10 Day Alpine Heritage Tour 

Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival you will be picked up for your private transfer from Christchurch International Airport to your hotel.

CHRISTCHURCH/OTAUTAHI – Located on a level plain, Christchurch is defined by its historic past and vibrant future. The willow and oak-lined River Avon meanders through its heart, where you can enjoy a punt ride or explore the sprawling Botanic Gardens. Much of the city’s unique charm comes from its blend of old and new; elegant stone buildings sit alongside striking contemporary architecture. Following a series of earthquakes, the city has been thoughtfully and creatively rebuilt, resulting in innovative new spaces like the Transitional Cathedral and Margaret Mahy Playground. This spirit of renewal makes Christchurch an exciting hub for arts, culture, and dining, while its proximity to both the stunning Canterbury Plains and the volcanic Port Hills offers easy access to outdoor adventures.

This afternoon once you are settled into your hotel visit the International Antarctic Centre and enjoy their Backstage Penguin Pass. This is a truly unique and intimate experience for anyone fascinated by New Zealand’s little blue penguins. Limited to just six participants, this exclusive 40-minute tour gives you special access to areas of the Penguin Rescue facility that are normally off-limits to the public. Guided by a knowledgeable Penguin Keeper or Antarctic Guide, you’ll learn about the daily routines of a penguin caregiver, discover the inner workings of the vet room, and see intriguing specimens like penguin feathers, eggs, and skeletons. It’s a chance to get an up-close perspective on the welfare and conservation of these fascinating birds, all while gaining a deeper understanding of their world.

Today you will pick up your Compact SUV car rental nice and early and then prepare your camera for this is a spectacular trip that takes you inland from Christchurch. You’ll pass through the Canterbury Plains and enter the Mackenzie Country, with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. The route then leads you directly to Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

MOUNT COOK/AORAKI – whose Maori name “Aorangi” means “Cloud Piercer” is some 3753.5 metres high and surrounded by a host of massive peaks. Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain, and can quite often be surrounded by cloud, constantly vulnerable to the fast changing weather patterns of an alpine climate.

This afternoon, once checked in, enjoy The Hermitage’s Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Museum & Theatre Explorer Pass. Here you will discover the history of the Aoraki/Mount Cook region, its people and its place in the universe. The museum is a tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary, humanitarian, ambassador and one of the world’s greatest explorers. It showcases the history of this iconic region with transport, climbing and Sir Edmund Hillary exhibits. A custom-designed theatre offers both an inspirational 3D cinematic experience and an educational 2D documentary

Tonight your joining the Hermitage for their Big Sky Stargazing Tour. Join an expert astronomy guide for a mesmerizing 90-minute journey through the cosmos. You’ll be taken to a purpose-built viewing platform where, on a clear night, you can explore the Southern Cross, planets, and galaxies through powerful telescopes. Your guide will share their knowledge of the night sky, creating an unforgettable experience in this internationally recognized dark sky reserve.

This morning you will head off early to Dunedin on a scenic trip takes you inland from the base of Aoraki / Mount Cook. The journey passes through the rugged landscapes of Central Otago before you get to the coast and the city of Dunedin. The scenery changes dramatically as you approach the city, and you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views of the Southern Alps and the turquoise glacial lakes.

This afternoon we have you booked on not one but two fantastic wildlife tours. The first is with the team at Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance taking their superb Wildlife & Penguin Tour. This 90-minute guided tour offers an exclusive opportunity to view the endangered yellow-eyed penguins and little penguins. You will learn about the conservation efforts to protect these birds, visit a rehabilitation center, and take a nature walk through the reserve. The tour is a unique and impactful way to support conservation while seeing a variety of native wildlife.

Second is the short but memorable Royal Albatross Centre, Albatross Classic Tour. This one hour tour is a perfect way to witness the unique spectacle of the world’s only mainland breeding colony of albatross. The experience begins with an informative presentation and film, followed by a short walk to a one-way glass observatory. From there, you’ll have the chance to view the nesting albatross and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these incredible birds.

DUNEDIN/OTEPOTI – often called the “Edinburgh of the South”, Dunedin was settled by the Scottish settlers that came to New Zealand. It is a city of spires, of towers, gables and roofs with turrets, and gracious, generally stone, buildings. Dunedin is also home to the Albatross and Penguin colonies plus many species of New Zealand wildlife.

