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Adventure Awaits During a 12-Day Guided Tour of New Zealand's Best Sights
Experience the best of New Zealand’s South Island on this twelve-day guided tour. Travel to the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, Dunedin, to sample craft gin at Dunedin Craft Distillers. Journey through Fiordland National Park to Doubtful Sound, a stunning fiord with ancient valleys, waterfalls and wildlife where you'll embark on an overnight nature cruise complete with an onboard naturalist, activities and lectures. Take time to explore the charming town of Queenstown: here, you can choose a guided e-bike tour or join a boutique wine tour, then dine on exceptional fare at an exclusive restaurant on the lakeshore. Travel to the picturesque former mining village of Arrowtown, take in the alpine beauty of Wānaka, and marvel at the Franz Josef Glacier on the wild West Coast. Conclude your adventure aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train to Christchurch, travelling in the exclusive Scenic Plus carriage, as you raise a toast to your journey through the South Island.
The unique golden threads that make up your journey
On this a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, sample exquisite botanical spirits made from surplus bread and bakery products in an effort to reduce landfill waste. Witness how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell, do it as they take you through the…
Enjoy wine tasting in Gibbston Valley Wine Region at Kinross, followed by lunch.
Experience the striking natural landscape of the South Island as you travel on the TranzAlpine. Famous as one of the world’s great train journeys, you can enjoy the remarkable scenery from the ice-fed Waimakariri River to the magnificent Canterbury…
This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your official Schedule at a Glance will be delivered with your cruise e-documents 21-30 days prior to embarkation.
Day 1
Welcome to Christchurch
Your New Zealand luxury tour begins at your boutique hotel located in the heart of Christchurch and just minutes from North Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens. Pay a visit to the blooms at the Botanic Gardens or ride the Christchurch Tram before meeting your Travel Concierge where you’ll raise a glass to a grand journey.
Perfectly located in the heart of Christchurch, just a short walk from North Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, the boutique Hotel Montreal is...
Perfectly located in the heart of Christchurch, just a short walk from North Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, the boutique Hotel Montreal is ideal for exploring this vibrant and soulful city. Your very spacious guest rooms feature a living area with trendy furnishings and complimentary WiFi, keeping you connected to friends and family back home while you're travelling.
Hotel Amenities: Restaurant · Bar · Concierge · Laundry · Foreign Currency Exchange
Style: Traditional
Day 2
Christchurch to Dunedin
Travel down the coast through the towns of Timaru and Oamaru to Dunedin to uncover the city’s highlights. Discover grand Edwardian architecture at the Dunedin Railway Station before arriving at your heritage hotel. Dine on favourites such as surf and turf, braised lamb, catch of the day, or other modern twists on traditional local dishes at Parcels Restaurant.
Conveniently located in the absolute heart of this southern city, the Distinction Dunedin Hotel occupies the city's original Chief Post Office. The...
Conveniently located in the absolute heart of this southern city, the Distinction Dunedin Hotel occupies the city's original Chief Post Office. The recent refurbishments and upgraded interiors elegantly honour the building's heritage, that date back to 1937, in a contemporary sense. Guest rooms provide a comfortable, homely feel - an ideal central retreat to enjoy after a day of exploring the city.
Hotel Amenities: Restaurant · Bar · Concierge · Room Service · Gym · Spa · Laundry
Style: Historic
Day 3
Distillery Tour and Dunedin at Leisure
Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before taking a guided tour at Dunedin Craft Distillers, the first distillery in Aotearoa New Zealand and one of only a handful worldwide, to produce botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill. Discover on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell do it in a ‘Bread to Bottle Tour’ which takes you through the process used to turn bread into spirits. Venture just next door for a special Chocolate tasting journey at OCHO Chocolate covering the history of chocolate in Dunedin, OCHO's genesis, how 'real' chocolate is made and a 10-sample bean-to-bar tasting. Relax or continue exploring Dunedin as you wish. Perhaps take a wildlife cruise of the Otago Peninsula or visit the iconic Larnach Castle.
Conveniently located in the absolute heart of this southern city, the Distinction Dunedin Hotel occupies the city's original Chief Post Office. The...
