Discover the spectacular South Island on one of our most popular tours taking in the southern loop from Christchurch down the central spine of the Southern Alps onto the East and West Coasts of the South Island. Also we have the option for you to include the full TranzAlpine train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch.

TOUR CODE DKLL

Basic Tour price from NZ$2320 per person share twin  Oct 2010 - Jan 2011
Basic Tour price from NZ$2395 per person share twin  Feb 2011 - April 2011
Basic Tour price from NZ$2025 per person share twin  May 2011- Sept 2011

Add on 9 breakfast nz$180
Add on 7 dinners nz$240
Single supplement add on nz$700

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 - Haast Pass - Fox Glacier
Pass picturesque Lake Hayes on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining era, to Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora, cross the Haast Pass into the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the magnificent glacier region and visit the National Park Headquarters or take the optional guided walk to the glacier's terminal face.
Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (1 night)

Day 9
Fox Glacier - Christchurch
Time for an optional helicopter flight (own cost) over the glaciers, then on to Greymouth to visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory to see craftsmen cutting and polishing giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Cross the Otira Gorge and Arthurs Pass to the Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch.
TranzAlpine Train Option
Join the world famous TranzAlpine Train for a full journey through the Sothern Alps. Cost nz$170pp
Pavilions Hotel (1 night)

Day 10
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.

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
· Remote National Parks of Westland and Fiordland
· West Coast Glaciers
· Visit Greenstone (Jade) Factory
· Olveston House
· Milford Sound Scenic Cruise