Wellington - Blenheim - Christchurch - Omarama - Dunedin - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown - Fox Glacier - Christchurch
Relax and let someone else do the driving while you witness the magnificent scenery of New Zealand's South Island. All of the best sightseeing attractions are included and you have the option to include famous Tranz Alpine Train Journey on this New Zealand South Island Tour.
Day 1. Arrive Wellington
On arrival, be met and transferred to your Wellington hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore.
Stay: Bay Plaza Hotel (1 night)
Day 2. Wellington to Blenheim
Join the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise to the South Island with spectacular views of the City left behind. Sail across Cook Strait into the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, bush clad hillsides remote bays and isolated holiday homes. In Picton, you are welcomed by your South Island Coach Captain. Explore Picton then drive to Blenheim for an afternoon's sightseeing that will highlight the Marlborough district's many scenic attractions and some of its world renowned wines. A visit will be made to Montana Winery for a complimentary tasting and afternoon tea.
Stay: Heartland Hotel Blenheim (1 night).
Day 3. Blenheim to Christchurch
Past Lake Grassmere then follow the coastline to Kaikoura, an area noted for whale watching. Over the Hundalee Ranges and onto the Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch. Visit the International Antarctic Centre before a city tour highlighting a strong English influence. See the parklands and River Avon before boarding the Tourist Tram for a circuit of the city centre which showcases all the main points of interest.
Stay: Pavilions Hotel (1 night)
Day 4. Christchurch to Omarama
A city sights tour will highlight the main attractions of Christchurch before travelling across the Canterbury Plains into the MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog statue at Lake Tekapo. Opportunity to fly over the Southern Alps with Air Safaris (optional), before continuing to Mt Cook National Park. Admire the majesty of Mt Cook before traveling on to Omarama.
Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night).
Day 5. Omarama to Dunedin
Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin the "Scottish" city. An early arrival allows the choice of excellent optional activities. Combine a Monarch harbour cruise or Newton's Citibus tour to see the albatross, penguins and seals. Board the Taieri Gorge train excursion or explore the city only a few minutes walk away. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift.
Stay: Cargills Hotel (1 night)).
Day 6. Dunedin to Te Anau
Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri before arriving at Lake Te Anau the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (2 nights).
Day 7. Milford Sound Day Tour
A highlight of any tour. Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys where the beech forests reach to the roads edge and snow capped peaks tower above. Descend into the Cleddau Canyon to Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and to Bowen and Stirling Falls. Time to relax and appreciate your surroundings, walk into the rainforest to visit The Chasm a spectacular waterfall, or to the entrance of Homer Tunnel. If conditions permit, your Coach Captain may make a short drive into the Hollyford Valley. Return to Te Anau late afternoon.
Day 8. Te Anau to Queenstown
Cruise across Lake Te Anau to explore the underground world of rushing water and drift beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glow worms, an unforgettable sight. This afternoon drive north to Kingston and around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to picturesque Queenstown. This evening, cruise across the lake aboard the steamship Earnslaw for dinner in the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Stay: Rydges Hotel (2 nights).
Day 9. Queenstown
A day to explore the delights of this alpine resort at your leisure. Your Coach Captain will happily advise on the many sightseeing activities available. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat ride, take a Gondola to the Skyline high above, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon or for the adventurous - white water rafting. Alternatively browse in the many shops and galleries.
Day 10. Queenstown to Fox Glacier
Pass picturesque Lake Hayes on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the goldmining era, to Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora, cross the Haast Pass into the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the West Coast to the magnificent glacier region and visit the National Park Headquarters or take the optional guided walk to the Fox Glacier's terminal face.
Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (1 night).
Day 11. Fox Glacier to Christchurch
Time for an optional helicopter flight over the glacier then on to Franz Josef. Snowcapped Southern Alps dominate the skyline as you pass dense bush, tiny landlocked lakes and small pockets of farmland. Visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory where craftsmen cut and polish giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Cross the Otira Gorge and Arthurs Pass to the Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch.
Alternate option: Join the TranzAlpine train for one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Through rainforests to Otira, snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps, the rugged Gorges of the Waimakariri river and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Stay: Pavilions Hotel (1 night).
Day 12. Depart Christchurch
This morning is yours to spend at leisure until your included departure transfer to the airport. (B)
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