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8-Day South Island East & Central Route Mercedes-Benz Tour from Christchurch - 3-Night Stay in Queenstown

 

Our Price: from

$1734
￥12214
€1476
C$2388
(per person, based on double occupancy) Available: Fri Depart from: Christchurch,
Overview
Visit Christchurch (Arts Centre, Avon River, Bridge of Remembrance), Dunedin (Baldwin Street, Dunedin Railway Station, Larnach Castle, Otago Peninsula, Saint Paul's Cathedral, Speight's Brewery, University of Otago), Lake Tekapo Township (Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo, Tekapo International Dark Sky Reserve), Mount Cook National Park, Queenstown, Wanaka (Lake Wanaka, Lone Tree), Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Oamaru.

Day 1: Christchurch

Upon arriving in Christchurch, your guide will lead you through this beautiful "Garden City." Stroll through the historic Arts Centre, admire the graceful scenery along the Avon River, and pass by the Bridge of Remembrance.

The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.

  • Housed in enchanting Gothic Revival buildings, the Christchurch Arts Centre is the city's cultural hub. It buzzes with creativity, hosting artist studios, unique shops, theatres, and craft markets.

  • The Bridge of Remembrance is a WWI memorial arch in Christchurch, where soldiers departed for war. It now stands as a spiritual landmark, symbolizing peace, remembrance, and resilient hope.

Dulexe Hotel: Hotel Elms Christchurch or similar 4 stars hotel

Meal: Excluded

Day 2: Christchurch - Oamaru - Dunedin (312 km)

After breakfast, we depart for the historic town of Oamaru, known for its preserved Victorian architecture. In the afternoon, we continue to Dunedin for a wildlife eco-tour on the Otago Peninsula, where you can observe penguins and seals in their natural habitat.

Oamaru is the largest and most populous town in the northern Otago region. Located 120 kilometers north of Dunedin, Oamaru is home to important archaeological sites and architectural stone buildings such as St. Patrick's Basilica.

Dunedin is a bustling urban, cultural center in the Otago region in the South Island of New Zealand. It offers a wide variety of attractions for visitors including the theatre, music, museums, sporting events, universities, parks, gardens, architecture, and much more.

  • The Otago Peninsula together with its 20 km long harbour, is the home of an abundance of magnificent world famous marine wildlife, namely The Royal Albatross, the endangered Yellow Eyed Penguin/Hoiho and the Blue Penguins at Pukekura.You will also find many Seals, as well as The New Zealand Sea Lion.

Dulexe Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross or similar 4 stars hotel

Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Included (Chinese set menu. (For groups of 6 or more: 6 dishes + 1 soup for 6 pax; 7 dishes + 1 soup for 7 pax; 8 dishes + 1 soup for 8 pax or more.))|Dinner: Included (Chinese Hot Pot)

Day 3: Dunedin - Queenstown (171 km)

After breakfast, travel to Dunedin for a city tour. Key stops include St. Paul's Cathedral, the historic University of Otago, the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, and the world's steepest Baldwin Street. Enjoy a special two-course lunch at the historic Speight's Brewery.The afternoon features a visit to Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, to explore its grand interiors and gardens.

Dunedin is a bustling urban, cultural center in the Otago region in the South Island of New Zealand. It offers a wide variety of attractions for visitors including the theatre, music, museums, sporting events, universities, parks, gardens, architecture, and much more.

  • Embodies Dunedin's wealthy inheritance, This building perhaps is New Zealand’s most photographed building. The ornate Flemish Renaissance-style architecture features white Oamaru limestone facings on black basalt rock. The sheer size, grandiose style and rich embellishments of the station earned architect George Troup the nickname of Gingerbread George.

  • Located in Dunedin, New Zealand, Baldwin Street is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's steepest residential Street. At its maximum incline, the slope of Baldwin Street is 19 degrees or a gradient of 35%.

  • Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university. Its Dunedin campus is renowned for its Scottish-style stone buildings and stunning gardens, often ranked among the world's most beautiful campuses, blending academic prestige with photographic charm.

  • Speight's Brewery is one of New Zealand's oldest breweries, established in Dunedin since 1876. A cultural icon of the South Island, it offers classic brewery tours and authentic Western meals in its beloved pub with a retro-industrial ambiance.

  • The castle is set high above the harbour where William Larnach commissioned the construction of New Zealand’s only castle in 1871. It is also well known for its 14 hectare garden and grounds which has been recognised as a Garden of International Significance.

Dulexe Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront Queenstown or similar 4 stars hotel

Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Included (2-Course Meal at the Speight's Brewery)|Dinner: Excluded

Day 4: Queenstown - Glenorchy - Queenstown (75 km)

After breakfast, take the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak for panoramic views. Optional activities include the luge or cafe visits. At noon, cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a royal BBQ lunch, followed by a brief farm show. In the afternoon, drive along the scenic lakeside route to Glenorchy. Stroll the boardwalk and enjoy mirror-like lake views with Southern Alps backdrop-a famous filming location for major films. Optional activities include hiking, horse riding, or 4WD tours before returning to Queenstown in the evening.

Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.

  • You’ll be carried 450 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob's Peak, where you’ll enjoy the best views in the region unfolding before your eyes. You get to experience a spectacular 220 degree panorama with breath-taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and, of course, Queenstown.

