Pre Tour - February 13th - Arrive into Christchurch International Airport and spend the day getting rested up at our airport accommodation before the tour starts the following morning.

Day 1 - February 14th - Following breakfast our journey will start south of the city. Our first stop will be in Timaru to visit the Te Ana Māori Rock Art. A local Ngāi Tahu guide – descendant of the people that created these fantastic artworks will take us on a journey through the history and culture. They are the Kaitiaki (gaurdians) of one of the most significant collections of ancient Māori Rock Art in the country – Eight Tribal Taonga (treasures) cut from sites over a hundred years ago, now returned to their home and their people. We then Stop for Lunch before making our way to Oamaru. Oamaru, the largest town of the Waitaki District, has a rich history and proud heritage, enriched by the passionate and perhaps quirky locals and is most famous for its Blue Penguin Colony and Oamaru Limestone Architecture of the Victorian Precinct and Steampunk Art. After some time to take in the Victorian Precinct we get checked into our accommodation before dinner. After dinner we will head to the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony for an evening of discovering the world of the little blue penguin. Dinner and Overnight Oamaru. (B,L,D)

Day 2 - This morning we start our journey to Dunedin but not before visiting the Elephant Rocks just outside of Duntroon. These large Hummocky Rock Formations that look amazingly like Elephants were created after fossil rich limestone deposited millions of years ago eroded, leaving behind an incredible boulder field which towers above your head. Our next stop is the Moeraki Boulders, a group of large spherical “stones” on Koekohe Beach near Moeraki on New Zealand’s Otago Coast. These boulders are actually concretions that have been exposed through shoreline erosion from coastal cliffs. Even today, there are still boulders remaining in the mudstone that will, eventually, fall on to the beach as they come loose due to erosion! Leaving Moeraki we drive out to Katiki Point, which is at the southern end of the Moeraki Peninsula. It is a must visit while in the area so that is just what we will do. Katiki Point Lighthouse is the main attraction here, but you will also find endangered Yellow-eyed Penguins, Little Penguins, Fur Seals and other wildlife. We will stop in the small seaside village of Karitane ,most well known for its golden beach. Before reaching Dunedin we will stop at the Royal Albatross Centre at Harrington Point. It is the only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross in the world and hopefully we will get a sighting form the viewpoint! Dinner and Overnight Dunedin. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Today we will have a Full Day Guided Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. Our tour begins in Dunedin, once the leading industrial and commercial centre of New Zealand and has retained many of its early buildings. Our tour begins with a scenic drive into the city to admire the largest collection of Edwardian and Victorian Structures. We also visit Baldwin Street, the “steepest street in the world.” The journey continues out onto the Otago Peninsula, where the southern rollers pound the coastline and rare wildlife comes ashore regularly throughout the year. Next we visit Larnach Castle Gardens, where a unique collection of specialised gardens can be explored and some of the finest views of the Otago Harbour can be seen. We will Lunch in the Larnach Castle Ballroom Café before departing. After lunch we follow the winding gravel roads towards Portobello, the main township on the Otago Peninsula. We will spend the afternoon viewing the unique and treasured penguins and other native wildlife that call the coasts of New Zealand home. We will go on an adventurous journey through a series of tunnels and hides to get unrivalled viewing of the ‘critically endangered’ Yellow-Eyed Penguin. We’ll also see Little Blue Penguins, Sea Lions and Fur Seals who come ashore regularly. Our final stop is at Taiaroa Head, where the Northern Royal Albatross can often be seen gliding around the headland. We then return to Dunedin where you can find dinner on your own. Overnight Dunedin. (B,L)

