8-Day New Zealand South Island Sampler Tour

Day 1 Fly USA to Christchurch (via Auckland)
Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price.

Day 2 You cross the International Dateline


Day 3 Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand
You will be met and transferred to your accommodation, or if you choose the rental car option, you will pick up your vehicle and self drive to your hotel. Christchurch, the city of parks and gardens, trees and beauty, is also buzzing with street life. Wine bars, street cafes and exciting entertainments give the central city vitality unique to New Zealand.

Day 4 At leisure, Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island and is known as New Zealand's “Garden City”. Don’t miss the Botanic Gardens located along the banks of the placid River Avon in the middle of Hagley Park. This is just a short walk from downtown. While in that area, you should also visit the McDougal Art Gallery and Museum. For a romantic interlude, try punting on the Avon.

The centerpiece of the city is Cathedral Square and the beautiful Christchurch Cathedral. Time permitting you should also visit the International Antarctic Centre, located near the airport. This is probably the most comprehensive collection of information and exhibits in the world on Antarctica. Christchurch could be summed up as a little piece of England planted between the blue South Pacific and the snowcapped Southern Alps.

Day 5 Coach from Christchurch to Queenstown (Via Mt Cook)
Depart Christchurch and cross the Canterbury Plains, before arriving at Lake Tekapo. Visit the church of the good shepherd then continue to Mount Cook. There is time for lunch, available at The Hermitage Mount Cook, plus time for an optional helicopter flight (own expense). Continue South, cross the Lindis Pass to arrive Queenstown at around 6.00pm.

If you choose the self drive option, you will drive from Christchurch to Queenstown at your own pace. Nestled beside the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, at the foot of the Remarkables Mountain Range, Queenstown is a year round resort, where you can be as active as you want, or just leisurely enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Day 6 Milford Sound tour
An early start as you leave your hotel and coach through some of the most beautiful countryside in New Zealand. On arrival at Milford Sound, board the vessel for a leisurely cruise along the sound to the Tasman Sea. The vessel stops at various points and plenty of time is available to view waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and seals. You may even see dolphins frolic alongside the boat. A buffet lunch is included during the cruise.

Day 7 At leisure, Queenstown
At your leisure to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand. Set between the towering Remarkable Ranges and the bottomless Lake Wakitipu, Queenstown has it all – bungy jumping, jet boating, rafting, amazing scenic helicopter flights. You may wish to visit Milford or Doubtful Sound or the old gold mining town of Arrowtown.

Day 8 Fly Queenstown to USA (Via Auckland)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Auckland. On arrival, make your way to the international terminal for your departure flight to the USA.