After breakfast, as morning light bathes the coastline, we journey south along the dramatic East Coast. Our route leads us to the charming Victorian town of Oamaru, where magnificent whitestone architecture tells tales of New Zealand’s colonial past. The town’s wonderfully preserved Victorian Precinct stands as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most complete collections of Victorian commercial architecture, with its elegant limestone buildings now housing artisan shops, galleries, and craft breweries.

Continuing south, we encounter one of nature’s most intriguing phenomena – the mysterious Moeraki Boulders. These perfectly spherical stones, scattered along Koekohe Beach like giant marbles left by ancient giants, are a remarkable sight. Each boulder, some weighing several tonnes and spanning up to 2 meters in diameter, began forming on the ancient seabed some 60 million years ago through a process similar to that of pearl formation.

By afternoon, we arrive in Dunedin, affectionately known as the “Edinburgh of the South.” This charming city, with its rich Scottish heritage, steep streets, and grand Edwardian architecture, offers plenty of time for relaxation and exploration. Wander through the Octagon, the city’s eight-sided heart, or perhaps stroll down one of the many characterful streets that radiate from this central hub.

 Visit: Christchurch, Oamaru, Moeraki Boulders, Baldwin Street, Dunedin

 Optional Activities: Speight’s Brewery Tour, Dunedin Train Station, Yellow-Eyed Penguin Tour

 Accommodation: Scenic Dunedin City or similar

 Meals Included: Breakfast

Perched on the Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle stands as New Zealand’s sole castle, a magnificent Victorian-era mansion that commands breathtaking views over Dunedin. We’ll spend our morning exploring its neo-Gothic architecture, wandering through its meticulously restored rooms filled with period furnishings and stories of the Larnach family’s dramatic history. The castle’s award-winning gardens, designated a “Garden of International Significance,” feature a stunning array of native and exotic plants across 35 acres.

From there, we’ll journey to Gore, where the fascinating Hokonui Moonshine Museum reveals a spirited chapter of New Zealand’s history. Here, you’ll discover how resourceful Scottish settlers perfected their illicit whisky-making craft in the late 1800s, evading authorities while preserving their Highland traditions. You’ll have the chance to sample Old Hokonui whisky, crafted from a closely guarded family recipe passed down through generations.

As day turns to evening, we’ll make our way to Te Anau, nestled on the edge of Fiordland National Park. This charming lakeside town serves as the perfect gateway to the pristine wilderness beyond, including the majestic Doubtful Sound.

 Visit: Gore, Te Anau

 Activity: Larnach Castle, Hokonui Moonshine Museum

 Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Te Anau (or similar)

 Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is yours to experience 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 a trip 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, or make your way to the bungy centre to watch people hurling themselves off cliffs, bungy is a NZ invention after all!

Alternatively, cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm, or simply make your way to the lakeside and enjoy a refreshing drink or stroll through Queenstown’s lush park. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy world-class food on this leg of our South Island bus tour.

 Optional Activities: Shotover Jet Boat, Skippers Canyon, Skyline Gondola, Earnslaw Cruise to Walter Peak

 Accommodation: Novotel Queenstown (or similar)

 Meals Included: Breakfast

Your coach travels north along the coast of the Westland National Park this morning, we’ll travel to the home of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. The West Coast is a remarkable part of the country, shaped by dynamic glaciers and home to lush rainforests that grow beneath towering mountains.

We’ll stop in Fox Glacier, where we can hike the gentle 2.6km track around Lake Matheson. Nestled amongst ancient forests and famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mount Tasman, Lake Matheson, aka Mirror Lake, is a serene and beautiful place to enjoy a stroll.

This evening, we’ll spend the night in the township of Franz Josef, surrounded by rainforests and mountains. Weather permitting, this is also your chance to book an optional scenic helicopter flight with a snow landing directly on the glacier, one of the standout highlights of the whole tour.

 Optional Activities: Scenic Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing (weather dependent)

This morning our bus tour of New Zealand’s South Island departs Franz Josef and travels north to the artistic town of Hokitika, famous for its beautiful Greenstone. We’ll visit the Greenstone and Glass-Blowing factory to see the work of some talented local artists before continuing to Greymouth, a historic town known for jade hunting and gold mining.

From Greymouth, we’ll board the TranzAlpine train, considered one of the world’s greatest one-day train journeys. Prepare to be blown away by epic vistas of forests, rolling plains, and the snow-capped Southern Alps! At the end of the journey, we’ll transfer to our hotel in Christchurch, where we’ll enjoy a farewell meal together on our final evening of the tour.

Today is the final day of the South Island tour, 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 some happy memories and friends for life.