Day 4 - Today we make our way to Invercargill near the southern tip of South Island. Our first stop will be Nugget Point, an iconic panoramic platform on the Catlins Coast with one of the Country’s Oldest Lighthouses perched above the famous rocks named by Captain Cook because they looked like pieces of gold. A walk out to the Tokata Lighthouse will reveal sensational views of the big blue beyond. If you look down onto the rocks below the lighthouse, you'll see a Colony of Fur Seals frolicking in the surf. It is also home to some of the world’s Rarest Penguins and one of the only places you might see Seals, Sea Lions and Elephant Seals in the same area. Those who know me will not find it at all strange that our next stop is Catlins' Teapot Land at Owaka. It's something just a bit different, and because the teapots come from all over New Zealand and the world, you may recognise pieces. It's a bit of nostalgia as well as good entertainment! We will stop in Gore for Lunch before continuing on our way. In Gore we also find the Hokonui Moonshine Museum where we take a trip to the Illicit and Colourful Past of Gore’s Illicit Whisky Distilling and Bootlegging. The adventures of the Scottish Settlers and their exploits to avoid run-ins with the law are kept alive through dioramas, audio-visuals and artefacts. You can taste Old Hokonui made to the original recipe at the end of your visit, or even take a bottle home with you. We then get settled into our accommodation at Invercargill before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Invercargill. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Leaving Invercargill behind we will take the coastal route west before turning north and traveling alongside the Fiordland National Park to Te Anau, one of my very favourite spots in New Zealand. On our coastal route we will stop at Colac Bay for a walk on its sandy beach which is well know for surfing and beachcombing. Continuing our coastal journey, we stop at McCracken's Rest, a lookout and rest area perched on the edge of the cliff with commanding views of Te Waewae Bay and the tiny Solander Islands, formed by the eroded skeleton of a volcano. According to Maori legend, the Solanders are the broken tooth and crumbs tossed aside by Kewa the Whale, when it chewed between Stewart Island and the mainland. We will stop for lunch before we drive into the Longwood Forest to Otautau Art and Crafts Gallery. The gallery has a wide range of New Zealand Art and Crafts including original paintings from Famous New Zealand Artists, prints, photography, cards, woodwork, glass ware, pottery, jewellery, handmade leather handbags, and much more. We next stop at Curiosity Cottage Gardens, set in one half acre which has gradually evolved over 4 years from large lawns to an eclectic wonderland. The garden is on two levels many of the trees and shrubs can be said to be rebuilt with various objects. Fuchsias are their speciality followed closely by Polyanthus, Pansies and Lilies. There is a large berry section and a sizable vegetable garden. We then continue to Te Anau with time for you to explore before we get settled in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Te Anau. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Today we will be picked up from our accommodation in Te Anau for a Full Day Milford Sound Excursion. Milford Sound has been dubbed the 8th Wonder of the World and is easily one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is the home of the iconic Mitre Peak which towers more than a kilometre straight out of the water. Towering cliffs and peaks are decorated with cascading waterfalls, all surrounded by luxuriant rainforest. The journey to Milford Sound is spectacular in its own right with many extraordinary places to stop for photos or walks in the Fiordland National Park. We will take in the spectacular alpine scenery at such places as Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, Eglinton Valley, Pops View, Monkey Creek, Homer Tunnel and The Chasm. Once at Milford Sound we will join a Nature Cruise exploring the length of the fiord and learning about the history of the region with a specialist nature guide. We will experience the cool spray of a waterfall as we move in close to sheer rock faces where you can watch for Dolphins, Seals and, in season, the rare Fiordland Crested Penguins. We will have a Picnic Lunch to enjoy while cruising the fiord. Then we return to Te Anau where you will have the evening free. There is a Wee Pie Shop in town that has World Famous Meat Pies, but they also have the best tasting chips I have ever had in my life! If you want to get from one end of town to the other, the best way to do it is to stroll along the fabulous Lake Front Walkway while gazing at the Largest Body of Freshwater in Australasia! With benches all along the way, it is the perfect place to sit with a takeaway coffee, or perhaps one of those world famous pies I was talking about! Overnight Te Anau. (B,L)

