Discover the Best of New Zealand’s South Island in a small group on the Ultimate Coach. Experience the world-renowned TranzAlpine Rail Journey, enjoy a 3-night stay in magical Queenstown, visit unique regions such as Punakaiki, Invercargill and The Catlins, marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak and relax on an unforgettable overnight cruise on the fiord of Doubtful Sound.
(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner
Sitting in the heart of the inner-city, just a stone’s throw from Hagley Park, the luxury apartments are the perfect base in Christchurch. The generous rooms are designed in Superior, Junior or Family configurations, so there’s plenty of space. Adorned with all of the features and comforts you expect of five-star accommodation, Hotel Montreal’s serviced apartments are a reliable and relaxing home away from home.
Located right on the shores of the spectacular Tasman Ocean, bordered by greenery and only a few minutes walk from the famous Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes walk. Relax by the fire in the warm and friendly executive lounge, dine at the hotel restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch or dinner or relax in the bar with stunning views over the ocean.
Located in Franz Josef, this eco-designed retreat provides an outstanding experience that is close to nature but far from ordinary. Nestled amongst native rainforest the Te Waonui Forest Retreat is the ideal place to reconnect with nature and the dramatic surroundings. This property is a great example of sustainable accommodation. The hotel’s four wings join together to enclose an area of native rainforest that was carefully preserved during construction, and is so dense that you can’t see the opposite wing, ensuring a sense of privacy. A truly unique experience.
The views from Heritage Hotel Queenstown are awe-inspiring – soak in the view of the towering Remarkables mountain range, rising from the rippling waters of Lake Wakatipu from the comfort of the hotel. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this is a comfortable hotel. The spacious, beautifully appointed rooms take in a variety of views of either the surrounding forest and towering mountains or the majestic Lake Wakatipu.
The Fiordland Navigator is a purpose built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow and is perfectly suited to cruising the fiords. It sleeps 72 people in private cabins with en-suites (twin or double bed configuration) or quad-share bunk-style compartments with shared bathroom facilities. There are spacious viewing decks, dining saloon, licensed bar and observation lounge. The vessel carries kayaks and tender craft onboard.
This Invercargill hotel presents a variety of premier accommodation to suit everyone. All 150 guestrooms and suites feature enhanced soundproofing and luxury cloud-like beds, synonymous with those highly rated at Distinction Dunedin Hotel. These features along with warm ambient lighting and blackout curtains ensure a restful night’s sleep. Sleek ensuite bathrooms are outfitted with spacious walk-in showers featuring both standard and rain shower heads accompanied by complimentary Distinction toiletries, saved from going to landfill through The Hotel Weka recycling program. FREE unlimited Wifi is provided throughout the hotel.
This property once was the 1937 former Chief Post Office in Dunedin and has now been transformed into this elegant hotel, located in the rejuvenated and vibrant Warehouse Precinct in the heart of the city. All rooms offer superior soundproofing and are outfitted with cloud-like beds, a microwave, washer/dryer, 55″ televisions and luxurious dual fixture walk-in rain showers. Complimentary high speed WiFi is available. You can also take advantage of complimentary access to the gym, or enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the stylish Post Bar and the popular Parcels Restaurant is open daily for breakfast and dinner.
The Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki/Mount Cook is an iconic hotel with a rich history spanning over 130 years. Located right in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the Hermitage is the perfect base to explore the natural wonders of this stunning area, with a variety of accommodation options, a collection of dining establishments & unique activities whilst providing genuine kiwi hospitality.
Christchurch is an fascinating city to explore. It was once a historic garden city. Since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes it has turned into a fascinating city of regeneration and growth.
The central city is filled with cutting-edge architecture alongside some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand. But Christchurch is constantly evolving, always giving locals and visitors something new to explore. Expect street art and innovative projects, a bustling hospitality scene and established green spaces.
The Avon River runs through the city, bringing a natural landscape to the urban environment. Cruise along the picturesque river on a flat bottomed punt. Take a ride on a historic tram through the city. With wonderful parks and botanic gardens to explore Christchurch is a great place to visit.
Aoraki / Mount Cook, standing at 3,724 metres, is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It is located within Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
The park is home of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. It is alpine in the purest sense — with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields, all set under a star-studded sky. It is part of the Southern Alps, the mountain range running the length of the South Island.
A popular tourist destination, Aoraki /Mount Cook is also a favourite challenge for mountain climbers. Mt Cook, helped Sir Edmund Hillary to develop his climbing skills in preparation for the conquest of becoming the first person to climb Mt Everest.
Although the National Park encompasses 23 peaks over 3000 metres high, it is very accessible. State Highway 80 leads to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village beside scenic Lake Pukaki, which provides a comfortable base for alpine activities.