Conveniently located in the absolute heart of this southern city, the Distinction Dunedin Hotel occupies the city's original Chief Post Office. The recent refurbishments and upgraded interiors elegantly honour the building's heritage, that date back to 1937, in a contemporary sense. Guest rooms provide a comfortable, homely feel - an ideal central retreat to enjoy after a day of exploring the city.
Hotel Amenities: Restaurant · Bar · Concierge · Room Service · Gym · Spa · Laundry
Style: Historic
On this a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, sample exquisite botanical spirits made from surplus bread and bakery products in an effort to reduce...
On this a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, sample exquisite botanical spirits made from surplus bread and bakery products in an effort to reduce landfill waste. Witness how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell, do it as they take you through the process of turning bread into spirits. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Delight in the rich history of chocolate in Dunedin, uncover the origins of OCHO and learn the art of crafting true, artisanal chocolate. Indulge in...
Delight in the rich history of chocolate in Dunedin, uncover the origins of OCHO and learn the art of crafting true, artisanal chocolate. Indulge in an exquisite 10-sample bean-to-bar tasting, elevating your senses to the heights of luxury.
Day 4
Dunedin to Doubtful Sound (overnight cruise)
Travel by road to Manapouri, then by Catamaran and coach to Doubtful Sound to meet the Fiordland Navigator. Doubtful Sound is a stunning fiord with ancient valleys, waterfalls and wildlife. Your overnight nature cruise comes complete with an onboard naturalist, activities and lectures, not to mention delicious locally sourced cuisine.
Give in to the wilderness, and escape to the secluded Pātea Doubtful Sound, located in the depths of the Fiordland National Park. Unlike a day...
Give in to the wilderness, and escape to the secluded Pātea Doubtful Sound, located in the depths of the Fiordland National Park. Unlike a day cruise, this unique overnight experience completely immerses you in nature. Wake up feeling connected, in harmony, and full of wonder for Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna.
Day 5
Doubtful Sound to Queenstown
Spend the morning discovering hidden coves and soaking up the serenity of this majestical fjord. At the completion of the cruise, you will be welcomed to a local farm, where you will enjoy a rustic lunch and hear from landowner Chris. There will be farm animals to pet and stories aplenty. Continue to Queenstown to enjoy lakeside views from your award-winning boutique hotel, The Rees.
Lakefront accommodation, providing spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu. Stylish and spacious rooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows. Includes a library...
Lakefront accommodation, providing spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu. Stylish and spacious rooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows. Includes a library of rare books and art, Complimentary shuttles to Queenstown city centre.
Hotel Amenities: Spa · Laundry · Room Service · Restaurant
Style: Hotel
A warm welcome awaits you at a local farm, where you’ll savour a rustic lunch while listening to captivating tales from landowner Chris. Immerse...
A warm welcome awaits you at a local farm, where you’ll savour a rustic lunch while listening to captivating tales from landowner Chris. Immerse yourself in the farm's charm, with the chance to interact with friendly animals and enjoy an abundance of fascinating stories—an unforgettable experience in nature.
Day 6
Queenstown
Take in the surrounding landscape on a Lake Wakatipu scenic cruise aboard TSS Earnslaw and visit Walter Peak High Country farm for an Eco Experience - an idyllic place to spend a few peaceful hours. Or, choose a guided e-bike scenic ride along the lake. Enjoy dinner tonight at local restaurant The Bathhouse, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Lakefront accommodation, providing spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu. Stylish and spacious rooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows. Includes a library...
Lakefront accommodation, providing spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu. Stylish and spacious rooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows. Includes a library of rare books and art, Complimentary shuttles to Queenstown city centre.
Hotel Amenities: Spa · Laundry · Room Service · Restaurant
Style: Hotel
Fall in love with nature and immerse yourself in a unique experience where conservation, horticulture, and eco-tourism meet. The Walter Peak Eco...
Fall in love with nature and immerse yourself in a unique experience where conservation, horticulture, and eco-tourism meet. The Walter Peak Eco Experience allows you to learn more about New Zealand conservation and contribute to biodiversity.
Enjoy dinner at the majestic waterfront Bathhouse, try locally grown, foraged and farmed produce, local and international wines, against the...
Enjoy dinner at the majestic waterfront Bathhouse, try locally grown, foraged and farmed produce, local and international wines, against the spectacular lakefront backdrop of Lake Wakatipu.
