You don’t have to arrive in Christchurch early, but we recommend you do – this South Island city has some of New Zealand’s most innovative architecture, not to mention forward-thinking restaurants and bars. Tonight, it's time to meet your Travel Director and travelling companions for drinks.

Your South Island Tour starts on a literal high as you jump aboard the TranzAlpine train, crossing the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass. This is one of the world’s most scenic rail experiences, through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys. At the other end of the line is Hokitika, the home of pounamu (native greenstone or jade). Just when you thought your day couldn't get any better, Franz Josef town twinkles on the horizon. This afternoon, you may choose an Optional Experience* to fly over Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere.

Over the Haast Pass, alpine drama awaits. The Southern Lakes deserve their name: there are almost more waterways here than you can count. First up there’s lovely Lake Wanaka, with its Instagrammable shoreline of poplars and willows. Followed by oh-so-blue Lake Hawea and Lake Dunstan, where you’ll pause to refuel on flavour-packed stone fruit. As tempting as it is to linger in Arrowtown’s movie-set-like streets, lined with trees and character-filled boutiques, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables await in Queenstown.

The adventure capital of New Zealand doesn’t disappoint when it comes to activities that are fast and furious. Take your pick from Optional Experiences*. You could explore the natural drama of Skippers Canyon. Prefer life at a more leisurely pace? Step into The Lord of the Rings movie scenery or sip your way through surrounding vineyards. Wherever you wander, make sure you’re back in time to glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner.

Nature rules today as you motor from the Mirror Lakes through the Cleddau Valley. But this is just a teaser of what’s to come: World Heritage listed Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. A cruise across this dreamy expanse will give you goosebumps, its string of waterfalls creating a misty curtain across sheer escarpments. Look out for fur seals – they’re a common sight here. The road back through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows and gin-clear rivers, carving up the countryside en route to Te Anau. And just when you thought things couldn’t get any more magical, nestled on the edge of the South Island's largest lake, Te Anau is the perfect place to savour some peace and relaxation after the spectacle of the day.

The South Island’s biggest lake is a blissful place for an invigorating morning walk. If it doesn’t set your pulse racing, than your outlook of rolling green hills dotted with doe-eyed sheep surely will. This pastoral countryside surrounds the city of Dunedin. While away the afternoon on an Optional Experience*; in atmospheric art-lined alleys or sipping a lager or two in Speight’s Brewery (a national institution), or visit grand Larnach Castle. You could venture further afield to discover the wildlife that thrives in this pretty pocket of the country.

Step into the world of kororā, New Zealand’s little blue penguins, on a unique MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Ōamaru Penguins Conservation Centre. Explore the new Discovery Centre and enjoy a stroll through the penguin colony, learning about the lives of these enchanting birds. Head out to the nesting area, where you may spot penguins tending their eggs or chicks. Hear directly from an educator about the centre’s work and how local efforts are helping secure the future of these iconic coastal inhabitants.

Your morning opens onto the stunning Canterbury Plains, with Lake Tekapo’s turquoise waters framed by snow-capped mountains and charming towns. Take in the scenery as you travel north to Ōtautahi (Christchurch), where your in-the-know Travel Director reveals the city’s remarkable transformation over the last decade. Explore iconic landmarks including the Transitional Cathedral, crafted largely from cardboard, and Turanga, the striking gold-clad central library, before reflecting on the unique blend of history, culture, and innovation that defines the Garden City.

If you feel like you’ve only seen the tip of the South Island’s iceberg, you’d be correct. This beguiling part of the country could keep travel enthusiasts entertained for eons. Thankfully, we have more itineraries – ask your Travel Director and start planning your next trip to New Zealand.