South Island Dreaming Part I - New Zealand
- Jun 7
- 3 min read
Sometimes this job delivers proper pinch me moments. Winning a place on an incentive trip with AAT Kings to New Zealand’s South Island was one of those.
This is Part 1 of my New Zealand trip beginning in Christchurch and winding our way South through some of the most spectacular scenery I have ever seen.
Christchurch: Trams, Punting & A City Reimagined
Christchurch, a city that has a quiet charm; with its definite British vibe, leafy streets and elegant architecture.
Courtesy of Tourism Christchurch, I managed to squeeze a lot into my short stay:
Punting on the River Avon: where I let someone do the hard work whilst drifting quietly past willows and old stone bridges, in the sunshine. Very relaxing, very pretty, highly recommend.
I joined a walking tour with a Māori guide: a brilliant way to hear the stories behind the streets and learn more about local history and culture, with time to taste one of the famous pies.
Riding the historic tram around the city: hopping on and off at different stops, getting my bearings and admiring the mix of heritage buildings, street art and new architecture.
Wandering through the Botanic Gardens, an expanse of green lawns and colourful flowerbeds with the scent of the flowers in the air, was a perfect way to to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Christchurch was the ideal gentle start, a chance to stretch my legs, breathe in some fresh air and ease into “New Zealand Time” before the big landscapes kicked in; and boy did they deliver.
Tranz Alpine - The Scenic Route of Dreams
We boarded the TranzAlpine train at Christchurch station bound for Arthur’s Pass. As the landscapes began to unfold like a film. Snow capped peaks on the horizon, lakes and vast valleys opening up around every bend, there were lots of oohing and aahing sounds around me 😊.
Continuing on by coach, with Simon at the wheel of ‘Miranda’ our AAT Kings driver and Tamara keeping everything running smoothly as our tour director, it was time for lunch in Hokitika. A walk on the beach for a photo at the iconic driftwood ‘Hokitika’ sign and a browse around the Pounamu Shops, selling the legendary greenstone, a sacred treasure in the Maori culture which symbolise spiritual energy and strength.
Last stop for the day was seeing the Franz Josef glacier in all its’ wonder from a distance. Although, a little cloudy, it never took away from the sheer splendour of this glacier which is approximately 12 km long, with ice up to 300 metres deep.
En route to Queenstown:
One of my early highlights was the Haast River Jet boat. Skimming along glacial water with mountains on either side.
A little bit of excitement and adventure when the boat picks up speed and spins you around and the crystal clear water. just wow! A great way to break up the journey whilst listening to stories of local history, nature and life in this remote corner of New Zealand.
Note to file under: “Things I’ll be recommending a lot from now on.”
Queenstown greeted us with a full day of leisure and wall to wall sunshine. Cradled between dramatic mountains and the deep blue of Lake Wakatipu, it is a place where Middle earth scenery meets a laid back lakeside buzz.
Most of the hotels are tucked into the hillside, so wherever you stay, you are likely to wake up to sweeping views.
From here, the activities are endless: Lord of the Rings locations to explore, vineyards made for lingering over a glass of local wine, a floating sauna bobbing gently on the lake and a cable car ready to whisk you up for yet another jaw dropping panorama.
In the evening, we boarded the historic TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu towards Walter Peak. Watching the lights of Queenstown behind us, the air took on that cool alpine freshness.
At Walter Peak, we were treated to a lavish BBQ feast: platters of succulent meats sizzling straight from the grill, colourful salads piled high and all the trimmings you could possibly wish for. Think crisp, fresh vegetables, perfectly roasted potatoes, homemade sauces and dressings that tempt you back “just for a little bit more”.
Afterwards, we wandered out to watch a sheepdog in action, a simple but captivating slice of station life, before boarding the Earnslaw once more for the gentle journey back to Queenstown.
In Part 2, I will be heading deeper into the landscape: cruising through the sheer cliffs of Milford Sound, soaking up lakeside calm in Te Anau and uncovering the coastal charms of Dunedin and beyond.
New Zealand
