   |
||||
|
|
|
New Zealand Explorer |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Day 1 Christchurch - Glaciers Cross the Canterbury Plains on the TranzAlpine train. Following the banks of the Waimakariri River reach the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass. Exiting the Otira Tunnel its on to Greymouth. Farewelling the train board your coach. Drive through stands of native forest and over swift flowing rivers to arrive at the Glaciers. Tonight will be at either Fox or Franz Josef. Day 2 Glaciers The day is free for activities. Popular are glacier and bush walks or a scenic flight with an on snow landing. Alternatively just sit back and enjoy the alpine scenery. Day 3 Glaciers - Wanaka Pass by pristine lakes and forests. Cross the Haast River before climbing alongside lofty peaks and cascading waterfalls to Haast Pass. Descending to Otago hug the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea and over the mighty Clutha River to arrive in the alpine village of Wanaka. Day 4 Wanaka - Dunedin Follow the Clutha River to Cromwell. Join the Taieri Connection. Pass the impressive Clyde Dam and cross the wilds of the Maniototo. Board the Taieri train and enjoy a spectacular rail journey over historic viaducts and bridges as you journey through the rugged Mt. Allen region to arrive Dunedin. Day 5 Dunedin - Te Anau The morning is free for sightseeing. This afternoon its over Saddle Hill and through the fertile Taieri Plains passing Lake Waihola to Balclutha. Crossing the Clutha River, South Island‘s longest, continue through Gore, Lumsden and Mossburn to Te Anau, the starting point for your Fiordland adventure. Day 6 Te Anau - Milford - Queenstown Drive through the Eglinton Valley with its hanging glacier valleys, pristine temperate rain forest and towering peaks. Exiting the Homer Tunnel arrive at Milford Sound. Cruise on the Sound and inspect up close the cascading waterfalls, sea life and towering rock faces which rise over 5000 ft. Return to Te Anau and cross the farmlands to Queenstown. Day 7 Queenstown A free day to explore this resort with its 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 (and light refreshments) gondola ride for magnificent alpine views over Lake Wakatipu. Day 8 Queenstown - Christchurch Depart Queenstown via the Kawarau Gorge with its thundering river. Past Cromwell and along the shores of Lake Dunstan before traversing the Lindis Pass. Cross the Mackenzie Country with its expanses of tussock and snow capped Southern Alps. Arriving at Mt. Cook time allows for an optional scenic flight. Pass Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo before travelling over the Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch. Day 9 Christchurch - Wellington Travelling north, the Coastal Pacific train skirts the Hundalee Hills to join the coast near Kaikoura: famous for its crayfish [lobster] and whale watching. Continue along the rugged seashore and pass through the wine producing Wairau Valley before reaching Picton. Board the Interislander and Sail through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and cross Cook Strait to arrive Wellington. Day 10 Wellington Commence with a morning tour, highlights include the Beehive, Parliament Buildings, the Cable Car, Mt. Victoria, Te Papa Museum of New Zealand and the wild southern coastline. This afternoon will be free. In addition to being the Nation’s Capital the city is the country’s food and entertainment capital, with its limitless dining options, theatre and art galleries. Day 11 Wellington - Mt. Ruapehu The Overlander train travels north to the Kapiti Coast and its famous Kapiti Island bird reserve. Follow the base of the Tararua Ranges and over the Manawatu River prior to climbing to the Volcanic Plateau with its 9000 ft. volcanic peak Mt. Ruapehu. Hug the base of the mountain to National Park and your transfer to the Whakapapa Village on the slopes of Mt. Ruapehu. Day 12 Mt. Ruapehu - Taupo - Rotorua Travel up the mountain road and ride the chairlifts to the Knoll Ridge Chalet. Time allows for a brief alpine walk before returning to your accommodation. Pass by Mts. Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. Rounding Lake Rotoaira descend to Turangi. Change coaches and hug the shores of Lake Taupo. Pass geothermal power stations and massive pine forests to Rotorua. Day 13 Rotorua This morning’s half day tour first visits geysers, steaming pools and boiling mud. The excitement continues at the Agrodome where the stars of the show are nearly all sheep. After learning of our farming heritage relax amongst the native bush and crystal clear pools teaming with Brown and Rainbow trout. The afternoon is free. Day 14 Rotorua - Auckland Departing Rotorua round the lake and traverse the Mamaku ranges. Cross the rich Waikato farmland to arrive at the Waitomo Caves. Visit the Glow Worm Caves with their millions of fairy lights ( Included ). Reboarding the coach continue on to Hamilton,follow the Waikato River to arrive Auckland. |
A Geo - thermal Lake near Rotorua
Queenstown from Gondola
Wellington Harbour
Lady Knox Geyser Rotorua
Auckland City |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prices are valid until 30 September 2008
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
