Mataī 10 Day South Island Coach Tour

Welcome to New Zealand!

On arrival in Christchurch, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a traditional punting experience along the Avon River, gliding past the leafy surroundings of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Afterwards, discover the city's heritage and evolving centre aboard a beautifully restored Christchurch Tram before settling into your hotel.

Board the TranzAlpine train for a spectacular journey across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps, passing the Waimakariri River's dramatic gorges and mountain scenery. Rejoin your coach at Arthur's Pass and continue to the West Coast. Stop in Hokitika, renowned for its pounamu (greenstone) craftsmanship, before travelling south through Franz Josef to Fox Glacier village.

Begin the day with a walk through native forest to Lake Matheson, famous for its reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman on clear, calm days. Continue south along the West Coast before travelling inland through Haast Pass and Mount Aspiring National Park. Follow forested valleys, rivers and alpine landscapes to the lakeside town of Wānaka, where you will spend the next two nights.

Discover Wānaka's remarkable natural landscapes with a choice of two included morning excursions, followed by an afternoon at leisure.

Option 1: Mou Waho Island Nature Walk and Lake Cruise. Cruise across Lake Wānaka to Mou Waho Island, a protected wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy a guided 3 km return walk to Arethusa Pool, a hidden lake above Lake Wānaka, with an optional climb towards the summit. Learn about local conservation efforts, participate in native tree planting and look for the island's resident buff weka.

Option 2: High Country Off-Road Adventure. Explore a working High Country farm on a guided off-road adventure. Travel along remote farm tracks through rugged mountain landscapes, discovering the region's farming history, historic sites and rural traditions. Enjoy views across alpine valleys and lakes, with opportunities for optional short walks.

Depart Wānaka and stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel before crossing the scenic Crown Range to Arrowtown, a charming former gold-mining settlement. Continue past Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables towards Te Anau. On arrival, enjoy a jet boat journey along the Waiau River towards Lake Manapouri, followed by a working farm visit featuring sheep-shearing and dog-mustering demonstrations.

Journey through Fiordland National Park along the spectacular Milford Road, passing glacial valleys, native forests and towering mountains. At Milford Sound, board a scenic cruise beneath the dramatic cliffs and iconic Mitre Peak, with opportunities to spot waterfalls, seals and dolphins. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your cruise before travelling back through Fiordland and continuing along Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown for a two-night stay.

Enjoy a full day to discover Queenstown at your own pace. Take in panoramic views from the Skyline Gondola, cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw or visit nearby wineries. For something more adventurous, consider a Shotover Jet ride, ziplining or white-water rafting. Alternatively, relax by the lake, explore the town's shops and cafés, or enjoy the surrounding alpine scenery.

Travel north through the rugged Kawarau Gorge and Central Otago before crossing Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Basin. Follow the shores of turquoise Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain. Enjoy time in Mount Cook Village, surrounded by dramatic alpine peaks and glacial landscapes, before continuing to Twizel for your overnight stay.

Begin the day with a visit to a local home overlooking Lake Tekapo, where you will learn the art of making traditional New Zealand pavlova and enjoy morning tea. Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd before travelling through the Mackenzie Country and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at a local Christchurch restaurant.

After breakfast, transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. Your Mataī Tour finishes in Christchurch. Additional accommodation or onward travel arrangements can be organised separately.