14 meals: 8 breakfasts (B), 6 dinners (D) (with meal plan)Note: Itinerary effective 1 Apr 09.
Tours prior follow different itinerary. Please inquire for further details or refer to 2008 brochure.
Ask about our guaranteed departure dates.
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch, the "Garden City," you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the English flavor of this city (own expense). Overnight: Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel
Day 2: Christchurch-Franz Josef
Board the TranzAlpine Train. Cross the Canterbury Plains and the magnificent Southern Alps. At Hokitika, visit a glass-blowing factory and see beautiful native Greenstone (Jade) jewelry and artifacts. Continue south along the West Coast through dense rainforest and enter World Heritage-listed Westland National Park. View the spectacular and accessible Franz Josef Glacier. Try an optional scenic flight over this breathtaking region (own expense, weather permitting). Overnight: Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (B,D)
Day 3: Franz Josef-Queenstown
Enjoy a day of incredible scenery through mountains and glaciers, limestone landscapes, tranquil lakes and raging rivers. At Haast, experience a river safari, offering breathtaking views of the massive glacierformed Haast River Valley, flanked by towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and dense temperate rainforest. Follow the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the action packed alpine resort of Queenstown. Tonight, enjoy a dining choice in Queenstown, where you get to choose from one of four restaurants and we will include it! Cruise to Walter Peak to enjoy a candlelight dinner at the Colonel's Homestead or ride a gondola to the Skyline Restaurant for dinner and spectacular views over Queenstown. Or perhaps dine at your hotel or a local restaurant. Overnight: Queenstown, Novotel Lakeside Hotel for 2 nights (B,D)
Day 4: Queenstown, Personalized Sights
Today we have a selection of activities for you to choose from and we will include it! Perhaps a tour through some of Queenstown's local gardens; a visit to local wineries; a jetboat ride or a double-decker bus tour around Queenstown-the choice is yours. (B)
Day 5: Queenstown-Milford Sound Cruise- Te Anau
Follow the Remarkables mountain range and the shore of Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland. Follow the road into Milford Sound, viewing the beautiful Mirror Lakes. Pass through Homer Tunnel and view Mitre Peak in Milford Sound. Cruise on this grand glacier-carved fiord. Overnight: Te Anau, Village Inn (B,D)
Day 6: Te Anau-Dunedin, Personalized Sights
Travel across the South Island to Dunedin. Settled in 1848 by the Scottish, the heritage is still apparent today in the architecture of the many fine buildings including the University of Otago, modeled after the University of Glasgow buildings. This afternoon you choose the activity and we will include it. Perhaps visit the Royal Albatross Center or a unique Yellow-Eyed Penguin colony, the choice is yours! Overnight: Dunedin, Dunedin City Hotel (B,D)
Day 7: Dunedin-Mt Cook, Personalized Sights
Depart Dunedin and journey north to Moeraki Beach. Stop at historic Oamaru. Journey into high country and Mt Cook National Park. On arrival the activity choice is yours - perhaps a guided nature walk, explore the Sir Edmund Hillary Center or stargazing. Overnight: Mt Cook, The Hermitage Hotel (B,D)
Day 8: Mt Cook-Christchurch
View the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd on the shore of beautiful Lake Tekapo. Leaving the High Country, cross the braided Rakaia River and travel through the vast Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel (B,D)
Day 9: Personalized Sights, Depart Christchurch
Enjoy this morning in Christchurch with your selected activity before transferring to the airport. (B)
Departure Dates
2009: Apr 5, 12, 16, 19, 26; May 3, 17, 31; Jun 21; Jul 12; Aug 23; Sep 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25; Nov 1, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 29; Dec 6, 13, 20, 27
2010: Jan 3, 10, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31; Feb 4, 7, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28; Mar 4, 7, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28
Itinerary also available in reverse
2009: Apr 6, 20; May 11; Sep 7; Oct 5, 19; Nov 2, 16; Dec 7
2010: Jan 11, 25; Feb 1, 8, 15, 22; Mar 8, 22; Apr 11, 25; Sep 12; Oct 10, 24; Nov 14, 21; Dec 12
