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Southern Natureland |
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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 it's 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 Glacier. 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 delightful 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 on the shores Lake 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 in Dunedin. Day 5 Dunedin Wildlife Excursion Today explore the Otago Peninsula with its host of marine creatures and seabirds. The wildlife cruise travels the length of Otago Harbour to Taiaroa Head. During the cruise you will most likely sight eight species of sea birds and colonies of Fur Seals. Close offshore see huge flocks of Sooty Shearwaters feed among other Shearwaters, Petrels and species of Albatross. Leaving the cruise join a guided tour of the Royal Albatross Colony, the Yellow Eyed Penguin Reserve and a visit to wading bird habitats. Day 6 Dunedin - Catlins - Invercargill Drive south to Balclutha. Returning to the coast, drive through native forests, search out fur seals, sea lions and yellow eyed penguins during the frequent stops on todays journey. View the fossilized forests at Curio Bay before continuing on to Invercargill. Today’s travel takes in some of New Zealand’s finest wildlife and wilderness areas. Note: occupationally during the winter this day excursion does operate - we will advise options. Day 7 Invercargill - Stewart Island The short flight to Stewart Island provides travellers the opportunity to enjoy the dramatic seascapes. Stewart Island is an unspoiled wilderness. The island, with only 23 miles of roads, has been changed little by human activity. On arrival enjoy a short island tour of the village area before joining your launch cruise on Patereson Inlet. Cruise four 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. Note: Kiwi Spotting is also available - please enquire Day 8 Stewart Island - Te Anau The morning is free to pursue your own activities. This afternoon return to Invercargill. Drive east to Riverton, a “wild” fishing village. Reaching historic Tuatapere proceed inland the along the base of the Hunter Mountains over Blackmount Pass to reach Te Anau. Day 9 Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown Drive through the Eglinton Valley with its hanging glacier valleys, pristine temperate rainforest and mighty 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 the magnificent alpine views. Day 11 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. |
Seals at Catlins
Stewart Island |
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Meal options are unavailable in motel grade. Prices are valid until 30 September 2008
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