Friday 8 August. Our adventure begins as we arrive in Christchurch and head to the beautifully preserved Riccarton House, a stunning example of Victorian and Edwardian grandeur. Built in 1856, this historic home was once the residence of the pioneering Deans family and is filled with fascinating antiquities and treasures from the past. After a guided tour, we’ll enjoy a delightful lunch at the onsite eatery before checking into our cityside accommodation at the Crowne Plaza Christchurch.

In the evening, we embark on a unique fine dining experience aboard a moving vintage tram—combining exquisite cuisine with the charm of a bygone era.

Lunch, Dinner.

Saturday 9 August. Today, we journey on the iconic TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s greatest rail adventures. Spanning 223 kilometers, it crosses the majestic Southern Alps from Christchurch to Lake Brunner and Greymouth—the gateway to the West Coast.

Traveling in the luxurious TranzAlpine Scenic Plus Carriage, enjoy spacious seating with personalized table service offering breakfast, lunch, and beverages.

In Greymouth, we meet our driver and visit Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks) to admire the unique rock formations before checking in to our beachside accommodation, where you can relax and watch the sun set over the rugged West Coast.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Sunday 10 August. With bags packed, we depart for Franz Josef Township. Our day begins with a visit to Hokitika Beach and the stunning Hokitika Gorge, where vibrant turquoise waters are framed by white limestone cliffs and lush rainforest—a truly photogenic gem.

Next, we experience the Hokitika Treetop Walk, strolling high among the forest canopy on a steel walkway. Take in sweeping views of native rainforest, mountains, and lakes, offering a unique perspective of New Zealand’s natural beauty.

We then journey to Franz Josef Township along a scenic route of coastlines, rainforests, and the Southern Alps, where we’ll settle in for the next two nights.

Breakfast, Dinner.

Monday 11 August. Today, we visit the coastal village of Ōkārito, home to New Zealand’s largest natural wetland, hosting 76 bird species, including the white heron (Kotuku), ruru (owl), and kea. Our local host provides a fabulous lunch and shares the rich history of this unique area.

In the afternoon, we’ll take a short bush walk to view the Franz Josef Glacier, where you can see its dramatic, receding ice from ground level.

Optional Extra: For an unforgettable experience, take a helicopter ride onto the glacier and step out to marvel at the stunning alpine vistas from above ($420pp).

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Tuesday 12 August. We depart Franz Josef and head toward Queenstown, breaking up the journey with an exciting enclosed jet boat ride down the Haast River. This adventure takes us through a stunning UNESCO World Heritage area, gliding past ancient forests, towering mountains, and pristine river valleys while learning about the region’s fascinating history, geology, and unique wildlife.

Later, we arrive in Queenstown and check into our centrally located accommodation at the Crowne Plaza for the next two nights.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Wednesday 13 August. No early starts today! Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Queenstown at your own pace. If you’d like to visit Skippers Canyon, explore Lord of the Rings film sites, or take a tour to Glenorchy, your Tour Manager can arrange this for you.

In the early evening, we set sail on the Spirit of Adventure for a scenic cruise to Walter Peak Station, where we’ll enjoy a fabulous dinner on the shore, complete with stunning views of Queenstown. After dinner, we’ll stretch our legs and watch an impressive farm dog demonstration in the woolshed before returning to the hotel.

Breakfast. Dinner.

Thursday 14 August. This morning, we bid farewell to Queenstown and journey along the western arm of Lake Wakatipu to Milford Sound. Renowned as one of New Zealand’s most stunning drives, the route offers fascinating stops, opportunities to spot playful kea, and breathtaking views of towering mountains.

Upon arrival, we board a boat to experience the magic of Milford Sound. With fewer visitors and gushing waterfalls, this is the perfect time to visit.

In the late afternoon, we travel to Te Anau, where we check into our motel for our final night together.

Breakfast. Dinner.

Friday 15 August. After breakfast, we embark on our final adventure into the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where rushing streams, winding limestone passages, and a sparkling canopy of glowworms create a truly magical experience.

We then return to Queenstown for our flights home, reflecting on shared experiences and bidding farewell with cherished memories, lasting friendships, and unforgettable stories.

Breakfast.