  • Launched in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw steamship is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the Otago region of New Zealand. Despite being over 100 years old, visitors can board the ship and traverse Lake Wakatipu from Queensland to Peak High Country.

    Duration: Approx. 1 Hour 30 Minutes

The areas surrounding this small settlement on the South Island of New Zealand have been used as filming locations for many notable movies, especially The Fellowship of the Ring.

Dulexe Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront Queenstown or similar 4 stars hotel

Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Included (BBQ)|Dinner: Excluded

Day 5: A full day of leisure in Queenstown

Today offers a full day of leisure in picturesque Queenstown. Nestled between majestic mountains and a sparkling lake, this town is hailed as one of the world's most beautiful resort destinations—a paradise for both relaxation and adventure.

Tailor your day to your interests:

  • For Film Buffs: Journey to the fairytale-like village of Glenorchy to explore real-life The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit filming locations.

  • For Thrill-Seekers: Get your adrenaline pumping with world-class activities like skydiving, bungy jumping, paragliding, or jet boating.

  • For a Leisurely Pace: Soak in panoramic views from the gondola, take a scenic helicopter flight over snow-capped peaks and glaciers, or enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard.

  • For a Spontaneous Day: Simply wander the vibrant streets, listen to buskers, and savor coffee by the lake.

Don't forget to try the legendary Fergburger - a deliciously juicy bite you won't forget.

Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.

Dulexe Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront Queenstown or similar 4 stars hotel

Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded

Day 6: Queenstown - Arrowtown - Wanaka (74 km)

After breakfast, head to the historic town of Arrowtown. Stroll along the Arrow River and reflect on the hardships of Chinese gold miners-their simple settlements still stand. Buckingham Street, the main street, showcases preserved historic buildings housing shops and cafes. Next, visit Lake Wanaka, New Zealand's fourth-largest lake. See the famous "Lone Tree," an iconic photography subject. In the afternoon, choose to walk or cycle along the lake to enjoy its clear waters and relaxed atmosphere.

Once a key town in the Central Otago Gold Rush and home to the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, Arrowtown has a rich, unique history. A popular tourist destination, guests can also explore historic buildings as well as resorts, golf courses, boutiques and restaurants.

  • During the Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s, a small Chinese community popped up near Arrowtown. Visitors to the area can still see what is left of their huts on the banks of Bush Creek.

Located in the Otago region, Wanaka is a popular resort town that attracts tourists all year round. From cross-country skiing to water skiing, Wanaka offers endless outdoor activities no matter the season, as well as gorgeous views of mountain ranges, lakes, and more.

  • Located at the heart of Wanaka, Lake Wanaka is situated in a glacier basin and spans an area of 72 square miles. Ideal for adventure tourism, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the summer and skiing in the winter.

  • The Lone Tree of Lake Wanaka is an iconic New Zealand sight. A single willow tree stands gracefully in the water, creating a serene and photogenic scene against the mountain backdrop, making it a must-visit landmark.

Standard Hotel: Oakridge Resort Lake Wanaka or similar

Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Included (Chinese set menu. (For groups of 6 or more: 6 dishes + 1 soup for 6 pax; 7 dishes + 1 soup for 7 pax; 8 dishes + 1 soup for 8 pax or more.))

Day 7: Wanaka - Mount Cook National Park - Lake Tekapo Township (201 km)

After breakfast, travel to Mount Cook National Park. En route, stop at a salmon farm for optional tasting. Explore the park's stunning landscapes, with an optional helicopter flight to the Tasman Glacier (weather permitting). In the afternoon, visit Lake Tekapo. See the Church of the Good Shepherd and enjoy the world-famous starry skies in the Dark Sky Reserve. Overnight at a unique lodge.

Mount Cook, locally known as Aoraki, is the highest mountain in New Zealand measuring 12,218 feet tall. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Cook is a beautiful, diverse location like no other. Enjoy exploring peaks, valleys, lakes, forests, and more.

  • Admire the beauty and scale of New Zealand's largest mountain, Mount Cook, from the sky with a helicopter tour. Locally known as Aoraki, guests learn about the mountain's cultural and historical importance from knowledgeable pilots while admiring the grandeur of the Southern Alps.

    Duration: 20 Minutes to 1 Hour

Located near the Mackenzie Basin, the Lake Tekapo Township is a small community surrounded mountain ranges, lakes and natural beauty. It is also home to Mount John University Observatory, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Waitaki Dam, and more.

  • Lake Tekapo is the second-largest of three roughly parallel lakes running north-south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island of New Zealand (the others are Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau).

  • The Church of the Good Shepherd is situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains. It was built to the glory of God as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country.

  • The Tekapo International Dark Sky Reserve is one of the world's largest and most renowned dark sky reserves. Renowned for its minimal light pollution and clear skies, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe the spectacular Southern Hemisphere stars and Milky Way.

Dulexe Hotel: Tekapo holiday home and enjoy a high-end experience within the Dark Sky Reserve

Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Included (Buffet)

Day 8: Lake Tekapo Township - Christchurch (181 km)

After breakfast, capture the picture-perfect scenery of Lake Tekapo and its dreamy turquoise waters. Afterwards, return to Christchurch.

Located near the Mackenzie Basin, the Lake Tekapo Township is a small community surrounded mountain ranges, lakes and natural beauty. It is also home to Mount John University Observatory, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Waitaki Dam, and more.

The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.

Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded

 

Price Includes:

Price Excludes: