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SOUTHERN DISCOVERY - 10 Days Christchurch to Christchurch

At a Glance …

Enjoy a South Island holiday packed with exciting sightseeing excursions and activities, including the world-famous Kaikoura Whale-watch, a spectacular nature cruise on Milford Sound and a glacier expedition on Lake Tasman where you will get up close & touch floating icebergs. This tour will take you on a journey of discovery & there’s also plenty of time for personal exploration as well.

ANDREAS

GERMANY

PHOTO CREDIT:
Andy

ANDREAS

GERMANY

PHOTO CREDIT:
Andy
View image gallery
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • 9 nights superior hotel accommodation
  • 4 night stay in majestic Queenstown
  • Accompanied by professional, experienced Tour Host (days 2-10)
  • Full breakfasts daily, 1 lunch & 1 dinner
  • Choice of whale watch cruise or Maori Cultural experience
  • Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd
  • World-Heritage listed Mt Cook National Park
  • Tasman Glacier Explorer boat expedition
  • Milford Sound Nature Cruise
  • Historic Arrowtown
  • Beautiful Southern Lakes region
  • Twin glaciers of Fox & Franz Josef
  • World famous TranzAlpine train journey through the Southern Alps
  • Complimentary limousine airport transfer on arrival
TOUR PRICES
Per Person
 
April 2012-Sep 2012
Twin Share
Single
Oct 2012-Apr 2013
Twin Share
Single

Please contact us or complete our online enquiry form to receive further information on this tour or to check availability on your preferred date of travel.

YOUR TOUR ITINERARY


DAY 1

Arrive Christchurch

On arrival at Christchurch, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation.
ACCOMMODATION: The George Hotel


DAY 2

Coastal Pacific Train to Kaikoura

Travel by Coastal Pacific train through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury to Kaikoura, a coastal town nestled between the Kaikoura mountain range & the Pacific Ocean. This afternoon, you have the choice of either enjoying a whale-watch adventure or joining local Maori for a unique, award winning cultural experience.
ACCOMMODATION: White Morph Inn. (B)


DAY 3

Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mt Cook

Continue your journey south and stop at beautiful Lake Tekapo to view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. Then travel up the western side of Lake Pukaki to the Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage listed site. The park covers over 70,000 hectares of breathtaking alpine scenery. Optional skiplane and helicopter flights are available subject to weather conditions.
ACCOMMODATION: Mt Cook Hermitage Hotel. (B,D)


DAY 4

Tasman Glacier, Queenstown

Experience the Tasman Glacier in the most unique way possible. An experienced guide will whisk you away in a stable MAC Boat to explore the melting ice-face of the Tasman Glacier. Get up close to touch & taste 400-year old icebergs that have been carved into the murky waters of the lake. Travel through the MacKenzie Country before beginning the assent over the Lindis Pass and emerging into the lush green farmland that surrounds the spectacular alpine village of Queenstown, regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination.
ACCOMMODATION: Heritage Queenstown Hotel, 4 nights. (B)


DAY 5 & 6

Explore Queenstown & surrounds

Enjoy two free days to experience this magnificent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts an incredible array of adventure & leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. (B)


DAY 7

Milford Sound Nature Cruise & Fly

Your highlight today is a leisurely Nature Cruise of the breathtaking Milford Sound, cruising the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea. An on-board nature guide will give you detailed information of the region’s history, flora & fauna and you will view spectacular waterfalls, rainforests and towering mountains, including the awesome Mitre Peak. Wildlife includes dolphins, seals, penguins & albatross when in season. At the conclusion of your cruise, board your light aircraft for a spectacular scenic flight back to Queenstown (weather permitting). A truly memorable experience. (B,L)


DAY 8

Arrowtown, Wanaka, Fox Glacier

Set beneath the rugged Crown Range is Arrowtown, a fascinating collection of mining cottages with an atmosphere straight out of last century. Enjoy time to stroll through this historic village located beside the Arrow River, once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860’s. There is time to wander around Lake Wanaka before enjoying incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. On to Fox Glacier where there is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region (subject to weather conditions).
ACCOMMODATION: Distinction Te Weheka. (B)


DAY 9

Spectacular TranzAlpine Train, Methven

Head north along the dramatic West Coast, steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1800’s. This afternoon, board the TranzAlpine train for coast to coast rail adventure through the Southern Alps, rated as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Disembark at Darfield & travel on to Methven for your last night.
ACCOMMODATION: Terrace Downs Resort. (B)


DAY 10

Depart Christchurch

Sadly, your holiday ends today and you will be transferred late morning to Christchurch city or airport to connect with your onward flight. Here, we bid you ‘Haere Ra’, a fond farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand. (B)


DEPARTURE DATES
2012
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
21st
25th
23rd
13th
3rd, 24th
8th, 22nd
5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
3rd, 10th
2013
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
4th, 11th, 18th, 21st, 25th
4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
1st, 8th, 15th, 29th

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