The South Island with Milford Sound

Today, board the world-renowned Tranz Alpine train at it takes you through the spectacular mountain scenery of Arthur's Pass. The train sets out on the Canterbury Plains, then making its way across and through the mountains to the South Island’s New Zealand’s most wild and remote region; the West Coast.

On arrival at Greymouth train station, your friendly guide will meet you, and you'll make your way to the stunning Hokitika Gorge. Optionally take a short hike to enjoy the spectacular views.

In the evening, you may wish to make a visit to the Hokitika Glow Worm Dell, at the edge of town, or take a sunset cruise on Mahinapua Creek.

The Southwest of New Zealand is one the great natural areas of the world, and internationally recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we head south, this immaculate wilderness is on full display. Consider a stop at the Hokitika Treetop Walk to get a view of it from another perspective.

Continuing, we'll stop by some photogenic lakes, where flax-fringed shorelines give way to intensely green rainforest. We arrive at Franz Josef Glacier, one of the two major glaciers on the West Coast, where you may wish to take a scenic flight above, or hike on the glacier itself.

Departing from Franz Josef, we'll make our way towards the enchanting Lake Matheson, a scenic gem that lies along our route. With its mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding mountains, Lake Matheson offers a breathtaking panorama that is sure to captivate your senses.

After taking in the tranquil beauty of this pristine lake, our journey continues along the mesmerising Haast Highway, a road that winds through stunning landscapes, from dense forests to cascading waterfalls.

As we venture towards Wanaka, prepare to be charmed by this picturesque lakeside town. Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Wanaka offers a perfect blend of natural splendour and vibrant energy. While here, we have the opportunity to visit the world-famous Wanaka Tree, an iconic solitary willow tree that stands gracefully in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka. It has become a symbol of the town and a favourite subject for photographers from around the world. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore, soak in the beauty of the surroundings, and capture the magical essence of the Wanaka Tree.

All interests are catered to in Wanaka, and your guide stands ready to customise your time here to best suit your personal interests.

For families, the Wanaka Lavender Farm and Stuart Landsborough's Puzzling World are both popular option. Hikers may be keen to join the locals summiting Mt Iron, for the best view over town. We can also take you to catch your own salmon - hook one up and have it prepared just the way you like it.

Wanaka also offers some of the best jetboat rides anywhere in the country. Out of town, the drive north past beautiful Lake Hawea leads to the stunning Blue Pools, which is a lovely 1 hour walk into the rainforest.

We'll set out from Wanaka this morning and head for the Gibbston Valley, just out of Queenstown.

Guests with keen to experience the world's first bungy jump will have the opportunity to take the 43m leap of faith that is the Kawarau bungy.

We'll continue south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, heading through lush rural heartland until we arrive at beautiful lake Te Anau.

In the afternoon or early evening, take a boat trip across Lake Te Anau, bound for a mysterious underground world on a guided tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

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.

A couple of hours drive across lush farmland takes us to Queenstown, adventure capital of New Zealand.

Your guide will be available this afternoon for local sightseeing. There are a lot of options, so the afternoon's itinerary will be adjusted to meet the interests of the group.

Options are many, and include winery visits in the Gibbston Valley, a visit to historic Arrowtown - with its charming cafes and attractive boutiques - and relaxed lakeside walks.

Meanwhile, there is flexibility for those that wish to do their own thing, be that one of the fast-paced activities Queenstown is renowned for (such as jetboating or skydiving) or just to take a relaxed afternoon, perhaps chilling at the lakeside or strolling the Botanic Gardens.

Today is independent and unguided, allowing you the entire day to explore the delights of Queenstown at your own pace. We highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity by indulging in two iconic experiences: a ride on the TSS Earnslaw and a journey on the Queenstown Skyline Gondola.

Step aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship, a true Queenstown legend. Cruise across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Explore the ship's vintage charm, visit the engine room, and even witness the skilled stokers at work. Enjoy the gentle rhythm of the steamship as you traverse the tranquil lake, immersing yourself in the serenity of this remarkable setting.

In the afternoon, treat yourself to a scenic gondola ride on the Queenstown Skyline. Ascend to the top of Bob's Peak, where awe-inspiring panoramic vistas of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains await. Marvel at the stunning beauty of Lake Wakatipu and the majestic peaks that stretch as far as the eye can see. Once at the summit, you can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking trails, mountain biking, or even testing your courage on the thrilling Luge track.

Beautiful Queenstown offers something for everyone, so your guide will tailor the day to suit your preferences.

North of Queenstown - a superb drive alongside Lake Wakatipu leads you to Glenorchy. A local petting farm here is popular with families, while hikers may enjoy a short hike on the famous Routeburn Track, or the postcard-ready Glenorchy boardwalk. There are also some great, family-friendly rafting and jetboating options available at this end of the lake.

Alternatively, just east of Queenstown is charming, historic Arrowtown offers great coffee and boutiques, not far from the Gibbston valley wineries (which are open for tastings) and the world-famous Kawarau bungy.

We set out this morning from Queenstown and the beautiful shores of Lake Wakatipu.

We follow the dramatic, rocky terrain of the Kawarau Gorge and emerge in Cromwell, where we make a visit to its unique historic precinct - a great spot for a morning coffee. Cromwell is also surrounded by orchards, and local fruit stands offer opportunity to grab some fruit ice cream. From here, the route continues north over the tussock-covered slopes of the scenic Lindis Pass.

Continuing, we'll stop by a salmon farm, which are uniquely raised here in this alpine environment. You'll have the opportunity to purchase salmon products if you wish.

We make our way past vibrant blue of Lake Pukaki, beyond which stands the imposing Aoraki Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. We continue to beautiful Lake Tekapo, home to the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, as well as some of the darkest, clearest skies in the country - making it the perfect spot for stargazing.

As we leave the stunning Lake Tekapo behind, we set our sights on the charming town of Akaroa. But before we reach our destination, we make a couple of delicious stops along the way.

First, we visit the Geraldine Cheese Factory, where we can sample some of New Zealand's finest artisan cheeses. From creamy brie to tangy blue cheese, there's something for every cheese lover to enjoy. We can also watch the cheese-making process in action and learn about the history and traditions of the local dairy industry.

Our second stop is at the famous Fairlie Bakehouse, home to some of the best pies in the country. This family-owned bakery has been serving up mouth-watering pies for decades and their reputation for quality and taste is well-deserved. You can choose from a range of classic meat pies but the traditional staple is the beef steak and cheese!

We continue to the volcano-formed Banks Peninsula, winding along the scenic coastline and enjoying excellent views to Akaroa Harbour, finally coming to the historic town of Akaroa itself. With its rich French heritage, the settlement is a delight to explore - you'll encounter historic buildings and a local passion for fine food.

Our morning on the beautiful Banks Peninsula starts with a Nature Cruise of the picturesque harbour. Formed from an extinct crater, the harbour is a refuge for wildlife, and you can expect to encounter the world's smallest and rarest dolphin.

Returning to land, we set out from the culture and heritage of Akaroa on a two hour drive through the peninsula. After an optional stop by a cheese factory, we cross the scenic Port Hills where you'll experience fine views of the city of Christchurch.

In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of the city sights, or grab the opportunity to go for some of the best shopping you'll find anywhere in the South Island.