Arrive into Picton and spend some time in this pretty port town, gateway to the Marlborough Sounds. From here you can explore the Queen Charlotte Track, head out on the Sounds or join a winery tour. Escape Boutique Hotel provides the perfect location in which to stay.

 

Board the TranzCoastal train at lunchtime to Kaikoura, home of the whales. This scenic train journey follows the rugged Pacific coastline, backed by the Kaikoura mountain ranges. Hapuku Lodge is located just 10 minutes away from Kaikoura township and with a restaurant onsite you can settle in for the evening. The lodge offers complimentary transfers to and from the train station.

 

There is time this morning to see the whales or join a cultural tour before you continue your journey on the TranzCoastal to the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch. Weston House is a boutique bed and breakfast situated close to the town centre and all its attractions.

 

Join one of New Zealand’s most scenic rail journeys today onboard the TranzAlpine to Arthur’s Pass and your home for the next 2 nights,Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass. With a range of complimentary guided nature activities you will be able to thoroughly explore this stunning National Park.

 

Back onboard the TranzAlpine this afternoon, head to Greymouth where you will be met by your guide from Kea Heritage Tours for the start of your 4 day guided Te Ara Pounamu- Ancient Greenstone Trail. Your journey begins along the Coastal Highway to Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks where you’ll stay overnight.

 

Journey south to visit a jade gallery and admire carvers at work in Hokitika before continuing on to Franz Josef.Walk part of the ancient Maori coastal trail and hear the legend of Hukatere and the creation of the Franz Josef Glacier.

 

Enjoy a guided exploration of the world renowned Fox Glacier where you may choose to join a thrilling Heli-hike (at extra cost). Travel south to Bruce Bay, visit Ship Creek and enjoy the coastal dunes walk before settling into your accommodation for tonight in Haast.

 

Travel inland and follow the old Maori trail down the Makarora Valley. A walk to the brilliant Blue Pools connects you to the old Maori trails through the TeWahi Pounamu World Heritage Area. Journey over the Crown Ranges to Queenstown where your adventure ends with the Maori legend of the lake. The Dairy is the perfect place to rest and recharge whilst you discover some of the delights of Queenstown over the next few days.

 

After a scenic drive by luxury coach from Queenstown to Manapouri, cruise across the clear waters of Lake Manapouri and continue by coach to Deep Cove. Board the Fiordland Navigator and witness stunning waterfalls, abundant wildlife, rainforest and mountains. Enjoy kayaking and excursions by tender vessels to explore the coastline before dropping anchor overnight in one of Doubtful Sound’s hidden arms.

 

Following breakfast, there is time for further cruising before returning to Deep Cove and retracing your journey back to Queenstown for one more night at The Dairy.

 

You will be picked up this morning and taken to Clyde and the start of your Rail Trail. Over the next few days you will discover the historic and remote landscape of Central Otago as you cycle on the Rail Trail from Clyde to Middlemarch.With the rest of the day on your own you are free to explore as you cycle past vineyards and over an old wooden trestle bridge on the ride to Alexandra where you will stay overnight.

 

Cycle to Galloway Station and on Chatto Creek this morning. After lunch at the Chatto Creek Tavern, cycle up Tiger Hill and then it’s down hill all the way to Omakau. Explore the local sites of interest and the historical gold mining town of St Bathans before dinner at the Omakau Commercial Hotel.

 

Ride through the beautiful Poolburn gorge and the vast open expanse of the Ida Valley farmlands past the Idaburn dam. Visit Hayes Historic EngineeringWorks and after lunch continue on toWedderburn where you will stay overnight at Wedderburn Lodge and Cottages bed and breakfast.

 

It’s mostly downhill today on the ride to Ranfurly, the Art Deco Capital of Otago. Cross the Maniototo Plains and after lunch follow the trail section between Daisybank and Hyde alongside the Taieri River. Cross the Price’s Creek Viaduct at 32m high and head through the last tunnel, which is 152m long, before arriving at the Otago Central Hyde Hotel where you will rest this evening.

 

Just a short ride today with views of the Rock and Pillar, Taieri Ranges and the Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial. You will arrive at Middlemarch Railway Station in time for the 1pm departure onboard the Taieri Gorge Train, which takes you on to Dunedin. A Boutique B&B is your refuge for tonight where a good nights sleep is guaranteed.