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Alpine Explorer |
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Day 1 Arrive - Christchurch On arrival in Christchurch you will be greeted by the driver/guide for your South Island vacation. Alternatively our representative will greet you with your rental car. The balance of the day will be free. City attractions include, The Cathedral and Square, The Arts Centre, Canterbury Provencial buildings to name but a few options. Overnight The Weston House Day 2 Christchurch - Greymouth Departing Christchurch the route travels west over the Southern Alps, the South Island's main divide. Traverse Porters and Arthurs Pass both at an elevation of over a 1000 meters. Decend rapidly toward the Tasman Sea along a highway surround by towering snow capped mountains with lower slopes covered with luxuriant native forest. Situated at short distance from Greymouth is Lake Brunner, a still deep lake surrounded by beautiful forested mountains. Overnight Lake Brunner Lodge Day 3 Greymouth - Franz Josef Today travel down the West Coast of the South Island. Drive through stands of native forest and over swift flowing rivers to arrive at Franz Josef Glacier. Time should be allowed during the journey for numerous photo stops and small detours to view the many scenic lakes and walks. A scenic helicopter flight over the Glacier with on snow landing is one of the popular activities. For the more active the opportunity exists to take a guided Glacier walk. Overnight Franz Josef Glacier Hotel Day 4 Franz Josef - Queenstown Leaving Franz Josef the route travels south over Mount Hercules to Franz Josef 's sister town of Fox Glacier, before continuing on to Haast. Farewelling the coast the highway follows the Landsborough River before traversing Hasst Pass. The route passes through some of New Zealand's finest scenery, with spectacular waterfalls, towering mountains and dense rain forests. Crossing the Pass the highway skirts Lakes Wanaka and Hawea before continuing past the hydro lake, Lake Dunstan. Travel through the rugged Kawarau Gorge to the alpine resort of Queenstown. Overnight Mountvista Hotel Day 5 Queenstown Today is free to take in the sights around the Queenstown region. Recommended activities include a ride on the Shotover Jet billed as the World's most exciting jet boat ride, a trip on the Earnslaw a historic steam ship operating on Lake Wakatipu, an excursion to the nearby 1860's minning community of Arrowtown. A ride up the Skyline Gondola for a panoramic view of Queenstown and the Remarkables is included. Overnight Mountvista Hotel Day 6 Milford Sound Excursion Depart Queenstown early this morning and round Lake Wakatipu before crossing 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. The flight back to Queenstown provides views of hanging valleys, alpine lakes and cloud-piercing summits hidden from the road. The return flight is truly memorable. Note: rental car travellers will travel by luxuary coach to Milford before flying back. Overnight Mountvista Hotel Day 7 Queenstown - Mt. Cook Leaving Queenstown retrace the route through the Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell before traversing the Lindis Pass. Cross the Mackenzie Country with its expanses of tussock and snow capped Southern Alps. Arrive Mount Cook village, at the base New Zealand's highest mountain at 3754 metres. During your time at Mt Cook recommended is a scenic flight with on snow landing. Many short alpine walks can be under taken around Mount Cook village all have breathtaking views in every direction. Overnight The Hermitage Day 8 Mt. Cook - Christchurch Departing Mount Cook pass Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo before crossing Burkes Pass and descending towards the Canterbury Plains. Cross the Plains, a patch work of perfectly ploughed and planted fields to arrive Christchurch. Overnight The Weston House Day 9 Depart Christchurch A late check out, if required, has been arranged
with the hotel. Transfer to the Airport or alternatively your rental
car may be left at the airport. |
TranzAlpine Train
Franz Josef Glacier
Southern Alps
Lake Tekapo |
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Prices are valid until 30 September 2008 |
Prices are valid until 30 September 2008 |
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