Day 7
Queenstown to Wanaka
Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before discovering the picture postcard historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting in Gibbston Valley of the Vines at Kinross before continuing to Highlands Motorsport Museum and come face to face with the state-of-the-art machines. Meet Mrs Jones Orchard, a traditional fruit stall owner, and indulge in real fruit ice-cream and stone fruit. Later today enjoy a breathtaking walk through the flower fields at the Wānaka Lavender Farm. Your destination is your hotel in Wānaka: sitting at the edge of Lake Wānaka and designed to flow with the seasons, Edgewater is a place you’ll find nature at your own pace.
Visit the Highlands National Motorsport Museum and come face to face with top-of-the-line machines. Since you only ever see them in the movies or on...
Visit the Highlands National Motorsport Museum and come face to face with top-of-the-line machines. Since you only ever see them in the movies or on TV, there’s just something about being in the same room with these rare special cars that gets everyone buzzing.
Wānaka Lavender Farm is just a few minutes drive from Wānaka, where you can experience 20 acres of beautiful lavender fields. Enjoy a walk through...
Wānaka Lavender Farm is just a few minutes drive from Wānaka, where you can experience 20 acres of beautiful lavender fields. Enjoy a walk through the flowers, meet our friendly farm animals, play a garden game, unwind over a cup of herbal tea & indulge in our lavender ice-creams. Sample our Lakes Honey and the many Wānaka Lavender Farm products that are lovingly made on site.
Enjoy wine tasting in Gibbston Valley Wine Region at Kinross, followed by lunch.
Day 8
Wanaka
Be awed at the natural beauty around you while relaxing on a lake cruise. Complete your bonding-with-nature experience on an afternoon nature walk.
Take a leisurely cruise across the pristine waters of Lake Wānaka to Stevenson’s Arm, gateway to the Mount Burke high-country sheep station. Verdant...
Take a leisurely cruise across the pristine waters of Lake Wānaka to Stevenson’s Arm, gateway to the Mount Burke high-country sheep station. Verdant pastures give way to the dramatic rise of Mount Gold, dominating the northern skyline. Step ashore on Stevenson’s Island for a short hike led by your Local Expert, then return aboard to unwind with a refined selection of refreshments served against a backdrop of alpine serenity.
Day 9
Wanaka to Franz Josef
Cruise down the Haast River in a purpose-built, fully enclosed jet boat past snow-capped mountains contrasting with sub-tropical, untouched rainforest basking in the beauty of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. Your guide is eager to share their expert knowledge of this glacial valley as the sunlight pours across the wilderness or the waterfalls tumble down in a light, misty rain. In the the town of Franz Josef, your eco friendly retreat nestled in the wilderness welcomes with natural ambience paired with impeccable luxury, inviting you to enjoy the view from your private balcony.
Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a five-star haven of relaxation and impeccable luxury. With a natural, earthy ambience ...
Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a five-star haven of relaxation and impeccable luxury. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind. This five-star retreat offers luxuriously appointed rooms which include large private bathrooms, plush bed linen and a private balcony or courtyard.
Hotel Amenities: Restaurant · Bar · Room Service · 24-hour Front Desk
Style: Boutique
Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a five-star haven of relaxation and impeccable luxury. With a natural, earthy ambience ...
Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a five-star haven of relaxation and impeccable luxury. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind.
Indulge in an exceptional dining experience at Te Waonui Rainforest Retreat, where exquisite, locally sourced cuisine is perfectly paired with fine...
Indulge in an exceptional dining experience at Te Waonui Rainforest Retreat, where exquisite, locally sourced cuisine is perfectly paired with fine wines, set against the serene backdrop of an ancient rainforest, offering an unforgettable journey of taste and tranquillity.
Day 10
The Mighty Franz Josef Glacier
Glide across the mirror-like waters of Lake Mapourika aboard a private vessel, surrounded by dramatic alpine vistas. Step ashore into a pristine rainforest sanctuary, where a Local Expert reveals rare wildlife and ancient flora on an intimate guided walk. The remainder of your afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure – perhaps take time to unwind, explore the surroundings or indulge in the serenity of your luxurious accommodation.
Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a five-star haven of relaxation and impeccable luxury. With a natural, earthy ambience ...
Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a five-star haven of relaxation and impeccable luxury. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind. This five-star retreat offers luxuriously appointed rooms which include large private bathrooms, plush bed linen and a private balcony or courtyard.
Hotel Amenities: Restaurant · Bar · Room Service · 24-hour Front Desk
Style: Boutique
Discover the wild beauty of the West Coast with a personalised scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika. Step off the boat and into a Jurassic rainforest,...
Discover the wild beauty of the West Coast with a personalised scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika. Step off the boat and into a Jurassic rainforest, where a guided nature walk follows a low-impact track created by your skipper, Dale, and his team. Wander through untouched old-growth forest, rich in native flora and teeming with birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for graceful white herons and New Zealand’s native bush birds in this peaceful, otherworldly sanctuary.
Day 11
Franz Josef to Christchurch
Visit the charming town of Hokitika, the cultural centre of the West Coast where you will meet a local expert for a guided history walk. Travel from the lush rainforest of the West Coast to Arthurs Pass where you will embark on one of the world's great scenic railway journeys aboard the Tranzlapine train. Travel in luxury on the Scenic Plus purpose-built premium carriage designed to enhance every aspect of your journey including a specialist concierge. Enjoy service dinner onboard with exclusive drinks and dining service throughout the journey with a Paddock to Plate regionally inspired food menu and Paired drinks menu. Travel through the dramatic Southern Alps passing the ice fed Waimakariri River and native beech forest, before you traverse the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Perfectly located in the heart of Christchurch, just a short walk from North Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, the boutique Hotel Montreal is...
Perfectly located in the heart of Christchurch, just a short walk from North Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, the boutique Hotel Montreal is ideal for exploring this vibrant and soulful city. Your very spacious guest rooms feature a living area with trendy furnishings and complimentary WiFi, keeping you connected to friends and family back home while you're travelling.
Hotel Amenities: Restaurant · Bar · Concierge · Laundry · Foreign Currency Exchange
Style: Traditional
Experience the striking natural landscape of the South Island as you travel on the TranzAlpine. Famous as one of the world’s great train journeys,...
Experience the striking natural landscape of the South Island as you travel on the TranzAlpine. Famous as one of the world’s great train journeys, you can enjoy the remarkable scenery from the ice-fed Waimakariri River to the magnificent Canterbury Plains.
Visit the coastal town of Hokitika, where you’ll find stunning scenery and a cool, arty vibe. Join a Local Expert for a Hokitika History Walk and...
Visit the coastal town of Hokitika, where you’ll find stunning scenery and a cool, arty vibe. Join a Local Expert for a Hokitika History Walk and hear about the area's rich history - from the discovery of New Zealand jade through the many tales from the gold rush in the 1860s.
Day 12
Farewell from Christchurch
Bid farewell to your fellow travellers after breakfast, as your journey comes to an end with a transfer to Christchurch International Airport for your onward flight.
Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.
In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.
Included at all hotels.
Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.
Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.
Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
For 2026 departures, transfers are included on the first and final day of your journey, as well as for any additional accommodation booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternative hotels within the same arrival or departure city may also be arranged upon request. From 2027 onwards, transfers will be included when your flights are reserved through Luxury Gold.
Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my journey?
Yes, additional hotel nights can be booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Speak with your Travel Concierge to arrange.
What is a definite departure?
A definite departure is a date that has been guaranteed to operate, regardless of the number of guests booked.
Can I travel on a Luxury Gold journey as a solo traveller?
Yes, solo travellers are welcome on every Luxury Gold journey. Single Supplements may apply.
How many people will be on my tour?
Luxury Gold journeys are intentionally small — averaging 18 guests, with a maximum of 24 on most departures.
What accommodation options are available?
Each journey curates a selection of luxury hotels and signature stays. Specific properties for your itinerary appear under "Magnificent Stays" on each day.
What Concierge Services can I expect?
Travel Concierge support before and during your trip, full-service porterage, in-room porterage, and curated reservations.
How can I apply my past guest discount?
Past Passenger discounts are applied automatically when you provide your loyalty number at booking.
How much walking is involved on this tour?
Each itinerary includes an Activity Level rating. Speak with your Travel Concierge if you'd like more detail.
