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Fiordland Explorer |
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Day 1 Christchurch - Queenstown Cross the Canterbury Plains and over numerous snow fed rivers. Follow the base of the Southern Alps before ascending Burkes Pass. Pass Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. Arriving Mt. Cook time allows for an optional scenic flight. Cross the Mackenzie Country with its expanses of tussock and snow capped Southern Alps. Traverse Lindis Pass before hugging the banks of the Kawarau Gorge and passing Lake Hayes to reach the beautiful resort of Queenstown. Day 2 Queenstown A free day to explore this premier resort with its extensive range of attractions. Suggested activities include a Skippers Canyon excursion, a Lake cruise on the Earnslaw and a ride on the Shotover Jet. The daring may consider parapenting off Bob's Peak, white water rafting or a thrilling bungy jump. Included is the Bob's Peak gondola ride )and light refreashment) for magnificent alpine views. Day 3 Queenstown - Milford Sound Overnight Cruise Round Lake Wakatipu and cross northern Southland ot reach Te Anau. Drive through the Eglinton Valley with its hanging glacier valleys, pristine temerate rainforest and towering peaks. Exiting the Homer tunnel arrive at Milford Sound. Board your vessel the milford Mariner. Cruise on the Sound and inspect up close the cascading waterfalls, sealife and towering rock faces rising oto over 5000ft. above the water. Later the oppertunity exists to discover the sounds Tranquil coves at your own pace in the vessles kayaks. Afther a memorable night at anchor return to the dock. Accommodation is in a private dinner and breakfast are included. Day 4 Milford Sound - Te Anau Disembarking at Milford harbour retrace yesterday's route back to Te Anau. The balance of the day is free to explore this picturesque lake-side village. Recommended is an evening excursion to the Glow Worm Caves situated across the Lake from the town centre. Day 5 Doubtful Sound Day Excursion Transfer to nearby Manapouri. Cruise across the Lake and traverse Wilmott Pass. Cruise on Doubtful Sound through a land of misty bush clad peaks enroute observing Bottle Nose Dolphins, Yellow Eyed Penguins and Fur Seals. Experience drifting silently encircled by 400 year old podocarp forests and gigantic glacieal valleys. Returning to Lake Manapouri view the massive power station 170m below the lake surface. Departing the power station cross the lake and return to Te Anau. Day 6 Te Anau - Invercargill - Stewart Island Commence by retracing your route to Manapouri. Travel along the base of the Hunter Mountains part of Fiordland National Park. Reach the coast just south of Tuatapere. Follow the coast to the fishing village of Riverton Prior to reaching Invercargill. The short flight to Stewart Island provides travellers the opportunity to enjoy the dramatic seascaps. Stewart Island is an unspoiled wilderness. The island with only 23 miles of roads has been changed little by human activity. On arrival enjoy ashort tour of the island's village area before joining your launch cruise on Paterson Inlet. Cruise for islands and see 3 different penguin species, Albatross, seals, dolphins and a host of other sea birds all set amongst the island's awesome scenery. Day 7 Stewart Island - Invercargill - Dunedin This morning return to Invercargill. Follow the coastal road to Curio Bay. View the Bay's fossilised forests before continuing along the remote Southern roadway. Drive through native forests, search out fur seals, sea lions and yellow eyed penguins during the frequent stops along the way. Today's travel takes in some of New Zealands finest wildlife and wilderness areas. Leaving the coast travel inland to Balclutha before continuing north to Dunedin. Day 8 Dunedin - Christchurch The morning is free. This afternoon the highway north climbes over Mt. Cargill and the Kilmog Hill prior to arriving at the seaside village of Waitati. Continue along the coast passing the beautiful Blue Skin Bay and Katiki Beach to arrive in Oamaru. Catch a glimpse of the towns famous stone buildings before crossing the Canterbury Plains to rach Christchurch. Arrive approximately 6.30pm. Note: during the winter this tour may alter slightly. We will advise options. |
Seals at Catlins
Stewart Island |
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Prices are valid until 30 September 2008
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