10 Day Southern Panorama ‘Premium’ Tour 

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

Once settled into your accommodation, explore Christchurch with a Gondola and Tram Combo Pass. This combo pass is a great way to explore Christchurch from two different perspectives: city and sky. You’ll get a one-day pass for the restored heritage tram, allowing you to hop on and off at key city sites, and a return ticket for the Christchurch Gondola. It’s a convenient and cost-effective way to experience the city’s highlights, from its central core to its spectacular surrounding hills.

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 morning hop in your private transfer to Christchurch Train Station and get ready for an unforgettable journey onboard the TranzAlpine train to Greymouth. Experience one of the world’s most scenic train rides, traveling through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island.  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 fields of the Canterbury Plains, beautiful gorges and river valleys, the spectacular Southern Alps and the lush green valleys of the West Coast. 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.

Today you’ll pick up your Intermediate SUV Budget Rental Car. from the train depot. From Greymouth, journey south through lush and green landscapes. You’ll also pass through historic towns before you arrive at the famous Franz Josef Glacier.

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.

Before departing Franz Josef, consider fueling your adventurous spirit with an optional helicopter flight over the glacier or a serene Cruise and Walk experience on the tranquil waters of Lake Mapourika.

The drive from Franz Josef to Queenstown is a trip you’ll never forget. You’ll travel from the unique rainforest environment of Franz Josef, passing through the Haast Pass, with waterfalls and lush native bush, before the landscape completely changes into the rugged high-country of Central Otago. It’s an epic journey that ends in the bustling town of Queenstown.

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. 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.

Today is a scenic, easy journey that heads south from Queenstown. You’ll travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with fantastic views of The Remarkables mountain range, before heading inland toward Te Anau. This town is your last chance to stock up on supplies before you head into Fiordland National Park, so it’s a very important stop on your journey.

This afternoon, you might like to join an optional tour to the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves, a magical underground world of shimmering lights and hidden wonders or spend time relaxing at Fiordland Lodge.

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.

Time to hit the road and dive into one of the most breathtaking places on the planet, Milford Sound with Trips and Tramps – Milford Sound Coach, Cruise & Walk. This tour is the perfect way to experience Milford Sound in a single day. You’ll travel in a small group with a passionate local guide who will provide a personalized commentary and make stops at scenic photo spots along the Milford Road. The experience includes a two-hour nature cruise on the fiord and a guided walk, providing an intimate and comprehensive look at this spectacular region.

From Te Anau travel through Southland farmland to back to Queenstown. The journey continues through Cromwell and the dramatic Kawarau Gorge. You will then cross the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Basin before arriving at Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, a perfect base for exploring New Zealand’s highest peak.

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.

In Mount Cook, you can add a little extra adventure with an optional Glacier Explorer boat ride or enjoy a memorable evening of stargazing beneath crystal-clear alpine skies.

Prepare your camera for this spectacular trip that takes you inland from Mount Cook. You’ll pass through 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 Christchurch, New Zealand’s “Garden City.”

Tonight, we suggest choosing between two unique ways to savour Christchurch by night. Join Amiki Cultural Food Tours for the Kai Safari, a 3-hour progressive dinner that blends Māori culture with local flavours, led by passionate local storytellers. Or, step aboard the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant for an elegant evening of fine dining as you glide through the city’s beautifully lit streets aboard a heritage tram.

Enjoy a free day in Christchurch to explore at your own pace or choose from one of our optional tours. You can wander through the beautiful Botanic Gardens, stroll along the Avon River and watch the punting boats drift by, or visit the vibrant street art around the city’s creative precincts or choose from one of our optional tours. Chat with your consultant to find the perfect day for you.

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.