Experience the South Island in all its winter glory including one of the great railway journeys of the world – the 'TranzAlpine' through the spectacular, snow-covered Southern Alps and one of the most iconic New Zealand road journeys, through Arthurs Pass. Enjoy Christchurch sightseeing, a beach stay in Hokitika and an overnight in rural Methven. Then enjoy the alpine wonderland of Mount Cook with a special ‘Mid-Winter’ Christmas Dinner at the iconic Hermitage Hotel.
Activity Level 1
Early Booking Discount - Book by 30 Nov 2025 and save an extra $70 per person
Home pick up return within Auckland metropolitan area (if applicable).
Services of Travelwise Holidays Tour Leader throughout.
Return airfare Auckland-Christchurch flying Air New Zealand.
Quality accommodation, share twin basis.
All cooked breakfasts, 1 lunch and all dinners, including a special ‘Mid-Winter Christmas’ Dinner and glass of bubbles at the Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook.
Coach travel Hokitika/Methven/Mt Cook/Christchurch and airport transfers in Christchurch.
Sightseeing in Christchurch featuring city highlights with a visit to the Antarctic Centre and Mount Cavendish Gondola ride for spectacular views.
Scenic rail travel aboard the spectacular TranzAlpine rail service Christchurch-Greymouth.
Drive iconic, Arthur’s Pass and enjoy lunch in Arthurs Pass village.
Visit Lake Tekapo and see the Church of Good Shepherd.
Stay in Methven Resort and iconic Hermitage Resort in Mt Cook Village.
Lunch at Barkers Geraldine.
WED 05 AUG – AUCKLAND/CHRISTCHURCH
Depart Auckland on Air New Zealand NZ527 at 9.00am, arriving in Christchurch at 10.25am. Step of the plane and straight into the Antarctic Centre. Experience sights, sounds and spirit of life on the ice. Tonight enjoy a unique luxury dining experience on a heritage tram. Stay at Fable Christchurch for 2 nights. Included: B, D
THURS 06 AUG – CHRISTCHURCH SIGHTSEEING
Morning sightseeing tour including city highlights and Christchurch Gondola ride. Afternoon is at leisure.
Included: B, D
FRI 07 AUG – CHRISTCHURCH/HOKITIKA via TRANZ ALPINE RAIL Enjoy one of the great railway journeys in the world, Christchurch to Greymouth via the spectacular snow-covered Southern Alps. On arrival in Greymouth head South, down the coast to Hokitika for the night. Stay at Beachfront Hotel Hokitika for 1 night. Included: B, D
SAT 08 AUG – HOKITIKA/METHVEN
Depart Hokitika and drive one of the most iconic roads in New Zealand, Arthur’s Pass. Enjoy lunch in Arthur’s Pass village. Arrive in Methven, the gateway to New Zealand's best ski field. Stay at Methven Resort for 1 night. Included: B, L, D
SUN 09 AUG - METHVEN/MT COOK
Head to awe-inspiring Mount Cook village with a stop at Lake Tekapo for lunch and a visit to the Church of Good Shepherd. Late afternoon arrival at an iconic hotel, in a world-class destination. Stay at Hermitage Hotel for 2 nights. Included: B, D
MON 10 AUG - MT COOK
Spend the day in Mount Cook for local activities. This evening enjoy a special ‘Mid-Winter Christmas Dinner’ and a glass of Bubbles at the Hermitage. Included: B, D
TUES 11 AUG - MT COOK/AUCKLAND
Travel from Mount Cook to Christchurch Airport with a lunch stop at Barkers in Geraldine. Your Air New Zealand flight NZ578 departing 5.00pm, arriving in Auckland at 6.25pm. Included: B
Deposit: $500pp
