10 days Christchurch to Auckland

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
On arrival at Christchurch, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation.
Stay:     The George Hotel

Day 2: Coastal Pacific Train to Kaikoura (B)
Travel by Coastal Pacific train through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury to Kaikoura, a coastal town nestled between the Kaikoura mountain range & the Pacific Ocean. This afternoon, you have the choice of either enjoying a whale-watch adventure or joining local Maori for a unique, award winning cultural experience.
Stay:    White Morph Inn  

Day 3: 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 4: 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. 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 5&6: 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.

Day 7: Milford Sound Nature Cruise & Fly (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. At the conclusion of your cruise, board your light aircraft for a spectacular scenic flight back to Queenstown (weather permitting). A truly memorable experience.

Day 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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:

•    9 nights superior hotel accommodation
•    4 night stay in majestic Queenstown
•    Accompanied professional, experienced Tour Host days 2-10
•    Full breakfasts daily, 1 lunch & 1 dinner
•    Choice of Whalewatch cruise or Maori Cultural experience
•    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
•    Group size won’t exceed 16 guests

2012-13 departure dates:

2012:   Apr 09, 16, 23, 30     May 21;       Jun 25;       Jul 23;          Aug 13;           Sep 03, 24        Oct 08, 22;     Nov 05, 12, 19, 26 ;       Dec 03, 10  

2013:   Jan 07, 14, 21, 28;       Feb 04, 11, 18, 21, 25;          Mar 04, 11, 18, 25;     
Apr 01, 08, 15, 29.