11 DAY SOUTH ISLAND EXPOLORER
SMALL GROUP TOUR
11 DAY SOUTH ISLAND EXPOLORER, Home to the magnificent Milford Sound, adrenalin capital of the globe Queenstown, the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook and some of the world’s best winegrowing regions, You will marvel at the openness and diversity of landscapes, includes whale watching at Kaikoura
TOUR CODE GRSIEX
Tour costs nz$5660 per person twin share
Tour costs nz$7180 single traveller
Departure Dates
12th Oct, 4th 8th 20th Nov, 3rd Dec 2009
12th 23rd Jan, 3rd 13th 24th Feb, 7th 19th 28th March 9th 18th April 2010
Other dates on request
DAY 1
Christchurch - Hanmer Springs - Kaikoura
A visit to the relaxing Hanmer Springs Thermal Spa starts your holiday then a short trip to
Kaikoura for the Whale Watch cruise to observe the majestic giants of the ocean; Dinner will be at a local restaurant tonight.
Accommodation: White Morph Inn.
DAY 2
Kaikoura - Blenheim - Picton - Abel Tasman
Travel north to the wine region of Marlborough; you will visit a range of vineyards before visiting Picton. After a brief stop, you travel to Marahau, where you board your taxi to your hotel; Dinner at your hotel tonight.
Accommodation: Awaroa Lodge.
DAY 3
Abel Tasman - Marahau - Nelson
A very short trip this morning back to Marahau by water taxi, Re-board your coach and travel to Nelson, in time for local sightseeing. Dinner tonight will be at your hotel.
Accommodation: Monaco Hotel & Resort.
DAY 4
Nelson - Punakaiki - Franz Josef
Leaving the picturesque Nelson area, you head to Punakaiki. The spectacular West Coast is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand with such natural wonders as the Pancake Rocks Your tour continues onto Franz Josef Glacier. Dinner will be served at your hotel restaurant this evening.
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat.
DAY 5
Franz Josef - Wanaka
Your day starts with a guided walk to either the Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers, before continuing your journey through the Haast Pass to picturesque Wanaka and the superb Grand Mecure Oakridge. Dinner is at your hotel tonight.
Accommodation: Grand Mecure Oakridge.
DAY 6
Wanaka - Te Anau
Travel to the Kingston Railway Station for a short journey on the historic Kingston Flyer steam train, before continuing to your destination for nthe night at Te Anau. Dinner is at your hotel tonight.
Accommodation: Te Anau Hotel & Villas.
DAY 7
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
A cruise of Milford Sound, including towering Mitre Peak and the cascading Stirling Falls are just some of the day’s many highlights, as is the optional flight over the fiords and famous Milford Track to your day’s destination, Queenstown, Dinner at your hotel with stunning views.
Accommodation: St Moritz.
DAY 8
Queenstown
Today is at your leisure to enjoy the selection of adrenalin packed or relaxing optional activities that only Queenstown has to offer. Spa treatment, jetboating, cruising Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw, Central Otago wine tasting, or a round of golf at Millbrook Resort are just a few of your options. Dinner at your own arrangement tonight.
Accommodation: St Moritz.
DAY 9
Queenstown - Arrowtown - Mt Cook
Arrowtown is often described as one of the South Island’s most picturesque towns and you stop here to explore before following the Kawarau River to the township of Cromwell, stopping for lunch at the Northburn Station, before crossing the Lindis Pass to the McKenzie Country. Afterwards, you reach the shores of Lake Pukaki then onto Mt Cook village, where you will stay for the evening. Dinner will be in the hotel’s restaurant.
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel.
DAY 10
Mt Cook – Christchurch
The ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ and Lake Tekapo are en-route through some of the most diverse country you will have seen. Cross the Canterbury plains to Christchurch, your destination for the day. Your final night’s dinner will be at one of Christchurch’s most awarded local restaurants.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel.
DAY 11
Depart Christchurch
After waking to a full breakfast, you will be transferred at your leisure to the airport for your onward flight
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
10 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
9 Dinners
Hanmer Springs Thermal Spa
Whale-watching
Wine tasting in Marlborough
Cruise on Milford Sound
Aoraki /Mt Cook national park
Northburn Station
Fox Glacier or Franz Josef walk
Kingston flyer steam train ride
Scenic flight to Queenstown (optional)
Complimentary airport transfers
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