Far from city lights, the stargazing here is magnificent. Indeed, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park forms the majority of New Zealand’s only International Dark Sky Reserve.
Known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, Dunedin is a city that wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The small city boasts some eye-catching architecture and is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere.
A gaelic language namesake of ‘Edinburgh’, Dunedin sits at the end of a long picturesque harbour surrounded by dramatic hills. There is so much to see and do here. Stroll through the city and its heritage buildings. Visit intriguing museums and historic homes like Olveston. Experience the rare wildlife found in the spectacular landscapes that surround the city.
The nearby Otago Peninsula offers endless views and beautifully rugged beaches. Nestled at the foot of Taiaroa Head is the Royal Albatross Centre — the only place in the world on the mainland where you can view Northern Royal Albatross in their natural habitat.
You will also find other wildlife including colonies of the world’s rarest penguin on the Peninsula. On the beaches, you will find fur seals and sea lions just lazing around and enjoying their natural habitat.
Dunedin’s heritage even extends to a real castle, high on the hills of the Otago Peninsula. Larnach Castle is New Zealand’s only castle and a much-loved piece of Dunedin history.
A two hour drive from Queenstown, Te Anau is a Southland town. A pretty lakeside town, it’s known as a gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Te Anau offers great views of the lake and mountains beyond and a good range of cafes and restaurants. The awe-inspiring natural beauty of the park’s wilderness, including Milford and Doubtful Sounds is within easy reach.
The region is home to many of NZ’s Great Walks, endangered flightless takahē birds and abundant trout in Lake Te Anau. Te Anau Caves feature a limestone grotto of glowworms and an underground waterfall. To the southwest, the Kepler Track winds through beech forests, glacial valleys and mountains.
Queenstown is a stunning resort town, renowned for its beauty and wealth of adventure activities, it sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps mountains, Queenstown is also a base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns.
Iconic adventure activities include bungee jumping off Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge and jet-boating on the Shotover and Dart rivers. And in winter, there’s skiing on the slopes of The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Cardrona ski resorts.
Queenstown is a hub of adventure, thrumming with adrenaline and an buzzing with a carefree sense of fun. But extreme activities aren’t the only options here. This world-famous resort town and its surrounding area boast many things to see, do, eat, drink and explore. Something for everyone at any time of year.
The small alpine village of Arthur’s Pass is located between Canterbury and the West Coast of the South Island. Climbing to more than 900 metres through Arthur’s Pass National Park, it is the highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps.
The road and rail tracks through this challenging environment are pieces of extreme engineering involving viaducts, bridges, rock shelters and waterfalls redirected into chutes. This is also the route of the famous Tranz Alpine Train journey.
Arthur’s Pass National Park itself is a landscape of two halves. Climbing the eastern side of the alps from Christchurch you’ll see wide, shingle-filled riverbeds and vast swathes of beech forest. Then, as you descend the western side, you’ll pass through dense rainforest alongside and over deeply gorged rivers.
Visitors should look out for New Zealand’s inquisitive and comical alpine parrot, the kea, along the way. This is a rugged and beautiful part of New Zealand.
Doubtful Sound is a fjord in Fiordland, in the far south west of New Zealand. More remote than the more famous Milford Sound, it offers untouched wilderness to viistors. It the deepest (421 metres) and second longest (40 kilometres) of the South Island’s fiords and is accessed from Lake Manapouri.
Milford Sound is in the same region. But Doubtful Sound is sometimes called the ‘Sound of Silence’. It offers a powerful serenity the much busier Milford can’t match, making an overnight cruise here unforgettable.
Like other fiords in the area, Doubtful Sound contains two distinct layers of water that don’t mix. The top few meters, is fresh water, fed by runoff from the surrounding mountains. Below this is a layer of salt water from the sea.
The difference in refractive index between these two layers makes it difficult for light to penetrate. As a result, many deep-sea species — such as black coral — grow in the comparatively shallow depths in Fiordland’s sounds.
Doubtful Sound has some splendid waterfalls, particularly during the wetter seasons. In the Hall Arm, the Browne Falls cascades 619 metres; Helena Falls at Deep Cove tumbles 220 metres.
Wildlife is another reason to visit this fiord. Keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins.
Franz Josef is the name of both the glacier and the nearby village. The small but lively Franz Josef Waiau village is surrounded by lush rainforest with the high snow-capped Alps rising above it.
There are many ways to take in the natural attractions within a short distance of the village. Your options include a cycleway, walks of varying lengths, guided walks, kayaking, and action adventures like rafting or skydiving. You can also visit the white heron colony or see the world’s rarest kiwi.
A short distance from neighbouring Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier is one of the steepest glaciers in New Zealand. It descends from its origins high in the Southern Alps deep into the lush native rainforest of Westland’s National Park.
