SOUTHERN SPECTACULAR
RAIL TOUR
This Budget 6 Day Tour has it all, from Lakes Mountains and Glaciers, the tour covers the South Island and includes Dunedin Queenstown, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound’s Cruise and the West Coast Glaciers, along with two outstanding rail journeys included in tour cost
TOUR CODE BUDSI6RAIL
OUR COST nz$1395 PER PERSON SHARE TWIN
OUR COST nz$1725 SINGLE
DAILY DEPARTURES
Day 1
Christchurch - Dunedin
This morning you will travel by coach from Christchurch to Dunedin. Passing by the patch work quilt of the Canterbury Plain, famed for its grain crops and more recently years, dairy farming. Passing through the rural towns of Ashburton, Timara and Oamaru, these are all service towns for the farming communities.
On arrival in Dunedin we offer the following tour.
Albatross Centre and Natures Wonders Wildlife Safari
On arrival at the albatross centre you will have time for a brief wander around the exhibits on display and, on a favourable windy day, you may see an albatross flying overhead. Then we continue around the headland to the Reid family farm. Here you'll board an eight-wheeler all terrain vehicle for an exhilarating ride taking in the spectacular scenery and authentic farm life as you descend down to Penguin beach, a truly natural wonder. Colonies of the very rare yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins, NZ fur seals and cliff dwelling cormorants all live in harmony and in their natural environment. Lookout hides are strategically located around the beach-front to balance your viewing experience with privacy for the wildlife to ensure that you are seeing them going about their normal daily lives.
TOUR COST nz$90 PER PERSON
Accommodation in Dunedin for one night
Day 2
Dunedin -Queenstown
Morning free to view the Scottish influence on the architecture in Dunedin; few cities anywhere on earth have such a richly diverse population of coastal wildlife, including many Antartic species preferring Dunedin's kinder climes. Taiaroa Head is the world's only mainland albatross breeding colony, amazingly within sight of the city's skyscrapers.
This afternoon continue your journey on the Taieri Gorge Train, (Included in tour cost) Dunedin's Prestige Rail Experience, a 78km journey through Dunedin City's unique scenery and heritage, only accessible by train, marvel at a kaleidoscope of scenery. Travel through Suburban Dunedin, to pass through the fertile farm land of the Taieri plains, before climbing into the Taieri River Gorge, which is famous for its sheer cliff faces and sudden ravines framing the tranquil Taieri River. Relive the history of Dunedin's pioneers as they cut a railway line through this rugged and impenetrable country. Marvel at the wrought iron latticework viaducts and narrow tunnels left in their wake. Relax and listen to the live commentary as you discover the real Dunedin. You also have the opportunity to get closer to the environment of the Gorge during sightseeing stops. A fully licensed buffet car provides all the comforts of any cafe, with friendly staff on hand to answer any questions. On arrival at the terminus you will transfer to your tour coach for your on ward journey to Queenstown.
Accommodation in Queenstown for Three nights
Day 3
Queenstown
Milford Sound Nature Cruise Day Excursion
(Included in tour cost).
Travel from Queenstown via Lake Te Anau to the beautiful Milford Sound, located in the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Explore dramatic, moody Milford Sound in a leisurely and relaxed way with our nature guides. Our vessels, the Milford Mariner and Milford Wanderer are designed along the lines of traditional trading scows. They have been purpose built to operate in the fiords and offer a laid back, extended cruise option. Throughout your cruise, our nature guide provides an engaging commentary about the magnificent scenery and wildlife (English only). Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and penguins. Here we cruise the sounds and get close up views of the magnificent scenery that this World Heritage Area has to offer. Be inspired as mountain peaks soar overhead and waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into the sea below. Return by coach to Queenstown.
Day 4
Queenstown Day at leisure
Your hotel concierge can assist you with information and reservations for the huge number of things to see and do.
Day 5
Queenstown - Franz Josef Glacier
We follow the Kawerau Gorge Road to Cromwell, continuing onto the popular Lake Wanaka, the starting point of the mighty Clutha River. From here we travel past Lake Hawea before following the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makaroa and traversing the rugged Haast Pass into the Westland National Park. Arriving at Haast, you are surrounded by a landscape of rainforest, wetlands, sand dunes and surf-pounded shingle beaches. This wilderness forms part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fiordland have some of the most dramatic forest and mountain scenery and natural resources in the world.On arrival there is time for a scenic flight (weather permitting, own expense).
Optional 90 min Glacier Eco Tour to the lookout point to view Franz Josef Glacier; Your guide will collect you from your accommodation and take you on a short tour to the glacier lookout, along the way they will explain about the local flora and fauna in the area, Cost nz$50 per person or nz$100 for single traveller. Tour operates October – April. Or there is a shuttle bus which operate on a regular timetable to the glacier lookout point.
Accommodation in Franz Josef for one night
Day 6
Franz Josef Glacier - Greymouth - Christchurch
Today your tour continues along the rugged West Coast to Greymouth, the centre for thousands of miners during the historic gold strikes of the 1860s. At Greymouth, board the world-famous TranzAlpine Train and travel by train to Christchurch (Included in tour cost)
The Tranz Alpine scenic train journey travels between Greymouth and Christchurch, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. Your train then climbs through lush beech rain forest from the West Coast town of Greymouth into the Southern Alps through the Otria Tunnel to Arthur’s Pass before descending through the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River, followed by the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland,
All carriages include both one way seating and tabled group seating allowing you to experience the amazing views while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board. An open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favorite spots. There’s a lot to look forward to!
Our train journey sets off from Greymouth - The trip is 223.8 kilometers long and takes approx four and a half hours. There are 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 meters.
PLEASE NOTE ALL OPTIONAL TOURS MUST BE BOOKED AT THE TIME BOOKING YOUR TOUR
TOUR COSTS INCLUDE:
5 Night’s accommodation in hotel and motels all centrally located.
Taieri Gorge Train
TranzAlpine from Greymouth to Christchurch
Milford Sound Day Excursion including Red Boats Cruise
West Coast - Franz Josef Glaciers
All transport based on sight seeing coaches & public transport
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING LINK, AS IT WILL EXPLAIN ALL ABOUT BUDGET TOURS http://www.tourandtravel.co.nz/tour.aspx?tourid=1171
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