Travel from Queenstown to Christchurch through the heart of the Southern Alps in one day. Your local guide takes you through the Kawarau Gorge, past Lake Dunstan and up to the Lindis Pass lookout at 971 metres. You then stop in Omarama for a 30-minute break, where we think you can buy the best creamy chicken pie in New Zealand.

Next, see the turquoise water of Lake Pukaki with Aoraki/Mt Cook behind it. At 3,724 metres, it is New Zealand's highest mountain. In Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park you have 2.5 to 3 hours of free time. You can walk part of the Hooker Valley Track, have a hot drink at The Hermitage Hotel, or add a scenic flight with a snow landing.

On the way to Christchurch, stop at Lake Tekapo to see the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Mackenzie sheepdog statue. Then cross the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. The tour ends with a drop-off at central city accommodation. Groups have a maximum of 15 people, and snacks and bottled water are included.