The glacier moves faster than your average glacier so no two days are the same. The main ice fall moves an average of 50cm per day, but steep sections can move as much as 10 metres in a single day. This creates some truly incredible features in the glacier such as ice caves, tunnels, seracs and crevasses; and all features are constantly changing and evolving.
Invercargill is a city near the southern tip of Aotearoa’s South Island. The Southland Region’s “Capital”, it is New Zealand’s southernmost city and was founded in the 1850s.
Invercargill is well-equipped for visitors with an excellent range of shops and a selection of lively bars and restaurants. Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco heritage buildings give the city a charming old-world character.
An array of coastal landscapes for visitors to explore is just minutes from the city centre. Experience the long coastal highway of Oreti Beach. Discover the natural wonders of Waituna Wetlands and Omaui. Or explore the boardwalk on the estuary and heritage wharfs.
It may appear Invercargill is obsessed with anything with wheels. The SIT Zero Fees Velodrome will interest bike enthusiasts. Anyone interested in transport history will enjoy the world class vintage truck collection at Bill Richardson Transport World. Meanwhile, motorbike fans can celebrate Invercargill’s motorcycle history at Classic Motorcycle Mecca and learn about the legend of speed, Burt Munro, at E Hayes Motorworks.
The Catlins is a wild and largely untouched area in the southeastern corner of New Zealand’s South Island. Mother Nature still rules supreme here.
This coastal area lies between Balclutha and Invercargill, straddling the Otago and Southland regions. Lush rainforest spills onto brilliant beaches along an often remote coastline. And there are many natural wonders can be seen.
The Catlins includes the South Island’s southernmost point, Slope Point. There are six spectacular waterfalls including the triple tiered cascade at Purakaunui. And the world’s rarest penguins, most endangered sea lions and smallest dolphins make the area home.
The spectacular spur at Nugget Point with its lighthouse perched on a panoramic platform has sensational views. While the outgoing tide reveals a 180 million year old Jurassic forest, one of only 3 accessible fossil forests in the world, at stunning Curio Bay.
Low tide is also the time to go to one of the World’s largest sea cave complexes. Experiencing The Cathedral Caves’ amazing acoustics is a must do.
The Catlins also boasts some of the best surfing in the country with the highest recorded winter waves.
Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town in the Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island, a short 15min drive from Queenstown. One of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, Arrowtown sits alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River.
The town was established in 1862, during the height of the Otago gold rush. It is a living historic settlement with many stories to tell. Wander by the restored cottages and explore gold mining sights along the river.
A special highlight is the Chinese settlement at the edge of the river. Built by Chinese miners from 1868, this area of restored shelters and buildings paints a picture of earlier times.
The gold days are long over (although you can still pan for gold in the river with some success). So Arrowtown’s focus is on hosting visitors.
Arrowtown is a great place to spend time. Play a round at the challenging local golf course. Take a 4WD journey to Macetown, a ghost town accessible only by wagon track. While away some time wandering the streets, café hopping in the range of cafes, restaurants and bars. Browse boutiques selling homeware, souvenirs, wool and designer clothing.
Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, a short distance from Dunedin, Larnach Castle is one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions. It took more than 200 workmen three years to build the Castle shell. Then master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior.
William Larnach spared no expense on his dream home, which features the finest materials from around the world. Allowed to decay, it has been lovingly restored over decades by the Barker family who purchased it in 1967.
The family has restored the empty buildings from ruin and have assembled a large collection of original New Zealand period furniture and antiques. A living collection that showcases the craftsmanship and spirt of New Zealand.
Visit Larnach Castle to discover its rich history, dating back to 1871. Its interiors are a fascinating insight into Victorian decor. And you’ll enjoy exploring the exquisite gardens, which have attained a Garden of International Significance award from the New Zealand Gardens Trust.
Arrowtown’s Lakes District Museum was established in 1948 as a Centennial of Otago project. Appropriately set in the former gold mining town, the museum started life in the billiard rooms of the Ballarat Hotel. It then shifted to the current home, the former Bank of New Zealand building, in 1955.
Over the last 60 years, innovative direction has seen the museum recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading small museums. It has a strong hands-on focus. Working displays cover two floors and incorporate three historic buildings. They offer a window into the past — an authentic picture of early Maori life and the harsh lives of European settlers and goldminers.
A short distance from Queenstown, the museum also houses an art gallery, bookshop, archives and research facility and a busy education programme.
Enjoy a very special view of the South Island’s striking natural landscape. Take the Tranz Alpine train between Christchurch and Greymouth. See epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest.
You’ll cross the remarkabley flat Canterbury Plains overlooked by the majestic Southern Alps before eventually crossing the aqua-blue Waimakariri River. Tunnels, viaducts and feats of railway engineering take you across alpine passes where you’ll then travel through lush lake valleys towards the West Coast of the South Island. This iconic train trip is the journey of a lifetime.
