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Southern Discovery |
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Day 1 Christchurch - Picton - Nelson Travelling north The Coastal Pacific train skirts the Hundalee Hills to join the coast near Kaikoura: famous for its crayfish [lobster] and whale watching. Follow the rugged seashore prior to passing through the wine producing Wairau Valley to arrive Picton. Departing Picton traverse the Richmond Ranges to reach Tasman Bay and Nelson, New Zealand’s sunniest city. The balance of the day will be free. Alternatively Cross Cook Strait on the Interislander and cruise through the flooded valleys of the Marlborough Sounds. Disembarking at Picton, the afternoon will be as above. Day 2 Abel Tasman National Park Travel first to Motueka, the centre of the country’s hop growing industry, prior to boarding the launch “Abel Tasman Explorer”. Cruise past golden sand beaches, luxuriant native bush and view the abundant sea life. Take an optional beach walk or just relax on board the vessel. Farewell the launch and coach back to Nelson. Today lunch is included. Day 3 Nelson - Greymouth Ascend Hope Saddle, view the peaks of Nelson Lakes National Park. Pass through Murchison with its hills scarred by the devastating 1929 earthquake. Following the banks of the Buller Gorge drive beneath cliffs, that in places overhang the highway, to Westport. Bearing south hug the rugged coastline to Punakaiki where a visit to the famous blow holes is made before arriving in Greymouth. Day 4 Greymouth - Glaciers This morning enjoy an excursion to Shanty Town, a reconstructed gold mining town of the 1860’s - try your hand at gold panning! This afternoon board your coach. and drive through stands of native forest and over swift flowing rivers to arrive at the Glaciers. Tonights lodging will be at either Fox or Franz Josef Glacier. Day 5 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 delightful alpine scenery. Day 6 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 on the shores Lake Wanaka Day 7 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 in Dunedin late this afternoon. Day 8 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 9 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 Southland’s farmlands to reach Queenstown. Day 10 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 (and light refreshments) gondola ride for magnificent alpine views. Day 11 Queenstown - Christchurch Depart Queenstown via the Kawarau Gorge with its thundering river. Pass 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. |
Sea Kayers Abel Tasman Nat. Park
Olverston Stately Home - Dunedin
Helicopter Flight above Fox Glacier |
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Prices are valid until 30 September 2008
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