Day 7 - Today we have an Ultimate Doubtful Sound Experience aboard the Fiordland Navigator! Doubtful Sound is unspoiled, unmatched and unforgettable. We start in Manapouri with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri. A coach then takes us across Wilmot Pass, travelling on a sub-alpine road through dense rainforest. Arriving at Deep Cove we’ll be met by the crew and the majestic Fiordland Navigator. The Fiordland Navigator blends old world charm with modern comforts that include spacious Viewing Decks, a Dining Saloon with Fully Licensed Bar and an Observation Lounge. As we cruise through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, their knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary ensuring you miss nothing, be it the pod of resident dolphins, fur seals or rare penguins you might encounter. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a delicious Three-Course Buffet Dinner prepared by the on-board chef and served in the dining saloon. If the skies are clear in the evening, spend some time on the upper deck gazing at the stars. Dinner and Overnight Onboard the Fiordland Navigator. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - We have breakfast aboard the Fiordland Navigator and then return Manapouri at about 11:00am and make a quick stop back in Te Anau to pick up things for a Picnic Lunch alongside the Oreti River. Then start our journey to to Queenstown. Our drive will take us first east to Lumsden where we stop at Five Fingers Craft Shop. Situated in the Old Railway Station, the craft shop is filled with a wide variety of locally handmade crafts. Such things as knitted wool jerseys, scarves, socks, hats, ceramics, jewellery, quilting, art, baby items, soaps, Kiwiana, Christmas and wooden products. After doing a bit of shopping we continue north driving the road from the Remarkables Mountain Range to Lake Wakatipu. We will stop at the Devil's Staircase Lookout for some spectacular views up and down the Kingston Arm of the lake. We will also stop in Lower Shotover where the shallow waters of the Shotover River feed into the Kawarau River, which draws water from the Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu. From the bridge you can enjoy panoramic views of the Shotover River and the Remarkables Double Cone Peak, Cecil Peak, Coronet Peak and Brow Peak. We then make our way into Queenstown and to our accommodation to get settled in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Queenstown. (B,D)

Day 9 - Today will be a down day for everyone in delightful Queenstown. Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of the region create the perfect backdrop for a day full of adventure, discovery and rejuvenation. Queenstown is also known for its Hobbits as much of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy was filmed in the area. You might want to take in the Skyline Gondola for breathtaking views and also Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Markets or incredibly tranquil Queenstown Gardens right at the heart of town. You can also visit the Marine Parade that is comprised of the idyllic Queenstown Beach, the iconic Bathhouse Café, and the solemn Queenstown Fallen Soldiers Memorial. There is a pathway connecting it to the Queenstown Gardens. Enjoy the day at your leisure and get rested up for the second half of the tour! Overnight Queenstown. (B)

Day 10 - We have a long drive ahead of us as we make our way to the West Coast of New Zealand. Today will be mostly about breathtaking vistas along the coast as we make our way to Franz Josep Village. As we start out, we make our way through the Mount Aspiring National Park to Fantail Falls. This is a beautiful and easily accessible waterfall which drops into the crystal clear Haast River. We then stop at the Gates of Haast, a series of rapids on the Haast River reminiscent of the Falls of Dochart in Scotland. We will Stop for Lunch in Haast situated in the heart of Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. After lunch we stop at Ship Creek for a Spectacular Walk through the Dunes for a real taste of the Wild West Coast and the Tasman Sea! We will also stop at Knights Point Lookout for more stunning views. We will continue our west coastal drive all the way to Franz Josep Village where we get checked into our accommodation before dinner. The small but lively Franz Josef village is surrounded by lush rainforest with the high snow-capped Alps above. Dinner and Overnight Franz Josep Glacier. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - Put on your hiking boots this morning as today we will take in Fox Glacier and also Franz Josep Glacier at the Aoroki/Mount Cook National Park. Glacier Country is located amongst the untamed natural wilderness of the West Coast of the South Island. From the Highest Mountains, Largest Glaciers, Rainforests, Dramatic Beaches and everything in between, Glacier Country is spectacular! We will drive to the parking area for a hike into see Fox Glacier. We will follow the south bank of the Fox River through ancient podocarp rainforest. The track heads gently up the valley crossing ancient glacial moraine surfaces, with the forest reflecting the various ages of the glacier moraines which it has colonised. The first viewpoint of the glacier is reached after approximately 40 minutes walk. Then the track winds gently downhill through the rainforest for approximately 10 minutes to a view point of Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe. We then stop in Fox Glacier Village for you to find some lunch. The village is tucked discreetly into the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, it has a stunning outlook across surrounding farms and offers breathtaking views of New Zealand’s two highest peaks, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. After lunch we visit Franz Joseph Glacier which is an easy hike along a wide river stone track. The hike finishes with a short climb to the viewing area, where you can see the icy wonderlands. Dinner and Overnight Franz Joseph Glacier. (B,D)

