Matai Tour

From Christchurch, traverse the Southern Alps aboard the famous TranzAlpine rail journey to Arthurs Pass. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps. On arrival in Arthurs Pass, reboard your coach to continue the journey to the West Coast. Pass through historic towns reaching Hokitika and its galleries specialising in pounamu (greenstone) jewellery and art works. Continue south through forests and farmland, with views of the Alps to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west, to Franz Josef, then on to the small remote village of Fox. The huge rivers of snow and ice of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers flow from vast snowfields high in the Southern Alps, down almost to sea level.

Travel onboard the TranzAlpine train with the Scenic Plus Carriage. When you take your Scenic Plus seat, you’ll be treated to more than sensational scenery. Hosted in an exclusive carriage, the Scenic Plus dining experience will fill your senses with the authentic flavours of rural New Zealand, inspired by the lands you see through your window. Cross the fertile Canterbury Plains then wind through the gorge of the Waimakariri River and climb into Arthur’s Pass National Park, a base for alpine sports, trekking and hunting. For lunch, enjoy a seasonal menu inspired by the mountains and rivers of the TranzAlpine train journey served on board in the Scenic Plus carriage. From the valleys of the snow-capped mountains, descend into the lush rainforests of Westland, to conclude the journey at the town of Greymouth.

Get ready to lift off in the safe hands of your pilot, gazing over staggering ice formations and rugged South Island terrain. Then you’ll touch down on the snowy glacial plains, inhale the mountain air and take snaps with your chopper before heading back to base. Duration is 20 minutes. The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are constantly moving. On this flight, which glacier we land on and where is dictated by daily movement of the ice formations and the weather patterns that these vast areas of ice impact.

Have your camera ready for your visit to nearby Lake Matheson for a morning stroll, when conditions are right the lake perfectly mirrors beautiful Mt. Cook in its still waters. Head over the Haast Pass along the river road beside the icy river and deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park. The atmosphere lightens as we reach lovely Lake Wānaka, reflecting the mountain peaks that in winter offer superb skiing, and the pretty resort town of Wānaka.

Explore the glacial icefalls of not one but two glaciers! Fly over both the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, soaring first over the townships and then following the ice flow high up into the upper reaches. Land in the snow at the head of one of the glaciers and survey the path the glacier has carved below you. Duration is 30 minutes with snow landing.

'Your Choice' day! This morning you have the choice of two excursions: A) Lake Cruise & Island Nature Walk. Join a passionate local eco-guide as you depart Wānaka by boat and cruise to the predator-free Mou Waho Island. From the beach landing, a walking track climbs steadily through native vegetation, alive with birdsong, leading to the island’s secret, a hidden lake, complete with its own tiny islands. The 3km return track is uneven in places however hiking poles are provided and the guide moves at the pace of the group, with breaks and seating at regular intervals. Upon reaching the lake you can relax or even swim, or choose to continue a little further to the summit for sweeping 360-degree views of Lake Wānaka, its surrounding mountains, and the Arethusa Pool below. Take part in the island’s future by planting a native tree, leaving your mark on this important conservation refuge. Predator-free sanctuaries like Mou Waho are vital for the protection of many birds including the Buff Weka. Thanks to a successful programme here, a thriving population has been established, and these charismatic, flightless birds often appear during your visit. B) Experience a rugged off-road adventure with a Kiwi twist. The perfect mix of incredible scenery, history, heritage, and farming life. Explore remote and seldom travelled back roads of an authentic New Zealand High Country farm overlooking sparkling Lake Wānaka. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glaciers and wild river valleys, you’ll see farm animals including Red Deer, cattle, and sheep, up close and in their natural environment. Visit historical sites and experience what life was like for Wānaka’s first farmers. With two optional walks through pristine alpine meadows and ancient lakeside forests, this journey offers a unique insight into Wānaka’s rich history, heritage, modern-day farming life and breath-taking scenery. This afternoon is at your leisure to relax or enjoy your own choice of activities.

