New Zealand

Wellington - Nelson - Greymouth - Fox Glacier - Wanaka - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Dunedin - Omarama - Christchurch

The scenic and cultural icons of the South Island combined in one superb 15-day itinerary. This outstanding holiday has been designed to offer a range of activities not generally found on a typical South Island New Zealand tour. Includes and an overnight cruise on Milford Sound with options to join complete The 3-day Hollyford Valley Guided Walk and a full day to explore Abel Tasman National Park.

NEW from Oct 2010 - For the more intrepid traveller we have the 2 night/3 day Hollyford Track Guided Walk as an option instead of the 3 night stay in Queenstown.

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 Nelson

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 Brancott Estate Winery for a complimentary tasting and winery tour.  From this renowned wine region it's a fascinating drive to Nelson noted for its arts and crafts.

Stay: Leisure Lodge. (2 nights).

Day 3. Nelson

We recommend an optional day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park, inclusive of all transfers and a picnic lunch. By coach to Kaiteriteri then board a comfortable launch to cruise along the parks coastline. Either go ashore at Torrent Bay and walk 2 hours to Bark Bay or come ashore at Bark Bay and explore that area. From Bark Bay by launch, retrace your journey arriving in Nelson at 5.00pm. Alternatively, explore Nelson, follow the art trail, galleries and coffee shops featuring art, pottery, jewellery, wood and more or visit Tahunanui with its broad beaches and coastal panoramas.

Day 4. Nelson to Greymouth

Lush farmlands then forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge - a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind, possibly lunch at the award winning Beach House Cafe and south to explore the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki. At Greymouth visit Jade Boulder Gallery to see native jade, mined in remote alpine valleys crafted into fine jewellery. On arrival you are transferred to Hotel Ashley with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Stay: Hotel Ashley (1 night).

Day 5. Greymouth to Fox Glacier

Remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes with dense native bush and forest, all dominated by the towering Southern Alps, highlight your journey to Fox Glacier . Plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glaciers terminal face, a helicopter flight and snow landing or walk to nearby Lake Matheson.

Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef (1 night)

Day 6. Fox Glacier to Wanaka

Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Aspiring National Park. At Wanaka you'll have a choice of two afternoon activities: a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island nature reserve, for a bush walk followed by refreshments. Look for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird whose curiosity is likely to attract them close to you.

Alternatively enjoy a thrilling jet boat excursion on the lake - full on exciting, leisurely scenic cruising or somewhere in between.

Stay: Mercure Grand Oakridge Resort (1 night).

Choose an Option Day 7 to 10

You have 2 choices for the next three days and we highly recommend.

Option One. Hollyford Track Guided Walk

Day 7. Wanaka to Queenstown

Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and gold mining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Today enjoy the sights, sounds and activities of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant (entire group).

Stay: Rydges Hotel (1 night)).

Day 8. Queenstown to Pyke Lodge

By coach to the beginning of the Hollyford Track, follow ancient Maori footsteps through beech forests, past impressive waterfalls to reach Pyke Lodge. Walking 17km.

Day 9. Pyke Lodge to Martins Bay Lodge

By coach to the beginning of the Hollyford Track, follow ancient Maori footsteps through beech forests, past impressive waterfalls to reach Pyke Lodge. Walking 17km.

Day 10. Martins Bay Lodge to Milford Sound

This morning explore Martins Bay Spit, a famous landmark seperating the Hollyford Valley and powerful Tasman Sea. Learn about the diversity of this truly remote area before taking an afternoon scenic flight into Milford Sound to rejoin your tour group for the Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise.

Stay:  Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise - an undoubted highlight. (1 night)

Option Two. Queenstown

Day 7. Wanaka to Queenstown

Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and gold mining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Today enjoy the sights, sounds and activities of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant (entire group).

Stay: Rydges Hotel (3 nights).

Day 8. Queenstown

At leisure in Queenstown, jet boating, lake cruises, a day on the Routeburn Track, Lord of the Rings Tours, rafting and more shops, galleries and boutiques than you can count - enjoy. Dinner day 8 is not included allowing the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice.

Day 9. Queenstown

At leisure in Queenstown.

Day 10. Queenstown to Milford Sound

Follow the lake to Kingston, across fertile farmlands to Fiordland National Park. Visit moody Lake Manapouri then Lake Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley, native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains. At The Divide collect the Greenstone Trek group and travel through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound.

Stay:  Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise - an undoubted highlight. (1 night)

Day 11. Milford Sound to Dunedin

Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world. Rugged and remote mountains change to lush green countryside, which in turn gives way to rolling hills as you approach Dunedin, the ‘Edinburgh of the South'. 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: Scenic Dunedin City Hotel (2 nights)

Day 12. Dunedin

A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude of optional activities available. A Monarch Wildlife Cruise, Natures Wonders Tour (both featuring penguins, seals and birdlife), the Taieri Gorge Railway, a Citibus Newtons Tour, fascinating Larnach Castle or Tour the Cadbury Factory or Speights Brewery. Have fun!

Day 13. Dunedin to Mt Cook

Visit Olveston, Dunedin's majestic historic home with its original furnishings. See bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and a rocky coastline, view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes to Omarama. Pass the milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook National Park and village, amidst New Zealand's highest mountains. Visit the Tasman Glacier where you will be amazed by the floating icebergs.

Stay: Hermitage Hotel (1 night)

Day 14. Mt Cook to Christchurch

At Lake Tekapo view the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial with time for a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air Safaris. Descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch. Your tour concludes at approximately 5.00pm after a brief city tour.

Stay: Pavilions Hotel (1 night)

Day 15. Depart Christchurch

This morning is yours to spend at leisure until your included departure transfer to the airport.

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• 14 Nights Accommodation in centrally located accommodation
• 14 Breakfasts and 12 Dinners
• Interislander Ferry Crossing
• Sightseeing tours of Christchurch
• Te Papa Museum
• Brancott Estate winery visit and tasting
• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
• Visit Greenstone (Jade) factory
• West Coast Glaciers
• Remote National Parks of Fiordland & Westland
• Wanaka Lake Cruise & Jet Boat Ride
• Dinner at the Skyline Restaurant
• Overnight Cruise in awe inspiring Milford Sound
• Spectacular Southern Lakes
• Olveston House
• Traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony
• Tasman Glacier Experience
• World renowned Mt Cook Region
• Church of the Good Shepherd

• Travel in luxurious, well appointed and fully airconditioned tour coaches with kneeling front, toilet equipped, panoramic windows, seat belt equipped and dual door access.
• Escorted by a professional Coach Captain
• An informative commentary as you travel
• Comprehensive sightseeing admission fees as detailed with each itinerary
• Airport transfers (conditions apply)
• Baggage handling/ porterage
• Travel kit including travel backpack, ticket wallet, maps and itinerary
• Goods and Services tax

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