Arrive Christchurch airport, collect your rental car and drive to hotel.

Hotel check in time 1400pm. Free at own leisure.

Christchurch city promises an eclectic mix of historic elegance and contemporary culture. As the gateway to the South Island, it's a must on any itinerary.

Enjoy admission to the International Antarctic Centre today for an icy insight into this astounding continent.
See, touch, feel and fall in love with Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre where a slice of this astounding continent can be experienced. Brave an Antarctic storm, go off-road in a Hägglund Antarctic vehicle ride, befriend a husky sled dog and mingle with the little blue penguins. Experience Antarctica from all four dimensions and leave with a head full of knowledge and a heart full of love and inspiration. Just like the explorers before you.

NOTE: If to add Tranz Alpine Train (optional) - Arrive Christchurch airport, passengers will be met by our local representative and privately transferred to your hotel. Hotel check in time 1400pm. Free at own own leisure.

Setting out from Christchurch, you will first traverse the expansive Canterbury Plains, stretching from north to south as far as the eye can see. The road slowly begins to wind its way up into the foothills of the Southern Alps. The scenery changes constantly as you drive around a hill, over a mountain pass, across a river, past lakes, ski fields and unique geological features.

Reaching Arthur’s Pass Village is your halfway point to the West Coast. This little village nestled in alpine grandeur is National Park HQ and a departure point for many walking trails through the Southern Alps. Just 5km up the road from Arthur's Pass Village you will come to the Otira lookout.

As you drive west and down from the mountains, you will witness an abrupt change of vegetation. Suddenly it’s  greener and lush rainforests replace the barren eastern side of the divide. You’re now on the West Coast – a region that has some of New Zealand’s best remaining stands of native forest and a wealth of rare wildlife.

The road between Greymouth and Hokitika provides great views of the wild west coast.

The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are unique relics of the last ice age. Mighty rivers of solid white, tumbling down ice-hewn rock valleys, they are classically beautiful in the glacial sense. Nowhere else in the world have glaciers advanced so close to the sea at this latitude.

*Add - Tranz Alpine Train, Christchurch to Greymouth*
~ Shuttle transfer from hotel to CHC train station and you will take the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth.
~ The train departs Christchurch daily at 8:15am and arrives in Greymouth at 12:45pm.
~ When arrive into Greymouth pick up a rental car and drive to Fox Glacier (approximately 2.5 hours’ drive).

A full day at leisure ( Free & Easy) to explore this magnificent glacier region.

Visit Punakaiki Pancake Rocks or, for an absolute bucket list experience, add a scenic flight with a glacier landing and a thrilling hike to your itinerary. 

Named after Sir William Fox, New Zealand’s Prime Minister from 1869 to 1872, Fox Glacier describes both the glacier and the nearby village. To see the glacier, you can walk to the terminal face, arrange an ice-hiking adventure or book a sightseeing flight. Close to Fox Glacier is beautiful Lake Matheson, one of the most photographed lakes in New Zealand. On a clear day it reflects Mount Cook. Fox Glacier township has a good range of shops and eateries.

Franz Josef Glacier was first explored in 1865 by geologist Julius von Haast, who named it after the Austrian emperor. The glacier is five kilometres from the town of the same name, and a 20 minute walk will take you to its terminal face. From the glacier car park, you can hike to a choice of lookout points for a bigger view of this awesome river of ice. If you want to actually make contact with the glacier, take a guided ice walk or a heli-hike. Aerial sightseeing is another option. There's a range of natural attractions in close proximity to Franz Josef Glacier Village. Lose yourself in the rainforests, waterfalls, and lakes. In the town you’ll find places to eat, or relax at the glacier hot pools or explore the wildlife centre. At nearby Lake Mapourika there are kayaks for hire.

Travel down the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the Haast Pass, gateway to the World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue around the shores of Lake Hawea to arrive in Wanaka early afternoon.

Puzzling World (optional activity) - With a mix of bizzare buildings, rooms of illusion and the world famous Great Maze, this attraction is designed to baffle your brain and challenge your perceptions of reality. Challenging minds of all ages with its themes of wonder and trickery. Puzzling World is designed to fascinate families, children and adults of all ages... allow 1 to 2 hours for your visit.

