New Zealand: Southern Spotlight

On your first day, Hop on board one of the Christchurch Tram tours, where you'll travel through time and take in what the famous city has to offer. You'll be connected with some of the city's most notorious landmarks including the Canterbury Museum, Botanic Gardens, the Bridge of Remembrance and New Regent Street with opportunities to hop off and on at areas of your choice along the way.

Ibis Hotel Christchurch

After visiting Christchurch, the next stage of your trip takes you onwards to Canterbury Plains. Here you'll see the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tekapo, the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, snow-capped mountains, and charming surrounding towns. Take a scenic flight, which is optional, if you'd like to get a better view of the Southern Alps and Franz Josef Glacier.

Heritage Gateway Hotel

As you continue downward towards the southern part of the island, along the way, you'll visit New Zealand's oldest public gardens before continuing towards Dunedin. Experience the famous, Oamaru, it's tree-lined streets and limestone buildings. The atmospheric alleys lined with art in the city are a great place to relax in the afternoon. Or alternatively travel slightly further onwards to see the wildlife, including seals and penguins, that thrive in this diverse region. 

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Once you've reached Dunedin, the magnificent Larnach Castle awaits, and is the only structure of its kind in the nation, offering opportunity to relax and take in the sights. Everywhere you turn in Dunedin, from the well-kept grounds of Otago University to the city's main George Street, you can see evidence of its Scottish heritage. As you wind your way into Te Anau, the largest lake on the South Island, and the rolling green hills dotted with sheep, soaring mountains are either side of your path.

Distinction Luxmore Hotel

On your way to Queenstown, pass through beech forests, alluvial flats, the meadows, and lakes of Fiordland National Park. The countryside is carved by crystal clear rivers, and all roads along this path lead to your Milford Sound/Piopiotahi tour. You will experience breath-taking views and scenery as you travel through this World Heritage-listed area. Watch out for dolphins as they are frequent visitors of this beautiful habitat.

Copthorne Hotel & Resort 

On your way out of Queenstown and towards Franz Josef, you'll stumble across Lake Dunstan. Take a break and indulge in some flavorful fruit that grows on the trees surrounding, it's a perfect spot to relax and recharge. As you get closer towards your final destination on this part of your journey, you'll start to see The Franz Josef Glacier peering over the horizon. It is is a spectacular sight to see as you cross the Haast Pass. On arrival savour every moment, there aren't many opportunities where you can walk on a glacier.

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef 

In Hokitika, exchange snow for pounamu (local greenstone or jade). Board the TranzAlpine train headed for Christchurch, and just when you thought your adventure couldn't get any better, you'll experience panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges, and river valleys as you travel through tunnels and over viaducts.

Ibis Hotel Christchurch