Dunedin

Embark on an unforgettable two-day journey from Dunedin to Christchurch, 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 – January 31, 2026

Begin your adventure in Dunedin, renowned for its preserved Victorian architecture, dramatic hills and a rugged coastline. Travel along the picturesque east coast, where you'll be treated to breathtaking ocean views. Your first major stop is 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.

Continue your journey inland 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 heading towards the Otago Highlands. As you ascend into the highlands, you'll be surrounded by vast, open landscapes and panoramic views of the Southern Alps.

Stop at the Benmore Dam, one of New Zealand's largest earth dams, where you can admire the engineering marvel and enjoy the stunning scenery. The journey continues through the quaint town of Twizel, a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and the gateway to the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Arrive at Lake Tekapo, a picturesque alpine lake renowned for its striking turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop. Check into your hotel and unwind amidst the serene natural beauty. For those who are eager to explore, Lake Tekapo offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and cycling.

As night falls, the clear skies over Lake Tekapo offer some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world. The ambitious can stay up late to marvel at the stunning celestial display in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, where the lack of light pollution provides an unparalleled view of the stars and constellations.

Day 2 – February 1, 2026

Start your day with a visit to the charming town of Fairlie, known for its warm hospitality and delicious local fare. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local café, where you can savor freshly baked goods and the famous Fairlie Bakehouse pies. Take a moment to explore the town's quaint shops and enjoy the picturesque surroundings before setting off on your journey.

Travel through the fertile Canterbury Plains, a region renowned for its lush farmland and expansive vistas. The plains are characterized by their famous braided rivers, where intertwining channels create a unique and mesmerizing landscape. This area is the heartland of New Zealand's agriculture, producing a diverse array of crops and livestock.

Stop in Ashburton, a vibrant town with a rich history and strong aviation heritage. Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Ashburton Aviation Museum, which boasts one of the finest collections of vintage aircraft in New Zealand. The museum showcases a fascinating array of aircraft, from early biplanes to modern jets, providing a captivating insight into the evolution of aviation.

After exploring the museum, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of Ashburton's local eateries, where you can sample regional specialties and relax in a welcoming atmosphere. Take a stroll through the town center, where you can browse local shops and perhaps pick up a souvenir to commemorate your visit.

Continue your journey northward to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. Upon arrival, embark on a city tour to explore the dynamic and resilient city that has emerged from the devastating 2011 earthquake. Visit the Christchurch Cathedral, an iconic symbol of the city's heritage, and witness its remarkable restoration efforts. Discover the innovative new architecture and urban spaces that have revitalized the city, blending modern design with historical charm.

Stroll through the beautiful Botanic Gardens, a green oasis in the heart of the city, and take a punt along the tranquil Avon River. Visit the vibrant Re:Start Mall, an innovative shopping area created using repurposed shipping containers, and explore the diverse range of shops, cafes, and galleries that reflect the city's creative spirit.

Conclude your day by joining your ship for the next leg of your journey. As you reflect on the experiences of the past two days, you'll appreciate the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences that have made this adventure truly unforgettable.

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

8:00am Disembark the ship in Dunedin, scenic drive to Moeraki Boulders

10:30am Arrive Moeraki Boulders

11:15am Depart for Oamaru

11:45am Lunch in Oamaru

12:45pm Depart for Benmore Dam

1:45pm Arrive Benmore Dam

2:15pm Depart for your hotel with scenic stops at lakes and historic sites

5:00pm Check in to your hotel

Evening at hotel with dinner

Overnight at Peppers Bluewater Resort or similar hotel

DAY 2

8:45am Check out

9:00am Depart for Fairlie, breakfast at local cafe

9:45am Free time in Fairlie township

10:15am Depart for Geraldine

11:00am Arrive Geraldine

11:45am Depart for Ashburton

12:15pm Lunch in Asburton and Aviation Museum visit

2:00pm Scenic drive to Christchurch with city tour

4:50pm Arrive at the port of Christchurch and re-board 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.

Discover the South Island’s immense natural beauty and historic landmarks by driving through unspoiled parkland, exploring gold-rush towns, cruising to Walter Peak and even visiting a glow worm cave.

Day 1 –

Disembark the in ship in Dunedin and meet your guide. Dunedin, the South Island’s second largest city, was settled by a Scottish contingent and as such, the city proudly celebrates its Scottish heritage, fondly being referred to as the Edinburgh of the South. The city has a large number of fine Edwardian stone buildings, including the stunning Railway Station and is also blessed with a generous green belt and beautiful harbor which adds to the city’s appeal. Your tour begins with a drive through this historic and scenic town.

Continuing on from Dunedin, travel through the countryside and past a string of beautiful little towns.

From jaw dropping views and quaint villages to something to tantalize the taste buds, there is just enough time to squeeze in a wine tasting and lunch at one of the local wineries. The Central Otago region has been rated amongst the top three in the world for Pinot Noir as well as being lauded for its Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay varieties.

