An unforgettable tour of central and southern South Island highlights, including the early French settlement of Akaroa, Canterbury, Otago, Southland, Fiordland, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Westland, Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, Greymouth, and Arthur's Pass. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery bordering the magnificent Southern Alps including views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Day 1 Christchurch
Welcome to New Zealand. We depart Christchurch Airport for a scenic tour of this beautiful English style city. You could be excused for believing that you had arrived in Great Britain as many beaches, street, parks, the university and river are named after their British counterparts. We will then transfer you to your hotel accommodation. Christchurch, with a population of 322,700, has ample shops and cafés to browse through before sitting down to your first evening meal in New Zealand.
Day 2 Christchurch - Akaroa
This morning we visit a number of historical buildings such as the Arts Centre, and Christchurch Cathedral, before travelling to Canterbury's oldest town Akaroa situated high up on Banks Peninsula. Enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee/tea at this charming French settlement, photograph Christchurch City from high on the Port hills, then move on to your first overnight Farm Stay.
Day 3 Akaroa - Dunedin
Today we tour the Canterbury Plains and travel along the East Coast to admire the Moeraki Boulders, considered to be the finest example of their kind in the world. Later we explore the lovely City of Dunedin, including a conducted tour and dinner at Larnach Castle.
Day 4 Dunedin - Te Anau
This 'Scottish' city offers an abundance of wildlife experiences. We will visit penguins, albatross and seal colonies on the Otago peninsula before moving on to South Otago and Southland. As we make our way towards Te Anau the countryside becomes drier. We pass through many small townships before catching first glimpses of Fiordland. Enjoy Farm Stay accommodation with million-dollar view.
Day 5 Te Anau - Milford Sound
Pass through the Homer Tunnel on your way to beautifully scenic Milford Sound. Transfer to the vessel 'Mitre Peak' for a nature-oriented cruise the full length of the Fiord to the Tasman Sea, stopping at various points to view waterfalls, rain forest, mountains and wildlife. (Optional - Milford Mariner overnight cruise is also available) Return late afternoon to your Farm Stay.
Day 6 Te Anau - Queenstown
Farewell Fiordland, and head towards the spectacular scenery of Queenstown. Board the vintage steam train Kingston Flyer at Fairlight for a short journey to Kingston, then meet up with your driver to continue the journey to Queenstown and luxury accommodation. Relax for the rest of the afternoon, enjoy some art and craft shops, before partaking of a Hangi Feast and entertainment at an exciting and enchanting Maori concert.
Day 7 Queenstown
Today we take a 20mile Jet Boat ride deep into the wilderness of Mt Aspiring National Park. Remove the sound of the V8 and listen to the birdsong and cascading waterfalls as you float & paddle your Fun Yak (Canadian style canoe) at leisure amongst glaciers, dense rainforest and rocky peaks. There are many other delights to try at Queenstown e.g. guided nature walks, 4WD tours into historic gold mining settlements or bungy jumping. This evening catch the Gondola to the Skyline restaurant 450 metres above Queenstown.
Day 8 Queenstown - Franz Josef
Today experience some of the atmosphere of the early gold mining days as we travel via Arrowtown through the Cardrona valley to Wanaka at the southern tip of Lake Wanaka. There will be plenty of photo opportunities, as we travel through Mount Aspiring National Park and the rain forests of South Westland to Haast, arriving late afternoon at your Glacier accommodation.
Day 9 Franz Josef Glacier - Punakaiki
Inspect the Franz Josef Glacier at close quarters this morning. Accompanied by a guide, you will be taken onto the face of this moving sheet of ice. As is usual your guide will call many stops to explain features of the environment, as well as answer the many questions you have. Mid afternoon, it's back on the road again, as we follow Coast to Hokitika, the West Coast craft 'Mecca' of NZ. If it's possible to drag you away from here, it is only about 1.5 hours to Punakaiki. Relax and watch the setting sun disappear into the sea over a delightful West Coast meal.
Day 10 Punakaiki - Arthur's Pass - Christchurch
A leisurely morning's drive to Greymouth where you board the Tranz Alpine Express - rated one of the top six train journeys in the world as it winds through lush beech forest over the massive Southern Alps in Arthur's Pass National Park and across spectacular gorges and river valleys to Christchurch. Eating out tonight is your choice at one of the many restaurants close by your accommodation.
Day 11 Christchurch - Aoraki/Mt Cook
This morning we head out of Christchurch across the Canterbury plains to Hinds where we turn inland towards Lake Tekapo and finally Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. This World Heritage site covers 70,000 hectors of breathtaking alpine scenery, which is preserved in its natural state for visitors to enjoy. The rest of the afternoon is yours to view the park by taking one of the may walks close by if you wish. (Guides are available).
Day 12 Aoraki/Mt Cook - Christchurch
Make the most of the time that you have here before returning via the inland scenic route to Christchurch. Arriving back in Christchurch to start and unwind from such an enjoyable New Zealand Tour.
Day 13 To Christchurch Airport
Today's activities will be arranged around the departure time of your homeward bound return flight from Christchurch Airport. If time permits one option is to travel through the Lyttelton Tunnel and visit the 1876 Time Ball Station - once a crucial element in maritime navigation.
Abbreviations and meanings if displayed
BB Bed & Breakfast
DBB Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Central North - 6 Days - RDJ002 Tour Pricing per person from
2 People
4 People
USD$3310.00 Per person
USD$1700.00 Per person
*Prices valid as of September 2003, subject to change, and availability.
Inclusions
Meeting service on arrival.
Your own personal chauffeur/guide.
Luxury vehicle with all related costs.
Local government taxes.
PLEASE NOTE: Activities, Accommodation, Dinner and Breakfasts NOT INCLUDED.