Depart Wānaka, with your first stop at the much-photographed Cardrona Pub, before traversing the Crown Range Road to visit historic Arrowtown, a delightful gold rush village set below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River. Continue your journey via the road pinned between the base of the Remarkables mountain range and spectacular Lake Wakatipu. Journey through a glacial to formed valley that is now farmland, to reach Lake Te Anau, the largest (by volume) freshwater lake in the South Island and gateway to Fiordland National Park. On arrival in Te Anau, discover the wild beauty of Fiordland by jet boat. Journey from the glistening lakefront in Te Anau to the quiet banks of the Waiau River, travelling the waters as far as the deserted shores of Lake Manapouri. Experience a hidden world framed by solemn mountains and wild forest, steeped in natural beauty and rich in history. Visit a 220-acre working support farm, featuring a fully restored 100-year-old woolshed, for an authentic Southland experience. Meet a local farmer and gain insight into New Zealand’s agricultural heritage, and enjoy a sheep-shearing and dog-mustering demonstration.

Explore a mysterious underground world of rushing water, before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of hundreds of glowworms. Your excursion duration is approximately 2 hours. Your journey begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the western side of the lake. Upon arrival there is time to view informative displays at Cavern House before your experienced guides invite you to accompany them underground in small groups. As you explore by path and small boat, observe how the rushing water sculpts the rock formations before gliding through silent darkness to the glowworm grotto. The delicate incandescence of hundreds of tiny glowworms is a magical sight. Afterward, relax on your return cruise to Te Anau.

The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic experiences you can have on four wheels. Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. The scenery is spectacular with lofty mountains and deep valleys carved out by Ice Age glaciers. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound is breathtaking in any weather. Board a comfortable vessel for a cruise past towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea. Keep an eye peeled for seals and dolphins which are often seen in the waters of the fiord. Following the cruise, retrace your journey back to Te Anau, travelling via the Cleddeau Gorge, Homer Tunnel, and the lovely Eglinton Valley, then across the Southland farmlands and around spectacular Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown.

Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of Queenstown create the perfect backdrop for a visit full of adventure, exploration, or relaxation. Today is free for you to do your own thing: thrill-seekers may choose to zip-line at Bob’s Peak, get drenched on a Shotover jet-boat ride or go white-water rafting. Other enjoyable but less hair-raising activities include the gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak, or a 4WD safari to Skippers Canyon. Boutique wineries and local gardens welcome visitors, and the classic steamship TSS Earnslaw is an elegant way to discover Lake Wakatipu during a cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Enjoy a jetboat ride on crystal-clear water in a wild and picturesque landscape, amidst the towering peaks, glaciers and ancient forests of Mount Aspiring National Park. With unrivalled National Park access, the boats cover up to 90km of river; the longest jet boat ride in the region. This relaxed pace half-day tour is ideal for those looking to take their time and make the most of being in this phenomenal place. Your guides give you their authentic touch, sharing stories of the area’s rich history, the Greenstone trail and renowned Maori legends.

For those keen on The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films, join Nomad Safaris for an unexpectedly delightful journey. Enjoy a half-day tour that visits the spectacular backdrops to much of the action in 'The Lord of the Rings'. This tour is based around several of the specific sites where filming took place. These are real places - there are no film sets - they are areas of outstanding natural beauty. In safari-equipped 4WD vehicles, you will be taken on a true off-road adventure. Experienced guides will take you through diverse scenery around the Whakatipu Basin while providing an informative commentary along the way. See historic Arrowtown and go over the Arrow River, as well as experiencing the truly remarkable views from the Skippers Canyon Saddle. Some of the sites you will visit during this tour include 'The Ford of Bruinen' and 'The Pillars of the Kings'.

Nomad Safaris offers a complete 4WD tour into the historic Skippers Canyon. The Nomad Safaris Skippers Canyon adventure is a half-day heritage tour that follows the rugged and once treacherous Skippers Road. Travel the road that was hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley making this one of the most adventurous roads in the world. Enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery from high above the gorge. The Shotover River was known as the richest river in the world in the days of the gold miners. Gold is still being found today, therefore, you may get lucky and find a pot of gold.

