9 Day Nature’s Playground 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 Compact 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.

This afternoon you will visit Larnach Castle and Garden. Step back in time with a visit to Larnach Castle, a gothic revival masterpiece built in 1871. Your entry gives you access to the castle’s restored interior, where you can learn about the history of the Larnach family. You can also explore the stunning gardens of international significance and climb the tower for panoramic views of the Otago Peninsula and surrounding harbor.

Today you’ll love the Monarch Wildlife Cruises and Tours product we have included on this itinerary. The Peninsula Encounter Tour plus Monarch Cruise enables you to explore the Otago Peninsula on this guided, small group tour. Travel over the high road with postcard views of the harbour and coast. A short walk from the mini-bus will bring you to a remote beach with dramatic views of rugged coastal cliffs, offshore islands and possibly some huge sea lions. The trip continues to Wellers Rock Wharf for a one-hour Wildlife Cruise. You’ll travel out of the harbour, around Taiaroa Head, and out to sea. Watch royal albatross glide across the water as they return to their breeding colony and fur seals on the rocks below the historic lighthouse. You’ll also spot other rare seabirds and possibly blue penguins or other marine mammals.

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.

At 4.30pm today you’ll join RealNZ’s Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour. You will 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.

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 RealNZ for their legendary Milford Sound Cruise. This is a quintessential Fiordland experience. Your cruise will take you through the entire length of the magnificent Milford Sound, from the sheltered harbour out to the Tasman Sea. Onboard, a specialist nature guide will provide fascinating and informative commentary, sharing insights into the area’s rich history, geology, and wildlife. You’ll get up close to iconic landmarks like the sheer cliffs of Mitre Peak and the thundering Stirling Falls, and keep an eye out for seals, dolphins, and the rare Fiordland crested penguins. The purpose-built vessels offer spacious indoor lounges and expansive outdoor viewing decks, ensuring you have the perfect vantage point to take in the awe-inspiring, glacier-carved landscape, regardless of the weather.

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 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. You’ll pass through the Mackenzie Country, with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and A Tramway Restaurant Dinner tour as a special treat once you arrive.

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.