Depart for Christchurch, crossing the international date line, and arrive on Day 3. After checking into our hotel, take a guided walk in the scenic Port Hills just outside the city. Enjoy time to explore Christchurch on your own before gathering for a festive welcome dinner.
Crowne Plaza (D)
Today, head to Akaroa harbor, a flooded crater of an extinct volcano that is home to the world's smallest dolphin—Hector's dolphin. On a harbor cruise, you may choose to take a swim with the dolphins. Or spend the morning exploring the colonial town of Akaroa on your own. After lunch, continue to Arthur's Pass, a tiny town nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps. Settle into our mountain lodge, located on a nature reserve and sheep farm.
Wilderness Lodge (B,L,D)
Take in the stunning scenery and enjoy a variety of activities offered by the lodge today. Head out on a hike with a naturalist, go bird-watching, or see border collies muster sheep and learn how their fine merino wool is sheared. Tonight you may choose to go on a guided walk to view and incredible celestial display, including the Southern Cross.
Wilderness Lodge (B,L,D)
Today, visit the unusual pancake rock formations of Punakaiki. Then set out on an underground tubing adventure in Metro Cave in Charleston. Don a wet suit for your descent to a subterranean stream. Millions of glowworms greet you with an otherworldly luminescence as you paddle through the caverns and out into the rapids of the Nile River.
Punakaiki Resort (B,L,D)
Travel south, stopping in Hokitika and Whataroa to view ancient and modern Maori carvings. Then explore Westland/Tai Poutini National Park, home of Fox Glacier, and part of southwest New Zealand's UNESCO World Heritage region. Join a guide on an invigorating hike up to the glacier, or take an optional helicopter ride and land high among the ice formations. Or you may go on an easy walk through the temperate rain forest to the glacial moraine.
Te Weheka Inn (B,L)
Trace the remote west coast, stopping along the way for short hikes and stunning views. Arrive in Wanaka this afternoon and enjoy some time at leisure to walk along the picturesque lake.
Edgewater Resort (B)
This morning, pass through the Southern Lakes District on the way to Arrowtown, a former gold mining town. Stop to taste New Zealand's fine vintages at one of Central Otago's well-known wineries. Upon arrival in Queenstown, check into our lakefront hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure to explore the town on your own.
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside (B)
Depart this morning for a full day excursion to Milford Sound. Journey through the picturesque countryside, taking in views of dramatic mountains and rivers that twist through lush valleys. Take to the waters of the sound on a relaxing cruise, and spot wildlife and waterfalls on the shore. Stop for a picnic lunch on board the boat, and enjoy the stunning surrounding views. Return to Queenstown early this evening.
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside (B,L)
Today, take the Triple Challenge: a jet boat ride on the Shotover River, a white-water rafting trip, and a helicopter flight. Or you may choose to go kayaking or horseback riding, or ride a jet boat on the Dart River and learn about Maori traditions on an interpretive walk. Tonight, gather for a festive farewell dinner.
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside (B,D)
After a morning at leisure, transfer to the airport for your return flight, arriving home the same day.
(B)