Experience an indulgent and diverse full-day wine touring adventure showcasing the very best sights and tastes from the Central Otago region. Your experienced wine guide will lead you on a tasting journey, travelling in style in a luxury Mercedes-Benz minivan, through the three main contrasting wine sub-regions of Gibbston, Cromwell and the Bannockburn basin.

Join a small-group wine tour offering a great taste of Central Otago’s wine, history, sights and cuisine. Visit local wineries in the Gibbston Valley, Cromwell and Bannockburn areas to sample some of the excellent wines being produced in this area. Stop in for lunch at a vineyard restaurant and take a tour around the vineyard, barrel hall and see the wine-making facilities (weather permitting). Savour a delightful platter-style lunch made with locally sourced produce and accompanied by a flight of estate wines.

Steeped in Queenstown’s pioneering history, your experience commences with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the 1912 vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. This steamship is one of the last remaining fully functional coal-fired passenger ships in the southern hemisphere. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Station, one of the first farms set up in the region and still a working farm. In the ambience of the Colonel’s Homestead, enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ lunch which the chefs will prepare in front of you. After lunch, enjoy a quintessential Kiwi farm experience including a sheep shearing demonstration, or take a walk around the beautiful lakeside gardens before the cruise back to Queenstown.

Shotover Jet is the only company permitted to operate in the Shotover River Canyons. Enjoy a thrilling jetboat ride skimming over thrashing rapids in just inches of water through the narrow twisting gorges of the Shotover River. Experience the adrenaline rush as your driver skillfully whips the boat past rocky outcrops and skims around crags and boulders then hold on as the driver spins the boat in the 'trademark' Shotover Jet 360-degree spin.

For a dining experience like no other, cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the iconic 1912 vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. This steamship is one of the last remaining fully functional coal-fired passenger ships in the southern hemisphere. After enjoying the steamship journey and lake views, disembark at Walter Peak High Country Station, one of the first farms set up in the region and still a working farm. In the ambience of the Colonel’s Homestead, enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ dinner which the chefs will prepare in front of you. After dinner, enjoy a quintessential Kiwi farm experience including a sheep shearing demonstration. On the night-time cruise home, enjoy a sing-a-long with the ship’s pianist or breathe in the fresh night air on the deck as you watch the lights of Queenstown draw nearer.

Continue north through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, past pretty Lake Dunstan, and across the distinctive Central Otago countryside to the Lindis Pass. Descend into the unique Mackenzie Basin where the Southern Alps dominate the horizon. Take a beautiful drive along Lake Pukaki to Mt. Cook Village, home to New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki/Mt. Cook. We stay overnight in the rural town of Twizel.

This short scenic option is ideal if you’re looking for the opportunity to experience the thrill of a helicopter flight with incredible alpine views. Sweep through the rugged high country landscape of the Ben Ohau mountain range to a landing site in the mountains (snow is subject to seasons). Enjoy the fantastic vista from this alpine setting as you look out to the mountains and glaciers, and down the valleys that were carved out by glaciers centuries ago.

Experience 500 year old icebergs up close and join a guided excursion for a memorable encounter with New Zealand’s largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. Transfer into the Tasman Valley then take a guided 30-minute alpine walk learning about the flora along the way as well as the features and behaviour of the glacier before reaching the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. See towering ice cliffs and floating icebergs from the safety of a specially designed boat. Board a custom-built MAC Boat and cruise the lake with an experienced guide to explore icebergs and the terminal face of the glacier itself - see the ice melt and hear the moraine rocks splash into the murky waters. This will give a true perspective of how awesome the glacier is.

Visit a local home set on the shores of Lake Tekapo and learn the secrets of making a Pavlova, a truly Kiwi dessert! For morning tea, enjoy the taste of your pavlova as you drink in the views of this beautiful lake. View the Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand’s most-photographed spots; a tiny church set against a majestic backdrop of the Southern Alps. Pass across the high country’s tussock plains, through the small rural towns of Fairlie and Geraldine, and onto Ashburton. From here travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. This most English of New Zealand cities suffered a succession of terrible earthquakes in 2010/11. Post-earthquake the city combines urban regeneration and innovation with heritage, culture, and creativity. This is the final part of our journey together, so tonight we enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner at a local restaurant.