Next you will visit Arrowtown which is a living historic settlement with many stories to tell. Spend some time in the excellent museum or wandering the tree-lined streets filled with restored cottages and explore gold mining sites.

Leaving Arrowtown, we drive the scenic back road into Queenstown where you may have some free time to explore the town.

In the evening, you will get a taste of just what makes Queenstown so special as you board the TSS Earnslaw, a 112-year-old steamship. Cruise to the Walter Peak Station on the opposite side of the lake to one of New Zealand’s most famous high-country sheep stations. The group will dine on a gourmet barbecue dinner in the original homestead and get a taste of farm life as you watch sheep shearers and sheep dogs in action.

The Earnslaw, fondly dubbed ‘The Lady of the Lake’ will then return you to town for the night.

Overnight in Queenstown, a year-round resort town on the shores of Lake Wakatipu fringed by majestic mountain ranges.

DAY 2

After breakfast depart for Te Anau following the scenic east side of Lake Whakatipu and passing through the small rural, settlements of Kingston, Garston, Athol and Mossburn.

When we arrive in Te Anau, you will board a boat, this time for a journey across Lake Te Anau, and after arriving at the western shore will go underground where you will enter a magical network of caves lit by hundreds of tiny glow-worms. A picnic lunch will be served as part of this trip.

NOTE: Inside the caves the temperature is a fairly constant 8 - 12º Celsius, so bring a warm sweater or fleece jacket. At the entrance to the caves there is a large rock overhang and bending is required to pass this section.

There are steps and often the walkways are wet, so care is required in the subdued light. For this reason, this tour is not suitable for guests who utilize a wheelchair or for those with walking difficulties.

Photography and video filming are not permitted inside the cave.

Rated amongst the most spectacular drives in the world, the coach trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound will give you a real appreciation of the drama and sheer size of the 1.2 million-hectare Fiordland National Park.

Equally as inspiring is the manmade wonder of The Homer tunnel through which the group will travel. Forging through sheer rock with a gradient of 1 in 10, the project was started in 1935 by five men using only picks and wheelbarrows. Due to the extreme working conditions, avalanches and the intervention of World War 2, the job wasn’t finally finished until 1954.

Finally, the group arrives in Milford Sound and will be whisked by ferry back to the awaiting ship. Guests will re-board the ship via the tender platform.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details and the timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. 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

7:45am Depart Port Chalmers for a brief Dunedin city tour

12:45pm Arrive at a vineyard for lunch and tasting

2:30pm Depart for Arrowtown for a short stroll through the town and museum visit

4:00pm Depart for Queenstown

4:35pm Arrive Queenstown hotel to check in and free time

6:30pm Meet in the hotel reception for your transfer to the Steamer Wharf and board TTS Earnslaw

7:00pm Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak

8:00pm Dinner and sheep and dog demonstration

11:00pm Return to your hotel

Day 2

7:00am Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and check out

8:30am Depart for Te Anau

11:00am Arrive Te Anau

11:15am Board boat and cross the lake to visit the Glow Worm Caves. Picnic lunch on route

2:00pm Depart for Milford Sound

4:30pm Arrive Milford and tender to the ship from Milford Wharf

Expected Weather:

New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. The warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are in June, July and August. Regardless, on any given day the weather and temperature can change unexpectedly and sometimes dramatically. You should be prepared for that possibility, particularly if you are engaging in outdoor activities.

Summer in Queenstown means long sunny days and fresh alpine air. The months of December through February are summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Daytime temperatures reach between 20°C and 30°C (68-86 °F) and Queenstown’s 45° south latitude means that dawn is as early as 5am, while dusk settles around 10pm.

What to Bring:

Dress is informal and relaxed. In summer, bring a jacket and sweater in case the weather turns cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so also include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing.

Local Currency:

New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travelers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded.

Electricity:

Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels and motels provide 110 volts ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. Please note that power outlets only accept angled two or three pin Type I plugs (as also used in Australia) depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. We recommend bringing your own travel adaptor for electric devices.

Luggage information:

For this overnight, 1 suitcase per person should suffice

Documents and Visa Requirements:

Guests must take their passports with them on the overland tour.

Hotel addresses:

Crowne Plaza

93 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Phone: +64 3-441 0095

*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:

•Accommodation for 1 night at Crowne Plaza (Lake view room)

•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

•Local ferry tender back to the ship in Milford Sound

Program Excludes for guests:

•Wines (other than where included with meals), liquors, mineral waters, morning or afternoon teas, non-filtered coffee, telephone calls, laundry charges or any items of a personal nature

•Meals, other than those shown in the inclusions above

•Items of a personal nature e.g. room service, laundry, phone calls, etc

•Gratuities to drivers and guides

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 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.