Day 12 - Today we take we continue our beautiful coastal drive north along the Tasman Sea and then head inland to the Hokitika Gorge where we walk along a track through dense hardwood forest before emerging onto a viewing platform. From here you can look down to the stunning Hokitika Gorge and out to the lush farmland of Kowhitirangi. We will walk along curving boardwalks to reach a swing bridge where there are excellent views of the blue-green waters of the Hokitika River as it makes its way through the rock sided Hokitika Gorge. We then cross the swing bridge and in a few minutes through the bush we find another viewing platform looking out to the gorge upstream of the bridge. We then make our way into Hokitika, one of New Zealand's Hidden Gems, nestled on the edge of the Tasman Sea. It has more galleries and studios per capita than anywhere in New Zealand. There are some lovely old buildings on the town’s historic walk and you will see many galleries specializing in Pounamu Jewellery and Art Works, Gold Jewellers, Wood Turners and Potters. We then make our way to Greymouth where we will have lunch. Greymouth is a town with history of Jade Hunting, Gold Mining and Dramatic River Floods. After lunch make our way further along the Tasman Sea Coastal Drive to the Pancake Rocks and Blow Holes at Dolomite Point near Punakaiki, one of the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast with good reason, they really do look like pancakes! The 'pancakes' are a heavily eroded limestone area where the sea bursts through several vertical blowholes. Dinner and Overnight Westport. (B,L,D)

Day 13 - This morning we make start our journey to Marahau on the Northwest Coast. Our drive will take us through the Victoria Forest Park, the Nelson Lakes National Park and the Richmond Hill Forest Park with a few stops along the way. We first stop at the Buller Gorge Swingbridge spanning over 300 feet across the Buller Gorge and suspended 60 feet above the mighty Buller River providing some awesome view up the river! We next stop at the captivating Maruia Falls, formed as a result of the 1929 Murchison Earthquake forcing the Maruia River to cut a new channel over an old river bank. Able to be heard before they are seen, the sound of water plummeting into the deep pools below provide forewarning of the majestic waterfall that awaits at the base of the track. The rocky open riverbed provides an unobstructed view of one of New Zealand’s Must See Waterfalls. We will stop in Murchison for Lunch before we stop at the Kawatiri Historic Railway Walk which follows a short section of the former railway line that ran from Nelson towards Murchison. The track crosses an Old Rail Bridge before passing through a train tunnel built in 1923. We then make our way to Marahau to get settled in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Marahau. (B,L,D)

