9 Day Summits and Sounds ‘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 head off early and pick up your Intermediate SUV car rental 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 you are in for a special treat as we have you joining Mount Cook Skiplanes and Helicopters on their Glacier Highlights Tour. This incredible journey takes you on a breathtaking adventure over snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear glacier lakes, and the awe-inspiring Aoraki/Mount Cook. Experience a thrilling landing on the Tasman Glacier itself, providing unparalleled photo opportunities amidst this pristine alpine wonderland. Enjoy the silence, the stunning views, and the thrill of a once-in-a-lifetime experience before returning to Mount Cook Airport.

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.

A long and comprehensive journey that takes you from the heart of the Southern Alps to the remote beauty of Fiordland. You’ll travel through a variety of landscapes, including the stunning high country of Central Otago before heading into rural Southland and finally arriving at the gateway to Milford Sound, Te Anau.

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.

Today is Milford Sound day. This round-trip with the wonderful folks at Altitude Tours Queenstown on their Milford Sound – Coach/Cruise/Coach (includes lunch) Tour will be a highlight. The tour is a great way to experience the beauty of Milford Sound. The journey begins with a scenic drive from Queenstown in a luxury coach, with an expert guide providing commentary on the way. You’ll then take a scenic cruise on Milford Sound, getting up close to waterfalls and wildlife, and enjoy a delicious packed lunch on board.

While it can be long the drive is actually a spectacular exploration of the world-famous Milford Road. As the gateway to Fiordland National Park, the drive itself is a destination, taking you through ancient forests, past towering peaks, and through vast, glacier-carved valleys. The route offers countless opportunities to stop and take photos at iconic viewpoints like Mirror Lakes and the Chasm. The drive to Milford Sound is so breathtaking that returning along the same road provides a fresh perspective and a second chance to fully appreciate the raw, untamed beauty of this incredible wilderness highway.

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 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.

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.

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.

The Great Journeys of New Zealand – TranzAlpine: Greymouth to Christchurch. Travel on the world famous TranzAlpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch in the Scenic Plus cabins, 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. With the Scenic Plus experience, savour regionally inspired cuisine paired with wine and beer from the comfort of your luxurious seat as you soak in the spectacular scenery – a hosted dining experience like no other.

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

Jump in a private transfer to Christchurch airport and leave New Zealand ready to share your extraordinary memories and plan your next trip down to see us.