12 days Wellington to Christchurch

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Wellington
On arrival at Wellington, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your city hotel. The rest of today is at leisure to explore the nation’s capital. A visit to Te Papa National Museum is highly recommended.
Stay:    James Cook Grand Chancellor Hotel  

Day 2: Picton & the Marlborough Sounds (B,D)
This morning we cruise across Cook Strait by Interislander ferry to the picturesque fishing village of Picton and then transfer by floatplane to your remote resort located in the stunning Kenepuru Sound. A scenic mussel cruise to the resort is available for those who prefer to travel by boat.   
Stay:    Raetihi Lodge  (2 nights)

Day 3: Enjoy Kenepuru Sound (B,D)
A free day to relax & marvel at the magic that is the Marlborough Sounds. Lodge staff will share their love of the area with you through the wide range of water and nature based experiences they put at your fingertips. Complimentary fishing tackle, kayaks & mountains bikes are provided at the lodge and there is a number of bush walks to enjoy. Nearby is a picturesque 13-hole rural golf course grazed by sheep with fenced greens or you can simply relax with a book & soak in the spectacular scenery.

Day 4: Blenheim, Kaikoura (B)
Return to Havelock by water taxi and rejoin your coach. Travel through Blenheim to Kaikoura, a coastal town nestled between the Kaikoura mountain range & the Pacific Ocean. There is time to enjoy an optional whale-watching adventure, a swim with the dolphins or join local Maori for a unique, award winning cultural experience.
Stay:    White Morph Inn  

Day 5: Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mt Cook (B,D)
Continue your journey south and stop at beautiful Lake Tekapo to view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. Then travel up the western side of Lake Pukaki to the Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage listed site. The park covers over 70,000 hectares of breathtaking alpine scenery. Optional ski-plane and helicopter flights are available subject to weather conditions.
Stay:    Mt Cook Hermitage Hotel

Day 6: Tasman Glacier, Queenstown (B)
Experience the Tasman Glacier in the most unique way possible. An experienced guide will whisk you away in a stable MAC Boat to explore the melting ice-face of the Tasman Glacier. Get up close to touch & taste 400-year old icebergs that have been carved into the murky waters of the lake. This afternoon, travel through the MacKenzie Country before beginning the assent over the Lindis Pass and emerging into the lush green farmland that surrounds the spectacular alpine village of Queenstown, regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination.
Stay:    Heritage Queenstown Hotel  (4 nights)

Days 7 & 8: Explore Queenstown & surrounds (B)
Enjoy two free days to experience this magnificent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts an incredible array of adventure & leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. Your Tour Host will be pleased to offer advice and recommendations on the many options available.

Day 9: Milford Sound Nature Cruise (B, L)
Your highlight today is a leisurely Nature Cruise of the breathtaking Milford Sound, cruising the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea. An on-board nature guide will give you detailed information of the region’s history, flora & fauna and you will view spectacular waterfalls, rainforests and towering mountains, including the awesome Mitre Peak. Wildlife includes dolphins, seals, penguins & albatross when in season. A truly memorable experience.

Day 10: Arrowtown, Wanaka, Fox Glacier (B)
Set beneath the rugged Crown Range is Arrowtown, a fascinating collection of mining cottages with an atmosphere straight out of last century. Enjoy time to stroll through this historic village located beside the Arrow River, once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860’s. There is time to wander around Lake Wanaka before enjoying incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. On to Fox Glacier where there is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region (subject to weather conditions).
Stay:    Distinction Te Weheka   

Day 11: Spectacular Tranz Alpine Train, Methven (B)
Head north along the dramatic West Coast, steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1800's.  This afternoon, board the TranzAlpine train for a coast to coast rail adventure through the Southern Alps, rated as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Disembark at Darfied & travel on to Methven for your last night.
Stay:    Terrace Downs Resort

Day 12: Depart Christchurch (B)
Sadly, your holiday ends today and you will be transferred late morning to Christchurch city or airport to connect with your onward flight.

Highlights & Inclusions:

•    11 nights superior hotel accommodation
•    4 night stay in majestic Queenstown
•    Accompanied throughout by professional, experienced Tour Host
•    Full breakfasts daily, 1 lunch & 3 dinners
•    Wellington & Te Papa National Museum
•    Scenic Interislander ferry cruise to the South Island
•    Transfers by floatplane and water taxi to Raetihi Lodge
•    Free use of lodge kayaks, fishing tackle & mountain bikes
•    Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd
•    World-Heritage listed Mt Cook National Park
•    Tasman Glacier Explorer boat expedition
•    Milford Sound Nature Cruise
•    Historic Arrowtown
•    Beautiful Southern Lakes region
•    Twin glaciers of Fox & Franz Josef
•    World famous TranzAlpine train journey though the Southern Alps
•    Complimentary limousine airport transfer on arrival

2012-13 departure dates:

2012:   Apr 07, 14, 21, 28     May 19;       Jun 23;       Jul 21;          Aug 11;           Sep 01, 22;        Oct 06, 20;         Nov 03, 10, 17, 24 ;       Dec 01, 08  

2013:   Jan 05, 12, 19, 26;       Feb 02, 09, 16, 19, 23;          Mar 02, 09, 16, 23, 30;     
Apr 06, 13, 27;