The TranzAlpine is acknowledged as one of the world’s great train journeys. The 223 kilometre (139 mile) one-way trip takes just under 5 hours and connects Christchurch and Greymouth on the West Coast via Arthurs Pass through the Southern Alps.
The Christchurch Tram is a unique experience combining history and sightseeing. The beautifully restored heritage trams are one of the city’s best loved attractions.
Hop-on hop-off tickets allow you to visit the central city sights at your leisure. And the friendly and knowledgeable drivers keep you updated about the latest city changes in informative live commentaries.
Explore the best of the central Christchurch from the 17 stops enroute. Hop off at The Canterbury Museum & Botanic Gardens. Visit Turanga and the Margaret Mahy Playground. Enjoy many retail stores, bars and eateries at The Terrace, Cashel Street & Riverside Market. And the Arts Centre and New Regent Street offer fantastic shopping and dining options for all.
Located in Greymouth on the West Coast, Monteith’s Brewery is the original home of craft brewing in New Zealand. And this tour is a recognised Qualmark Gold visitor experience with beer!
Take a guided brewery experience tour to learn about all the wonders of craft beer and the brewing process in the state of the art, modern facility. Pour your own beer from the tap. Get some great discounts on great West Coast activities. Take home a 6 pack of your favourites. It’s all included in the tour price.
The TSS Earnslaw offers one of the best ways to see Queenstown’s surrounding landscape. Cruise across Lake Whakatipu aboard the iconic century-old coal-fired steamship taking in the views at a leisurely pace.
An iconic piece of Queenstown’s history, The Earsnlaw has been lovingly maintained since 1912. Take time to explore the vessel, view the engine room, and study the historic displays of the steamship’s former life.
Your trip will take you across the lake, past the Remarkables mountain range and Cecil Peak to Walter Peak for a high country farm experience. Then you’ll cruise back to Queenstown Bay with plenty of time to take in that world-famous alpine scenery.
Get set to enjoy the ultimate Doubtful Sound experience with this overnight cruise in an unspoiled, unmatched and unforgettable place.
Start in Manapouri, a short distance from Te Anau, with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri. A coach then takes you across Wilmot Pass, travelling on a sub-alpine road through dense rainforest. At Deep Cove you’ll be met by your crew and your vessel.
With old world charm, modern comforts, spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon with a fully licensed bar and an observation lounge the small ship is perfect for purpose. Be prepared to see the pod of resident dolphins, fur seals or rare penguins. As you cruise through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, the knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary so you miss nothing.
After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove you choose how you enjoy this special place. Explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat. Or simply relax onboard. For the adventurous — or very brave — there’s even a chance to go swimming. (All activities are weather dependent.)
In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course buffet dinner prepared by our onboard chef and served in the dining saloon.
Bill Richardson’s Transport World is the largest private automotive museum of its type in the world! More than 300 vintage vehicles. Plenty of family fun. And Invercargill café The Grille onsite. This is a great experience for all.
One man’s passion started it all. Entrepreneur Bill Richardson spent decades restoring vintage vehicles. Now, his family has infused his collection with their own interests to create an experience that has become Invercargill’s leading visitor attraction.
With Ford letter cars, 1930s V8s, Volkswagen Kombis, and vintage trucks, including a 1940 Dodge Airflow Texaco tanker, Bill Richardson Transport World is a petrolhead’s heaven. There are also fun areas like the LEGO room, wearable arts, and a movie theatre.
Discover the best of the most iconic classic motorbikes from around the world, in Invercargill’s classic motorcycle museum. Featuring motorbikes from names like Indian, Harley-Davidson, Vincent, John Britten, Brough Superior, BMW and more, this world-class motorcycle collection is guaranteed to wow.
Ride into yesterday and discover the Southern Hemisphere’s leading classic motorcycle collection. Home to more than 300 vintage motorcycles, a visit here is a truly mind-blowing experience for enthusiasts and newbies alike. Housed in two restored historic buildings in the heart of Invercargill, the collection boasts displays of classic British, American, European, and Japanese bikes alongside tributes to motocross and speedway (including legend Ivan Mauger), the collection is also home to the George Begg Bunker: a tribute to a homegrown hero and a golden age in Kiwi motorsport. Discover the largest and most diverse display of classic motorcycles in New Zealand, with motorbikes hailing as far back as 1902.
This Catlins Gateway Experience is a world-class interactive centre especially designed to share the unique stories of this amazing place on the edge of time.
From ancient geological beginnings, the forces of nature and people have transformed life on the coast many times. It has experienced great riches, great loss and regrowth. The people of Tumu Toka Curio Bay welcome you to discover their story in this interesting centre.
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