Alpine Summits, Milford Sound & Historic Dunedin

From Christchurch, cross the hedge-lined patchwork of farmland that spans the Canterbury Plains. Once we reach the small town of Fairlie, we recommend trying NZ’s most famous savory lunch - a meat pie encrusted in fluffy, delicious pastry. After delicious meat pies, ascend to the golden tussock heights of Mackenzie Country, a big-sky, alpine region of vast blue lakes and dramatic mountain scenery. If you’ve seen a postcard from New Zealand, it could easily be from this very region!

We continue onwards to the beautiful Lake Tekapo and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. The region has some of the clearest skies in the country so make sure you peer outside your hotel room and admire the night sky.

We make our way south this morning, continuing through the high country to the crossroads of Omarama.

Crossing over the tussock-covered slopes of the scenic Lindis Pass, we soon arrive in Cromwell.

We're now in the heart of orchard country - where apples, peaches, pears, plums and cherries are all grown in abundance - with the chance to pick your own, subject to seasonality. We'll stop by one of the local fruit stands, where you can pick up some fresh local produce or try out some freshly made fruit ice cream. We'll stop by the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, where we discover historic buildings dating back to the gold rush of the 1860’s - a great spot for cake and coffee. Optionally, there are some great wineries open for tastings in the Cromwell area.

We continue through the scenic Kawarau Gorge, finally coming to beautiful Queenstown.

Don't be surprised if you start to feel like you're on the film set of Lord of the Rings, because you actually might be! We'll stop by some of the scenic stops that you might recognise from the films.

Enjoy superb scenic vistas from the charming Glenorchy Wharf, or take a relaxed stroll among the photogenic weeping willows at the Glenorchy Boardwalk.

A drive on the route to the aptly named town of Paradise will take you to The Hillocks, from where you can take in a view of the mountain backdrop of Isengard, from Lord of the Rings.

As well as magnificent mountain scenery, there are some great activities in the area, including the fun, family-friendly Fun Yaks rafting. Perhaps you might try horseriding, or a jetboat journey up the Dart valley.

If you're interested in a relaxed hike in the rainforest, we'll drive through the mountain valleys, through picturesque sheep farming stations to the majestic Routeburn Valley, where we can walk an 1 hour, 3.2km (2mi) nature loop through the lush rainforest.

As we leave behind the captivating allure of Queenstown, our journey takes us through the picturesque town of Arrowtown, nestled in the heart of the stunning Southern Alps. With its quaint streets lined with historic buildings and a delightful mix of boutique shops and cosy cafes, Arrowtown offers a glimpse into the region's gold rush history. Take a leisurely stroll along the tree-lined avenues, explore the preserved miner's cottages, or simply immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Arrow River.

Following a late lunch, we depart from Arrowtown on a scenic drive towards Te Anau. Along the way, we'll have the pleasure of stopping at various points to capture the beauty of Lake Wakatipu and the Southland province. So, have your cameras ready to capture these awe-inspiring moments as we continue our journey towards Te Anau, where more natural wonders await us.

Embark on an unforgettable day trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound, a world-renowned natural wonder. Brace yourself for a mesmerising journey through Fiordland National Park as we make our way to this stunning fiord.

We'll depart from Te Anau and travel along the scenic Milford Road, a route renowned for its breathtaking vistas. As we wind through lush rainforests, towering mountains, and cascading waterfalls, be prepared to be captivated by the beauty of the surroundings.

Upon reaching Milford Sound, we'll board a cruise vessel and set sail through the majestic fiord. Marvel at the sheer cliffs rising from the water, adorned with cascading waterfalls that create a symphony of nature. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as seals, dolphins, and even penguins are known to inhabit these pristine waters.

During the cruise, our knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the geological formations, flora, and fauna of Milford Sound, enriching the experience with fascinating stories and facts. Take in the awe-inspiring scenery as we navigate through the fiord, capturing photographs that will forever remind you of this extraordinary place.

After the cruise, we'll make our way back to Te Anau, retracing the scenic route that brought us here. Reflect on the beauty of Milford Sound and the memories created during this incredible day trip as we return to the comfort of Te Anau.

Today, our journey takes us across vibrant rolling farmland from Te Anau to Dunedin, also known as the Edinburgh of the South. This charming city, reminiscent of its Scottish counterpart, is brimming with rich history and unique attractions.

We'll make our way to Baldwin Street - the steepest in the world – and marvel at its incredible gradient. Feel the thrill as you walk or drive up the steep incline, capturing memorable photos along the way. Afterward, we'll continue our exploration of Dunedin by visiting the University of Otago, New Zealand's oldest university. Admire the stunning architecture and wander through the picturesque campus, immersing yourself in the vibrant academic atmosphere.

For those with a love for beer, we'll also offer an optional tour and tasting at Speight’s - the country's first brewery.

Mid-morning we set off to the charming town of Oamaru via the famous Moeraki Boulders - this route following the Pacific Ocean offers stunning scenery and amazing wildlife. Oamaru’s most well known residents, Little Blue Penguins - the world’s smallest species of penguin, are one of the main attractions in the town and this evening we make our way to the world-famous Blue Penguin Colony to enjoy a unique experience with these incredible animals. Not only will this be a highlight of your entire trip but your visit contributes to the long-term conservation and research programmes that support the survival of the penguins.

Foodie highlight: Blue Cod is a local species of fish which is abundant in this region and makes excellent fish’n’chips. If you’re to sample fish’n’chips anywhere in NZ it should be here.

Setting out from Oamaru early in the morning, we make our way directly north to Christchurch - the South Islands largest city. The afternoon is flexible, with plenty of opportunity for souvenir shopping, or an eye opening stroll through the city centre, which was destroyed in the devastating 2011 earthquakes. You'll have to option of visiting the beautiful Botanic Gardens, where the charming Avon river flows through the well-tended grounds, on onward through Hagley Park.