Premium New Zealand South Island
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Tour Overview
Taking you from Christchurch to Queenstown via glaciers, wineries, lakes and fiords, this 10-day Premium trip showcases the natural beauty and thriving food and wine scene in New Zealand’s South Island. Forage for fresh ingredients with a local chef in Otago, cruise the quiet waters of Doubtful Sound and come face to face with endangered species – including New Zealand’s rarest kiwi bird – at a wildlife centre on the West Coast. Plus, board the TranzAlpine train for a world-class journey through the mountains, rivers and gorges of the Southern Alps. With a knowledgeable local leader to guide the way, you’ll get to know the history and stories of landscapes shaped by the elements over thousands of years.
Trip Code: PHPS
Start
Christchurch
End
Queenstown
Destination
New Zealand
Meals
9 breakfasts, 5 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (9 nights)
Days
10
Max Group Size
Min 1 - Max 12
Min Age
15
Style
Premiumi
Physical
2i
Trip Highlights
Why you'll love this trip
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Embark on an overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound / Patea – your comfortable Feature Stay. Patea means ‘place of silence’ in Maori, and you’ll soon see why. Coast past sheer cliffs and waterfalls and learn about the local wildlife with an onboard naturalist.
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Ride the picturesque TranzAlpine train – known as one of the most scenic train routes in the world – past sparkling mountain lakes, towering cliff faces and winding rivers. Get even closer to nature from the open-air viewing carriage and dine on a meal inspired by this beautiful region.
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Explore Arrowtown – a heritage town that dates back to the gold rush era – and taste some of Central Otago’s best drops at a well-loved winery in Gibbston Valley.
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Go on a ranger-guided walk around the aptly named Blue Pools that feed the Makarora River and learn about the important work of a community-led project focused on regenerating New Zealand’s native forests
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Take a backstage tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre which is helping to save the critically endangered rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi birds from extinction.
Day by Day Itinerary
Itinerary
What's Included
Inclusions and activities
Meals
9 breakfasts, 5 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (9 nights)
Included activities
- Christchurch - Culinary Walking Tour Welcome Dinner
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Greymouth - Pounamu (Greenstone) Studio Visit
- Christchurch - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Christchurch - Tranzalpine Scenic Train
Optional activities
Is This Trip Right for You?
Is this trip right for you?
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There are some long travelling days on this trip, but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.
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This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves some walking and swimming, allowing you to really get among nature. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit and comfortable clothing.
- •
Multiple activities on this trip are subject to weather and water conditions and on occasion, may be cancelled for safety or operational reasons. In the case of cancellation, we will endeavour to find a suitable replacement activity.
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PHPS · 10 days
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