We depart Christchurch and head North past the surf beaches of Woodend and Amberley and the vineyards and olive groves of Waipara. The impressive scenery of the coastal ranges will accompany us the rest of the way to Kaikoura. Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds: a *whale watch tour can take you to see Minke, Humpback and Southern Right whales mixing it with dolphins and orcas. You can also walk to see fur seal colonies and spy on big seabirds such as mollymawks, albatross and petrels. After your *whale watch tour we continue to Hanmer Springs via the scenic Inland Road which takes us past the entrance to the ski village of Mount Lyford. Arriving in Hanmer Springs we settle in and have our first evening together as a group. Hanmer Springs is a thermal pool resort set in a breathtaking natural landscape surrounded by forests and mountains. Overnight Hanmer Inn Motel (or similar).  (L, D)

This morning we depart Hanmer Springs for a unique High Country experience. We travel over historic Jollies Pass stock track and enter Molesworth Station. Molesworth Station is a very special place as it is a reserve and a working cattle station; it combines farming, conservation and recreation in one vast area. At 180,476 hectares (approx. 500,000 Acres) it is New Zealand's largest farm. It has a rich history and a stunning and dramatic landscape. Molesworth Station may seem isolated, but it has a long human history. Established trails through Molesworth were used by Ngai Tahu Maori for food gathering and access between the West Coast - an important source of jade (pounamu) - and the East Coast. Maori told of these routes to early European settlers, who drove their stock over the Station's high passes. Historic homestead accommodation along the tracks are testimony of dwellings erected to service these travelers. We travel past idyllic rural life scenes, narrow gorges, rough country and we will get a notion of the incredible early pioneer spirit and gusto. After a picnic lunch en-route we continue traveling through Molesworth, past the Acheron River and arrive at the Molesworth Cob Cottage Campsite where we will spend the night. Overnight Historic Molesworth Cob Cottage Campsite. (B, L, D)

This morning we travel through the Awatere Valley and in part, along side the snaking Awatere River and north towards Blenheim. From here we drive via Renwick (where we will stop at the Cork and Keg Pub for a pint) to Havelock. Passing through the Rai Valley we arrive at Nelson. Nelson is known as the Creative Arts Capital of New Zealand; it is where the World Of Wearable Arts event was born. The region has over 350 working artists - painters, sculptors, ceramic artists, potters, glass blowers, jewellers, writers and creators who all draw energy from the spectacular natural environment. As for food, wine and beer - you'll be in a constant state of delectable delight. The region has an abundance  farm-fresh and organic fruit, vegetables and succulent seafood. Fabulous food is complemented with over twenty-five boutique aromatic wineries and craft breweries providing endless gastronomic inspiration and liquid delights. Your afternoon and evening are free to wander and discover. Overnight Kingsgate Motel (or similar) (B, L)

Departing Nelson we drive along The Coastal Highway towards Motueka. We pass by more orchards and more wineries before arriving at Kaiteriteri.  Kaiterteri, with its sunshine, clear blue-green waters and genuine golden sand is just 5 km from Marahau - the main gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. Kaiteriteri is one of the best beaches in the South Island, due in no small part to the wonderful colour of its sands. These come from the weathering of ancient granite rocks, releasing crystals of quartz and mica, which are washed down to the sea, and finely ground into glittering gold particles of sand. You can take a tour of the nearby Ngarua Caves which are known for their wonderful stalactites and stalagmites, visit the 183 metre deep vertical shaft of Harwood’s Hole or just laze on the golden sand beach. Afternoon free to relax, swim, walk around. Overnight at Kaiteriteri Beach Camp. (B, L, D)

Today you have a full day to explore the magnificent Abel Tasman National Park - one of New Zealand's most treasured gems. Native forest reaches almost to the waterline, where it meets golden beaches and rocky headlands. Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest (22,350 hectares) but because it's so accessible and beautiful, it's also one of the most popular. Walking and hiking are superb here, and scenic tracks lead around the coast while others venture higher into the hills. Water taxis, cruise boats, and sea-kayaks allow you to do a plethora of excursions into the park. Sea kayaking is a great way to explore Abel Tasman National Park – you'll be able to get close to wildlife such as dolphins, seals and penguins – or book a scenic nature cruise or horse trek. All beaches in the park are safe. Overnight at Kaiteriteri Beach Camp. (B, D)

Today we leave Kaiteriteri and drive along the Buller Gorge. We pass by Murchison, Inangahua (the first major town in the region) and Whites Creek; New Zealand's longest swing bridge. The port town of Westport has a history of gold mining, logging and coal mining and this gives the town a hard working feeling. Just 15 kilometres south at Cape Foulwind (named by Captain Cook for the difficult sailing conditions and not the smell of the seals), we may see a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals. A well marked and easy 10 minute walking track takes you to colony where you can see the creatures lazing around or swimming in the ocean. The spectacular West Coast coastline guides us to Punakaiki which is on the doorstep of Paparoa National Park. Punakaiki is where we see the stunning Pancake Rocks and accompanying blowholes. After years upon years of layering and weathering, what you see today is a wonder of nature. Formed 30 million years ago from fragments of skeletons and shells, these limestone rocks have been sculpted by mildly acidic rain, wind and waves. The well-formed stone steps and boardwalks lead us to the best viewing spots. Overnight Paparoa Park Motel.  (B, L, D)

