Akaroa

Experience New Zealand’s South Island in ultimate style on this exclusive two-day escape from Akaroa to Picton. Begin with an exhilarating helicopter flight soaring over the Southern Alps, indulge in a gourmet alpine lunch amid breathtaking mountain vistas and then an elegant dinner aboard the heritage Christchurch Tramway Restaurant and watch the scenery go by on a lovely coastal train ride. Conclude your journey with curated wine and gin tastings in Blenheim before re-boarding your ship in Picton. This is truly an immersive, sensory-rich odyssey where the luxuries and the landscapes are equally unforgettable.

DAY 1 – December 29, 2027

Your adventure begins with a scenic and thrilling helicopter departure from Akaroa, heading west toward the majestic Southern Alps. As you glide over the dramatic terrain, witness the grandeur of New Zealand’s alpine wilderness from the sky, with panoramic views of rugged peaks, deep valleys and pristine rivers.

Touch down at Flock Hill Lodge, a picturesque high-country station nestled deep within the Southern Alps. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the spirit of alpine life. You’ll be treated to a gourmet lunch at Sugarloaf, an awe-inspiring alpine setting renowned for its sweeping mountain vistas and serene atmosphere. Enjoy a menu inspired by local flavours and crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients, all while surrounded by the raw beauty of New Zealand’s high country.

Relax and take in the serenity before boarding your helicopter for the return flight to Christchurch. The journey back offers a new perspective on the landscape, with the changing light casting dramatic shadows across the mountains.

Transfer to your Christchurch hotel for check-in.

This evening, step aboard the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant for a truly unique dining experience. The tram departs from Cathedral Junction, just a short 4–5-minute walk from the Crowne Plaza Christchurch.

Relax as the tram slowly winds its way through the city streets, taking in Christchurch’s iconic landmarks while you enjoy a carefully curated multi-course dinner. Each course is served at your seat, allowing you to savor a variety of flavours as you share stories and reflect on the highlights of the day. The full experience lasts approximately 2 hours, blending fine dining with the charm and nostalgia of a heritage tram ride - a perfect way to unwind and soak up the city atmosphere.

DAY 2 – December 30, 2027

Rise before dawn for an unforgettable rail journey. After an early checkout, transfer to and board the iconic Coastal Pacific train. Settle into your Scenic Plus carriage, where reclining seats, panoramic windows, and attentive service create a truly memorable morning.

As the Coastal Pacific train departs Christchurch, watch the morning light cast a golden hue over the rugged Kaikoura Ranges. The tracks hug the dramatic coastline, revealing sweeping views of rolling farmland, rocky outcrops, and turquoise waters. Keep an eye out for fur seals basking on the rocks and seabirds gliding overhead. On a crisp autumn morning, the peaks of the Kaikoura mountains may still carry a dusting of snow, adding to the magic. For the best photo opportunities, step into the open-air viewing carriage and take in the uninterrupted coastal scenery.

Enjoy an elevated service experience throughout your journey, starting with a gourmet hot and cold breakfast served at your seat, featuring regional produce, New Zealand coffee, fine teas, and morning drinks. A delicious lunch, dessert, and a selection of drinks round out this indulgent and scenic experience.

Arriving in Blenheim just after midday, disembark for a taste of Marlborough’s finest. Begin with a wine tasting at Wither Hills, renowned for its signature Sauvignon?Blanc. This classic Marlborough white is celebrated for its vibrant citrus and tropical fruit notes, crisp acidity, and refined elegance with tasting notes of lime, grapefruit, guava, and even a hint of saline minerality, making it one of the region’s most beloved and reliably expressive wines. Then, continue to The Gin Shack for a guided tasting of locally crafted gins, offering a refreshing and distinctive taste of Marlborough’s artisan spirit scene.

After lunch, take a scenic drive through vine-lined roads to Picton, where your ship awaits. Bid farewell and rejoin your cruise with new friends, enriched perspectives, and lasting memories of New Zealand’s alpine grandeur, coastal beauty, heritage treasures, and culinary delights.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

DAY 1

8:30am Disembark the ship in Akaroa and meet your guide

10:45am Transfer from Akaroa Port to Children’s Bay

11:00am Helicopter transfer from Children’s Bay to Flock Hill Lodge

12:00pm Arrive at Flock Hill Lodge for lunch and farm tour

2:30pm Depart Flock Hill Lodge for Christchurch

3:00pm Arrive at Christchurch Helicopters where your road transfer will be waiting

3:30pm Arrive at your hotel and check in

7:10pm Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to Christchurch Tramway Restaurant

7:30pm Board Tramway Restaurant for Dinner and Sightseeing Experience

9:30pm Tram returns, walk back to your hotel

Overnight at the Crowne Plaza Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 2

6:15am Check out and transfer to the Coastal Pacific Train

6:30am Arrive at the station – check in and board train

7:00am Depart Christchurch on Coastal Pacific Train

Hot and cold breakfast served on train

Coffee, tea, wine, beer, juice and water are served on train

Lunch and dessert also served on the train

12:10pm Arrive Blenheim and disembark train

12:30pm Wine tasting at Marlborough Winery

Gin tasting at the Gin Shack

2:30pm Depart for Picton Port

3:00pm Arrive at Picton Port and re-board the ship

Dietary Requirements:

If you have any food intolerances or special dietary needs, please contact the Regent Reservations Team at least 95 days prior to your departure. It is important that your land program extension reflects these details so our local vendors can ensure smooth and enjoyable dining experiences. Unfortunately, we are unable to make changes to menus on the day of the meal, so advance notice is essential.

Weather:

New Zealand’s seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are June, July and August.

The mean daily temperature in January is 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit).

The mean daily temperature in February is 23 degrees Celsius (74 degrees Fahrenheit).

The sun sets around 9:00pm at this time of the year

What to Bring:

As it will be summer, lighter clothing is suggested. Also, bring sunscreen as well as a waterproof jacket in case of rain. Dress is informal and relaxed. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots.

Local Currency:

New Zealand Dollars. US dollars are generally accepted only in establishments such as souvenir shops. However, credit cards are widely accepted. For small purchases, it is strongly suggested that local currency be used.

Electricity:

Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels and motels provide 110- volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. Power outlets only accept angled two- or three-pin plugs (as also used in Australia) depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. For this reason, we recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.

Luggage Information:

One overnight bag per person and a personal item

Documents and Visa Requirements:

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required. Please bring it with you on this overland tour.

The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.

If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.

Aircraft type (subject to change):

Airbus H125 Helicopter

Accommodation:

Crowne Plaza Hotel or similar

764 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City

Phone: 03 741 2800

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests:

•One night at Crowne Plaza Hotel Christchurch or similar - Superior King Room

•Transportation by private group vehicle with the services of an experienced English-Speaking driver-guide

•One breakfast, two lunches and one dinner (dinner and lunches include a choice of two glasses of house wine, local beer, soft drinks, bottled water, tea, coffee)

•All transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per program

Program Excludes for guests:

•Additional beverages other than when included with meals

•Meals, other than those shown in the inclusions above

•Gratuities to drivers and guides

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, laundry and room service

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.