MELBOURNE TO CHRISTCHURCH

Welcome to our exciting 15 day tour to the South Island of New Zealand! With chauffeured pickup from home, we travel to Melbourne Airport. Here we’ll be greeted by an O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours Tour Director who will assist us with check in before our flight to Christchurch. Kia Ora and Haere Mai - hello and welcome to New Zealand. On arrival in Christchurch this afternoon, we are welcomed and transferred to our accommodation located right in the heart of the city. This is the perfect place to unwind and rest from our flight so no further arrangements have been made today except to meet in the hotel for dinner this evening.

In-flight meals and refreshments

OVERNIGHT:  Rydges Latimer Christchurch, CHRISTCHURCH

CHRISTCHURCH TO BLENHEIM

Departing Christchurch this morning, we travel north over the Canterbury Plains, the largest area of flat land in New Zealand before climbing the Hundalee Ranges and following the Pacific Ocean coastline to the township of Kaikoura. The sea here is particularly rich in nutrients, which attract a wide variety of sea life. Sperm whales, the largest of all toothed whales, can be seen off this coast for 95% of the year. From Kaikoura, we travel along the thin ledge of land pinned between the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged ranges then across farmland and through the Marlborough Wine Country to Blenheim. On arrival into Blenheim, we visit a local winery for a sample of their product. Afterwards, we check into our overnight accommodation. 

OVERNIGHT: Scenic Hotel Marlborough, BLENHEIM

BLENHEIM TO NELSON

We depart Blenheim this morning crossing the top of the South Island to the city of Nelson. The top of the north-west corner of the South Island is the sunniest region of New Zealand and Nelson is a truly beautiful region that should not be missed. Situated close to several national parks, including the Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi, the region offers great hiking trails, beaches and rivers for kayaking and swimming.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  The Hotel Nelson, NELSON

ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK

This morning we travel from Nelson to the Abel Tasman National Park. From Kaiteriteri enjoy a cruise along the granite coastline and through the Astrolabe Roadstead to Torrent Bay and Bark Bay, calling into picturesque beaches and coves where walkers and kayakers are transferred to golden-sand beaches. We pause to view the antics at Tonga Island Seal Colony in the Marine Reserve, then continue past isolated northern beaches to the long sweep of burnished sands at Totaranui, before returning to Kaiteriteri. A picnic lunch is included today on your cruise. From Kaiteriteri, we retrace our journey back to Nelson – a city known for its sunny climate, golden sand beaches, wineries, artists and craftspeople, and three National Parks in proximity.

OVERNIGHT: The Hotel Nelson, NELSON

NELSON TO PUNAKAIKI

This morning we drive south through the lovely Waimea Valley, once well known for the growing of tobacco, and continue south through rugged and remote bush covered mountains. The road follows the Buller River towards the coast. We will enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Buller Gorge before reaching the West Coast. At Cape Foulwind we see the seal colony and panoramic views of mountains and coastline. 

We also visit the Kawatiri Experience Centre; this is an immersive experience that celebrates the heritage and endeavour of the people of the Buller District. Learn, unearth, and discover the incredible story of Kawatiri, and the past, present and future of this unique place. Explore themes of Triumph and Treasure - the taonga (treasures) of the earth (pounamu, coal, gold) and the bravery and innovation of human endeavour they inspired from the earliest Polynesian settlers to today. From here, we continue down the coast to the small settlement of Punakaiki on the edge of the Paparoa National Park where our accommodation is located. Punakaiki is renowned for its wild, rugged coastline and the famous ‘Pancake Rocks’ and blowholes. These stratified limestone stacks are an extraordinary monument of nature. There are various scenic walks and hiking opportunities in this beautiful, isolated area.

OVERNIGHT:  Scenic Hotel, PUNAKAIKI

PUNAKAIKI TO FOX GLACIER

Today we travel down the scenic coastline through the gold and coal mining town of Greymouth and south to Hokitika, perhaps visiting one of the Greenstone studios, where the jade stone is crafted into jewellery and ornaments of both traditional and modern design. We continue on through native rainforest and past pretty bush-fringed lakes to Franz Josef. The huge rivers of snow and ice of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers flow from vast snowfields high in the Southern Alps almost to sea level which is unusual in a temperate climate. On arrival, time is available for optional scenic flights, before continuing onto our accommodation for the night.

OVERNIGHT:  Heartland Hotel Glacier Country, FOX GLACIER

FOX GLACIER TO QUEENSTOWN

Today we enjoy a day of ever-changing spectacular coastal, rainforest and alpine scenery. The journey along the West Coast features native rainforest, wetlands, bush-fringed lakes, sand dunes and surf-pounded shingle beaches into the rugged beauty of the Haast Pass, the lowest of the South Island Mountain passes crossing the Southern Alps. Once over the Pass, the scenery changes dramatically as the road descends past the waters of glacial Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, then through the fruit-growing region of Central Otago into the delightful lakeside resort of Queenstown. Nestled among glacier-rounded hills and dramatic rugged mountain peaks, Queenstown is New Zealand’s premier four-season lake and alpine resort. As well as adventure, Queenstown is just as well-known as a place for indulgence, wine and cuisine and its gold-mining history. 

