15 Day Ultimate
South Island Experience
Ultimate New Zealand is a 15 day fully escorted experience through the spectacular South Island. A purpose-built coach configured to a maximum 20 travellers will redefine the concept of coach travel. Deluxe leather 'business-class' seating and state-of-the-art entertainment systems are just two of the many luxurious features on board. Your journey would not be complete without the very best in accommodation, exquisite specialty meals and an array of iconic activities that will satisfy your appetite for a unique holiday. The Ultimate New Zealand Experience will seduce the discerning traveller who appreciates the pinnacle in comfort and style.
TOUR CODE GPULTSI
TOUR COST nz$9799 PER PERSON SHARE TWIN ROOM
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT add on nz$2500
Departure dates 2nd Oct, 6th Nov 2009 & 12th Feb, 5th Mrach 2010
Day 1
Homeport - Christchurch
Fly from your homeport to Christchurch. From the moment you arrive in New Zealand a friendly smile awaits as our Meet and Greet representatives ensure you are welcomed in true Kiwi style and transferred to your hotel. This evening is a great opportunity to meet fellow travellers as you enjoy a welcome dinner.
Junior Corner Suite Millennium Hotel Christchurch (2 nights) (D)
Day 2
Christchurch
Travel to the International Antarctic Centre this morning for a totally unique experience as you have breakfast with the penguins in a ‘state of the art’ enclosure. Climb aboard the amazing Hagglund, buckle up and experience an adventure ride in this all terrain amphibian vehicle. Enjoy a guided tour around the centre as you discover how life in Antarctica survives through a series of fun, exciting and interactive exhibits.
Return to the city for a tour of the grand architecture, historic homesteads and immaculate parks. Visit the historic Antigua Boat Sheds, your boarding point for an authentic Edwardian punting experience along the picturesque Avon River.
This afternoon some free time is available. Use your complimentary Tramway Pass to explore the city including the popular arts and craft markets.
This evening you will experience the dramatic encounter Lost in our Own Land, where the Maori Village, the fortified pa and the Colonial Village sites come to life throughout this spectacular display. Feast on a traditional Maori Hangi and Colonial banquet before a steam train ride concludes your evening as you take with you memories of this powerful journey that shaped the history of New Zealand. (B,D)
Day 3
Christchurch - Dunedin
Heading south this morning you visit Trotts Garden. This stunning private garden offers different landscaped sections and delightful vistas at every corner. Morning tea is served before travelling to Oamaru, famous for its Limestone Buildings. On arrival enjoy a personal ‘local’ welcome followed by lunch at the New Zealand Malt Whisky company.
Enjoy time to wander through the vibrant Historic Precinct before the shortjourney to the Parkside Limestone Quarry and Garden. A tour of the quarry showcases one of nature’s finest building materials and afternoon tea will be served in the garden. Continue to Dunedin, a city where a strong Scottish heritage remains today.This evening prior to dinner, an entertaining Haggis Ceremony will comprise of traditional bagpipes, Highland dancers and the Robbie Burns world famous poem ‘Address to the Haggis’ will be recited.
Accommodation Southern Cross Hotel (2 nights) (B,L,D)
Day 4
Dunedin
Travel out along the spectacular Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, an iconic New Zealand attraction built in 1871. A guided tour will reveal the exciting yet scandalous history, magnificent architecture, New Zealand antiques and breathtaking tower views. Morning tea will be served as you marvel at the beautiful gardens which have been lovingly restored by the Barker family over the last 40 years.
A short drive brings you to Natures Wonders where your hosts will thrill you with a cross-country adventure in the ultimate all terrain vehicles, an 8-wheel-drive ARGO. See stunning coastal scenery and an extraordinary range of wildlife, including the world’s rarest penguin, the Yellow-Eyed, in its natural habitat.
A home cooked lunch is provided before returning to the city where you visit the Otago Settlers Museum. Learn about the Scottish history of Dunedin followed by a walking tour taking in several historic buildings including the railway station and First Church. Return to the hotel with time to relax enjoying a free evening to dine at leisure. (B,L)
Day 5
Dunedin - Te Anau
A leisurely start to the day before an informative guided tour of Dunedin’s premier historic home - Olveston House, which showcases the lifestyle of a privileged family in the early 1900s.
Morning tea will be served before departing Dunedin. Travel through Balclutha to Gore where time is available for lunch and to explore the Hokonui Moonshine Museum that celebrates the history of illicit whisky making. Continue to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and our overnight stay.
Tonight a special dinner consisting of crayfish for the main course will be served.
Garden Villa Room Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (B,D)
Day 6
Te Anau - Doubtful Sound
Enjoy a relaxing start to the day, a walk along the lakefront may provide a pleasant option. Relax in the comfort of the Fiordland Cinema as you view the amazing production of Ata Whenua - Shadowland which brings to life the Fiordland World Heritage areas in this unforgettable journey. After the screening enjoy a delightful morning tea in stylish surrounds. Board your coach for the short trip to Manapouri, the starting point of your breathtaking Doubtful Sound experience.
