Southern Spectacular-Christchurch to Christchuch

Your itinerary

Day 1 Sun: Arrive Christchurch

On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm). The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Christchurch. This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink.

Accommodation: The Elms Hotel, Christchurch.

Day 2 Mon: Mt. Cook

Travel over the colourful, patchwork plains of Canterbury. Visit beautiful Lake Tekapo and view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue past Mt. Cook National Park, a world heritage site and home to New Zealand's highest mountain. Time to take an optional scenic flight over this mighty mountain (weather permitting).

Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama. (B)

Day 3 Tue: Mt. Cook/ Dunedin

Follow the Waitaki River, passing hydro-electric dams at Waitaki and Aviemore. Travel through Oamaru which is famous for its white stone buildings made of limestone. Continue south to Dunedin, a beautiful city founded by Scottish settlers.

Accommodation: Bentley's Hotel, Dunedin. (B)

Day 4 Wed: Dunedin

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dunedin. Opportunity to visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only authentic castle. Travel south through Balclutha and the farming town of Gore. Cross the rich fertile country of South Otago and continue to Te Anau, situated on the shores of Lake Te Anau. The lake is the largest on the South Island, gouged out by a huge glacier.

Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel, Te Anau. (B)

Day 5 Thu: Milford Sound

Travel south towards Fiordland, through some of New Zealand's magnificent alpine country. Drive through the Homer Tunnel, a tunnel one mile long and completely hand hewn. Stop briefly at the Chasm, before arriving at Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on the waters of this natural wonder, with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above.

Accommodation: Rydges Lakeland Resort, Queenstown, 2 nights. (B)

Day 6 Fri: Queenstown

Today is at leisure for you to enjoy the many scenic delights of Queenstown. Your Tour Director will happily advise on the optional activities available. Perhaps take a relaxing stroll along the lake shore or an exciting optional jet boat ride. Tonight ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak for a delicious buffet dinner and stunning views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.

This evening you have the opportunity to experience Kiwi Haka. Enjoy a performance of the Haka, plus a dazzling display of Poi dance and melodious songs. Ask your Tour Director for further details about this exciting experience. (B) (HD)

Day 7 Sat: Fox Glacier

Enjoy a visit to Arrowtown, a colourful township steeped in local history. Follow the course of the fast flowing Kawarau River through the Kawarau Gorge. Climb over the Haast Pass, which winds its way through Mount Aspiring National Park and dramatic mountain and forest scenery. Continue north along the coastal road to Fox Glacier, with the towering mountains on your right and the mighty Tasman Sea on your left.

Accommodation: Fox Glacier Hotel, Fox Glacier. (B)

Day 8 Sun: Punakaiki

This morning you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional scenic flight over Fox Glacier and Mt. Cook (weather permitting). This afternoon continue north along the rugged coast to Punakaiki and see the Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Opportunity to journey on the TranzAlpine train over the spectacular Southern Alps and colourful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch (please request at time of booking).

Accommodation: The Elms Hotel, Christchurch. (B) ( HRQC only)

Day 9 Mon: Depart Christchurch

You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport to connect with your flight (flights to depart anytime). (B)

Maori Cultural Experience

Symbol denotes OPTIONAL

Airfares are not included in the Tour Price.

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