completed in 1907 and was a masterpiece of modernity in the Edwardian era, featuring central heating, an in house telephone system and even heated towel rails. Olveston has been carefully preserved and now offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of a privileged family in the early 1900’s and the rich historical heritage of Dunedin. We enjoy lunch at Glenfalloch Gardens which is nestled in a 27-acre valley. Glenfalloch Gardens offer a view of a pioneer homestead. Stroll through beautiful woodland gardens and view a wonderful display of rare rhododendrons and azaleas. Relax in the garden among proud, strutting peacocks. This afternoon, we visit Larnach Castle for a guided tour of their magnificent gardens. The scenery is spectacular and though the garden is subjected to wind and low rainfall, it contains a unique collection of plants seldom seen elsewhere. The plantings reflect owner Margaret Barker’s interest in New Zealand plants and in their southern hemisphere relations. Larnach Castle garden has a special historic ambience - it is beautifully landscaped with a disciplined eye reflecting appropriately its association with the castle. Dinner is at a local restaurant this evening.

OVERNIGHT:  Scenic Hotel Dunedin City, DUNEDIN

DUNEDIN TO OMARAMA

As we depart Dunedin, the road climbs sharply over the hills that surround the city.  Continuing north there are some lovely views of the coast and the Pacific Ocean until the coastal town of Oamaru is reached.

Just north of Oamaru the road turns inland and follows the Waitaki River passing the major hydro dams of Aviemore and Benmore a major source of power for New Zealand.

OVERNIGHT:  Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel, OMARAMA

OMARAMA - MOUNT COOK - CHRISTCHURCH

Departing Omarama, our journey 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. We enjoy some leisure time in the Mt Cook Village before retracing our steps travelling past Lake Pukaki, then on to Lake Tekapo to view the Church of the Good Shepherd and the famous bronze sculpture of the sheep dog. We continue over Burkes Pass and on to the fertile Canterbury Plains. Enroute we stop at the Pleasant Point Railway to enjoy a ride on their impressive little steam train. We enjoy a Farewell Dinner at the hotel tonight.

OVERNIGHT:  Hotel Elms, CHRISTCHURCH

CHRISTCHURCH TO MELBOURNE

Farewell to New Zealand; today we will be transferred from the hotel to Christchurch International Airport to connect with our homeward flight back to Melbourne. After completing Customs and Immigration, our chauffeurs will be waiting for us in the arrival lounge. We’re sure you will arrive home with a sense of well-being, appreciation and love for beautiful New Zealand.

Refreshments inflight