SOUTHERN SPECTACULAR
INCLUDES OVERNIGHT ON MILFORD SOUNDS
This 7 Day Budget Tour has it all, from Lakes Mountains and Glaciers, the tour covers the South Island and includes Dunedin Queenstown, Fiordland National Park and the West Coast Glaciers, along with two outstanding rail journeys and Milford Sound’s overnight cruise are included in tour cost
TOUR CODE BUDMILF
TOUR COST nz$1650 PER PERSON SHARE TWIN
TOUR COST SINGLE nz$1950
DAILY DEPARTURES
Season 1st Nov - 30th April
Day 1
Christchurch - Dunedin
This morning you will travel by coach from Christchurch to Dunedin. Passing by the patch work quilt of the Canterbury Plain, famed for its grain crops and more recently years, dairy farming. Passing through the rural towns of Ashburton, Timara and Oamaru, these are all service towns for the farming communities. Accommodation in Dunedin for one night
Day 2
Dunedin – Queenstown
Morning free to explore the Victorian style buildings, our choose from our option; The best of the Otago Peninsula and it’s wildlife, cruise the length of the beautiful Otago Harbour with us; enjoy the wildlife cruise of spectacular Taiaroa Head to view the Royal Albatross colony complete with scenic Otago Peninsula bus tour. Include is a guided tour of the award-winning Yellow Eyed Penguin Reserve. Cost nz$120 per person.
This afternoon journey on the Taieri Gorge Train, (Included in tour cost) Dunedin's Prestige Rail Experience, a 78km journey through Dunedin City's unique scenery and heritage, only accessible by train, marvel at a kaleidoscope of scenery. Travel through Suburban Dunedin, to pass through the fertile farm land of the Taieri plains, before climbing into the Taieri River Gorge, which is famous for its sheer cliff faces and sudden ravines framing the tranquil Taieri River. Relive the history of Dunedin's pioneers as they cut a railway line through this rugged and impenetrable country. Marvel at the wrought iron latticework viaducts and narrow tunnels left in their wake. Relax and listen to the live commentary as you discover the real Dunedin. You also have the opportunity to get closer to the environment of the Gorge during sightseeing stops. A fully licensed buffet car provides all the comforts of any cafe, with friendly staff on hand to answer any questions. On arrival at the terminus you will transfer to your tour coach for your on ward journey to Queenstown.
Accommodation in Queenstown for one night
Day 3
Queenstown –Milford Sound overnight cruise
This morning journey from Queenstown to Milford sounds where you board the Milford Wanderer. Spend the night out on Milford Sound aboard the Milford Wanderer this is an awesome journey and rated one of the best overnight cruises in the world.
There is plenty of time on your overnight cruise to enjoy the stunning views and to discover the hidden gems of Milford Sound. Fur seals and bottlenose dolphins are often seen and at times, rare penguins can be observed. As the shadows lengthen we’ll drop anchor at a favourite mooring for the night.
You will cruise the full length of Milford Sound before anchoring for the night in Deepwater Basin. Beneath the towering presence of Mitre Peak, you can go kayaking around sheltered bays, venture ashore in the tender craft or simply sit back and unwind. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a delicious barbecue meal and share stories of the day’s adventures.
The vessel offers viewing deck and cosy dining saloon, accommodation is in comfortable shared bunk-style accommodation 4 bunk to a cabin, shared bathroom facilities, three course evening meal and breakfast is included,kayaks and tender craft vessels.
Day 4
Milford Sound – Queenstown
This morning we way anchor and start our journey back to the wharf, where on arrival you will board your tour coach for your return journey back to Queenstown, on arrival you will dropped off at your hotel at approx 3.30pm
Accommodation in Queenstown for Two nights
Day 5
Queenstown Day at leisure
Your hotel concierge can assist you with information and reservations for the huge number of things to see and do.
Day 6
Queenstown - Franz Josef Glacier
We follow the Kawerau Gorge Road to Cromwell, continuing onto the popular Lake Wanaka, the starting point of the mighty Clutha River. From here we travel past Lake Hawea before following the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makaroa and traversing the rugged Haast Pass into the Westland National Park. Arriving at Haast, you are surrounded by a landscape of rainforest, wetlands, sand dunes and surf-pounded shingle beaches. This wilderness forms part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fiordland have some of the most dramatic forest and mountain scenery and natural resources in the world.On arrival there is time for a scenic flight (weather permitting, own expense).
Optional 90 min Glacier Eco Tour to the lookout point to view Franz Josef Glacier; Your guide will collect you from your accommodation and take you on a short tour to the glacier lookout, along the way they will explain about the local flora and fauna in the area, Cost nz$50 per person or nz$100 for single traveller. Tour operates October – April. Or there is a shuttle bus which operate on a regular timetable to the glacier lookout point.
Accommodation in Franz Josef for one night
Day 7
Franz Josef Glacier - Greymouth - Christchurch
Today your tour continues along the rugged West Coast to Greymouth, the centre for thousands of miners during the historic gold strikes of the 1860s. At Greymouth, board the world-famous TranzAlpine Train and travel by train to Christchurch (Included in tour cost)
The Tranz Alpine scenic train journey travels between Greymouth and Christchurch, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. Your train then climbs through lush beech rain forest from the West Coast town of Greymouth into the Southern Alps through the Otria Tunnel to Arthur’s Pass before descending through the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River, followed by the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland,
All carriages include both one way seating and tabled group seating allowing you to experience the amazing views while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board. An open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favorite spots. There’s a lot to look forward to!
Our train journey sets off from Greymouth - The trip is 223.8 kilometers long and takes approx four and a half hours. There are 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 meters. Tour concludes on arrival at the Christchurch Railway Station
TOUR COSTS INCLUDE:
• 6 Night’s accommodation in hotel all centrally located.
• Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
• Taieri Gorge Train
• TranzAlpine from Greymouth to Christchurch
• Over night Milford Sounds cruise (shared bunk cabin)
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING LINK, AS IT WILL EXPLAIN ALL ABOUT BUDGET TOURS
http://www.tourandtravel.co.nz/tour.aspx?tourid=1171
100410