New Zealand

Mountain scenery, forests, lakes and pioneering history

COASTAL EXPLORER - 8 day/7 night Tour Code: LK04
SOUTHERN HERITAGE - 7 day/6 night Tour Code: LK02

Invest five days in the South Island and restore your sense of wonder and well-being while you revel in the delicious detail of the landscape. You'll feel the strength of the land everywhere you look - the rippling backbone of the Southern Alps, the primordial wildness of the West Coast, the serenity of the 'big sky' farming country of Southland. Every landscape has a point of difference - something unique to add to your holiday experience.

Immerse yourself in a world where feeling good is the only aim. Drift languidly along the Avon River in a punt, glide over the Canterbury Plains in a hot air balloon or enjoy the twin pleasures of massage and long hot soaks in the spa town of Hanmer Springs. And for a rejuvenating dose of fresh Southern Ocean air, head for Kaikoura and get a close-up look at the whales - be sure to try the local crayfish while you're there.

What lies on the other side of the Southern Alps? You may have heard about the wild rainforest, gold towns and glaciers - now's the time to take yourself there. Drive over a mountain pass or catch the TranzAlpine Train - one of the world's most famous train journeys. Gaze deep into the icy blue crevices of the Fox Glacier, find the cloud-piercing summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook on the horizon or prop up the bar at an historical West Coast pub.

The Far South: Bring your love of nature and history to the deep south. An eco-tour will put you in touch with the rare and unusual - yellow-eyed (hoiho) penguins and albatross - around Southland or on the Otago Peninsula. A stroll through Dunedin's city streets reveals imposing examples of Edwardian and Victorian architecture - you can even visit a real castle and imagine life as it might have been for pioneering lords and ladies. Every day in this region brings a new surprise, another fascinating topic for dinner conversation.

RETURN TO NEW ZEALAND