OVERNIGHT: Millennium Hotel , QUEENSTOWN

QUEENSTOWN SIGHTSEEING

Today we enjoy a sightseeing tour – departing Queenstown, see the Edith Cavall Bridge spanning the narrow canyon of the rugged Shotover River, before arriving in to historic Arrowtown, a pretty village which now rests under shady trees but was once a rip-roaring gold rush town, views of Lake Hayes and the rugged Shotover River. We have time to stroll through Arrowtown, a township with a colourful history. Many of the original sycamore trees, planted by the goldminers, cover the town's cottages and stone buildings with a canopy of gold. In its heyday Arrowtown was a rough and ready frontier town. There are many beautiful and interesting walks around this historical area. We also visit The Lakes District Museum which houses a fascinating collection of tools and artefacts used by the miners of the goldrush era, and one of the best presentations of pioneer relics in the country. Within the vault of what was an 1860's bank are stored thousands of priceless exhibits: gold pans, shovels, maps, clothing, weaponry and even a gold nugget or two - a living, breathing peep into the past. This afternoon we drive out to the Kawarau Bridge to see the dare-devils bungy jumping from the original AJ Hackett site, before arriving in the Gibbston Valley. Here, we join a guided tour of the vineyard and winery, completing the experience with a tasting in the caves.  Travel 76 metres underground into the Gibbston Valley Wine Cave. The rocky schist walls within the cave are lined with barrels of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay still reaching their prime. With constant humidity and a temperature of around 14 degrees Celsius, the cave provides a perfect haven for the maturation of these wines as well as providing a unique atmosphere for wine tasting. This afternoon sit back and ride the scenic aerial gondola to Bob’s Peak rising 450m/1500ft high above Queenstown. From here the panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges including The Remarkables are breathtakingly spectacular. This afternoon and evening is at leisure.

Lunch and Dinner at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Millennium Hotel , QUEENSTOWN

QUEENSTOWN AT LEISURE

We have a totally free day to enjoy the many activities and attractions available in the area. You may wish to experience a thrilling ride on a jetboat, revisit quaint Arrowtown, parasail on the lake, join a 4WD tour onto a rural property with panoramic views across the valley, take a guided bush walk, enjoy a scenic flight over the area, take a cycling tour from Mt Nicholas Station to Walter Peak High Country Station, try horse riding, play a round of golf or enjoy the challenge of white water rafting, join a winery tour to some of the most southern vineyards in the world or if you dare - try bungy-jumping (all at extra cost). This evening we enjoy a taste of rural life in New Zealand. Steeped in Queenstown’s pioneering history, the experience commences with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard 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, we enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you. After dinner we enjoy an entertaining brief farm experience including a sheep shearing demonstration. On the magical night-time cruise home, enjoy the camaraderie of a sing-along 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 arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  Millennium Hotel, QUEENSTOWN

QUEENSTOWN—MILFORD SOUND—TE ANAU

We depart Queenstown this morning for an excursion into Milford Sound – sit back, relax and enjoy the dramatic scenery, isolated ice carved valleys, waterfalls and towering mountains, the journey into Milford Sound is a highlight in itself. Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO 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. We board a comfortable vessel for a Nature Cruise down Milford Sound past towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea. Seals and dolphins are often seen in the clear waters of the fiord. A picnic lunch is included and an on-board nature guide with specialist knowledge of the region’s history, flora and fauna provides a detailed commentary. After the cruise, we drive back to Te Anau travelling via the Cleddeau Gorge, Homer Tunnel and the lovely Eglinton Valley.

OVERNIGHT: Distinction Luxmore Hotel, TE ANAU

TE ANAU TO DUNEDIN

This morning before departing Te Anau, we experience the thrill of jet boating down the majestic trout filled Waiau River to the serene Lake Manapouri. We step foot into ancient beach forests and learn all about this unique location among Fiordland National Park. We now 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 several 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. The city is renowned for its educational facilities including Otago University, New Zealand’s first university.

OVERNIGHT: Distinction Hotel, DUNEDIN

EXPLORING DUNEDIN

We depart the hotel on a half day sightseeing tour. See the University of Otago with its historic blue stone buildings on the banks of the Leith River. Travel 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 visit historic Olveston House which was completed in 1907 and was a masterpiece of modernity in the Edwardian era. This features 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. This afternoon is at leisure and we’ll meet up again this evening to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  Distinction Hotel, DUNEDIN

DUNEDIN TO OMARAMA

Departing 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, we stop at Moeraki to view the mesmerising Moeraki Boulders – huge pre-historic spherical boulders scattered along a wild beach near the small town of Moeraki. We continue north until the coastal town of Oamaru, where we stop for lunch. This afternoon, we explore the heritage in the Victorian Precinct, where we will find shops, galleries and traditional crafts within some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most complete Victorian streetscapes and 19th century architecture. 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. We arrive in Omarama later this afternoon.

OVERNIGHT: Heritage Gateway Hotel, OMARAMA

OMARAMA - MOUNT COOK - CHRISTCHURCH

This morning the road continues north through the tussock covered MacKenzie Country to Lake Pukaki, a classic glacial formed lake. We travel along the shores of the lake into the Southern Alps and Mt Cook National Park. At the heart of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine region is Mt Cook, at 3754 metres, the highest peak in Australasia. The Mt Cook National Park comprises 70,013 hectares of ice, snow, rock, sub-alpine scrub, tussock and riverbeds. We experience the wonder of the National Park, which features 15 peaks and 5 major glaciers. The Tasman Glacier flows 27 kms past the flanks of Mt Cook to terminate amongst vast fields of rock debris at the beautiful Blue Lakes, where the Tasman River takes the glacier water to the blue waters of Lake Pukaki. We leave Mt Cook Village 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 then continue over Burkes Pass and on to the fertile Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch. 

OVERNIGHT:  Rydges Latimer Christchurch, CHRISTCHURCH

CHRISTCHURCH TO MELBOURNE

We enjoy our last breakfast together, then with our Tour Director we are transferred to Christchurch Airport for our flight 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 amazement at the sheer beauty of the South Island of New Zealand.

In-flight meals and refreshments