9 Day Nature’s Playground ‘Premium’ 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.

Today you will pick up your Intermediate SUV car rental and head south along the east coast of the South Island, following State Highway 1. The route passes through charming towns like Timaru and Ōamaru, the latter known for its Victorian Precinct and a colony of little blue penguins. Your journey concludes in Dunedin, a city rich in Scottish heritage and impressive Victorian architecture.

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.

Once you arrive in Dunedin enjoy one of our favourite tours with The Big Foody Food Tour Company, their Craft’D Private Tour (3hrs). This is a three-hour artisan food walk of Dunedin and its developing suburbs, where you’ll see the highlights of the historic city centre and waterfront development. Meet the locals who have gone above and beyond to push the boundaries of small-batch food production in New Zealand. Visit the oldest (and arguably the best) fish & chip shop in the country, taste award-winning ethical chocolate, meet the butchers with the best pies in the city – and have a bite of haggis in the Edinburgh of the south.

Something a little special has been booked for you today with a Classic Jaguar Limousines, Otago Peninsula Experience. Enjoy a full day exploring the heritage and wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Take a personal guided tour of Larnach Castle, build in 1872 for local merchant banker William Larnach. Then view the only mainland royal albatross breeding colony in the world, either with a land based tour or on a harbour cruise aboard the MV Monarch. View the world’s rarest penguin on the Yellow Eyed Penguin Tour at the Penguin Place. Further highlights include fur seal viewing, birdlife, the Otakau Marae, and craft shop options. Warm jackets, Pentax binoculars and chilled bottled water provided.

This 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.

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 afternoon is a real treat as we have you booked on Fiordland Jets, Jet and Fly Tour. This unique combo tour is the perfect way to experience the best of Fiordland National Park’s breathtaking landscapes. Your journey begins with an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Waiau River, famously featured as the River Anduin in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Your expert driver will navigate thrilling twists and turns, while also slowing down for you to soak in the serene beauty of the ancient beech forest and majestic mountain ranges. You’ll then emerge onto the pristine waters of Lake Manapouri, where you’ll have a truly unique “water transfer,” stepping directly from the jet boat onto a seaplane’s float. The second half of your adventure is an awe-inspiring scenic flight, soaring above the very wilderness you just explored. You’ll get a spectacular bird’s-eye view of Fiordland National Park’s dramatic landscapes before landing on the waters of Lake Te Anau, giving you a full appreciation of the area’s immense scale and beauty.

This is a truly iconic New Zealand travel day, combining three of the South Island’s most famous destinations into one unforgettable journey. The day begins in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, before you embark on the scenic drive along the world-renowned Milford Road. This journey is a destination in itself, with countless stunning photo opportunities at places like Mirror Lakes and the Homer Tunnel. Upon arrival in Milford Sound, you’ll board a cruise to experience the “Eighth Wonder of the World” up close, passing by sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and majestic Mitre Peak. After the cruise, you’ll travel back along the Milford Road, but this time, you’ll continue your journey through the rugged wilderness, past ancient beech forests and vast mountain ranges, before arriving in the vibrant alpine resort town of Queenstown.

You will join Cruise Milford on their popular Milford Sound Cruise. The cruise travels the full length of the fiord, with a knowledgeable skipper providing commentary on the area’s natural history. You will get close enough to feel the spray of a waterfall and have the chance to see seals, dolphins, and penguins.

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. Chose from one of our suggested optional ours, take it easy and enjoy the alone town or talk to your consultant about the myriad of fun on offer in this extraordinary destination.

Your journey begins as you depart from Queenstown, a vibrant town nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The route heads north through the stunning Kawarau Gorge and past the historic town of Cromwell. You’ll then travel through the rugged high country of Central Otago before arriving at the Mackenzie Basin. The trip culminates as you approach Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the turquoise glacial lakes.

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.

Tonight, you will head out on the Hermitages, 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.

Start you day today with one of our most popular optional Mount Cook tours or hit the road and prepare your camera for this spectacular trip that takes you inland from Mount Cook to Christchurch. You’ll pass through the Mackenzie Country, with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo.

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.

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.