🚂✨ An Unforgettable Adventure Through the South Island! ✨🚁
Gather your girlfriends and get ready for an incredible 6-day journey through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes, with unique experiences, indulgent dining, and unforgettable adventures!
📅 18 – 23 October 2025 | Small Group – Only 8 Spots Available!
🌿 18th October – Akaroa & Christchurch Delights
Meet at Christchurch Airport at 9:00 AM and let the adventure begin! We’re heading to the charming French-inspired village of Akaroa, where we’ll wander through the vibrant Farmers’ Market—a foodie’s paradise filled with fresh local produce, artisan treats, and handcrafted goods. Enjoy a leisurely lunch before we make our way to The Tannery, a stylish boutique shopping destination with unique finds.
After checking into theCommodore Hotel, we’ll gather for a fabulous welcome dinner—let’s toast to the exciting journey ahead! 🍷✨
🏔️ 19th October – Wilderness, Peaks & Pies
Rise and shine as we embark on a scenic drive to Broken River Ski Field, where we’ll ride the highest tramway in the Southern Hemisphere! Soak in the breathtaking alpine views before a delicious lunch in the bush. Our journey continues through the picturesque South Island Beech forests, where hanging moss drapes the trees like a fairytale.
No road trip is complete without a stop for Sheffield Pies—famous across NZ for their mouthwatering flavours!
Middle Earth – Aotearoa has ‘stood in’ as Middle‑earth™ since Sir Peter Jackson first began shooting his epic trilogy across multiple locations in New Zealand in the late 1990s, before returning to Bilbo’s origin story in the Hobbit saga 15 years later. We stop along the way for you to enjoy a walk around Castle Hill.
We’re in no hurry today, so be prepared for stops along the way, including Arthurs Pass!
Tonight we stay at Lake Brunner’s Eco Lodge. As night falls, embark on a magical guided tour to witness the mesmerising glow worms in their natural habitat. Let the dark come alive with the soft, mystical glow of these bioluminescent creatures, lighting up the forest for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Enjoy a platter of nibbles and a glass of wine before we enjoy our 3 course dinner.
🚁 20th & 21st October – Franz Josef – Glaciers & Reflections
After breakfast, we head off to Franz Josef, stopping at Greymouth and Hokitika along the way.
After lunch, brace yourself for an unforgettable heli-flight over Franz Josef Glacier, complete with a glacier landing! Feel on top of the world as you take in the icy-blue wonderland beneath your feet.
Before checking into our hotel, no visit to the West Coast is complete without stopping at Lake Matheson, where mirror-like reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook will leave you speechless.
We’ve more adventures to enjoy
- Enjoy a guided scenic off-road adventure tour! Journey across riverbed and through the rainforest on our thrilling tracks. Ride a quad bike through a beautiful Jurassic rainforest, splash through rivers and explore an ancient glacier riverbed. Enjoy our incredible backdrop of the spectacular Southern Alps and Franz Josef Glacier as you follow your guide through our tracks.
- Discover the true beauty of the West Coast on scenic cruise of Lake Mapourika. Marvel at the Jurassic rainforest-fringed bays reflecting the majestic Alps and Glaciers.
Two nights at Franz Josef.
🚆 22nd October: Scenic Train & West Coast Wonders
Arriving in Hokitika, we’ll marvel at the turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge, where lush rainforest meets striking limestone cliffs.
This afternoon, travel in style aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys! Indulge in the Scenic Plus dining experience as you weave through dramatic gorges, vast plains, and rugged mountains.
A late dinner tonight – let’s raise our glasses and toast new found friendships!
🏨 23rd October: Farewell to Christchurch
After a relaxing final night at the Commodore Hotel, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out and placing your bags in the coach. We’ll then head into Christchurch’s vibrant city center for a 50-minute scenic ride on the historical tram, followed by a tranquil punt ride along the Avon River, where you’ll take in the stunning views of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Lunch today is your own cost today – it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the shops and sights of Christchurch’s city centre. We’ll meet up again at 2:00pm for a transfer to Christchurch Airport for your flight home.
Please ensure your flight departs after 4:00pm to allow plenty of time for transfer.
💎 What’s Included:
It’s as easy as packing your bag – everything is taken care of from the moment you land at Christchurch Airport until we return you for your departure. The only extra costs will be for morning and afternoon teas, as well as any alcohol beyond what is included with dinner.
✅ Solo Travelers Welcome! Enjoy your own private room at no extra cost!
✅ Gourmet Dining: Savour delicious meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a glass of wine.
✅ Seamless Travel: Relax with comfortable coach transport
✅ Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Flight & Landing: Experience the thrill of flying over the Franz Josef Glacier before landing on this icy wonderland! 🚁
✅ Lake Mapourika Boat Adventure: Take a scenic cruise across Lake Mapourika and soak in the views.
✅ Franz Josef Wilderness Quad Biking: Get ready for an off-road adventure! Ride through rugged riverbeds, lush rainforests, and untamed wilderness with breathtaking views of Franz Josef. 🌿🏍️ Adventure, fun, and maybe a little splash of mud await!
✅ Christchurch Tram & Punt Ride: Discover the charm of Christchurch with a scenic 50-minute tram ride, followed by a relaxing punt ride on the Avon River through the Botanic Gardens. 🌿🚋🛶
✅ Transalpine Scenic Train: One of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys! Experience it all with the Scenic Plus dining experience.
💰 Cost: NZD $7,300 per person
🔒 Deposit: NZD $1,500 secures your place – first come, first served!
💳 Balance due 6 weeks before departure (via internet banking or credit card)
💪🏼 Level of Fitness
- This Girls on the Road Again South Island adventure is designed to be enjoyable for women of all fitness levels. Most activities, including scenic walks, sightseeing, and market explorations, are at a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities to pause and soak in the surroundings.
- The Broken River Ski Field tram ride, Lake Mapourika Boat Adventure, and Franz Josef Glacier heli-flight require minimal physical effort.
- The quad biking adventure is an exciting experience but does not require prior experience — just a sense of fun!
- Some optional walks, like Lake Matheson, involve gentle trails, while the TranzAlpine train journey ensures you can relax and enjoy breathtaking landscapes in comfort. If you have any concerns, just let us know—we’ll ensure you have an amazing and comfortable experience!
📝 Terms & Conditions
🔹 If you cancel: Refundable only if we can fill your spot.
🔹 If we cancel: You’re choice of being fully refundable, or transfer to another Travel With Lesley Whyte tour.
Please Note: While we strive to include all scheduled activities, some experiences may be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. If an activity is unavailable, we will provide a suitable alternative to ensure you continue to have an incredible experience.
📢 Limited to just 8 women! Ready to join us? Book now and don’t miss this unforgettable experience!