Leave the U.S. today for New Zealand, flying across the Pacific. Two days are lost en route as you cross the International Date Line. Flights need to be booked round trip Christchurch (CHC – South Island). (meals on plane)

*Note: If you would like to depart earlier to rest and get over jet lag in Christchurch, Strabo Tours can make these arrangements, please contact us for details.

We arrive in Christchurch and have the day to adjust/explore Christchurch. OVERNIGHT CHRISTCHURCH (D)

We leave this morning early for Mount Cook, exploring arid landscapes around the lakes before we get there – including Tekapo.  Arrive in time to do afternoon and sunset light on the mountains.

The next day enjoy sunrise photography and have the day to enjoy the sheer majesty and grandeur of the place, the alpine vegetation, and the results of recent and continuing glaciation with the Mueller and Hooker Glaciers. We will devote the morning to a two-and-a half-hour walk through the moraine of Hooker Valley, with magnificent views of the glaciers. Enjoy free time after lunch or perhaps a photo discussion, followed by late afternoon light on the Alps again. OVERNIGHT TWIZEL (B, L, D; B, D)

Optional sunrise shoot this morning before breakfast. Then depart for on your drive to Milford Sound. At times stunning, at others awesome, and in places, even tranquil, this area encompasses New Zealand’s largest national park. Valleys gouged by glaciers and lakes nestled between range-upon-range of snow-capped mountains characterize the landscape. The next day starts with an early morning excursion on a cruise of Milford Sound, the northernmost fiord in Fiordland National Park, and offers the opportunity to see New Zealand fur seals, Fiordland crested penguins, and bottlenose dolphins, as well as absolutely remarkable scenery with waterfalls, rainforest, and towering mountains. Milford Sound is regarded as one of the most beautiful fiords in the world — certainly the most famous. Kipling described it as the eighth wonder of the world. Majestic mountains rise vertically from the water’s edge to over a mile high, while thread-like waterfalls plunge from hidden valleys into the ebony waters below. OVERNIGHT MILFORD SOUND (B, L, D both days)

After travelling east from Fiordland the road follows the upper Mataura Valley. In this valley are located several high-country sheep stations, the backbone of the New Zealand wool industry. This morning experience the workings of such a farm – enjoy watching the mustering, shearing and the renowned sheepdogs at work. This is no tourist farm, but a family owned and run working farm. You will also explore the wonderful tussock lands of the upper Nevis Valley at the back of the farm, as you are guided by the farmer. Midafternoon continue on to Dunedin.

The next morning drive north of Dunedin to visit and photograph the famed Moeraki Boulders. This afternoon there will be additional photography on the spectacular Otago Peninsula or if you prefer the Victorian architecture of historic Dunedin. OVERNIGHT DUNEDIN (B, L both days)

Turn inland and travel through the mountainscape, orchards and vineyards of Central Otago. Late afternoon continue to Wanaka.  OVERNIGHT LAKE WANAKA (B, L, D)

We travel alongside Lakes Hawea and Wanaka and continue up over Haast Pass with stops for waterfalls, forest scenes, and more along the way, arriving in Fox Glacier this afternoon. The next day early morning sunrise photography at Lake Matheson; afternoon will be additional photography hike, or you can take an optional helicopter ride over Fox Glacier & Franz Josef, perhaps with excellent views of Mt. Cook. We’ll take a drive up to Okarito Lagoon for sunset photography with mountains reflected in the lagoon (today or tomorrow depending on weather). OVERNIGHT FOX GLACIER (B, L, D; B)

After breakfast, head northward, exploring the Whataroa Valley, stopping for lunch along the way. Afternoon exploration of the Hokitika Gorge. Travel north to the Paparoa National Park. OVERNIGHT PUNAKAIKI (B)

Make most of the morning discovering the spectacular coastal scenery at the famed Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. The limestone rocks have formed into what looks like stacks of pancakes. After Truman Beach turn inland over Arthur’s Pass. Your accommodations are amidst the spectacular upper Waimakrariri Valley and surrounded by forest and mountains. This lodge is the perfect setting for your final day in Aotearoa New Zealand. It will be a full day of discovering the scenic grandeur of this mountainous region, the high-country sheep station, reflections on Lake Pearson, and the forests of Arthur’s Pass National Park. OVERNIGHT ARTHUR’S PASS (B, L, D both days)

Enjoy sunrise photography this morning around the hotel. Depart in time to make your way back to Christchurch for afternoon flights home. (B)