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Tour Details . . .
11 Day Tour
From NZ$1580
Depart Christchurch
Finish Christchurch
Departs Daily
See Costs below |
Highlights . . .
West Coast Glaciers
Lake Wanaka
Queenstown
Dunedin
The Catlins Coast
Stewart Island
Milford Sound
Mt. Cook |
Day 1 Christchurch - Fox Glacier
Cross the Canterbury Plains and follow the banks
of the Waimakariri River to reach the Southern Alps and Arthur's
Pass. Cross the pass and descend through the alpine rain forest
to Otira. Follow the banks of the Otira river to arrive Kumera Junction.
Travel through Hokitika and pass serene lakes and virgin forests
to reach Fox Glacier.
Overnight The Homestead B & B for 2 nights
Day 2 Fox Glacier
The day is free for activities. Popular are glacier
and bush walks or a scenic flight with a 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 of Lake Wanaka.
Overnight Aspiring Images
Day 4 Wanaka - Dunedin
Follow the Clutha River to Cromwell. Travel through
through the Cromwell Gorge and by the impressive Clyde Dam. Pass
the extensive orchards of the Alexandra and Roxbourgh regions prior
to descending down the Manuka Gorge to reach the fertile South Taieri
Plains. From here it is a just a short distance to Dunedin.
Overnight Deacon Court B & B
Day 5 Dunedin - Catlins - Fortrose
Drive south to Balclutha. Returning to the coast,
drive through native forests, spend time searching out fur seals,
sea lions and yellow eyed penguins as you travel along the Southern
coast line. View the fossilised forests at Curio Bay before continuing
on to Fortrose. Today's travel takes in some of New Zealand's finest
wildlife and wilderness areas.
Overnight Green Bush Farm Stay
Day 6 Fortrose - Invercargill - Stewart Island
This morning farewell the Catlins Coast and cross
the Southland Plains to Invercargill. 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 launch cruise on Paterson 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.
Overnight The Glendaruel B & B
Day 7 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 and travel along the base of the Hunter Mountains over Blackmount
Pass to reach Te Anau teh gateway to Fiordland.
Overnight Cosy Kiwi B & B
Day 8 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 ( included ) 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.
Overnight The Stables B & B for 2 nights
Day 9 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 gondola ride for the magnificent views of the
Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu.
Day 10 Queenstown - Fairlie
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 to arrive Fairlie and your farm stay. This afternoon
your hosts will be delighted to introduce you to New Zealand farming
life style.
Overnight Hillcrest Farm Stay
Day 11 Fairlie - Christchurch
This morning enjoy the hospitality of your hosts.
Later travel over the Canterbury Plains with their back drop of
the Southern Alps to reach Christchurch the garden city.
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