Itinerary

Day 1: Christchurch to Franz Josef

We start early to cross the majestic Canterbury plains, over Arthur’s Pass and the Southern Alps. An optional extra is doing the famous Tranzalpine rail journey. Along the way we will stop for some walks and photo opportunities as the scenery is changing constantly. We stop in Greymouth to collect our train passengers then head south to Hokitika, famous for pounamu (jade). We stop at the local Bushman’s centre to learn about the local history before heading down to Franz Josef for its glacier. Lodge accommodation in the rainforest in Franz Josef tonight (D).

Day 2: Full day at Franz Josef

Today is free for exploring this World Heritage area. There are many great walks but we highly recommend that you also pay to go on one of the guided trips where they give you special ice shoes (crampons) so that you can get further onto the glacier. Self-cater tonight – there are great local cafes and a kitchen at the lodge (B).

Day 3: Franz Josef to Makarora

We follow the coast further south today for even more amazing scenery (including NZ’s most photographed lake), three or four great walks, waterfalls, stunning alpine views and a breathtaking alpine pass. We will arrive mid-afternoon at our wilderness accommodation at the foot of Mount Aspiring National Park. The locals provide amazing activities from scenic flights to wilderness jet boating. Our accommodation tonight is in chalets (B, D).

Day 4: Makarora to Queenstown

We have a guided walk in this stunning area in the morning then journey on to the adventure capital of the world and the spiritual home of bungy jumping, Queenstown. Everyone has the option of observing or jumping themselves. We arrive at our accommodation in the evening ready for two days of whatever you choose to do, whether you want to scare yourself or simply enjoy this fantastic resort-style town. Your guide will take you on an orientation of the resort and a tour of the town’s night spots in the evening for a fun-filled night (B).

Day 5 and Day 6: Full day Queenstown. Optional activities available!

(No meals).

Day 7: Queenstown to Doubtful Sound

Today we start early for one of the major highlights of our New Zealand adventure. This morning we head to Fiordland National Park. The unique adventure begins at Manapouri town with a boat ride across this glacial carved lake to meet a bus which takes us up and over the Wilmot Pass where we board our vessel at Deep Cove for an involved wilderness experience in a place like no other. Doubtful Sound is truly an amazing place; one of the most remote and untouched places on earth where you will see fur seals, Fiordland Crested Penguins and dolphins.. We spend the day and the night on a purpose-built boat, which includes a dedicated nature guide and sea kayaks. We overnight in a secluded bay in the Sound. Accommodation on the boat and all meals included (L, D).

Day 8: Doubtful Sound to Central Otago

The morning is spent departing Doubtful Sound. We board our own mini-coach at midday and head on through the Otago region. We explore relics of the gold rush, which was responsible for the European settlement of this area. We stay in our own exclusive accommodation in the middle of Otago gold country. (B, D).

Day 9: Central Otago to Christchurch

We start with a fantastic unique activity. We grab our mountain bikes put them in our mini-coach and head out to sample part of the old Otago Gold Heritage Rail Trail. It is an ideal activity for riders of all abilities. We then get back on the bus, follow another historic pass and express our way along the Canterbury plains flanked by the Southern Alps to Christchurch, which is our home for the night (B).