This morning we leave Puanakaiki and travel via Greymouth and Hokitika to arrive at Fox Glacier; one of the world’s most accessible and still advancing glaciers. Fox Glacier is a 13km long glacier located in Tai Poutini National Park. It is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. You can spend the afternoon enjoying a breathtaking guided glacier walk, a heli-hike or a guided Terminal Face Walk. *Weather permitting, we will visit Gillespies Beach this evening. Surrounded by glaciers, ocean, and rainforest, Gillespies Beach is a stunning place to watch the sunset. The beach is covered with smooth, round quartz pebbles with a base of black sand which is typical of the west coast and massive rollers from the Tasman Sea break upon the shore. The beach has the remains of a small gold mining enterprise and there is a small cemetery with the graves of a few of the miners. We will have a BBQ dinner here and enjoy the vast open shores. Overnight Westhaven Motel (or similar) (B, L, *D) 

Before departing Fox Glacier this morning, we will drive to nearby Lake Matheson which is famous for its reflected views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. The lake is a traditional mahinga kai (food gathering place) for Māori people.We continue driving south parallel to the Tasman Sea to Haast - a town with a touch of the wild west; helicopters fly deer hunters into the rugged ranges and local pubs make a feature of stuffed animal trophies. We then cross the dramatic twists and turns of the Haast Pass to skirt Lake Hawea. We have a quick stop in Wanaka which is nestled on the shores of Lake Wanaka and on the doorstep of the Mount Aspiring National Park. We then arrive in the alpine resort of Queenstown; exciting, sophisticated and fantastically scenic. It’s the place to source almost any kind of adventure - including bungy, jet boating, horse trekking, rafting and river surfing. It’s also a destination for some calmer experiences ie gourmet food and wine, and spa treatments. You are free this evening to wander as you wish. Overnight Bella VIsta Motel (or similar). (B,L)

Queenstown is the New Zealand's premier lake and alpine resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown’s stunning scenery is inspiring. There is such a huge range of activities in Queenstown - adventure, relaxation, rejuvenation or just walking around breathing the pure mountain air. You have the day free to try whatever activity your wish - or try none at all! Overnight Bella VIsta Motel (or similar). (B)

Leaving Queenstown behind, we traverse high country landscapes and trout fishing rivers on the road to Te Anau. Te Anau township sits on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest of the southern glacial lakes. Rolling hill country characterises the eastern side of the lake; the western side is a magnificent wilderness of forest and mountains - the Kepler and Murchison Ranges. The road to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, then you’ll ease into beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. The Homer Tunnel brings us into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. We take an afternoon cruise traversing the deep waters of Milford Sound. You cruise past St Anne’s Lighthouse and out into the Tasman Sea. Your guides will point out scenic highlights along the way, such as the Bowen Falls (dropping 160 metres seaward), Sinbad Gully (a classic example of a hanging valley), snow-capped Mount Pembroke and the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak itself - towering 1692 metres from the ocean floor. You may even encounter the local fur seal colonies - once nearly hunted to extinction – the rare Fiordland crested penguins or pods of dusky dolphins.  Overnight Milford Sound Lodge Camp Ground. (B, L, D)

We leave Milford Sound and drive towards Central Otago - New Zealand’s most inland region; also the hottest, coldest and driest. The region has magnificent expansive landscapes, defined seasons, a distinctive heritage, numerous wine trails and New Zealand’s first rail trail. Central Otago rivers were rich with gold and the focus of the early mining of river flats during the first rush in the early 1860s.  People came in their thousands – Scottish, Welsh, Cornish, Chinese, Italians and others – pioneers; adventurers – willing to break new frontiers and risk everything to seek their fortunes in the goldfields. They endured searing summers and freezing winters, facilitated booming commerce and created technological innovations that led the world. These people shaped a legacy that is part of what makes Central Otago so unique. We stop at Roxburgh for the night. Roxburgh is flanked by rocky, tussock-clad high country and nestled on the mighty Clutha River. The Old Man Range and Mount Benger to the west are magnificent especially with a dusting of snow. The valley always looks spectacular whether in full spring blossom or blanketed in autumn’s golden and red hues. Weather permitting we will drive out to nearby Lake Onslow (the source of the Teviot River and a spectacular drive inland through rugged farm land) for an early evening wine and BBQ dinner. Overnight Roxburgh Teviot Camp Ground. (B, L, D)

This morning you will have some time to have a look around Tekapo before we depart for Glenfalloch Station. We pass through small towns like Fairlie and Geraldine and then through the Peel Forest, which is about 20Km north of Geraldine. Peel Forest is a remnant of a magnificent podocarp forest which once covered a huge area in mid-Canterbury. Now only 700 hectares remain, but what is left of the forest is rich and diverse. We continue towards Mount Hutt - one of New Zealand's most popular ski areas - and then sweep inland to the High Country on Double Hill Run Road. We will pass sheep yards and wool sheds on this stretch of road so we will most likely see wandering stock, dogs and parked motorbikes in the middle of the road. Glenfalloch Station is located in the rugged Southern Alps in the headwaters of the Rakaia River and has majestic views to the glaciated peaks of the Arrowsmith Ranges. Glenfalloch Station is well off the beaten track and is an unique experience in a unique environment. We will have access to the back country for walks, the station's 4WD tracks, mountain biking over rugged terrain or we can just star gazing while relaxing in one of the spa-pools at night. With some of the South Island 's most dramatic scenery on its doorstep there is no shortage of places to explore on this 10,000ha high country paradise. Whether you choose to do it on foot, 4WD, mountain-bike or horse-back it will be an experience. We have the afternoon to swim in the pool or have a spa, play tennis, petanque or croquet. Tonight, we just relax and enjoy our last night together in this most beautiful of places. Overnight Glenfallach Sation. (B, L, D)

We have the morning to spend doing as much or as little as we want. We leave the serene setting of Glenfalloch Station after lunch and begin our short journey back to Christchurch where this amazing journey will end.