1
Welcome to Christchurch
‘Haere Mai’ and Welcome to New Zealand.
On arrival into Christchurch we will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Check in and freshen up before spending the remainder of the day exploring the Garden City. New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch sits on the very edge of the Canterbury Plains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. The people are friendly and there is plenty to see and do.
Some Suggested Activities to Help you to get to Know the Region
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation Christchurch - 1 night
2
Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef
This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel through spectacular gorges to Arthur’s located in the centre of the Southern Alps.
Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation Franz Josef Glacier- 1 night
3
Franz Josef - Queenstown
See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown. This sophisticated all-season town enjoys the best of both worlds offering bespoke and authentic luxury experiences in beautifully natural settings hosted by our naturally warm and welcoming people. You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy Queenstown.
This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation Queenstown - 2 nights
4
Queenstown Leisure Time
Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Coach Captain and Tour Guide are available to assist. The surrounding area is known for its natural landscape with wild rivers, high peaks and deep canyons and has allowed Queenstown to developed an exciting array of outdoor adventure activities - and there's plenty to choose from. But if you just want to chill out then Queenstown's compact downtown area is relaxed during the day and huge fun at night. In any season, you can count on stylish designer shops and many trendy restaurants offering a kaleidoscope of dining experiences.
This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine.
Recommended Queenstown Excursions:
| Routeburn Day Walk | Highest Bungey Jump | Explore Arrowtown |
| Biking Skippers Canyon | Round at Millbrook Golf Resort | |
| Earnslaw Steamboat Cruise | Dart River Jetboat Safari |
Meals: Breakfast and Special Dinner
5
Queenstown - Fiordland
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown to visit the Lakes District Museum. Sitting alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River, Arrowtown established in 1862 is rich in heritage and as a former gold mining town is considered one of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand. Charming Arrowtown has maintained its rich heritage and historic buildings with more than 60 pioneer constructed cottages, shops, hotels and churches.
Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to beautiful Fiordland.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation Te Anau - 2 nights
6
Milford Sound Scenic Cruise
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. Enjoy a full length cruise of the fiord in modern, purpose built vessel offering excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife with large windows, spacious decks and comfortable lounges. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7
Te Anau - Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin for an informative city tour followed by some free time at leisure. 'Dunedin' comes from Dun Eideann the Scots-Gaelic name for Edinburgh, founded largely by Scottish immigrants, who raised the impressive buildings which now add much to the city's charm. These buildings incorporate a diverse array of styles from Tudor, Jacobean, Georgian, Carpenter, Gothic and Arts and Crafts styles also feature - to some very fine examples of Neo-Gothic. Dunedin is regarded as one of the best preserved Victorian cities in the Commonwealth.
This Afternoon: Enjoy an informative city tour and travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour.
Tonight: A Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift.
Meals: Breakfast and Special Dinner
Accommodation Dunedin - 1 night
8
Into the High Country - Mt Cook
Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru. While its façade is strictly of the Victorian era with ornately decorated grand white stone buildings that once housed upstanding banks, hotels and restaurants, the residents ‘the Oamaruivans’ are certainly not. In fact quite the contrary, unlike the Victorians they (the locals) are bohemians artisans, creative’s and antiquarians who run ‘out-there’ galleries, museums, shops and venues – it has to be seen to be believed and you'll love it.
Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you continue to marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation Twizel - 1 night
9
Beautiful Lake Tekapo
Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your new found friends.
Meals: Breakfast and Specialty Dinner
Accommodation Christchurch - 1 night
10
Farewell Christchurch
Haere rā and Bon Voyage!
We are sure you will enjoy this tour and our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Meals: Breakfast
Notes
INCLUSIONS
PRE PAID ATTRACTIONS
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Lakes District Museum
- Milford Sound Cruise & Lunch
- Larnach Castle*
- Haggis Ceremony & Gift
- City sights tour of Dunedin
*Guided tour is included with 1 guide per 24 travellers.
TOURING
- Personalised Meet & Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Modern coach travel with 2 door access, restroom, reclining seats and panoramic windows
- Professional Coach Captain & Tour Guide
- 9 nights 4 star hotel accommodation
- 2 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey
- 2 cruises
- All sightseeing and pre paid attractions
- GST (New Zealand Goods and Services Tax)
- Comprehensive documentation pack
MEALS
- 9 cooked breakfasts
- 8 sumptuous dinners including 3 specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Haggis Ceremony, Dunedin; Farewell Dinner, Christchurch
- 1 picnic lunch
- 1 Devonshire Tea
Note: Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.
What Tracy says about this tour: A popular and relaxed tour of the spectacular South with lots of special stops offs. Staying at first class properties, this is a premiere escorted holiday. Guests visit national treasures like Milford Sound by water, charming Arrowtown, a castle and much more. The tour Director provides expert commentary through out the 10 day journey.
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