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Southern Flyer |
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Day 1 Arrive - Christchurch On arrival in Christchurch your South Island driver / guide will greet you. 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 Provincial Buildings to name but a few possible sights. Overnight The Weston House Day 2 Christchurch - Franz Josef Departing Christchurch the route travels West over the Southern Alps, the main divide of the South Island. Traverse Porters and Arthur’s Pass both at an elevation of over a 1000 meters. The highway is surround by towering snow capped mountains with lower slopes covered in luxuriant native forest. Descend rapidly to Greymouth and the Tasman Sea. Travel south through stands of native forest and over swift flowing rivers to arrive at Franz Josef Glacier. Overnight Franz Josef Glacier Hotel Day 3 Franz Josef - Queenstown Leaving Franz Josef the route travels south over Mount Hercules to Franz Josef 's sister town of Fox Glacier, before continuing onto Haast. Farewelling the coast the highway follows the Landsborough River before traversing Haast 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 highways 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 4 Queenstown Today is free to take in the sights of 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 mining community of Arrowtown. A ride up the Skyline Gondola for a panoramic view of Queenstown and the Remarkables is included. Overnight Mountvista Hotel Day 5 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 allows you to see 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 luxury coach to Milford before flying back to Queenstown. Overnight Mountvista Hotel Day 6 Queenstown - Christchurch 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 of New Zealand's highest mountain , 3754 metres. During your time at Mt. Cook recommended is a scenic flight with on snow landing. 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 7 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
Knights Point
Road to Milford Sound |
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Prices are valid until 30 September 2008 |
Prices are valid until 30 September 2008 |
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