11 Day Signature South Island Christmas

This morning visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. Feel the chill of the Antarctic storm room, take a ride on the Hagglund all-terrain vehicle, see the little blue penguins and be astonished within the immersive 4D theatre. Afterward embark on a city tour of Christchurch discovering its rich history and culture. This afternoon, enjoy a leisurely ride aboard the Christchurch Tram. This evening is free to explore Christchurch’s culinary scene. Staying in Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel 4.5 Star Accommodation Standing amongst the buzz of the rejuvenated Cathedral Square, the Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. This 11 storey, 4.5 star hotel offers elegant rooms which combine luxury and relaxation for all holidaymakers. These spacious air-conditioned hotel rooms include the latest technology as well as double glazed windows to ensure a restful night’s sleep. An ensuite bathroom with shower over bath and complimentary Distinction toiletries. Meals included: Breakfast

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier 4 Star Accommodation Only a breath away from the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier, in the heart of the village and edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, lies the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier offering everything you need to explore this dramatic region in style and comfort. The professional and friendly staff pride themselves on making your stay enjoyable and comfortable. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty. Continue to picturesque Queenstown, situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year-round resort. Staying in Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights) 4 Star Plus Accommodation Right in the heart of the action, Millennium Hotel Queenstown is just minutes from Queenstown central shopping and entertainment district, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Gardens. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is a 4-star plus and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel. All rooms at Millennium Hotel Queenstown are designed for complete relaxation with its inviting bed and cosy ambience, it’s a good nights rest for sure. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Merry Christmas! Today board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy a gourmet Christmas lunch and the best of NZ’s high-country cuisine at the Colonel’s Homestead. Reboard the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a sing along by the piano on your return cruise to Queenstown. This evening is free to dine at leisure. Staying in Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown 4 Star Plus Accommodation Right in the heart of the action, Millennium Hotel Queenstown is just minutes from Queenstown central shopping and entertainment district, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Gardens. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is a 4-star plus and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel. All rooms at Millennium Hotel Queenstown are designed for complete relaxation with its inviting bed and cosy ambience, it’s a good nights rest for sure. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. This innovative museum is heavily involved in the protection of the historic buildings scattered around town. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional). Staying in Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau (2 nights) 4 Star Accommodation Conveniently located in the heart of Te Anau’s town shopping centre and a short stroll from the South Island’s largest lake - Lake Te Anau. Escape into the serene surroundings of Distinction Luxmore Hotel before heading out to explore the world-famous beauty of Fiordland including Milford Sound. Stay in rooms which are well appointed and modern with a Fiordland interior design theme. The hotel offers an excellent standard of service and the team at Distinction Luxmore will make your stay in Te Anau comfortable and enjoyable. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional). Staying in Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau 4 Star Accommodation Conveniently located in the heart of Te Anau’s town shopping centre and a short stroll from the South Island’s largest lake - Lake Te Anau. Escape into the serene surroundings of Distinction Luxmore Hotel before heading out to explore the world-famous beauty of Fiordland including Milford Sound. Stay in rooms which are well appointed and modern with a Fiordland interior design theme. The hotel offers an excellent standard of service and the team at Distinction Luxmore will make your stay in Te Anau comfortable and enjoyable. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, famous for its stunning Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating back to the gold rush of the 1800s. Enjoy a city tour before travelling along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea and take time to wander around this Garden of International Significance. Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Dunedin City 4.5 Star Accommodation Positioned in the heart of the city and just blocks from the Octagon, Scenic Hotel Dunedin City is within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions, great restaurants and shopping centres. This stylish hotel has a fresh contemporary design, with clean lines and dramatic features softened by natural elements such as timber and neutral tones. The attention to style, quality, convenience and service is evident throughout the hotel. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you continue to marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay. Staying in Hotel Distinction Mackenzie Country 4 Star Accommodation Located in the heart of the Mackenzie region, a unique area of New Zealand’s South Island where mountains meet the riverbeds sits a true country oasis. The Distinction Mackenzie Country features natural stonework and architecture that beautifully reflects and compliments the surrounding landscape. The hotel offers comfortably furnished guest rooms all featuring their own private balcony or patio from which to soak in the glorious mountain views. Featuring natural stone, roaring fires and expansive lawns, the Distinction Mackenzie Country is the ultimate place to unwind after a day experiencing the activities and sights the region has to offer. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water. You will also view the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue, iconic landmarks of the Mackenzie region. Arrive in the elegant city of Christchurch. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner. Staying in Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel 4.5 Star Accommodation Standing amongst the buzz of the rejuvenated Cathedral Square, the Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. This 11 storey, 4.5 star hotel offers elegant rooms which combine luxury and relaxation for all holidaymakers. These spacious air-conditioned hotel rooms include the latest technology as well as double glazed windows to ensure a restful night’s sleep. An ensuite bathroom with shower over bath and complimentary Distinction toiletries. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner, Speciality Dinner