Southern Adventure - Small Group Tour

An intimate journey through the forests, fjords and breathtaking mountain scenery of New Zealand's beautiful South Island

Day 1: Christchurch - Franz Josef
Board the TranzAlpine for a memorable journey through the Southern Alps. Join the coach at Arthur's Pass and visit the small town of Hokitika for a Jade jewellery demonstration. This afternoon your expert local glacier guide will walk us to our viewing area at mighty Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy a welcome drink with your fellow passengers.
Hotel: Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat, Franz Josef.

Dinner is included.

Day 2: Franz Josef - Queenstown
There is time for an optional scenic flight over the glacier (weather permitting). Travel over the Haast Pass and along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Stop at the historic gold-mining town of Arrowtown followed by an orientation tour of Queenstown on arrival.
Hotel: Millbrook Resort, Queenstown, 2 nights.

Breakfast is included

Day 3: Queenstown 'Free Time'
A day at leisure. Try a jet boat ride, white water rafting or a round of golf at Millbrook's golf course. Tonight we ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak for dinner with spectacular views

Breakfast and dinner are included

Day 4: Queenstown - Milford Sound

Drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. Later we travel into the Fiordland National Park to explore the Mirror Lakes, Pop's Lookout and the Chasm before arriving in Milford Sound for our overnight cruise.
Hotel: Milford Mariner, Milford Sound
Breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 5: Milford Sound - Stewart Island
Perhaps take a walk this morning along the foreshore or try kayaking on the Sound. Later continue to the southern-most city in New Zealand, Invercargill. This afternoon board our ferry at Bluff to cruise to Stewart Island.
Hotel: Bay Motel, Stewart Island, 2 nights.

Breakfast is included

Day 6: Stewart Island
Enjoy a Village and Bays tour before a cruise with lunch on Paterson Inlet. Stop at Ulva Island and spend time with native wildlife. Ulva Island is predator-free and is a must for viewing native birds and flora. Tonight you may want to try spotting kiwis in the native bush near our accommodation!

Breakfast and lunch are included.

Day 7: Stewart Island - Lake Ohau
Board the ferry and return to the mainland. Stop to try local stone fruit at Cromwell. Enjoy views of Lake Dunstan, New Zealand's largest man-made lake as we travel over the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country. We arrive at our wilderness retreat, with its views of Lake Ohau and Mt. Cook.
Hotel: Lake Ohau Lodge, Twizel

Breakfast and dinner are included

Day 8: Depart Christchurch
See Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and travel across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.

Breakfast is included

8 day Small Group Adventure - from £3065

Accommodation specified is subject to availability and may be substituted to a similar or higher standard if necessary. Prices include accommodation and touring only. Ask your consultant for flight details.