South Island Christmas Journey (Superior) - 11 days
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Tour Overview
Discover the best of New Zealand’s South Island on this 11-day journey, starting and ending in Christchurch. You’ll explore vibrant Christchurch, admire the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, then head south through Dunedin and Te Anau. Highlights include Larnach Castle, an unforgettable overnight cruise through Doubtful Sound, Christmas in Queenstown, and a memorable cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for a gourmet dinner. Continue through Arrowtown, the West Coast and Franz Josef, before boarding the spectacular TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch.
Start
Christchurch
End
Christchurch
Destination
Christchurch
Days
11
Pace
Medium
Range
Handpicked
Max Group Size
Min 16 - Max 20
Min Age
16
Trip Code: SICJS11
Trip Highlights
Why you'll love this trip
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Christchurch - Meet fellow travellers before visiting the International Antarctic Centre and touring the city, including a ride on the historic tram
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Lake Tekapo - Admire turquoise waters, the Church of the Good Shepherd and Sheep Dog Statue set against striking alpine scenery
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Mount Cook - Witness views of Aoraki Mount Cook and surrounding Southern Alps from this dramatic high-country setting
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Dunedin - Explore the city’s heritage on a guided tour after passing Oamaru’s distinctive limestone buildings
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Larnach Castle - Tour New Zealand’s only castle and enjoy High Tea while exploring its award-winning gardens
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Te Anau - Reach the gateway to Fiordland National Park, surrounded by lakes and mountains
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Doubtful Sound - Cruise through remote fjords on an overnight voyage with onboard naturalist insights and wildlife spotting
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Queenstown - Relax in this lakeside resort town set on Lake Wakatipu with alpine scenery in every direction
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Walter Peak Station - Enjoy a steamship crossing followed by a gourmet barbecue dinner and farm experience
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Franz Josef - Experience views of glaciers and the Southern Alps along the rugged West Coast
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Hokitika - Learn about traditional Māori greenstone carving at a local factory before crossing the Alps on the TranzAlpine train
Day by Day Itinerary
Itinerary
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
Not Included
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.
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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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Tour Details
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