Southern Heritage

Itinerary

6 days · Christchurch

1. 1

   Day 1

   Christchurch – Queenstown

   • Depart Christchurch
   • Arrive Queenstown
   • Overnight Queenstown

   Depart central Christchurch at 7.10am and travel south across the Canterbury Plains, one of New Zealand's largest agricultural regions. Enjoy ever-changing views as the landscape transitions from fertile farmland to the foothills of the Southern Alps.

   Continue through Burkes Pass into the Mackenzie Basin, where wide-open landscapes, turquoise lakes, and snow-capped mountains create some of the South Island's most spectacular scenery. Visit Lake Tekapo and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, beautifully positioned on the lakeshore with views towards the Southern Alps.

   From Lake Tekapo, travel along the shores of Lake Pukaki, renowned for its vivid glacial-blue waters and stunning views towards Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. Continue into Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, where there is time to enjoy the alpine surroundings and stop for lunch at Mount Cook Village (own expense).

   According to Māori tradition, Aoraki and his brothers were transformed into stone, forming the Southern Alps, a landscape of deep cultural and natural significance.

   Continue south over the Lindis Pass, connecting the Mackenzie Country with Central Otago, before following the Kawarau Gorge towards Queenstown. Enjoy dramatic views of rugged mountains, river valleys, and the changing landscapes of the Southern Alps.

   Arrive in Queenstown at approximately 6:30pm.

2. 2

   Day 2

   Day in Queenstown

   • Overnight Queenstown

   Depart Queenstown by Real NZ coach and travel into the spectacular landscapes of Fiordland National Park, one of New Zealand's most remote and dramatic wilderness regions. Journey through rugged mountain ranges, native forests, and glacier-carved valleys as you make your way towards Milford Sound.

   Enjoy a comfort stop in Te Anau, located on the shores of the picturesque Lake Te Anau and known as the gateway to Fiordland. Continue along the iconic Milford Road, one of New Zealand's most scenic alpine routes, with opportunities for photo stops at some of the region's most remarkable landscapes, including mountain passes, pristine rivers, and tranquil lakes.

   Arrive at Milford Sound and board the Real NZ Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Cruise beneath towering peaks, past cascading waterfalls, and along the spectacular fiord carved by ancient glaciers. Keep watch for local wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and native birdlife, while enjoying the peaceful beauty of this world-renowned natural wonder.

   Enjoy a seasonal lunch box during your cruise experience.

   Depart Milford Sound in the mid-afternoon and return to Queenstown, arriving at approximately 8:00pm.

3. 3

   Day 3

   Day in Queenstown

   • Overnight Queenstown

   Enjoy a free day to explore Queenstown at your own pace, surrounded by the stunning alpine scenery of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps.

   Take a thrilling jet boat ride on the Shotover River, ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic alpine views, or relax beside Lake Wakatipu at one of the town's many cafés and bars.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Queenstown – Dunedin

   • Depart Queenstown
   • Arrive Dunedin
   • Overnight Dunedin

   Depart Queenstown this morning by InterCity coach for a scenic journey to Dunedin. Travel through the heart of Central Otago, passing rugged mountain landscapes, orchards, vineyards, and historic gold-mining towns before arriving in New Zealand's oldest city.

   Along the way, enjoy comfort stops as you travel through Cromwell and Ettrick, taking in the ever-changing scenery from alpine landscapes to the rolling countryside of Otago.

   Arrive in Dunedin in the early afternoon, where a pre-paid taxi will transfer you to your accommodation. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure exploring the city's impressive Victorian and Edwardian architecture, vibrant cafés, or picturesque waterfront.

5. 5

   Day 5

   Day in Dunedin

   • Overnight Dunedin

   Today, explore the rich heritage and spectacular wildlife of the Otago Peninsula, one of New Zealand's most remarkable coastal regions, with Monarch Wildlife Cruise & Tours.

   Visit the magnificent Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, where you'll explore its beautifully restored interiors, remarkable craftsmanship, period antiques, and stunning gardens. Learn the fascinating story of William Larnach and the history behind one of New Zealand's most iconic historic homes.

   Continue to the Otago Peninsula for a wildlife cruise beneath dramatic volcanic cliffs. Keep watch for northern royal albatross soaring overhead, New Zealand fur seals basking on rocky outcrops, and a variety of seabirds including cormorants and petrels. Dolphins, Little Blue Penguins, and sea lions are also occasionally spotted.

   Return to Dunedin via the scenic Otago Harbour, arriving back at your accommodation in the mid-afternoon.

6. 6

   Day 6

   Dunedin – Christchurch

   • Depart Dunedin
   • Arrive Christchurch

   This morning, enjoy a guided two-hour sightseeing tour showcasing Dunedin's best-known attractions.

   Visit many of the city's most iconic landmarks, including Baldwin Street, Signal Hill Lookout, the Dunedin Botanic Garden, the historic Northern Cemetery, the University of Otago, First Church of Otago, and the magnificent Dunedin Railway Station.

   Following your sightseeing tour, transfer to the InterCity coach terminal and begin your journey north to Christchurch.

   Travel through the historic towns of Oamaru, Timaru, and Ashburton, enjoying ever-changing views of the rugged Otago coastline, rolling farmland, and the expansive Canterbury Plains. Along the way, cross the braided Rangitata and Rakaia Rivers before arriving in Christchurch.

   Arrive at the Christchurch Bus Interchange on Lichfield Street at approximately 7:40pm, where your Southern Heritage journey concludes.