Todays journey takes you southwest from Dunedin, passing through some lovely rural areas and smaller towns. The landscape is a mix of farmlands and high country, and as you get closer to Te Anau, you’ll start to feel the grandeur of the mountains and lakes that make up Fiordland. Te Anau is a great place to stay overnight before heading into Milford Sound.

This afternoon you go into the dark on RealNZ’s fantastic Te Anau – Glowworm Caves Tour. You’ll embark on a guided journey into the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where rushing underground streams and luminous glowworms create a magical experience unlike any other. Your adventure begins with a scenic cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Te Anau aboard one of our purpose-built vessels. On arrival at Cavern House, explore fascinating displays that uncover the caves’ geology and history before your guide leads you into the underground labyrinth. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will highlight the caves’ unique features and share captivating stories about their formation and discovery. Marvel at twisting limestone passages, sculpted rock formations, swirling whirlpools, and a thundering underground waterfall. The journey culminates in a hidden grotto, where you’ll drift silently by boat beneath a sparkling canopy of glowworms unique to New Zealand.

TE ANAU – the focal point of the Fiordland National Park, the country’s most rugged and remote. Lake Te Anau sprawls at the feet of high rugged mountains with its South, Middle and North fiords probing into the ranges. The Lake, New Zealand’s second largest, is 417 metres deep.

This short journey begins in Te Anau beside the lake. You will travel through flat farmland and patches of forest, crossing a short stretch of open countryside until you arrive in Manapouri, the peaceful gateway to Doubtful Sound.

Today you are in for a real treat as you join RealNZ for their Doubtful Sound – Wilderness Cruise. Depart from Te Anau to Pearl Harbour, Manapouri, and cruise across picturesque Lake Manapouri to West Arm. Travel by coach over Wilmot Pass, through dense rainforest. Once at Doubtful Sound, board the Patea Explorer, for a 2.5 hour cruise of beautiful Doubtful Sound, to the Tasman Sea. There is excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest, and mountains. Of particular interest, if sighted, are fur seals basking on the rocks, or a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins. The rare Fiordland crested penguins are sometimes encountered, depending on the season. Return to Manapouri at the end of your journey.

Leave Te Anau and follow the highway east across open farmland. You will pass through Mossburn and Lumsden before entering the Wakatipu Basin with its spectacular mountain views. Your journey concludes as you arrive in Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

QUEENSTOWN/TAHUNA – is the South Island’s most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkables Ranges. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills, and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy-jumping, skiing and awe-inspiring scenery. Local story has it, that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as “fit for any Queen”, and so she was called Queenstown.

There is so much to do in and around Queenstown that you are spoilt for choice today. Choose from one of our suggested optional tours, take it easy and enjoy the town or talk to your consultant about the myriad of fun on offer in this extraordinary destination.

This is an incredibly scenic journey that links the adventure hub with the West Coast glaciers. You’ll travel over the Haast Pass, a route with lush rainforest and past towering mountains. The scenery transforms dramatically as you travel up the West Coast, with lush native bush and dramatic coastal views before you arrive at the glaciers.

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER/WAIAU – originally named Victoria, after Queen Victoria of England, geologist Julius Von Haast, renamed it, Franz Josef, after the current Emperor of his homeland, Austria. The Glacier is pale blue/green ice that has retreated and advanced many times over the years. A walk from the carpark to the Glacier terminal will give you some impressive views and an idea of the immense size of the Glacier itself. The township of Franz Josef is a small town based around the tourist and supply trade.

Today you’ll drive from Franz Josef to Greymouth to drop your car off and begin an epic train journey aboard the TranzAlpine. Experience one of the world’s most scenic train rides, traveling through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. The journey takes you through the mountains of Arthur’s Pass to the farmlands of the Canterbury Plains through river gorges, offering incredible views from the open-air viewing carriage.

All aboard for the countries best train ride with The Great Journeys of New Zealand – TranzAlpine: Greymouth to Christchurch. Travel on the world famous TranzAlpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch, enjoying the incredible scenery along the way. The journey will take you coast-to-coast through the ‘Great Divide’ and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand’s South Island. From your carriage you’ll see the lush green valleys of the West Coast, the spectacular Southern Alps, beautiful gorges and river valleys and the fields of the Canterbury Plains. Your train journey is 223.8 kilometres long with 16 tunnels and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres. An open-air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots.

You will be met by Hallmark Limousines at the Christchurch Train Station for your private transfer to your Christchurch city hotel.

Today you’ll return your rental car today and leave New Zealand ready to share your extraordinary memories and plan your next trip down to see us.