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Southern Discovery |
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Day 1 Arrive - Christchurch - Hanmer Springs On arrival your driver/tour guide will welcome you. Alternatively uplift your rental car from our Airport representative. Departing the Airport transfer to Braemar Lodge. This luxury retreat is nestled in the North Canterbury mountains, just 5 kilometres from the charming alpine and thermal resort of Hanmer Springs. The Lodge is the perfect place to relax after a long flight - the views over the huge Hanmer River Basin to the snow capped mountains beyond are truly awesome. For the active there are a host of different walking tracks to choose. Overnight Bremear Lodge Day 2 Hanmer Springs Today is free for activities. Recommended are - travelling to the coastal village of Kaikoura for a whalewatch excursion. Here the opportunity exists to observe the Sperm Whale, Wright Whales and Orcas In addition to whales seals, dolphins and a host of other sea birds may be seen. Alternatively take advantage of the activities offered around the Hanmer region these include jet boating, horse trekking, rafting trout fishing, trail walking to name just a few. Overnight Bremear Lodge Day 3 Hanmer Springs - Greymouth Departing Hanmer 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 towards 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 4 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 5 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 6 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 and an excursion to the nearby historic 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 7 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 8 Queenstown - Dunedin Leaving Queenstown retrace the route along the Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell before heading east towards Dunedin. Travel through the arid bolder strewn Central Otago, amazingly this hostile land is one of New Zealand's premier fruit growing regions. Traverse Saddle Hill to arrive in Dunedin. The City takes its unusual name from the Gaelic name for Edinburgh Scotland. This afternoon sightseeing may include an excursion on the Otago Peninsula to visit the Royal Albatross Colony, Blue and Yellow Eyed Penguin colonies and the many fur-seals that bask on the Peninsula's shores. Alternatively for a more relaxing time explore the City's many fine examples of New Zealand's Victorian architecture. Overnight Larnach Castle Day 9 Dunedin Today will is free to explore Dundein and the Coastal Otago region. Possible sightseeing may include an excursion on the Otago Peninsula visiting the Royal Albatross Colony, Blue and Yellow Eyed Penguin Colonies and the many fur-seals that bask on the Peninsula's shores. Alternatively experience a ride on the Taieri Gorge Railway, a spectacular historic rail journey, in fully refurbished turn of the century railway carriages through some of the most rugged scenery imaginable. For a more relaxing time explore the City's many fine examples of New Zealand's Victorian architecture. Day 10 Dunedin - Mt. Cook Drive north from Dunedin over Kilmog Hill and past beautiful Blue Skin Bay to the town of Oamaru, famous for its white sandstone buildings. Travelling inland follow the Waitaki River to the Waitaki and MacKenzie Basins. The highway passes by many vast hydro lakes and power stations - this region produces a large percentage of New Zealand's electricity. Arrive Mount Cook village, at the base New Zealand's highest mountain (Mt. Cook 3754 metres). 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 11 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 12 Christchurch Today is free to explore Christchurch and Canterbury. Suggested activities include a visit to Kaikoura for a whalewatch excursion to view the giant sperm whale, the largest of all toothed whales. For those wishing a more relaxing time in Christchurch enjoying the many fine shops and attractions which include the Arts Centre, Cathedral and Avon River all are located within easy walk of your accommodation. Overnight The Weston House Day 13 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.
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Bremar Lodge
Milford Sound
Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu
Milford Sound Scenic Flight
Corstorphine House
Sumner - Christchurch |
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Prices are valid until 30 September 2008 |
Prices are valid until 30 September 2008 |
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