Southern Escape - Travelmarvel

Day 1  Christchurch
Arrive in Christchurch, a picturesque city known for its English influence, incredible natural surroundings, and lively local attractions. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 2  Christchurch to Fox Glacier      
Today begins with an Insider Experience. Later, take a scenic drive along the West Coast. This stunning region is home to the Franz Josef/Waiau and Fox Glaciers, as well as spectacular lakes and rainforests.  Journey through the heart of the Southern Alps, passing dramatic gorges, alpine rivers, and lush beech forests aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train. This scenic rail journey offers breathtaking views and a relaxing way to experience one of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.

Day 3  Fox Glacier to Queenstown  
A stunning drive across Haast Pass brings you to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Here, enjoy an Insider Experience. Relax and unwind in your room, which boasts sublime views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped peaks of The Remarkables. You’ll be just a short stroll from Queenstown’s vibrant centre, allowing you to explore and make the most of all that this lively resort town has to offer. Whether it's great food and wine, shopping or adventure that you're after, Queenstown has something just for you.

Day 4  Queenstown          
Today is free for you to spend at leisure. You’ll find plenty to see and do around Queenstown, from thrilling adventures through to simply relaxing and soaking in incredible views. Perhaps choose one of our exciting Enhance Your Journey options (additional expense). This evening, enjoy your Insider Experience. Savour a gourmet lakeside dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm, reached by a vintage steamship across Lake Wakatipu. Gain an insight into life on a high-country New Zealand farm. 

Day 5  Queenstown to Te Anau    
Follow The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu to the incredible Fiordland National Park, where an Insider Experience awaits. Later, travel to the lakeside town of Te Anau. Journey through the beautiful Fiordland National Park on your way to magnificent Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Once you arrive, set sail on a cruise along the full length of its pristine waters, basking in all the natural wonders you encounter. 

Day 6  Te Anau to Dunedin  
Journey through the rugged countryside of Southland before arriving in Dunedin for a city tour. This picturesque city is known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand, where you can spot sea lions, fur seals, rare penguins and the world’s only mainland-breeding albatross colony. After being settled by Scots in 1848, the city has retained its Gaelic roots with its stunning Gaelic-inspired architecture, performances of the haggis ceremony and the finest-tasting whisky in the country.

Day 7  Dunedin to Lake Tekapo  
See the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki and visit the charming town of Oamaru. Journey to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for a special Insider Experience. You may choose to enhance your journey with an amazing option on offer. Tonight, enjoy another special Insider Experience. Centrally located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, The Hermitage’s Alpine Restaurant serves delicious meals crafted from fresh, seasonal produce. The spectacular views provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience.

Day 8  Lake Tekapo to Christchurch      
Journey alongside the shimmering waters of Lake Pukaki before stopping at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a perfect photo opportunity with breathtaking lake views of Lake Tekapo. Then continue on to Christchurch, where your journey concludes.