Day 14 - Marahau with its lovely beach is the main gateway into the Abel Tasman National Park. Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's Smallest National Park, but it is an easily-accessible coastal paradise. Crystal clear streams tumble down mossy valleys to join the ocean. Granite and marble formations fringe the headlands, which are cloaked in regenerating native forest. At Te Puketea Bay, a perfect crescent of golden sand, a walking track leads up Pitt Head to an Ancient Maori Pa fort site. We will have our own Private Catamaran Cruise with a full day charter in the Abel Tasman National Park where we could expect to see many secluded coves, golden sand beaches, pristine waters and native wildlife. We will have time to explore the many tidal lagoons, stop and enjoy one of the many secluded beaches, or stretch our legs with a small walk in the national park. We may want to stop at the iconic Split Apple Rock, visit a Fur Seal Colony and go ashore at Anchorage Beach, a great spot for our Picnic Lunch. The day is entirely up to us and we will be provided with a picnic lunch to enjoy in the national park. The end of the day finds us returning to Marahau for you to do some exploring on your own and find some dinner. Overnight Marahau. (B,L)

Day 15 - This morning we make our way along Tasman Bay to Nelson with many coastal stops along the way. We will stop Kaiteriteri loved for its turquoise water and golden sand beach, so a walk along the beach is in order! We will also stop in Motueka to walk along the beach and see the Wreck of the Janie Seddon. The Janie Seddon vessel was built in 1901 and some say it fired the first shots of WW2. After the war, it was sold as a fishing trawler in 1947 to Talley’s Fisheries, but it had a short life in fishing so it was sold to a Christchurch company for scrap, but the steel was too hard to cut up and utilized, and the vessel was towed and beached in Motueka and it remains there in the water forever. At low tide, you can hop close to the shipwreck on the rocks put into the wet sand to have a better view to it. After another lovely beach along Moutere Inlet we stop at Seifried Family Winemakers for Lunch and Wine Tasting. From the beautiful Waimea Plains come the inspired and innovative wines of the South Island's Oldest Family Winery with Hermann and Agnes at the helm along with their 3 children. And home to the fabulous Sweet Agnes Riesling - New Zealand's most awarded dessert wine! Just on the outskirts of Nelson we find the Broadgreen Historic House, a charming cottage beautifully furnished and restored to show family life in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The house was built in 1855 for Mr and Mrs Edmund Buxton and their six daughters and is an excellent example of early colonial cob construction and how people live 150 years ago. Dinner and Overnight Nelson. (B,L,D)

Day 16 - Nelson, a port city is located on an inlet at the head of Tasman Bay, at the mouth of the Matai River. A local guide will take us on a City Walking Tour with highlights including a visit to Lord of the Rings Ringmaker Jens Hansen, Nelson Cathedral, the Centre of New Zealand View, along with the stunning beauty of The Queens Gardens, the Maitai River Walk, Nelson Provincial Museum and The Suter Art Gallery. Along the walk we will see fabulous examples of art deco, colonial and modern architecture, and sculptures that are discovered as we meander through this extraordinary city. After some free time to explore further we will meet up for a Cruise Nelson Harbour Lunch Cruise taking in the sights of the very unique naturally made Boulder Bank, Historic Lighthouse, the Region's Fishing Boats, and viewing the prestigious houses lining the Port Hills. While cruising we will enjoy the best of fresh local cuisine while cruising on the water with a fully serviced meal while we relax onboard. Then the rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to enjoy all the delights that Nelson has on offer. Overnight Nelson. (B,L)

Day 17 - This morning we start our journey to Kaikoura, one of our favourite destinations. We will stop to take in the Cullen Point Track, a short scenic walk leading to a Cullen Point Lookout, giving views of Mahau Sound, as well as Kaituna and Pelorus Estuaries. Our next stop is Picton, a picturesque port town in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. Built around a very sheltered harbour, the town has an attractive seafront dotted with cafés, restaurants, speciality shops and various types of galleries. There’s also a floating maritime museum and an aquarium. We will take some time for a wee wander before then make our way through the Mount Richmond Forest Park toward Blenheim where we find the Marlborough Wine Growing Region of New Zealand. We must have at least one wine experience in the Marlborough Region, so we will visit the Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen. We will have Afternoon Tea on the Sunny Courtyard amongst the vines before stepping up to the tasting counter to discover the diversity of Saint Clair with a large selection of award winning wines. From here we make our way to Kaikoura along the coastline to get checked into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner Overnight Kaikōura. (B,L,D)

