Arrival to Queenstown. Packet pick up and race expo, and Welcome-Pre-Race Dinner.

Dinner included. Overnight at 4-Star Hotel.

Today is the day to enjoy the world’s most beautiful marathon. With four distances to choose from – Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10k. The Queenstown Races offers something for everyone. The combination of hard-packed trails and roads takes you around picturesque lakes and through gorgeous countryside with a backdrop of impressive mountains.

Spend the early afternoon at your leisure before we reunite for a gourmet barbeque on the Walter Peak High Country Farm. It is a scenic cruise on board the historic TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship from central Queenstown across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight at 4-Star Hotel

Today we journey to the historic Arrowtown to walk, shake our legs out, or grab a coffee.

We then journey to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park where we step into a world of natural wonder. A scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau takes us to the western shores – home to limestone caves. This guided experience takes you to a subterranean realm as you drift by boat beneath a canopy of glowworms unique to New Zealand.

Meet at the Fiordland Cinema and watch Ata Whenua Shadowland. This is Fiordland wilderness you would otherwise never see, filmed across the seasons it is evocative. The Fiordland Cinema is a destination in itself and sets the scene for tomorrow’s journey to Milford Sound.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Overnight at 4-Star Lodge.

Drive beneath imposing granite cliffs and hanging valleys into the heart of Fiordland National Park.

At Milford join one of the world’s great day-cruises. Journey the full length of this iconic fiord. Feel the cool mist of cascading waterfalls up close and marvel at towering rock faces. There is also the possibility of seeing dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins, and New Zealand fur seals.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Overnight at 4-Star Lodge.

Our destination today is Wānaka, a place that will no doubt capture your heart. The vistas are breathtaking and nature reigns supreme. The township has maintained its laid-back atmosphere that makes you feel at home from the moment you arrive.

Lunch today will be at a Central Otago vineyard on route to Wānaka, where our meal will be accompanied by local wines. The Central Otago region is a world-renowned wine region located in New Zealand’ssouthernmost wine-growing region, known for its exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling wines, crafted from grapes grown in the ruggedly beautiful landscape.

On arrival in Wānaka, we will check into our hotel and then head out for a run or walk up Mount Iron to fully appreciate the surrounding mountains of this stunning alpine township.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Overnight at 4-star hotel.

A day of options.

Join us for an early morning run/walk along Lake Wanaka or book an optional tour for a half-day jet boating adventure or experience the Matukituki River by Packraft, climbing, wine tour, and more. Or, take the day to explore Wanaka on your own wandering around the stores and galleries.

Breakfast and dinner are included. Lunch on your own. Overnight at 4-Star hotel. 

We head into the MacKenzie Country today as we travel towards Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain at 3,724m/12,218 feet). The Mackenzie Country is historically famous and renowned for sheep

farming. Be awed by the majestic surroundings on arrival at Aoraki/Mt Cook village. The afternoon is free to visit the world-class visitor center and learn more about the wonders of the national park, visit the Sir Edmond Hillary Alpine Centre, or relax at the hotel and absorb the majesty of your surroundings.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Overnight at 4-Star Lodge

This morning we split into hiking groups to explore this awe-inspiring national park. 

There will three hike options:

Level 1 – Easy, Best Hikes in NZ 2.6km / 1 hour hiking

Level 2 – Relatively Flat(ish)– 10km / 3 hours

Level 3 Challenging Climb with Stairs – 5km / 4 hours hiking

Late in the afternoon, we head to Lake Tekapo famous for its stunning turquoise water, and Aoraki MacKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. The pristine night sky forms a perfect backdrop for viewing the stars. This stargazing mecca is the envy of astronomers worldwide.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Overnight at 4-Star Lodge

We leave on foot and walk to the shores of Lake Tekapo and choose either to hike the slopes of Mt John, home to powerful astronomical telescopes, or a lakeshore trail for expansive views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding Patagonia-like terrain Today we continue our journey north with sweeping vistas of tussock lands, glacial lakes, and the Southern Alps. Before leaving Tekapo we will visit the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, perched daintily by the lake.

We then continue to Christchurch, a charming city, full of natural beauty, history, and culture. From the central accommodation discover the vibrant heart of the city, including the rebuilt areas following the 2011 earthquake. Discover the street art, historic buildings, and bustling markets on foot.

Tonight is the last night of the adventure and we will enjoy a farewell meal together.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Overnight at 4-Star Lodge.

We’ll spend our final morning with a fun run/walk around Christchurch. This is a great way to discover the vibrant heart of the city, including the rebuilt areas following the 2011 earthquake. Discover the street art, historic buildings, and bustling markets on foot.

Take one of the three group transfers to the airport to depart for home.

Meals: Breakfast