Christchurch - Omarama - Dunedin - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown - Fox Glacier - Greymouth - Blenheim - Christchurch (or Wellington)
Take a very relaxing and supremely comfortable 11 day South Island Tour of New Zealand around the scenic and activity highlights of New Zealand's South Island. Highlights include: world renowned Mt Cook region, awe inspiring Milford Sound, beautiful Queenstown, remote National Parks of Fiordland and the West Coast Glaciers, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and much more.
Day 1. Arrive Christchurch
On arrival, be met and transferred to your Christchurch hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore.
Stay: Pavilions Hotel (1 night)
Day 2. 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 3. 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 4. 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: Fiordland National Park Hotel (1 night).
Day 5. Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, pass through the Homer Tunnel and descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Return to Te Anau and on to Mossburn, then skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the Skyline Restaurant, where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed.
Stay: Rydges Hotel (2 nights).
Day 6. 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 7. 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 8. Fox Glacier to Greymouth
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. Next is Shantytown, a restored gold mining town of the 1860's where you pan for gold and ride on the steam train at no extra cost.
Stay: Hotel Ashley (1 night).
Day 9. Greymouth to Blenheim
View the unusual rock formations and blowholes at Punakaiki and pass Charleston, a former goldmining township. Follow the Buller River through the Buller Gorge and on to Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park. Follow the long Wairau Valley to Blenheim and the Marlborough region. A short tour of the area includes a visit to Montana Winery. Enjoy a hosted tour of the winery, learn about and taste a range of the famous local wines (purchase if you wish) followed by afternoon tea.
Stay: Heartland Hotel Marlborough (1 night).
Day 10. Blenheim to Christchurch (or Wellington)
Explore Picton, nestled on the shores of the Marlborough Sounds. You now have the option of continuing to Wellington via the Cook Strait ferry or returning to Christchurch by Tranz Coastal train along the Kaikoura coast. The Wellington option includes a city tour and will conclude at approximately 5.30pm. If returning to Christchurch your tour will conclude on arrival, scheduled for 7.00pm.
Stay: Accommodation NOT included tonight.
Day 11. Depart Christchurch
This morning is yours to spend at leisure until your included departure transfer to Christchurch International airport. (B)
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