Excursion Overland adventure: new zealand uncovered: alps, lakes & fiordland wonders tour at Hobart

Discover the very best of New Zealand’s South Island on this immersive journey from Hobart to Dunedin. Glide along the Avon River, travel across the vast Canterbury Plains, and experience the striking beauty of Lake Tekapo, including a scenic alpine flight and world-class stargazing. Continue through Central Otago’s dramatic landscapes to Queenstown, where a historic steamship cruise and farm experience await. Take to the skies again for a breathtaking fly–cruise–fly adventure over Milford Sound’s towering fjords and waterfalls. Conclude with vineyard tastings, gold rush heritage towns, and the refined charm of Dunedin before rejoining your ship.

04MIDHBA-A New Zealand Uncovered: Alps, Lakes & Fiordland Wonders

Duration: 5 Days/4 Nights

Departs from: Hobart (Australia) at approx. 9:00am

Re-join ship: Port Chalmers (Dunedin) at approx. 5:30pm

Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Overland Experience requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment-in-full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. Booking made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this programme.

All Overland Experience fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Overland Experiences are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Overland Experiences are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Overland Experiences may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

This Overland Experience is a small group luxury tour, providing bespoke cultural and sightseeing experiences. We limit the tour to a small group in order to ensure your experience is a high-quality one. Spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. If the program fills up, you'll be accommodated on a space-available basis.

VISA INFORMATION

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for New Zealand & Australia. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY

The local currency is New Zealand Dollar; credit cards are accepted; local ATMs are available in most locations visited.

FULL DESCRIPTION

DAY ONE – Hobart – Christchurch

Your journey begins with disembarkation in Hobart around 09:00, where you will meet your driver for a short transfer (approximately 20–30 minutes) to Hobart Airport. After check-in, depart on your flight at approximately 12:20, flying to Auckland (duration approx. 3h30), followed by a connecting flight departing around 20:00 and arriving in Christchurch at approximately 21:25. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your centrally located hotel. After check-in, enjoy a relaxed dinner at the hotel and overnight in Christchurch.

Dinner and overnight accommodation at Fable Christchurch Hotel, Christchurch

DAY TWO – Christchurch - Lake Tekapo

A scenic journey through the Southern Alps
After breakfast and check-out, depart Lake Tekapo and begin your journey south towards Queenstown. Travel through the Mackenzie Basin, with its vast open landscapes and dramatic mountain backdrops.

Pause in Twizel for photo opportunities, where on a clear day you may enjoy stunning views towards Aoraki / Mount Cook and the surrounding peaks.

Charming Arrowtown and local flavours
Continue to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, renowned for its preserved heritage buildings and picturesque setting. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, followed by free time to explore boutique shops, galleries, and charming streets that reflect the region’s gold rush history.

Arrival in Queenstown and evening cruise
Arrive in Queenstown and check in at The Rees Hotel, offering elegant accommodation with spectacular lake views. It is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the peaceful setting of Queenstown, lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.

Later, transfer to the waterfront to board the historic TSS Earnslaw, one of the last remaining coal-fired steamships still operating in the Southern Hemisphere. Launched in 1912, the same year as the Titanic. The vessel is affectionately known as the “Lady of the Lake” and has been part of Queenstown’s history for more than a century. Originally built to transport passengers, mail, livestock, and supplies to remote farms around Lake Wakatipu, the TSS Earnslaw still retains its Edwardian charm today, with visitors able to view the original steam engines in action during the cruise.

Return to Queenstown and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight at accommodation The Rees Hotel Queenstown.

DAY THREE – Lake Tekapo - Queenstown

An unforgettable journey to Milford Sound
After breakfast, transfer to Queenstown Airport for one of New Zealand’s most iconic experiences. Board your aircraft for a spectacular fly/cruise/fly excursion to Milford Sound.

Enjoy breathtaking aerial views over rugged mountains, glaciers, and remote valleys before landing in Milford Sound.

Board your vessel and cruise through the dramatic fjord, surrounded by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and untouched wilderness. A picnic lunch will be served onboard as you take in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural environments.

Return to Queenstown
Following the cruise, take to the skies once again for your return flight to Queenstown. Upon arrival, transfer back to your hotel and enjoy time at leisure.

Please note that this flight is subject to weather conditions, and schedules or routing may be adjusted accordingly to ensure guest safety.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a three-course dinner at your hotel's restaurant.

Overnight accommodation  at The Rees Queenstown

DAY FOUR – Milford Sound

Leisurely morning in Queenstown
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning before transferring into Queenstown’s vibrant town centre. Spend time exploring boutique shops, lakeside cafés, and galleries at your own pace.

Skyline Gondola and panoramic dining
Board the Skyline Gondola for a scenic ascent above Queenstown. At the top, take in sweeping panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.

Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Stratosfare Restaurant, renowned for its spectacular views and high-quality cuisine.

Afternoon at leisure
The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax, explore further, or enjoy optional activities. Dinner is at your own arrangement this evening.

Overnight accommodation at The Rees Queenstown.

DAY FIVE – Queenstown - Dunedin

Scenic drive to Glenorchy
After breakfast, depart for a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy, widely regarded as one of the most picturesque regions in New Zealand.

Wilderness exploration and cinematic landscapes
Experience the beauty of Glenorchy and the Dart River region, including locations famously featured in The Lord of the Rings films. This immersive nature experience showcases pristine landscapes, braided rivers, and ancient forests.

Return to Queenstown
Enjoy a relaxing café-style lunch in Glenorchy before returning to Queenstown, with scenic photo stops along the way.

Evening in wine country
In the evening, travel to Gibbston Valley in the heart of Central Otago wine region. Enjoy an elegant winery dinner paired with fine local wines in a beautiful vineyard setting.

Return to Queenstown and your hotel.

Overnight at The Rees Queenstown.

Please note: This description is a general overview of the highlights of this program. The local Silversea representative will do everything possible to ensure that all of the sites described here are visited, though the tour sequence and specific sites mentioned is subject to change. Closure of some sites due to local or national holiday observances, flight schedules or other factors may affect the program, and the local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if necessary.

This Mid-Voyage Overland Experience involves an extensive amount of travel by road, air, and boat over six days, including scenic flights, a jet boat experience, and long transfers. The tour requires a moderate level of physical activity, including approximately 4,000 feet (1.2 kilometers) of walking in total, at times over uneven surfaces such as gravel and paving stones, with some inclines encountered (particularly at Moeraki Boulders).

This programme is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests must be able to board and disembark coaches, boats, and aircraft without assistance. Certain activities, including the jet boat experience in Glenorchy, are not suitable for guests with back or neck problems, heart conditions, or for pregnant women.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable, layered clothing suitable for changing weather conditions, along with sturdy, flat, closed-toe walking shoes. A weatherproof jacket, sun protection, sunglasses, insect repellent, and any necessary personal medication are essential.

Guests must carry their passports, required visas (including NZETA for New Zealand and an Australian visa where applicable), and ship’s ID at all times.

This programme includes multiple flights (both scenic and commercial). Scenic flights are subject to weather conditions; in the event of adverse weather, the programme will be reviewed and adjusted accordingly. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply on scenic flights, and guests weighing more than 120 kg may not be permitted to participate. Flight schedules, routing, and timings are subject to change without prior notice due to operational and weather conditions.

The final day involves a full day of travel, including flights via Melbourne to Hobart, followed by a transfer to the port. Guests should be prepared for a long day and potential delays. Re-embarkation is expected at approximately 22:00.

A signed waiver may be required for participation in certain activities. Space on this exclusive programme is extremely limited; early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

• One-night stay in One-Bedroom Mountain View Villa at the Peppers Blue Water Resort , Tekapo
• Four-night stay in Lake View Room at Rees Hotel, Queenstown
• Scheduled flights: Queenstown/Melbourne & Melbourne/Hobart (Economy Class). Business-Class is available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as some aircraft do not offer business seating.

Baggage allowance is restricted to one luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 50 pounds (about 23 kilograms) and a maximum size of approximately 22x14x10 inches (about 55x35x25 centimetes) per person, plus one carry-on luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 15.4 pounds (about 7 kilograms) and a maximum size of approximately total 46 inches (about total 115 centimeters). Supplement for excess luggage is to be paid directly at the check-in counter.

• Five breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners
• Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
• All ground transportation throughout the programme (private vehicle/coach as per group size)
• 45minutes Grand Traverse Scenic flight from Tekapo
• Fly–Cruise - experience to Milford Sound
• Moeraki Boulders photo stop
• Riverstone Kitchen gourmet lunch
• Arrowtown visit and lunch
• TSS Earnslaw lake cruise + Walter Peak farm show & dinner
• Milford Sound fly–cruise–fly experience (with picnic lunch)
• Skyline Queenstown gondola & buffet lunch at  Stratosfare restaurant
• Glenorchy & Dart River wilderness Jet Boat experience
• Gibbston Valley wine experience and dinner

Not Included:

New Zealand nor Australia Visas, any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.