After a short cruise across Lake Manapouri, travel by coach to the boarding point of your overnight vessel the Fiordland Navigator. Stunning views of the dramatic landscape including dynamic mountain ranges, cascading waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife, will keep you entertained. Enjoy a kayak trip around the shoreline or take the tender craft out with your nature guide before its time to drop anchor for the night and enjoy a delicious evening meal in the spacious dining saloon.
Accommodation The Fiordland Navigator (B,L,D)
Day 7
Doubtful Sound - Queenstown
This morning after a hearty breakfast, time is available to explore once again, before returning to Deep Cove and then onto Manapouri where your coach will be waiting. Continue to Queenstown, located on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu and your home for the next three days.
Your first stop is the spectacular Shotover River where you board the world’s most exciting Jet Boat ride for the thrill of a lifetime. Next, take to the skies on your premier scenic helicopter flight. View the breathtaking beauty of the Wakatipu basin and the untamed Shotover River before landing on The
Remarkables, situated 1538 metres above Queenstown. A glass of champagne is served as you enjoy the stunning scenery offering incredible views. Reboard your helicopter for a special flight to land on site at Millbrook Resort, where you will be warmly welcomed and given a full update on all the facilities available. Tonight a welcome to Millbrook dinner will be provided.
Villa Suites, Millbrook Resort (3 nights) (B,D)
Day 8
Queenstown
Start the day with a short coach ride to the Winehouse and Kitchen, a stunning renovated homestead with superb views. A cooked breakfast is served before a short stroll across to the Kawarau Bridge where the world’s first commercial Bungy site opened in 1988.
Here experience the Secrets of Bungy Guided Tour revealing the origin of Bungy through a range of interactive exhibits plus a fascinating cinematic experience. Exclusive viewing decks allow you to witness a ‘bungy jump’ up close and personal.
Escape back in time as you board a 1937 convertible Chevrolet bus that has been lovingly restored. Your driver and guide will provide a fascinating talk on the region as you visit a number of well known art and craft studios in and around Arrowtown. Lunch will be served at a spectacular location before returning to the Resort late afternoon for some free time. Dinner this evening is at leisure. (B,L)
DAY 9
Queenstown (Free Day)
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure, or simply soak up the surrounds and luxurious facilities at Millbrook. Your Coach Captain and Tour Escort are available to assist with the many sightseeing options available whether it be a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon or a total wilderness experience on the famous Dart River. (B)
DAY 10
Queenstown - Mt Cook
The mountain ranges of Queenstown will fade into the distance as you journey into the Mackenzie Country, also known as the Mt Cook region, New Zealand’s treasure Highland. This is a powerfully emotive landscape, over one million acres of high golden tundra encircled by sky piercing mountains. Depending on weather conditions a range of activities have been organised for you this afternoon to showcase the dramatic scenery and turquoise glacial lakes.
Late afternoon time is available to relax and soak up the ambience or you may choose to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. This $7.5 million ‘state of the art’ museum and theatre showcases the history of climbing and transport in the Mt Cook region.
You may also like to experience the region’s dramatic mountains first hand with an optional scenic flight (weather permitting) including a snow landing.
This evening enjoy a superb dinner in the hotel’s premier restaurant.
Aoraki Wing The Hermitage Hotel (B,D)
DAY 11
Mt Cook - Hanmer Springs
The majestic scenery continues as you travel via Lake Tekapo towards Hanmer Springs. View the brilliant turquoise water; visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue.
The highlight of the region is a visit to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa where you will unwind in this unique alpine environment. Included is either a 30 minute back massage or facial at the award winning spa complex.
Accommodation The Heritage Hotel(B,D)
DAY 12
Hanmer Springs - Nelson
Today you travel via Springs Junction to Nelson renowned for its abundance of working artists and galleries.
Take the creative ride of your life when you visit the totally unique World of Wearable Art and Classic Car Museum. An exclusive area has been reserved for you where an informative talk will be presented on how art is literally taken off the wall to adorn the body in wildly wonderful ways. Also housed in the
Museum is an amazing collection of cars ranging from the early 1900s.
Continue to your resort where your luxury one bedroom cottage overlooks the immaculate Village Green, which is where a delightful wood fired barbeque dinner will be served al fresco style this evening.
One Bedroom Cottage Monaco Hotel & Resort (B,D)
DAY 13
Nelson - Blenheim
Travel into the countryside to a local farm for a real Kiwi experience. Suit up and climb aboard your 4-wheel quad bike for a guided tour through farmland and native forest admiring New Zealand’s largest Matai Trees. Arrive at the Tree Top café where spectacular coastline views are on offer. Morning tea is served in this panoramic setting and you may choose to try the adrenalin charged Skywire (optional) set 305m above sea level.
