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South Island by Train |
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Day 1 Wellington - Christchurch Cross Cook Strait on the Interislander and cruise through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. Disembarking at Picton board the Coastal Pacific train and cross the Wairau Valley, New Zealand’s premier wine producing region. Returning to the coast the railway hugs the rugged shore to Kaikoura, renowned for its lobster fishing and whale watching. Skirt the Hundalee Hills to reach Christchurch. Day 1 or 2 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 Glacier. Day 2 or 3 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 or 4 Glaciers - Queenstown 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, Hawea and Dunstan to reach Cromwell. The Kawarau Gorge with its thundering river prelude Lake Hayes and Queenstown. Day 4 or 5 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 5 or 6 Milford Day Excursion Round Lake Wakatipu and cross northern Southland to reach Te Anau. Drive through the Eglinton Valley with its hanging glacier valleys, pristine temperate rainforest 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. Leaving Milford retrace your travels to Queenstown. Day 6 or 7 Queenstown - Dunedin Depart Queenstown via the Kawarau Gorge with its thundering 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 travel through the rugged Mt. Allen region to arrive in Dunedin. Day 7 or 8 Dunedin - Christchurch The morning is free. This afternoon the highway
north climbs 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 town’s famous stone buildings before
crossing the Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch. Arrive 6.30
pm approximately. |
West Coast Forest
Haast Beach |
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Prices are valid until 30 September 2008 |
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