15 meals: 8 breakfasts (B) and 7 dinners (D) (with meal plan)Note: Itinerary effective 1 Apr 2009.
For tours departing before 1 Apr 2009, please refer to our 2008 brochure.
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
Upon arrival in Christchurch, you will be transferred to your hotel, before the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Christchurch, Crowne Plaza Hotel
Day 2: Christchurch-Franz Josef
Board the TranzAlpine Train for an amazing rail journey to Greymouth. Join your coach and continue to Hokitika and see Pounamu (Jade) being carved into beautiful jewelry. This evening enjoy West Coast hospitality as you dine on sumptuous regional specialties. Overnight: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (B,D)
Day 3: Franz Josef-Wanaka
View incredible scenery as you leave this World Heritage-listed area. Travel through Haast Pass, over the magnificent Southern Alps and along the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea where crystal-clear blue waters reflect dramatic landscapes. Arrive in the village of Wanaka. Overnight: Wanaka, Edgewater Resort (B,D)
Day 4: Wanaka-Queenstown
Depart Wanaka this morning and journey to the delightful village of Arrowtown. Upon arrival visit the Lakes District Museum, continue to the alpine resort of Queenstown. Tonight you may wish dine at the Skyline Restaurant and enjoy spectacular views or cruise on the vintage T.S.S. Earnslaw for a carvery dinner. Overnight: Queenstown, Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa for 2 nights (B,D)
Day 5: Queenstown, Personalized Sights
Today you have a range of activities to select from; perhaps a Queenstown double decker bus tour, an exhilarating jetboat ride, a walk around the shore of Lake Wakatipu, or an exciting Safari of the Scenes tour-and much more. (B,D)
Day 6: Milford Sound Cruise-Te Anau
Travel through Fiordland National Park. Cruise the full length of beautiful Milford Sound, traveling below Mitre Peak. Later enjoy a relaxing drive to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau. Overnight: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas (B,D)
Day 7: Te Anau-Dunedin, Personalized Sights
Journey to the distinctly Scottish town of Dunedin. This afternoon, choose your own touring from a range of options including a visit to Olveston house or the Otago Peninsula to see rare wildlife. Overnight: Dunedin, Southern Cross Hotel (B,D)
Day 8: Dunedin-Mt Cook, Personalized Sights
View the Moeraki Boulders then continue to Mt Cook National Park and choose your touring with options including a guided walk through the national park or stargazing with expert astronomy guides. Enjoy dinner at The Hermitage. Overnight: Mt Cook, The Hermitage (B,D)
Day 9: Mt Cook-Christchurch
Today visit Lake Tekapo then travel across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, where your tour concludes. A departure transfer to the airport is included. (B)
