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West Coaster |
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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 expansive tussock and snow capped Southern Alps. Traverse Lindis Pass before hugging the banks of the Kawarau Gorge to arrive 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 (and light refreshments) gondola ride for magnificent alpine views. Day 3 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 4 Queenstown - Glaciers Depart Queenstown via the Kawarau Gorge with its thundering river. Journey past Lakes Dunstan, Hawea and Wanaka. Enter the West Coast Rain Forest as you climb over Haast Pass. Wind your way down through towering mountains with their cascading waterfalls to the coast. Cross the Haast River, pass tranquil lakes encircled with native forest, to the Glaciers. Tonight will be spent 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 - Nelson Drive through dense native forest and cross numerous wild rivers to arrive Greymouth. Continue north hugging the rugged coastline to Punakaiki where a visit to the famous blow holes is made. Leaving Westport follow the Buller Gorge driving beneath the cliffs that overhang the highway. From the summit of Hope Saddle view the peaks of the Nelson Lakes National Park before descending to Nelson. Day 7 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’s lunch is included. Day 8 Nelson - Christchurch Climb over the Richmond Range to the
fertile Wairau Valley, New Zealand’s premier wine producing
region. The town of Blenheim preludes the port of Picton. Board
the Coastal Pacific train and continue across the Wairau Valley.
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. Alternatively Climb over the Richmond Range to the fertile Wairau Valley, New Zealand’s premier wine producing region. The town of Blenheim preludes the port of Picton and the Interisland Ferry. Cruise aboard the Interislander through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. Round Sinclair Head prior to entering Wellington’s splendid Harbour |
The Canterbury Plains
Queenstown from the Gondola
Glacier Walk - Fox Glacier |
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Prices are valid until 30 September 2008 |
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