Christchurch (Lyttelton)

Embark on an unforgettable two-day journey from Christchurch to Dunedin, exploring the stunning landscapes and cultural treasures of New Zealand's South Island. Spend one night at Lake Tekapo which is part of a UNESCO

Dark Sky Reserve making it the perfect spot for stargazing.

Day 1

Begin your adventure in Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island, known for its dynamic blend of modern design and historical charm. Start with a city tour, where you'll explore the resilient city that has been thoughtfully rebuilt after the 2011 earthquake. Visit the Christchurch Cathedral, witness its remarkable restoration efforts, and stroll through the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Experience the city's innovative urban spaces, such as the vibrant Re:Start Mall, and take a relaxing punt along the tranquil Avon River.

After your time in Christchurch, journey southward through the fertile Canterbury Plains, renowned for their lush farmland and mesmerizing braided rivers. Your first stop is Ashburton, a vibrant town with a rich history and strong aviation heritage. Here, you'll visit the Ashburton Aviation Museum, home to one of New Zealand's finest collections of vintage aircraft. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local eatery before continuing your journey.

Travel through the charming towns of Fairlie and Geraldine, known for their warm hospitality and picturesque surroundings. As you ascend into the highlands, you'll be surrounded by vast open landscapes and panoramic views of the Southern Alps.

Arrive at Lake Tekapo, a picturesque alpine lake famous for its striking turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop. After checking into your hotel, unwind amidst the serene natural beauty or explore the wealth of outdoor activities Lake Tekapo offers, such as hiking, kayaking, or cycling. As night falls, stay up late to marvel at the stunning celestial display in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, where the clear skies provide some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world.

Day 2

After breakfast, start your day with a scenic drive through the Otago Highlands, passing through the quaint town of Twizel, a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and the gateway to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Continue your journey to Benmore Dam, one of New Zealand's largest earth dams, where you can admire this engineering marvel and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Next, head to Oamaru, a charming town known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and thriving arts scene. Take some time to explore the local galleries, cafes, and shops before continuing towards the coast. Your journey then takes you to the famous Moeraki Boulders, a natural wonder consisting of large, spherical stones scattered across Koekohe Beach. These intriguing geological formations have captivated visitors for centuries with their unique shapes and mysterious origins.

Finally, travel along the picturesque east coast, with its breathtaking ocean views, before arriving in Dunedin. Renowned for its preserved Victorian architecture, dramatic hills, and rugged coastline, Dunedin offers a rich cultural experience. Conclude your day with a brief city tour (time permitting) before joining your ship for the next leg of your journey, reflecting on the stunning landscapes and cultural treasures you've experienced along the way.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

DAY 1

9:00am Disembark in Christchurch, city tour and drive to Ashburton

11:30am Lunch in Ashburton and Aviation Museum visit

1:00pm Depart for Geraldine

1:45pm Arrive Geraldine

2:15pm Depart for Fairlie

2:45pm Free time in Fairlie township

3:15pm Depart for accommodation with scenic stops at lakes and historic sites

4:00pm Check in to your hotel

Evening at hotel with dinner

Overnight at Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo or similar hotel

DAY 2

7:00am Breakfast at your hotel and check out

9:00am Depart for Benmore Dam

10:30am Time at Benmore Dam

11:00am Depart for Moeraki Boulders

12:45pm Lunch and time at Moeraki

2:00pm Scenic drive to Dunedin with scenic city tour (time permitting)

4:30pm Arrive at the port of Dunedin and re-embark the ship

Weather

New Zealand’s seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are June, July and August.

The mean daily temperature in January is 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit).

The mean daily temperature in February is 23 degrees Celsius (74 degrees Fahrenheit).

What to Bring

As it will be summer, light clothing is suggested. Also, bring sunscreen and a waterproof jacket. Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots.

Local Currency

New Zealand Dollars. US dollars are generally accepted only in establishments such as souvenir stores. However, credit cards are widely accepted. For small purchases, it is strongly suggested that local currency be used. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centers. All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels and motels provide 110- volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. Power outlets only accept angled two- or three-pin plugs (as also used in Australia) depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. For this reason, we recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.

Luggage information

For this overnight, 1 suitcase per person should suffice

Documents and Visa Requirements:

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required. Please bring it with you on this overland tour.

Hotel address:

Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo

State Highway 8, Lake Tekapo, 7945 New Zealand

Phone: 0064 3 680 7000

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests:

•One night at Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo or similar (One bedroom mountain view villa)

•Transportation by private vehicle with the services of an experienced English-Speaking driver-guide

•One breakfast, two lunches and one dinner (dinner and lunches include a choice of two glasses of house wine, local beer, soft drinks, bottled water, tea, coffee)

•All transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per program

Program Excludes for guests:

•Wines (other than when included with meals), liquors, mineral water, morning or afternoon tea, non-filtered coffee

•Meals, other than those shown in the inclusions above

•Gratuities to drivers and guides

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.