Discover the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s South Island on this two-day scenic adventure from Timaru to Dunedin. Journey through majestic alpine landscapes to Aoraki / Mt Cook, where you’ll cruise among glittering glacier icebergs and dine with panoramic mountain views. The following day, travel south to explore Oamaru’s charming Victorian precinct and visit the mysterious Moeraki Boulders scattered along the coast before arriving in Dunedin. This program showcases some of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural and cultural highlights.
Notes:
•This program includes extended scenic coach travel
•For the Glacier Explorer Tour guests must be able to walk 1.5 km (.9 miles) to and from the lake edge within approximately 25 minutes.
DAY 1
Step ashore in Timaru and begin a scenic journey inland through the breathtaking Mackenzie Basin, where rolling farmland meets expansive glacial valleys. The turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo soon come into view, shimmering against a backdrop of rugged mountains. Pause at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a quaint stone chapel perched at the lake’s edge, perfect for photographs that capture the serenity and majesty of this landscape. Savor a relaxed lunch at a local café, taking in sweeping alpine vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Continue your journey south along the glittering shores of Lake Pukaki, where the mighty Aoraki / Mt Cook rises dramatically at the head of the valley. Stop along the way to absorb the panoramic vistas and capture the perfect moment of this awe-inspiring scenery. Arrive at The Hermitage Hotel, nestled in the heart of the national park, your base for exploring the Southern Alps.
In the afternoon, embark on the unforgettable Glacier Explorers experience. Cruise across the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake, navigating between towering icebergs and marveling at the deep blues and brilliant whites of centuries-old glacial ice. Your expert guide will bring the landscape to life, sharing insights into the region’s geology, glacial history, and ever-changing environment.
Note: For the Glacier Explorer Tour guests must be able to walk 1.5 km (.9 miles) to and then from the lake edge within approximately 25 minutes each way. Wear an extra layer of warm clothing/wet weather gear and suitable walking shoes. Also bring sunglasses and sunblock and your camera. Boats used are expedition-type speedboats, uncovered.
After returning to your hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Cap off your day with a captivating indoor stargazing experience at the Hermitage’s planetarium, where the Southern Hemisphere’s brilliant night sky is brought to life, revealing constellations, planets, and the Milky Way above the dramatic alpine landscape.
DAY 2
Following breakfast in the Alpine Restaurant, set off from Mt Cook and travel south through sweeping high-country landscapes, passing braided rivers, dramatic valleys, and rugged mountain peaks.
Your journey leads to Oamaru, a charming coastal town known for its beautifully preserved Victorian precinct. Wander streets lined with limestone buildings, browse boutique galleries, and explore artisan shops, stepping back into New Zealand’s colonial past.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch with waterfront views in this historic town before continuing to the windswept sands of Moeraki Beach, home to the world-famous giant spherical boulders. These mysterious formations, scattered across the shoreline like marbles, are steeped in Maori legend, offering a striking and unforgettable photo opportunity.
Your journey concludes with a panoramic tour of Dunedin, a city of grand Edwardian architecture, vibrant cultural life, and historic charm. Take in highlights of the city centre before returning to Port Chalmers to rejoin your ship, carrying with you lasting memories of glaciers, alpine lakes, and the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s South Island coastline.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
8:30am Disembark the ship in Timaru and meet your driver-guide
Scenic drive to Lake Tekapo
10:00am Arrive at Lake Tekapo for a scenic stop at Church of the Good Shepard
10:30am Coffee/refreshment stop
11:00am Depart for Lake Pukaki
12:00pm Arrive at Lake Pukaki for scenic stop
12:15pm Depart for Twizel
12:45pm Lunch at?Mint?Folk?&?Co, Twizel (or similar venue)
1:45pm Continue the drive to your hotel
3:00pm Arrive and check-in
4:45pm Glacier Explorers Tour
7:30pm Return to hotel and freshen up
8:00pm Dinner at Alpine Restaurant
9:00pm Optional indoor stargazing show
Overnight at Hermitage Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
8:00am Breakfast and hotel checkout
9:00am Depart Mt Cook for Oamaru
11:45am Arrive Oamaru – explore historic precinct
12:30pm Lunch at Del Mar Waterfront Restaurant, Oamaru (or similar venue)
1:30pm Depart Oamaru for Moeraki
2:10pm Moeraki Boulders – scenic stop
2:30pm Depart Moeraki for Dunedin
3:45pm Arrive Port Chalmers and re-board the ship
Weather:
New Zealand’s seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are June, July and August.
The mean daily temperature in January is 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit).
The mean daily temperature in February is 23 degrees Celsius (74 degrees Fahrenheit).
The sun sets around 9:00pm at this time of the year
What to Bring:
As it will be summer, lighter clothing is suggested. Also, bring sunscreen as well as a waterproof jacket in case of rain. Dress is informal and relaxed. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots.
Local Currency:
New Zealand Dollars. US dollars are generally accepted only in establishments such as souvenir shops. However, credit cards are widely accepted. For small purchases, it is strongly suggested that local currency be used. All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand.
Electricity:
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels and motels provide 110- volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. Power outlets only accept angled two- or three-pin plugs (as also used in Australia) depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. For this reason, we recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.
Luggage Information:
One overnight bag per person and a personal item
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required. Please bring it with you on this overland tour.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.
If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.
Accommodation:
Hermitage Hotel
89 Terrace Road, Aoraki
Phone: +64?3?435?1809
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•One night at Hermitage Hotel or similar - Premium Room
•Experienced English-Speaking driver-guide
•One breakfast, two lunches and one dinner (dinner and lunches include a choice of two glasses of house wine, local beer, soft drinks, bottled water, tea, coffee)
•All transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per program
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any beverages other than when included with meals
•Meals, other than those shown in the inclusions above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, laundry and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
Price: $2,499 per guest based on double occupancy.
Land program promotions are per person for guests 1 and 2 for one pre- or post-cruise program only, subject to terms.
