A 13 day round trip of the South Island, beginning and ending in Christchurch. Tranzalpine Train, a traditional Scottish Haggis ceremony and the spectacular Mount Cook, make this tour an exceptional way to experience New Zealands wonderful South Island.

Day 2 – Christchurch/Greymouth
Join the Tranz Alpine train this morning which departs at 8.15am, crossing the broad Canterbury Plains then following the Waimakariri River to Arthurs Pass. Through the snowcapped Southern Alps to Otira, descending past Lake Brunner and through rainforest to Greymouth. On arrival you are transferred to Hotel Ashley with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel Ashley (1 night)

Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (1 night)

Day 4 – Fox Glacier/Wanaka
Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Aspiring National Park. At Wanaka a choice of two afternoon activities. Either a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island, a nature reserve, for a bush walk followed by refreshments. Look for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird whose curiosity is likely to attract them close to you. Alternatively a very picturesque walk along a track beside the Clutha River as it flows from Lake Wanaka to a picnic spot. Enjoy light refreshments and a thrilling jet boat excursion on the river tailored to suit – full on exciting, leisurely scenic cruising or somewhere in between.

Accommodation: Grand Mecure Oakridge Resort (1 night)

Day 6 – Queenstown/Pyke Lodge
By coach to the beginning of the Hollyford Track, follow ancient Maori footsteps through beech forests, past impressive waterfalls to reach Pyke Lodge. Walking 17km.

Day 8 – Martins Bay Lodge/Milford Sound
This morning explore Martins Bay Spit, a famous landmark seperating the Hollyford Valley and powerful Tasman Sea. Learn about the diversity of this truly remote area before taking an afternoon scenic flight into Milford Sound to rejoin your tour group for the Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise.

Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight. (1 night)

Day 9 – Milford Sound/Dunedin
Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world. Rugged and remote mountains change to lush green countryside, which in turn gives way to rolling hills as you approach Dunedin, the “Edinburgh of the South”. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift.

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (2 nights)

Day 11 – Dunedin/Omarama
Visit Olveston, Dunedin’s majestic historic home with its original furnishings. See bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and a rocky coastline, view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes to Omarama.

Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night)