“Experience the South Island in all its winter glory including one of the great railway journeys of the world – the 'TranzAlpine' through the spectacular, snow-covered Southern Alps and one of the most iconic NZ road journeys, through Arthurs Pass. Enjoy Christchurch sightseeing, a beach stay in Hokitika and an overnight in rural Methven. Then enjoy the alpine wonderland of Mount Cook with a special ‘Mid-Winter’ Christmas Dinner at the iconic Hermitage Hotel".
Home pick up return within Auckland metropolitan area (if applicable).
Services of Travelwise Holidays Tour Leader throughout.
Return airfare Auckland/Christchurch flying Air New Zealand.
Quality accommodation, share twin basis.
All cooked breakfasts, 2 x lunches and all dinners, including a special ‘Mid-Winter Christmas’ Dinner and glass of bubbles at the Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook.
Coach travel Hokitika/Methven/Mt Cook/Christchurch and airport transfers in Christchurch.
Sightseeing in Christchurch featuring city highlights with a visit to the Antarctic Centre and Mount Cavendish Gondola ride for spectacular views.
Scenic rail travel aboard the ‘spectacular TranzAlpine’ rail service Christchurch/Greymouth.
Drive iconic, Arthur’s Pass and enjoy lunch in Arthurs Pass village.
Visit Lake Tekapo and see the Church of Good Shepherd.
Stay in Methven resort and iconic Hermitage resort in Mt Cook Village.
Lunch at Barkers Geraldine.
THU 21 AUG - AUCKLAND/CHRISTCHURCH
Fly with Air New Zealand, depart 9.00am, arrive 10.25am. Visit the Antarctic Centre with lunch (own expense). Transfer to your hotel and this evening enjoy a Tram Car Welcome Dinner. Fable Hotel Christchurch. Stay 2 nights. Included: D
FRI 22 AUG - CHRISTCHURCH SIGHTSEEING
Morning sightseeing tour including city highlights and Christchurch Gondola ride. Afternoon is at leisure. Included: B, D
SAT 23 AUG - CHRISTCHURCH/HOKITIKA via TRANZ ALPINE RAIL Enjoy one of the great railway journeys in the world, Christchurch to Greymouth via the spectacular snow-covered Southern Alps. On arrival in Greymouth head South, down the coast to Hokitika for the night.
Beachfront Hotel Hokitika. Stay 1 night. Included: B, D
SUN 24 AUG – HOKITIKA/METHVEN
Depart Hokitika and drive one of the most iconic roads in New Zealand, Arthur’s Pass. Enjoy lunch in Arthurs Pass village at the Crafty Moa Cafe. Arrive in Methven, the gateway to New Zealand's best ski field. The Opuke Thermal Pools beckon. Methven Resort. Stay 1 night. Included: B, L, D
MON 25 AUG – METHVEN/MT COOK
Head to awe-inspiring Mount Cook village with a stop at Lake Tekapo and the Church of Good Shepherd for lunch. An iconic hotel, in a world-class destination. Hermitage Hotel. Stay 2 nights. Included: B, D
TUE 26 AUG – MT COOK
Spend the day in Mount Cook for local activities, maybe an optional helicopter ride. This evening enjoy a special ‘Mid-Winter Christmas Dinner’ and a glass of Bubbles at the Hermitage. Included: B, D
WED 27 AUG – MT COOK/AUCKLAND
Travel home from Mount Cook to Christchurch Airport with a lunch stop at Barkers in Geraldine. Fly Air New Zealand, departing 5.00 pm, and arriving 6.25pm in Auckland. Included: B, L
