9 DAY ALPINE GRANDER
Christchurch - Christchurch
9 days of Southern beauty. Sightseeing includes the picturesque Mt Cook region, historic Dunedin, spectacular southern lakes and the might of Milford Sound as well as vibrant Queenstown and much more
TOUR CODE DKZZ
Basic Tour price from NZ$1935 per person share twin May 2010 - Sept 2010
Basic Tour price from NZ$2195 per person share twin Oct 2010 - Jan 2011
Basic Tour price from NZ$2245 per person share twin Feb 2011 - April 2011
Basic Tour price from NZ$1995 per person share twin May 2011- Sept 2011
Add on 8 breakfast nz$160
Add on 7 dinners nz$205
Single supplement add on nz$630
Departure dates for 2010
15, 20, 22, 27, 29, Sept; 4, 6, 13, 20, 27, Oct;
3, 10, 17, 24, Nov; 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec
Departure dates for 2011
5, 12, 19, 24, 26, Jan; 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 23, Feb;
2, 7, 9, 16, 21, 23, 30, March; 6, 18, 20, 25, 27, April;
4, 11, 18, May; 1, 6, 27, July; 17, 31, Aug;
14, 19, 26, 28, Sept
Day 1
Arrive Christchurch
Welcome to New Zealand! Our representative will greet you at the airport with transport waiting to take you to your hotel.
Pavillions Hotel
Day 2
Christchurch - Mt Cook - Omarama
Cross the broad Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps to the west. Enter the foothills near Geraldine to the barren MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd dedicated to the early pioneers of the region and the Collie Dog memorial overlooking the milky blue waters of Lake Tekapo. Time for a spectacular flight over the Southern Alps, lakes and glaciers with Air Safaris (optional cost), Visit Mt Cook National Park, with time to enjoy the scenic majesty of New Zealand’s highest snow capped peaks, before travelling around Lake Pukaki to Twizel and Omarama.
Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night)
Day 3
Omarama - Dunedin
Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin the “Scottish” city. An early arrival allows the choice of excellent optional activities. Combine a Monarch harbour cruise or Newton’s Citibus tour to see the albatross, penguins and seals. Board the Taieri Gorge train excursion or explore the city only a few minutes’ walk away. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift.
Cargills Hotel (1 night)
Day 4
Dunedin - Lake Manapouri - Te Anau
Visit historic Olveston House, and then cross rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri with its rugged bushclad mountains before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau.
Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Day 5
Milford Sound Day Trip
A highlight of any tour as we follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys where the beech forests reach to the roads edge and snow capped peaks tower above. Descend into the Cleddau Canyon to Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and to Bowen and Stirling Falls. You will have time to take a walk in the rain forest when you visit The Chasm as spectacular water fall carved through rock. If conditions permit, your Coach Captain may make a short drive into the Hollyford Valley. Return to Te Anau late afternoon.
Day 6
Te Anau - Queenstown
Cruise across Lake Te Anau to explore the underground world of rushing water and drift beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glow worms, an unforgettable sight. This afternoon we drive north to Kingston and around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to picturesque Queenstown. This evening, cruise across the lake aboard the steamship Earnslaw for dinner in the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Rydges Hotel (2 nights)
Day 7
Queenstown
A day to explore the delights of this alpine resort at your leisure, your Coach Captain will happily advise on the many sightseeing activities available. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat ride, take a Gondola to the Skyline high above, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon or for the adventurous - white water rafting. Alternatively browse in the many shops and galleries.
Day 8
Queenstown - Christchurch
Farewell your fellow travellers this morning and join the Intercity coach for your journey back to Christchurch.
Pavillions Hotel (1 night)
Day 9
Christchurch - Home
Today is goodbye to all your new found friends before you make your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Christchurch International Airport to join your flight home.
Tour Prices include:
A Meet & Greet on arrival, Return Airport Transfers, Quality twin/double en-suite accommodation throughout, travel in fully air-conditioned 5 star coaches, Escorted by a professional Coach Captain, Informative commentary, Comprehensive sightseeing admission fees as prescribed in the itinerary, Baggage Handling/porterage, Travel Kit including Travel Backpack, Ticket Wallet, Notebook, Pen, DVD postcard, Postcards, New Zealand Map and more.
Meals are optional to include in your tour package and about 95% of travellers choose to include these as they represent exceptional value. All meals start on day 2 of the tour itinerary and conclude after breakfast on the final tour day.
Highlights Include
· Sightseeing tours of Dunedin
· World renowned Mt Cook Region
· Massive man-made Hydro Electric schemes
· Traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony
· The might of Milford Sound
· Te Anau glow worm caves
· Spectacular Southern Lakes Region
· Earnslaw Cruise and Dinner in Historic Homestead
· Olveston House
· Milford Sound Scenic Cruise
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