DAY-01: MANILA TO NEW ZEALAND FLIGHT

DAY-02: WELCOME TO CHRISTCHURCH.

Arrive at Christchurch International Airport. Welcome to Christchurch! The regions of Otautahi Christchurch and Canterbury are set against the majestic backdrops of both alps and ocean.

Meet & greet by your driver guide at the arrival hall and you will be transfer to Christchurch City. Check in to hotel.

Tonight, it’s time to meet your Travel Director and travelling companions for a welcome reception. Lunch and dinner are own arrangements. Overnight at the hotel.

Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch

DAY-03: CHRISTCHURCH – FRANZ JOSEF  (B. D)

Your South Island New Zealand Tour starts on a literal high as you jump aboard the TranzAlpine train, crossing the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass. This is one of the world’s most scenic rail experiences, through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow- capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys. At the other end of the line is Hokitika, the home of pounamu (native greenstone or jade).

Just when you thought your day couldn’t get any better, Franz Josef town twinkles on the horizon. This afternoon, you may choose to fly over Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere.

Overnight at the hotel.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

DAY-04: FRANZ JOSEF –  QUEENSTOWN  (B)

Over the Haast Pass, alpine drama awaits. The Southern Lakes deserve their name: there are almost more waterways here than you can count. First up there’s lovely Lake Wanaka, with its Instagrammable shoreline of poplars and willows. Followed by oh-so-blue Lake Hawea and Lake Dunstan, where you’ll pause to refuel on flavour-packed stonefruit. As tempting as it is to linger in Arrowtown’s movie-set-like streets, lined with trees and character-filled boutiques, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables await in Queenstown.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort

DAY-05: QUEENSTOWN FREE TIME  (B,D)  

The adventure capital of New Zealand doesn’t disappoint when it comes to activities that are fast and furious. Take your optional tour pick.

Wherever you wander, make sure you’re back in time to glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort

DAY-06: QUEENSTOWN – TE ANAU (B, D)

Nature rules today as you motor from the Mirror Lakes through the Cleddau Valley. But this is just a teaser of what’s to come: World Heritage listed Milford Sound. A Milford Sound cruise across this dreamy expanse will give you goosebumps, its string of waterfalls creating a misty curtain across sheer escarpments. Look out for dolphins and fur seals – they’re a common sight here. The road back through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows and gin-clear rivers, carving up the countryside en route to Te Anau. And just when you thought things couldn’t get any more magical, nestled on the edge of the South Island’s largest lake, Te Anau is the perfect place to savour some peace and relaxation after the spectacle of the day.

Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel