SOUTHERN VISTA
Christchurch to Christchurch
A 10 Day Quality Tour, See the South island including Christchurch, Milford Sound, Dunedin Mount Cook & much more, includes Tranz Alpine Train.
TOUR CODE QTV-NFT10
TOUR COST FROM nz$3045 PER PERSON SHARE TWIN (With Breakfasts)
TOUR COST FROM nz$3370 PER PERSON SHARE TWIN (Breakfasts & Dinners)
DEPARTURE DATES FOR 2010
6 13 20 27 OCT; 3 1017 24 NOV; 1 8 15 DEC
DEPARTURE DATES FOR 2011
5 12 19 26 JAN; 2 4 9 16 18 23 FEB; 9 16 18 23 30 MARCH
6 13 20 APRIL; 5 12 19 26 OCT; 2 9 16 23 30 NOV; 7 21 DEC
Most dates are guaranteed - ask when booking
Day 1
Arrive Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Christchurch
Day 1
Arrive Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Christchurch
Day 2
Christchurch - Lake Ohau
Today we journey to Lake Tekapo and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd made of locally gathered stone and oak. Continue to Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage-listed area and home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Mt Cook. There may be an opportunity for an optional scenic flight over this amazing alpine region (own expense, weather permitting). Continue to the secluded Lake Ohau Lodge, nestled on the shores of picturesque Lake Ohau.
Accommodation: Lake Ohau
Day 3
Lake Ohau - Dunedin
Leaving Lake Ohau we travel via massive hydro-electric schemes and glacier-fed lakes, to the east coast. Visit the lovely town of Oamaru, renowned for its local cream limestone buildings, built during the wealth of last century’s goldrushes. We continue south to view the unusual Moeraki Beach boulders, which were formed some 60 million years ago. This afternoon we arrive in Dunedin, settled by the Scottish in 1848 and renowned as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, due to its rich Scottish heritage. Enjoy a city sightseeing tour including a visit to historic Olveston House, where we take a guided tour and learn about New Zealand family life at the turn of last century. Tonight enjoy a Scottish evening and dinner at your hotel, complete with bagpipes, kilts and haggis.
Accommodation: Dunedin,
Day 4
Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning we visit historic Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. The castle was built by William Larnach for his beloved first wife, 200 workmen laboured for five years before the family was able to move in. View the beautifully restored rooms filled with New Zealand antiques, then we depart Dunedin and travel through rich Southland countryside as we cross the South Island. Continue to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau, gateway to the magnificent Fiordland National Park.
Accommodation: Te Anau,
Day 5
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Today we follow the Milford Road, renowned as one of the world’s finest alpine drives. Wind through the Eglington and Hollyford Valleys, then through the Homer Tunnel to be met by the glassy waters of Milford Sound. We board our cruise and journey the full length of this beautiful fiord. Cruise beneath tumbling waterfalls and mountains, including famous Mitre Peak. Milford Sound runs nine miles inland from the Tasman Sea and is surrounded by sheer rock faces that rise 3,930 feet on either side. Lush greenery clings precariously to these cliffs, while seals, penguins and dolphins frequent the waters below. This afternoon we have a relaxing drive to the town of Queenstown. This evening cruise to historic Walter Peak Sheep Station on the TSS Earnslaw to enjoy a sumptuous carvery dinner.
Accommodation: Queenstown, (2 nights)
Day 6
Queenstown at leisure
Today enjoy the many activities this exciting alpine resort has to offer. Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is an adventure-seeker’s paradise, with a wide range of sports and activities available. Experience some of New Zealand’s famous wines on a vineyard tour, take an exciting river-rafting journey or a scenic helicopter flight (own expense). The opportunities are endless.
Accommodation: Queenstown, (2 nights)
Day 7
Queenstown - Haast
Today we travel towards the West Coast via the shores of lakes Hawea and Wanaka, journey over the magnificent Southern Alps, through spectacular Haast Pass. Arrive in the village of Haast situated on the West Coast, where the Haast River meets the sea.
Accommodation: Haast
Day 8
Haast - Greymouth
Enjoy the incredible scenery as we travel along the West Coast, through a world of mountains, glaciers, limestone landscapes, tranquil lakes, raging rivers and rare bird and plant life. Continue along dramatic coastline through dense rain forest to World Heritage-listed Westland National Park.
Accommodation:
Kingsgate
Day 9
Greymouth - TranzAlpine Train - Christchurch
Journey north along the dramatic coastline to Punakaiki to view the fascinating Pancake rock formations and blowholes, this afternoon we board the award-winning TranzAlpine Train. This journey has been voted one of the top train journeys in the world. Arrive in the Garden City of Christchurch.
Accommodation: Christchurch
Day 10
Depart Christchurch
After breakfast this morning enjoy your day at leisure until you are transferred from your hotel to Christchurch airport for your onward flight.
Tour Price includes
· 9 Nights Quality Accommodation
· All breakfast while on tour
· Transfers to and from airports
· All entry fees as per itinerary
Sightseeing Highlights
· Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd
· Mt Cook National Park
· Fascinating Moeraki Beach boulders
· Dunedin, ‘Edinburgh of the South’
· Visit historic Olveston House
· Guided tour of Larnach Castle
· Fiordland National Park
· Magnificent Milford Sound cruise
· Queenstown, the alpine resort
· Punakaiki Pancake rocks
· Award-winning TranzAlpine Train journey
· Christchurch, the Garden City
Quality Accommodation
· Two nights in Queenstown at the Goldridge Hotel
· Overnight at Lake Ohau Lodge, on the shores of Lake Ohau
Optional Finest Dining
· 9 breakfasts and 7 Dinners (Dinners optional cost)
· Met on arrival in New Zealand and hotel transfer
· Cultural Touring Experiences
· Tour Director and Professional Driver
· Luxury coaches featuring panoramic windows, reclining seats and restroom
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