Christchurch - Omarama - Dunedin - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown - Fox Glacier - TranzAlpine - Christchurch
This 9 day New Zealand Tranz Alpine Coach Tour includes the amazing sights of the South island and the world renowned Tranz Alpine train journey, spectacular Mt Cook region, Milford Sound as well as the magnificent Fiordlands and Glaciers 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: Distinction Luxmore 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 - TranzAlpine - 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. Now 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 8. Depart Christchurch
This morning is yours to spend at leisure until your included departure transfer to the airport. (B)
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