Ultimate New Year

On arrival into Wellington you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Meet your travelling companions over a complimentary pre-dinner drink. Stay Two Nights: InterContinental Wellington (Premium Room) (D)

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Reboard your Ultimate coach for an extensive city tour which showcases the history and culture on show. This afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink to toast the New Year with your fellow travellers. (B/D)

This morning board the Interislander Ferry and experience the comfort and intimate setting of the Premium Lounge. Enjoy breakfast as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Board your Ultimate Coach for the southbound journey along the rugged coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, to Kaikōura. Stay: Sudima Kaikoura (B/D)

This morning enjoy a leisurely start in this seaside village, where the mountains meet the sea. Kaikōura is renowned as one of the best places to see Sperm whales and other marine mammals. There is an opportunity to take a scenic flight to view the year-round population of Sperm whales (optional, weather permitting). Continue onto the garden city of Christchurch. Stay: Sudima Christchurch City (B)

Depart Christchurch and travel south through Oamaru, famous for its limestone. In Dunedin enjoy a city tour followed by some free time at leisure. Optional activities you might be interested in include a tour of the Speight's Brewery or the chance to see local wildlife in their natural habitat. Stay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel (B/D)

Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional). Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (B/D)

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch.

This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year-round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions.

This evening is at leisure, you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants. Stay Two Nights: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (B/L)

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel's Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown. (B/SD)

Travel to Arrowtown, an old goldmining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Fox Glacier. Next you visit Franz Josef, where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before arriving at your hotel for your overnight stay. Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat (B/D)

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to Arthur's Pass and board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch.

On arrival your Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new friends. Stay: Sudima Christchurch City (B/SD)

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B)