9 Day New Zealand Escorted Coach Tour: Southern Dream

This morning, we continue our South Island adventure along New Zealand’s stunning east coast. Our first stop is Oamaru, famed for its beautifully preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Next, we visit the Moeraki Boulders, perfectly spherical geological wonders over 60 million years old, scattered along the beach like ancient guardians. Formed deep underground and revealed by centuries of erosion, they’re an unmissable photo stop. We then arrive in Dunedin, New Zealand’s “Scottish City,” renowned for its grand architecture, vibrant arts scene, and picturesque harbour. With the afternoon free, explore historic streets, browse boutique shops, or relax in a cosy café, a perfect blend of natural beauty, heritage, and culture.

• Accommodation: Scenic Dunedin (or similar hotel)
• Included Activities: Oamaru Visit, The Moeraki Boulders, Baldwin Street
• Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we’ll visit the iconic Larnach Castle, a jewel of Dunedin. Built in 1871 by William Larnach, this is New Zealand’s only castle. Its magnificent gardens, recently rated by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Significance, are unique and beautiful and offer breathtaking views of the Otago peninsula and beyond. Next, our journey takes us to Gore, where we’ll delve into the town’s colorful past at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum. Discover the daring adventures of Scottish settlers who turned Gore into a hub for illicit whisky distilling and bootlegging. You’ll even have the chance to sample Old Hokonui, crafted from the original recipe that defied the law. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland and the spectacular Doubtful Sound. Settle in and prepare for tomorrow’s awe-inspiring exploration of one of New Zealand’s most pristine natural wonders.

• Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore (or similar hotel)
• Included Activities: Larnach Castle, Hokonui Moonshine Museum
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Departing Te Anau this morning, we’ll travel to Manapouri for a scenic cruise across the lake to West Arm. From there, we’ll take a short coach journey over Wilmot Pass, New Zealand’s most expensive road, pausing to admire the dense Fiordland rainforest and stunning views of Doubtful Sound below. At Deep Cove, we board a modern catamaran to explore Doubtful Sound, the largest and most tranquil fiord in the region. Known for its serene beauty and lack of crowds compared to Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound offers breathtaking scenery with towering mountains and pristine waters. As we sail, enjoy expert commentary on the area’s rich history and keep an eye out for wildlife, including penguins, seals, and dolphins. After the tour, we’ll continue to Queenstown, where we’ll check into the stunning alpine resort that will be our accommodation for the next two nights.

• Accommodation: Novotel Queenstown (or similar hotel)
• Included Activities: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch 

Today is yours to experience the best of Queenstown, a picturesque alpine resort town known for its vast array of adventure activities. If you’d like to explore the area, we recommend taking a ride on the world famous Shotover Jet Boat or taking a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon. For the best views of the town, travel to the top of Bob’s Peak by gondola and have lunch at the Skyline restaurant, why not make your way to the bungy centre to watch people hurling themselves off cliffs - bungy is a NZ invention after all! Alternatively, make your way to the lakeside and enjoy a refreshing drink or stroll through Queenstown’s lush park.

Queenstown offers endless activities to enjoy, be sure to chat with your local guide for expert recommendations and to arrange any optional activities. 

• Accommodation: Novotel Queenstown (or similar hotel)
• Optional Activities: Jet Boating, Skippers Canyon, Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak, Skyline Gondola and many more.
• Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we’ll embark on one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand, traveling through Arrowtown, a picturesque village steeped in the rich history of the gold mining era. Next, we’ll visit Wānaka, a charming township nestled by the lake’s edge surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Here, we’ll enjoy lunch and take time to soak in the views. As we continue north, the journey takes us along the spectacular West Coast, renowned for its rugged beauty and dramatic landscapes. Passing through the Haast Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage site, we’ll marvel at ancient rainforests, crystal-clear rivers, and towering peaks. The small town of Haast, set against this remarkable backdrop, is home to the famous Haast River and is steeped in natural heritage. This evening we’ll gather for a group dinner at our hotel, reflecting on the day’s awe-inspiring journey.

• Accommodation: Heartland Haast (or similar hotel)
• Included Activities: Wānaka & Arrowtown Visit
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Travelling north along the coast of the Westland National Park this morning, we’ll travel to Glacier Country, home of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. This remarkable part of the country was shaped by dynamic glaciers and boasts lush rainforest which grows beneath towering mountains. We’ll make a stop at Lake Matheson, nestled amongst ancient forest and famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Lake Matheson is a serene and beautiful place to enjoy a short stroll to a gorgeous lookout point. This evening, we’ll spend the night in the township of Franz Josef, surrounded by rainforest and mountains, arriving in time to take an optional Helicopter Flight, with a snow landing – a tour highlight, but very dependent on weather conditions.

• Accommodation: Scenic Franz Josef (or similar hotel)
• Included Activities: Lake Matheson Lookout
• Optional Activities: Scenic Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing (weather dependent)
• Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we’ll depart Franz Josef and head north to the artistic town of Hokitika, renowned for its stunning Greenstone. We’ll visit the Greenstone and Glassblowing factory to experience the work of talented local artists before continuing on to the TranzAlpine train station. From there, we’ll board the TranzAlpine train, regarded as one of the world’s greatest one-day train journeys. Get ready to be awed by breathtaking views of forests, rolling plains, and snow-capped mountains! At the end of the journey, we’ll transfer to our hotel in Christchurch, where we’ll gather for a farewell meal to celebrate the final evening of our tour.

• Accommodation: Distinction Christchurch (or similar hotel)
• Included Activities: Greenstone & Glassblowing Factory, TranzAlpine Train Journey
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is the final day of the tour and our trip has come to an end. Enjoy breakfast before saying a fond farewell to your tour leader and all your travel companions. Whether you’re travelling home today or staying in Christchurch for longer, we hope you leave this tour with lasting memories and friends for life.

• Meals Included: Breakfast