"Flock:" by New Zealand artist Helen Parsons. Click here to see more of her work.

Day 4: Queenstown.

Enjoy a full day exploring the delights of scenic Queenstown, an action-packed town nestled beside the blue waters of Lake Wakatipu. Try jet-boating for a thrilling, speedy ride through the waters of the Shotover Canyon and Kawarau Rivers. (See page 138 for Queenstown sightseeing options). More laid-back options include fishing, golfing, walking and hiking or perhaps a ride on the city’s gondola to experience fantastic views of this beautiful region. A superb way to spend the evening (excluding June) is to cruise the fabulous Lake Wakatipu on board the TSS Earnslaw, a steamship known as the “Lady of the Lake”. 

This is followed by a delicious dinner at Walter Peak.

"Cathedral Cove Reserve" by New Zealand artist Tony Ogle. Click here to see more of his work.

.Day 5: Queenstown – Te Anau (170km/106miles).  Travel onto Te Aanau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. Visit the Glow Worm Caves or take a scenic flight over beautiful Doubtful Sound. Your next two nights accommodation will be in Te Anau. 

Accommodation: Te Anau Hotel & Villas 

Day 6: Milford Sound.  Some time at leisure to explore beautiful Fiordland. Flight-seeing in this region must rate as one of the great sightseeing options in the world. It is a breathtaking way to experience mighty Milford Sound and to see mile-high Mitre Peak, one of the most famous and spectacular views in New Zealand. 

Day 7: Te Anau – The Catlins (247km/154miles).  Follow the Southern Scenic Route through Manapouri and down to the coast. There are breathtaking views of the ocean along this coastal drive. Stop in Invercargill before travelling through some of the most lush and fertile farmland in New Zealand. Then enter the Caitlins, a region boasting dense dense rainforests, bush walks with native birdlife, stunning coastal scenery and wildlife such as penguins and dolphins. · Accommodation: Fortrose Retreat or similar (breakfast included) Day 8: The Catlins – Dunedin (160km/100miles) Travel today to Balclutha, located on the banks of the Clutha River. Follow the coast north to Dunedin. Enjoy this gracious city of grand 19th century buildings. Accommodation tonight is at Larnach Castle, built in 1871 by William Larnach, a man of great vision who helped shape New Zealand’s history. · Accommodation: Larnach Castle Lodge (breakfast included)

By New Zealand artist, Bill MacCormick. To see more of his art please click here.

Day 8: The Catlins – Dunedin (160km/100miles).  Travel today to Balclutha, located on the banks of the Clutha River. Follow the coast north to Dunedin. Enjoy this gracious city of grand 19th century buildings. Accommodation tonight is at Larnach Castle, built in 1871 by William Larnach, a man of great vision who helped shape New Zealand’s history. · Accommodation: Larnach Castle Lodge (breakfast included) 

Day 9: Dunedin – Lake Tekapo (318km/199miles) . Take the coastal road north to Oarmaru before turning inland to Twizel. On the foreshores you have an opportunity of viewing two species of penguin – the yellow-eyed variety during the daytime and the smaller blue penguin at dusk. You may like to visit Mount Cook today. Mount Cook National Park is a wonderland, whether you climb mountains, hike the valleys or are simply content to stare and let your soul soar up the peaks. Overnight accommodation at either the beautiful Lake Tekapo Lodge or the delightful Creel House.     Accommodation: Lake Tekapo Lodge (breakfast included) 

Day 10: Lake Tekapo – Christchurch (226km/141miles).  Your journey today takes you to Christchurch. En route you will pass over the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains. Your hire car is booked until tomorrow but must be returned no later than the time it was picked up on Day 1.                                                                           Accommodation: Millennium Hotel.