8-Nights Southern Spotlight from $3,346

Costsaver: Southern Spotlight

Day 1 - Welcome to Christchurch
Welcome to Christchurch, your New Zealand South Island tour starts here. Since its 2010/11 earthquakes, Christchurch has reinvented itself in more ways than one. It's time tonight to meet your Travel Director and travelling companions for a tour briefing and drinks.
Accommodations: Ibis Hotel Christchurch


Day 2 - Christchurch - Omarama
Christchurch is a lesson in reinvention, and today you’ll see how the city is rebuilding with bold ideas. Look out for the Transitional Cathedral, created largely from cardboard, plus Turanga, the striking gold-clad central library. Then it’s time for wide-open scenery as you cross the Canterbury Plains. Think turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks and small towns with serious atmosphere. Stop in Tekapo for an Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience hosted by passionate Local Guides. It’s one of the quietest places you’ll visit, yet the sky is bursting with action. Tonight, you’ll sleep in Omarama with starlit memories.
Accommodations: Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - Omarama - Te Anau
Get your camera ready, today is full of character stops and big landscapes. First up is Clyde, a charming historic town with a centre that’s a designated precinct. Gold mining-era buildings now house cafes, shops and all sorts of local flavour. Then roll on to Gore, proudly known as the country music capital of New Zealand. From here, the scenery shifts again as you head towards Fiordland National Park. By late day you’ll arrive in Te Anau, sitting pretty on the edge of the South Island’s largest lake. Take a slow stroll by the water and enjoy the calm. This is serenity, sorted.
Accommodations: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Today is a wilderness day, pure and simple. Travel through Fiordland National Park where beech forests, mirror-like lakes and gin-clear rivers set the tone. The road winds through a landscape that feels untouched, leading you straight to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Then it’s time to get out on the water on an included sightseeing cruise. Towering cliffs rise above you, waterfalls tumble down and wildlife pops up when you least expect it. Seals and penguins are common sights, and you may even spot the curious kea, New Zealand’s alpine parrot. Bring a warm layer and keep your eyes open.
Accommodations: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Te Anau - Queenstown
Hit the road along the aptly named Devil’s Staircase, a seriously scenic stretch that hugs Lake Wakatipu with lake and mountain views that keep coming. Then step into history in Arrowtown, a former gold rush village where tree-lined streets lead to character-filled shops and cafes. After that, it’s on to Queenstown, your base for the next two nights in New Zealand’s adventure capital. Tonight is a highlight. Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm. You’ll tuck into a gourmet barbecue dinner and enjoy a farm show before gliding back under the lights.
Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Queenstown Free Time
Today is all about choice, Queenstown-style. If you want adrenaline, your Travel Director can point you towards a high-octane Choice Experience like a jet boat ride that skims across the water at full speed. Prefer animals and nature? Visit Kiwi Park on another Choice Experience to meet some of New Zealand’s unique native wildlife. Or keep it simple with lakeside walks, good coffee and time to browse the shops. Whatever your vibe, Queenstown has you covered. The best part is you don’t have to do it all. Pick what suits you, then enjoy the rest.
Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Queenstown - Franz Josef/Waiau
Try to keep track of the lakes today, there are plenty. Leave Lake Wakatipu behind, then pass shimmering Lake Hawea as you head towards the wild beauty of Haast Pass. Waterfalls crash down rocky slopes, mountains loom overhead and the views keep shifting. By late day, you’ll arrive in Franz Josef/Waiau, a small town with a big natural backdrop. Want to level it up? Join a Choice Experience with a scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere, and if the weather plays nice you may even land on the ice. Tonight, enjoy the fresh alpine air and a well-earned rest.
Accommodations: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Franz Josef/Waiau - Christchurch
This morning brings a change of scenery and a little sparkle. In Hokitika, discover pounamu, native greenstone prized for its beauty and meaning. It’s the kind of place where jewellery dreams take shape. Then comes one of New Zealand’s great rail journeys as you board the TranzAlpine train bound for Christchurch. Settle in for tunnels, viaducts and huge views of icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and snow-capped peaks. It’s a highlight for good reason. Tonight, celebrate your journey with dinner and drinks, raising a glass to lakes, mountains, glowworms and all the moments in between.
Accommodations: Rendezvous
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 - Farewell from Christchurch
New Zealand’s South Island never fails to wow. We hope you find the words to describe this epic New Zealand tour to your family back home.
Meals: Breakfast