On this Short Break you’ll travel with a different Driver Guide and group of like-minded travellers each day, for a more diverse experience.

Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch

On arrival at Christchurch Airport you’ll be transferred to your hotel (flights anytime). You’ll have free time to relax or explore before dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Christchurch

Board a classic 1960s London double decker bus for a fun and informative tour of Christchurch. Learn about Christchurch’s fascinating history and how it’s recovering from the 2011 devastating earthquake. See some of the areas affected by the earthquake, hear how Christchurch is preserving some of its iconic heritage buildings and learn about the vision to rebuild the inner city. Later, why not visit the Canterbury Museum or go punting on the Avon River.

Day 3: Christchurch – Mt. Cook

Travel through lush farmland to Lake Tekapo and stop to see the Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue into the Southern Alps towards Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain. You’ll arrive at Mount Cook Village to enjoy a 3 course lunch and overnight stay at the famous Hermitage Hotel. Later, you’ll have the chance to take a scenic flight over this alpine region (own expense).

Day 4: Mt. Cook – Queenstown

You’ll have free time to explore Mount Cook National Park. You could take a leisurely walk in the valley, a scenic flight or an alpine walk and boat ride to view the Tasman Glacier ice face and icebergs of all shapes and sizes (both own expense). This afternoon travel further south across the Lindis Pass, skirting the shores of Lake Dunstan and the small township of Cromwell, famed for its fruit growing. Your day concludes in spectacular Queenstown, the adventure-capital of New Zealand.

Day 5: Queenstown

Visit one of New Zealand’s fastest growing wine regions. Learn about the history of wine making and sample tastings at two vineyards. Later, visit New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave for a wine tasting tour and learn about the area’s rich wine-making history, then enjoy a local cheese presentation and tasting at the region’s only cheesery. Join your fellow travellers for a gourmet lunch at Gibbston Valley Winery Restaurant. Sit back and enjoy a relaxing lunch in the restaurant or dine al fresco in the sun-drenched courtyard in summer.

Day 6: Farewell from Queenstown

Your short break concludes this morning after breakfast. You’ll be transferred to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).

Note: This itinerary is valid for departures after 1 October 2015.