On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred by private car to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Perhaps visit the International Antarctic Centre or Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand’s only open-range zoo. This evening, join your Journey Director for Welcome Reception.

It’s all aboard the TranzAlpine train. Rated as one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys, you’ll travel in comfort across the Canterbury Plains through the Southern Alps. From Arthur’s Pass, visit the small town of Hokitika, the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast, and meet a local greenstone (jade) carver for a jewellery demonstration. Later we continue to Franz Josef. Your eco-friendly accommodation is set amid native bush, with an emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation. This evening, why not enjoy Franz Josef’s local geothermal hot pools or perhaps a massage?

After a relaxed start we explore this area, where a local guide explains the history behind the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. Later, you may want to get up close and personal with the glaciers on an optional helicopter flight. Your flight will hover over the snow face and may land high up in the valley so that you can walk across the ice fall – subject to weather conditions.

This morning it’s time for an adventure as we travel in a purpose-built fully enclosed river jet boat and journey down the Haast River. After a lunch stop at Makarora we head to Queenstown, taking time to stop to explore the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown on the Arrow River. The adventure-capital awaits you for your extended 3 night stay, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore it during an orientation tour when you arrive.

Today is your choice of sightseeing, you could join a wine tour, view The Lord of the Rings film locations and scenery of Queenstown and Glenorchy on a scenic tour or spend time having a relaxing massage in the spa.

Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Why not sit back and enjoy a peaceful cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station. Otherwise, you could simply relax, shop or enjoy time at one of the many cafés and restaurants while soaking up the alpine views. Tonight, enjoy a Local Dining Experience at one of Queenstown’s exclusive restaurants.

Travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake. Later you’ll travel through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges before driving through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to the amazing Mirror Lake. Afterwards, walk to see the Chasm on your way into Milford Sound. Tonight, stay at the magical Milford Sound Lodge, with views of the Cleddau Valley.

Wake up to the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound. Learn more about breathtaking Fiordland National Park with an informative talk by a local expert. Later, board the Southern Discoveries vessel for a half day exploration of Milford Sound, often called the ‘eighth natural wonder of the world’. Sail out to the Tasman Sea, looking for wildlife along the way, for a visit to the Underwater Observatory and the opportunity to go sea kayaking in Harrison Cove.

We leave the majestic Fiordland National Park for the fertile sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago. Travel through Te Anau known for its beautiful lake and on to the country musical town of Gore at lunchtime, before arriving in Dunedin, New Zealand’s southernmost city. Enjoy dinner tonight at Parcels Restaurant at your hotel.

This morning, join an exclusive tour of Larnach Castle. Your afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway or take a wildlife cruise of the Otago Peninsula.

Travel up the east coast of the South Island via Omarau and Timaru. Once back in Christchurch embark on a sightseeing tour of the city to learn about its rebirth after the devastating 2011 earthquake. This evening, toast your trip at a Celebration Dinner with your new-found friends and Journey Director.

Say farewell to your fellow travellers as your Inspiring Journey comes to an end and we transfer you to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.