Continue to Havelock, the Greenshell mussel capital of New Zealand. Enjoy a truly unique cruise and take in the natural beauty of this tranquil environment. Learn about the history of the pioneering families who have settled in the Sounds over six generations and visit a mussel farm where freshly steamed mussels are served with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Continue to Vintners Retreat our accommodation set amongst the vines. A special winemakers dinner will be presented this evening commencing with a visit to Forrest Estate Winery where you will greeted by the vineyard owner and wine maker who will share his wine making experiences with you. Return to Vintners for pre dinner drinks and canapés. A tastefully decorated private dining room reflecting a food and wine theme will be our venue for a five course degustation menu with specific wines matched for each course.
Suite Accommodation Vintners Retreat (B,D)
DAY 14
Blenheim - Christchurch
After breakfast we will depart the region of ‘vines’ and head south to the coastal town of Kaikoura. Iconic to the region, the Whale Watch tour is a unique experience. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year round residents. You may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, a pod of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross as you enjoy a 2.5 hour boat cruise to view the whales up close with a full commentary and boxed lunch provided.
En-route to Christchurch, travel through the Waipara Valley and visit the popular Pegasus Bay Winery - pioneers of local grape growing and wine making.
This evening enjoy an intimate farewell dinner in the ambience of a private room and share with your new friends the highlights of the last two weeks.
Junior Corner Suite Millennium Hotel Christchurch (B,L,D)
DAY 15
Christchurch - Homeport
Enjoy breakfast at leisure this morning. After an ultimate New Zealand experience it is time to say goodbye. You will be personally transferred to the airport for your flight home. Take with you the fond memories of your time in New Zealand that will last forever! (B)
ACCOMMODATION
• Luxury Accommodation for the discerning traveller
• Millennium Hotel – Junior Corner Suite, Christchurch (2 nights)
• Southern Cross Hotel, Dunedin (2 nights)
• Distinction Hotel & Villas – Garden Villa Rooms, Te Anau
• The Fiordland Navigator, Doubtful Sound
• Millbrook Resort – Villa Suites, Queenstown (3 nights)
• The Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook
• The Heritage Hotel, Hanmer Springs
• Monaco Hotel & Resort – One bedroom cottage, Nelson
• Vintners Retreat, Blenheim
HIGHLIGHTS
• Relaxation, Culture and History
• International Antarctic Centre including Hagglund ride
• Punting along the Avon River, Christchurch
• Christchurch Tramway Pass
• Trotts Garden Tour, Ashburton, including morning tea
• New Zealand Malt Whisky Company lunch, Oamaru
• Parkside Limestone Quarry & Garden, Oamaru
• Haggis Ceremony, Dunedin
• Guided tour of Larnach Castle & Gardens, including morning tea
• Natures Wonders, drive in an
• 8 wheel drive ARGO, including home-cooked lunch
• Otago Settler's Museum
• Guided tour of Olveston House including morning tea
• Hokonui Moonshine Museum, Gore
• Ata Whenua – Shadowland, Fiordland Cinema, Te Anau including morning tea
• Shotover Jet Boat ride
• Helicopter flight to the Remarkables, and EXCLUSIVE landing at Millbrook Resort
• Secrets of Bungy guided tour
• 1937 convertible Chevrolet Bus Tour of arts & crafts studios around Arrowtown, including lunch
• Your choice of a 30 minute massage or facial at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa
• World of Wearable Art and Classic Car Museum, Nelson
• 4-wheel quad bike guided farm tour including morning tea
• Greenshell Mussel Cruise, Havelock
• Whale Watching Cruise, Kaikoura
SPECIAL DINING EXPERINCES
• Breakfast with the Penguins at the International Antarctic Centre
• Lost in Our Own Land, Tamaki Heritage Village, a Maori Cultural & Dining Experience with steam train ride
• Special ‘crayfish’ dinner, Te Anau
• Welcome to Millbrook Dinner
• Winehouse & Kitchen breakfast, Queenstown
• Alfresco, woodfired barbeque dinner, Nelson
• Forrest Estate/Vintners Estate Winemaker Degustation Dinner
• Themed Farewell dinner, Christchurch
• Meals included as above marked (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner
ALL THIS AND MORE
• Small group travel – limited to 20 travellers
• 13 nights luxury accommodation
• Plus an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound
• Exclusive purpose built luxury touring vehicle
• Professional Coach Captain & full commentary
• Dedicated Tour Escort
• Meet and Greet on arrival in New Zealand
• Personal return airport transfers in New Zealand
• 14 cooked breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 morning/afternoon teas, 11 dinners
• Numerous specialty dining occasions
• Comprehensive sightseeing and admissions
• GST (New Zealand Goods & Services Tax)
• Choice of back massage or facial at Hanmer Springs Thermal Spa
• Deluxe documentation set including travel bag, ticket wallet, etc
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