Continue to Queenstown at your leisure. May stop for lunch in Arrowtown – a quaint historic gold mining village. A short drive from Arrowtown is spectacular Lake Hayes - enjoy an easy walk around the lake.

Spend the evening strolling by the lake, enjoy the boutique shops and cafés. Queenstown is a relatively small town so walking is a great way to get around.

Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.

The Skyline Gondola base is situated a short five minute walk from central Queenstown. Make your way to the Skyline Base for a Gondola Ride to the top of Bob’s Peak and enjoy some spectacular panoramic views high above Queenstown. The best views in the region are found here, spread out in a spectacular 220 degree panorama with breath taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peak. You might like to add some Luge rides to your bucket list for some extra fun. 

Then head down to the waterfront to board the iconic TSS Earnslaw steamship for a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Farm. 
Departing from Steamer Wharf, central Queenstown, cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw across to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Once at the lakeside Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant savour the delicious aromas of the best of local produce sizzling away on the grill. Overlooking Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown's alpine scenery enjoy a freshly made gourmet buffet BBQ lunch. An entertaining farm demonstration is also included or you can explore the beautiful lakeside gardens before re-boarding the TSS Earnslaw for the cruise back to Queenstown.
Duration: 3.5 hours

NOTE: The TSS Earnslaw is closed for maintenance for six weeks mid-winter each year.

Today explore Queenstown itself or choose to visit Milford Sound (optional) for the day.

There’s something for everyone in the Queenstown region. Those after an adrenaline rush can enjoy the many adventure activities on offer – bungy jumping, rafting, jet boating and skydiving remain firm favourites. If you are looking for something more mellow, consider a day walk on one of the many scenic hiking trails, trout fishing, wine tasting or day tour. Fans of The Lord of the Rings should explore the many local filming locations from the movies with a guided tour.

Many activities and attractions offer transfer options to and from accommodation, to make transport easier. 

*Add - activities and/or attractions in Queenstown*

Kawarau Bridge Bungy 43m 
~ Includes jump, t-shirt, certificate & transport.
~ World's 1st Commercial Bungy Jump
~ Minimum age 10 yrs (Children 14 and under need to be accompanied by an adult) Max 110 yrs
~ Minimum weight 35kg - Maximum weight 235kg
~ Trip departures - daily at 9.20am, 12.00pm and 2.40pm. Check-in 30 minutes before departure time.
~ Transportation is available from the Station Building on the corner of Camp and Shotover Streets in the centre of Queenstown. Self-drive, allow 1 hour.

NZONE Tandem Skydive 15,000ft - 60 seconds freefall
~ The meeting point is located right in the heart of Queenstown at the Nzone Skydive Centre, 35 Shotover Street. This is the check in point, to select  photos and video option. The courtesy bus departs from here to the skydive Dropzone and private airstrip set amid a rural farmland background.
~ TheSkydive - The skydive host will assist to gear up and then their will be a briefing by the Tandem Masters. The flight to altitude will rise high above the Wakatipu basin, where there will be a birds eye view of the dramatic mountains and lakes. Jumping directly above the Dropzone will be the experience of freefall of up to 60 seconds before the Tandem Master deploys the parachute for the tandem glide back to earth. The canopy ride takes approximately 5 minutes. Please allow 3 hours for the entire experience.
~ Trips run every hour on the half hour from 8:30am until 2:30pm in Winter, or 7:30am until 3:30pm in Summer. Trips are subject to availability and are weather dependent. 
~ What to bring - Jumpsuit, hat, goggles and gloves are provided so please wear warm layers and flat shoes. Goggles will fit over the top of glasses.
~ Conditions - 100kg weight limit, those under 18 require parental/guardian consent.  Please be aware that skydiving is a very weather dependant activity and cancellations due to unsuitable weather conditions may occur, full refunds will be given if this occurs.

