The
South Island
8 Days
Christchurch, the Tranz Alpine Express, Franz Joseph Glacier, Queenstown and Middle Earth. Options & Rates
Day 1—CHRISTCHURCH
Upon arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred by private car to your hotel. Christchurch has been called “the most English city outside of England.” Much of the charm here is created by the river Avon which flows through the center of the city.
Crowne Plaza
Tranz Alpine Express
Day 2—CHRISTCHURCH
Morning at leisure. Afternoon walking tour with an official guide to discover the highlights of this river dominated city.
Crowne Plaza
Day 3—THE TRANZ ALPINE EXPRESS
Leave Christchurch this morning to embark on one of the great rail journeys of the world. From the Pacific Ocean, the trip crosses the country through a fascinating variety of scenery including valleys, gorges and the Southern Alps until arrival on the shores of the Tasman Sea. In Greymouth your private car and driver-guide will transfer you via the famous Franz Joseph glacier to Fox Glacier.
Te Weheka Inn
Day 4—FRANZ JOSEPH TO LAKE WANAKA
After a morning tour of New Zealand’s most famous glacier, continue by private car along the west coast to Haast, which is the center of high stands of rainforests, and a major wildlife refuge with extensive wetlands. So unique is this area that it’s earned status as a World Heritage site. Continue over the Haast Pass, still in the Southern Alps, down to Lake Wanaka.
Edgewater Resort
Lake Wanaka
Day 5—LAKE WANAKA TO QUEENSTOWN
After a leisurely morning, drive to the fascinating old restored gold-rush mining town of Arrowhead. After your visit, continue to Queenstown, situated on a sheltered arm of the S-shaped Lake Wakatipo. From here, New Zealand’s grandest scenic treasures can be reached including Lake Te Anau and Milford Sound.
Mercure Grand St. Moritz
Day 6—QUEENSTOWN
This morning embark on a cruise boat to the Walter Peak High Country Sheep Station. Following a meeting by the friendly staff, experiences of life on a sheep station are shared during coffee at the homestead. Visit the original wool shed and the sheep dogs in action. Afternoon at leisure.
Mercure Grand St. Moritz
Day 7—QUEENSTOWN (OPTIONAL TOUR TO “MIDDLE EARTH”)
An opportunity to tour some of the local sites used in the making of the film trilogy The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers and Return of the King. Although the filming of the JR Tolkien classic took place at over 150 separate locations, the Queenstown area had more of its share in this epic achievement.
Mercure Grand St. Moritz
Day 8—MORNING
Transfer to the airport and a reluctant farewell to this unique corner of the world.