Christchurch - Dunedin - Stewart Island - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Larnach Castle and Gardens
Located on the Otago Peninsula, with its exciting, sometimes scandalous and tragic history, magnificent carved ceilings, New Zealand antiques and breathtaking views, Larnach Castle offers you a vision of the past and present. Today, the Castle is the home of the Barker family, who have spent over forty years lovingly restoring the building and recreating the beauty of the 14 hectares of gardens and grounds.
Stewart Island Ferry
Travel in comfort and style with a return trip on the luxury catamaran from Bluff across the Foveaux Strait to Oban on Stewart Island. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee on board, with informative commentary from the crew on the one hour crossing.
Wild Kiwi Encounter
At dusk cruise across Half Moon Bay to Little Glory Cove for an evening walk with an experienced nature guide through the forest to find the Tokoeka (Southern Brown Kiwi), which is only found on Stewart Island, as well as fiordland and Westland on the South Island of New Zealand. The walk takes about 2 hours on a fairly uneven, and at times muddy track, so a reasonable fitness level is required.
Ulva Island Explorer Trip
From Oban take a cruise on Paterson Inlet and out to Ulva Island, a nature reserve renowned for the variety and abundance of it's bird life. Your nature guide will point out rare flora, and identify the local birds that seem totally at ease with the passing humans on the track, due to the lack of natural predators in the sanctuary.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Your Te Anau Glowworm Cave adventure begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the western side of the lake. Upon arrival at Cavern House our friendly guides invite you to accompany them underground in small groups. As you explore by path and small boat, your senses will be overwhelmed. Observe how the rushing water sculpts the rock formations, before gliding through silent darkness to the glowworm grotto. The delicate incandescence of thousands of tiny glowworms is a magical site.
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
What better way to enjoy the "eighth wonder of the world" than an overnight cruise. Milford's character changes as darkness approaches and you wake next morning in a pristine world of towering bush clad mountains and distant glaciers. Without doubt this will be a unique and memorable highlight of your New Zealand holiday. The Milford Mariner brings a high degree of comfort to overnight cruising whilst maintaining Real Journeys informal and relaxed atmosphere. The perfect combinations to best enjoy Milford Sound. Accommodating only 60 passengers in twin or double ensuite cabins the vessel offers spacious viewing decks, observation lounge and dining saloon. In addition to a leisurely cruise the full length of Milford Sound there are opportunities for sea kayaking, exploring onshore and excursions in the tender vessels with an overnight anchorage in Harrison Cove. Dinner is a generous buffet with a hearty cooked breakfast in the morning.
TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak Peak Evening Dining
Go back in time on this return trip to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. On disembarking, you'll be escorted through the beautiful lakeside gardens to the charming Colonel's Homestead. Here you'll enjoy a Gourmet BBQ dinner which your chef will prepare in front of you. The seasonal menu includes an expansive array of local produce, including succulent meats cooked on the outdoor rotisserie and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Finish your meal with an irresistible dessert, New Zealand cheeses and freshly brewed tea and coffee. After dinner, an entertaining and informative demonstration gives you a glimpse of life in the high country. On your cruise home, enjoy the camaraderie of a singalong with the ship's pianist or breathe in the fresh night air as you watch the lights of Queenstown draw nearer.