Day 18 - Today will be spent in and around Kaikōura. The Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range provides a dramatic backdrop to the town centre located on the east side of a small peninsula extending out into the South Pacific Ocean. This stunning view alone captivates those who visit Kaikoura. First thing this morning we take a Kaikoura Whale Watch Cruise where Giant Sperm Whales are present all year. We may also encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins the Wandering Albatross. Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales are also visible depending upon the season. The world’s largest dolphin, the Orca or Killer Whale (yes this is actually a dolphin!) can be spotted, as well as the world’s rarest and smallest dolphin – the Hector. We then return to Kaikoura where you can find some lunch and have a wee wander. After lunch we take an Albatross Encounter Tour where you'll meet one of the greatest varieties of seabirds and pelagic birdlife you'll find anywhere in the world. It's just a 15- minute ride out, during which you'll be treated to spectacular views of the stunning Kaikoura Coast. On the tour you will encounter many species of Albatross from the Great Albatross to the Wanderings and Royals, the Smaller Albatross known locally as the Mollymawk, the Salvin's, White-Capped, Black-Browed and the Buller. Dinner and Overnight Kaikoura. (B,D)

Day 19 - This morning we make our way to Christchurch with a side trip to Hamner Springs, New Zealands Alpine Spa Village. Make sure you have your bathing suit as we make our way to the Aqua Therapy Pools! Each of the three pools uses different fundamentals of Aqua Therapy. One features tumbling waterfalls and water spouts, the second has a series of massaging water jets, and the third has powerful water and air jets. After a relaxing dip we will take some time to wande this delightful village before meeting up for Afternoon Tea at Isobel's. We will also stop at Breedenbroek Gardens featuring Four Broad Herbaceous Borders sheltered by High Hornbeam Hedges and Formal Box- Hedged Rose Beds linked by Arches. Bay hedges enclose a potager garden and beyond, a small orchard is planted with various fruit trees. A natural creek meanders through the garden flowing into a large informal pond the bank is planted with Gunnera, Iris, Arum Lilies and the red stemmed Cornus Siberica. A board walk leads you around the pond and through a native area. The we are off to Christchurch where we get settled into our accommodation before heading to Ko Tāne for a Māori Cultural Experience with a Hāngī Dinner, set in native bush surroundings. Dinner and Overnight Christchurch. (B,L,D)

Day 20 - We absolutely fell in love with Christchurch and the resiliency of its inhabitants! It is hard to imagine how a city so ravaged by earthquakes can still retain such beauty and instill such a feeling of peace! Christchurch is one of the world’s most unique destinations with the central city filled with cutting-edge architecture alongside some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand. The Avon River intersects the city, bringing a natural landscape to the urban environment. We will take a Tram City Tour to familiarize ourselves with the city. The journey takes you to the appropriate stops for Punting on the Avon, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour and the Gondola Shuttle bus. Some of the sights to see on the 17 stop route are Cathedral Junction, the Avon River, Gothic-style Arts Centre, the Canterbury Museum and New Regent Street. You will have a day long ticket to get off and on at your leisure throughout the day. You will have tickets to a must do Christchurch Adventure, the Gondola for a sightseeing experience that you’ll never forget! Soar suspended above the valleys as the birds fly beneath your cable car. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Christchurch cityscape, over the Canterbury Plains out to the mighty Southern Alps and the dramatic hills of Banks Peninsula. For something special this evening we are dining on the only Tramway Restaurant in New Zealand offering a unique way to view the inner city of Christchurch while enjoying a delicious evening dinner. This luxury air- conditioned, Colonial Style Dining Tram will treat us to the finest service, cuisine and beverages New Zealand has to offer! Dinner and Overnight Christchurch. (B,D)

Day 21 - March 6th - Return to Christchurch International Airport for the journey home.