Glacier & Sounds of Silence

Arrive in Christchurch, traversed by the pretty River Avon and dotted with parks and gardens. Glide past the delightful Botanic Gardens as you go punting on the river, a relaxed and tranquil experience. Nearby, the Canterbury Museum offers a fascinating insight into Maori culture and is also filled with numerous artefacts showcasing Christchurch’s history, heritage and art. To learn more, head to the International Antarctic Centre, where you can ride on a hagglund (an amphibious, all-terrain vehicle), experience a mock up Antarctic storm and meet the little blue penguins.

See the icy beauty of the Franz Josef Glacier up close on a walk through the verdant glacier valley, right up to the jagged formations of its terminal face. Follow the Waiho River and learn about the Maori myths and legends surrounding the glacier’s formation. With some great views and a relaxed pace, this is a fine way to experience this natural wonder. After your walk, it’s time to relax in the glacier hot pools, found among the ferns and trees of the rainforest. Here you’ll have your own private pool to refresh and rejuvenate.

Taste and sightsee around beautiful Queenstown, sampling the finest wines and admiring the beauty of the vineyards - you can even tour a wine cave. Queenstown’s fabulous location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with a snow covered mountain backdrop, is perfect for scenery gazing. Take the Skyline Gondola up above the town for fine views in all directions, then follow the walking or hiking trails. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the downhill luge tracks too.

Lakeside Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the beautiful Milford Sound. Here, the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves, which are accessed by boat, are a must-see. Gaze upwards to see the cave lit by the eerie light of thousands of glow worms, like green stars above you. There are plenty of walks and hikes to choose from in the area too, of varying length and difficulty. Take a scenic flight, hop in a jet boat, go fishing, kayaking or even diving in this natural wonderland.

Take a magical overnight cruise through the beauty and tranquillity of Doubtful Sound. Learn about the nature and wildlife you encounter, including fur seals, penguins and, if you are lucky, the resident pod of dolphins. The ship will moor in a sheltered cove where you can decide to explore in more detail by kayak, on the tender boat or just chill out on deck. For the brave you can even go for a refreshing swim, although remember that the water temperature rarely goes above 10 degrees centigrade.

Return to Te Anau for another night before continuing your Journey. Perhaps visit the popular Redcliff Café for a meal in the large outdoor patio, watching the sun setting behind the mountains.

Immerse yourself in the panoramic scenery of Wanaka, including the snowy peaks and icy glaciers that surround beautifully blue Lake Wanaka, and various scenic Lord of the Rings filming locations. If you ever tire of the views, head down to the fascinating Puzzling World and become part of the optical illusions yourself, or even try out the super -quirky Cinema Paradiso, where you can catch the latest blockbuster while sipping hot chocolate and sitting on a comfy sofa or in an old Morris Minor.

Drive back up the scenic route to Christchurch, where you’ll have one final night to look back on your New Zealand adventure.