Shotover Jetboat Ride 
~ Get ready for the World's most exciting Jet Boat ride! No visit to Queenstown is complete without ‘Catching the Canyons’ with award winning Shotover Jet, ‘the World’s most exciting Jet Boat ride’ and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons.
~ Depart up to every 15 minutesand operate every day (river and weather conditions permitting) except Christmas Day.
~ Pre-book required to avoid an unnecessary delay or disappointment.
~ Complimentary shuttle service to and from Queenstown and river base. Transfers depart from ‘The Station’ Info Centre, corner Shotover and Camp Streets in downtown Queenstown.
~ You are welcome to drive to Shotover Jet yourself; there is plenty of public car parking available.

Leaving Queenstown, travel north through the historic gold mining region of the rugged Kawarau River Gorge and past Cromwell, famed for its fruit-growing. Skirting the shores of Lake Dunstan, cross the Lindis Pass to Omarama for morning tea (own expense). Travel north to Twizel and carry on to Mt Cook Village; the drive will quite literally amaze you. The road follows the turquoise shores of Lake Pukaki. Continue through the rugged high country landscape of the Mackenzie Basin to arrive at Mount Cook Village, where you can gaze up at the 3,724 metre-high mountain Aoraki / Mount Cook, an important landmark in Māori mythology.

There are numerous ways to explore the National Park, whether you want the thrill of an Argo tour or a short walk.

An activity not to be missed is Glacier Explorers, which take you to the terminal lake of New Zealand’s longest glacier, The Tasman Glacier. A boat takes passengers out onto the lake; the icebergs are constantly changing and you’ll most like get the chance to taste ice that is more than 1000 years old.

If the weather isn’t all that nice for outdoor adventures then check out the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, a great museum and 3D movie theatre showing a variety of programs and movies throughout the day. At night time the Stardome experience is also popular.

*Add - Big Sky Stargazing*
~ Season: every clear sky evening
~ Departures: subject to the time of year
~ Tour begin with an introduction and orientation in the Theatre Planetarium using a special live Digital Sky presentation highlighting unique features in our southern sky.
~ Informative astronomy guides then take you on a short drive (transport provided) to our outdoor stargazing site for spectacular views of that southern sky.

*Add - Tasman Glacier Boat Trip* 
~ A memorable and amazing up close encounter with New Zealand's largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. Explore, learn and discover the ever-changing glacial landscape as you journey across the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake in a custom-built MAC Boat with your experienced guide.
~ Season: Sep to May subject to road and lake conditions
~ Departures: 8.00am, 9.30am, 11.00am, 12.30pm, 2.00pm, 3.30pm & 5.00pm
~ Duration: approx 2.5 hours
~ 25min walk to Lake

*Add - Hooker Valley Half Day Nature Walk*
~ Walking one of the tracks is the best way to experience this ancient landscape and the Hooker Valley Walk is one of the most popular walks. The hike departs the Hermitage Hotel on a short bus journey to the White Horse Hill campground
~ Duration: Hike 1.5 Hrs across to the 2nd Swing Bridge. 

Today you travel back to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo, Geraldine and Ashburton.

Travel past Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd against the backdrop of this vivid blue glacier-fed lake - it's one of the most popular photo spots in this area.

Geraldine is home to the famous Barkers of Geraldine, a store offering delicious jams, chutneys and syrups; try a sample or buy a gift pack to take home. The town also boasts two chocolate shops which are well worth a visit.

Take the time to explore the bustling farming town of Ashburton. If gardens are your thing you can’t miss Trots Garden, a Garden of National Significance graded by The Royal Institute of Horticulture. Lake Hood, on the outskirts of Ashburton, enjoy coffee or dining at the lakefront restaurant and watch the world go by.

Once back in Christchurch, take the time to find out what makes this ever-evolving city unique. Christchurch is brimming with innovativeness and creativity as it rebuilds after the earthquakes of 2011. Visit the transitional Cathedral made of cardboard, or the pavilion made from pallets which hosts events most days of the week. The city boasts new and diverse restaurants, cafes, bars and night clubs.

And of course Christchurch's iconic activities are still a favourite, showing off its old-English charm. Visit the stunning botanic gardens, enjoy a relaxing punt on the Avon River, and ride the historic tram.

Your arrangements conclude today. Hotel check out time 1000am.

Your rental car should be dropped off at the airport, by the same time as it was picked up on Day 1, to avoid any additional charges. Rental car 'days' are based on a 24hrs-hire.