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Tour Details . . .
Christchurch to Christchurch
Departs Daily
9 Days from $NZ 2065
See
Costs below
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Highlights . . .
Canterbury vineyards
Otago wine tour
Milford Sound
Queenstown
West Coast Glaciers
TranzAlpine Train
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Day 1 Arrive Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch you will be greeted
by our representative and transferred to Mountford Estate just 45
minutes from Christchurch in Waipara Valley, heart of the North
Canterbury wine district. Spend the evening enjoying the Estates
fine wine and food.
Overnight Mountford Estate
Meals Included dinner ( with wine ) and breakfast
Day 2 North Canterbury Vineyards - Christchurch
The Waipara Valley is regarded as one of the
fastest wine growing regions in New Zealand. It currently boasts
9 wineries, and is an ideal cool climate grape growing area with
Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominating
local plantings. Canterbury Vin de Pay will delight in introducing
you to the regions vineyards. This evening return to Christchurch
Overnight Hotel Grand Chancellor
Day 3 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 at 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 and hug the banks of the Kawarau Gorge to arrive Queenstown
Overnight St Moritz Grand Mercure
Day 4 Otago Wine Excursion
Central Otago is New Zealand's most scenic wine
region and the World's furthest south. Soil structures are very
different to those of New Zealand's other regions with heavy mineral
deposits in silt loams. These conditions combined with hot dry summers
and cold crisp winters are ideal for producing high quality Pinot
Noir and Riesling grapes. Discover what makes the region so special
with the knowledgeable guides of Queenstown Wine Tours
Overnight St Moritz Grand Mercure
Day 5 Milford Day Excursion
Round Lake Wakatipu and cross northern Southland
to 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. Leaving Milford retrace your travels to Queenstown.
Overnight St Moritz Grand Mercure
Day 6 Queenstown
A free day to explore this premier resort with
its extensive range of attractions. Included is the Bob's Peak gondola
ride for the alpine views.
Overnight St Moritz Grand Mercure
Day 7 Queenstown - Glaciers
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 forest, to reach the Glaciers.
Overnight The Franz Josef Hotel
Day 8 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.
Overnight The Franz Josef Hotel
Day 9 Glaciers - Christchurch
Drive through dense Westland forests to arrive
Greymouth. Board the TranzAlpine train for what is rated as one
of the World's premier rail trips. Pass Lake Brunner and through
dense bush to arrive at Otira. Exiting the tunnel at Arthur's Pass
the railway hugs the banks of the Waimakariri River before reaching
the plains and Christchurch.
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