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| Southern Tourer
A 9-Day tour starting from $2,285
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| About This Tour | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern Tourer features Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Mt Cook and more. |
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• Arrival and departure transfers
• Fully-escorted tour from arrival in Christchurch, with tour director and driver • Centrally-located first class hotels in key locations • All local taxes • 14 meals—8 breakfasts (B), 6 dinners (D) (with meal plan) Domestic and International airfare not included.
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 This morning, board the TranzAlpine Train. Cross the Canterbury Plains and the magnificent Southern Alps. At Hokitika, take the opportunity to visit a glass-blowing factory and see beautiful native Greenstone (Jade) jewelry and artifacts. Continue south along the dramatic West Coastline 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, traveling along the West Coast, through a world of mountains and glaciers, limestone landscapes, tranquil lakes, raging rivers and rare bird and plant life. At Haast, experience a unique river safari, offering breathtaking views of the massive glacier-formed 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! Perhaps take a leisurely cruise to Walter Peak to enjoy a candlelight dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead or ride the Queenstown gondola to the Skyline Restaurant for dinner and spectacular views over Queenstown. A quiet night may appeal, so perhaps dine at your hotel or a local restaurant. Overnight: Queenstown, Novotel Gardens Hotel for 2 nights (B,D) Day 4: Queenstown Personalized Sightseeing 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 doubledecker bus tour around Queenstown—the choice is yours. (B) Day 5: Queenstown—Milford Sound Cruise— Te Anau Today, follow the Remarkables mountain range and trace the shore of Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland, a World Heritage area. Follow the road into Milford Sound, 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 through small farming communities 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 on the University of Glasgow buildings. This afternoon you choose the activity and we’ll include it. Perhaps choose from a visit to either the Royal Albatross Center or a yellow-eyed penguin colony, the choice is yours! Overnight: Dunedin, Dunedin City Hotel (B,D) Day 7: Dunedin—Mt Cook Depart Dunedin and journey north to Moeraki Beach. Stop at historic Oamaru. Journey into New Zealand’s high country and Mt Cook National Park. Try a guided walk or scenic flight over this alpine region (weather permitting, own expense). 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)
• Personalized sightseeing in Queenstown, Christchurch & Dunedin—you choose and we’ll include it!
• Stunning scenery on the Haast River Safari • TranzAlpine Train journey through the Southern Alps • Franz Josef Glacier • Milford Sound cruise • Mt Cook National Park • Choose from 4 unique dining experiences in Queenstown All tour prices are per person, in US dollars.
Note: All prices, itineraries and routings are subject to change. Please call for our current prices. Departure Dates 2008: Apr 13, 20, 24, 27; May 4, 11; Jun 22; Jul 20; Aug 10, 31; Sep 21, 28; Oct 5, 16, 23, 26, 30; Nov 2, 13, 16, 20, 27, 30; Dec 4, 14, 25, 28 2009: Jan 11, 15, 22, 25, 29; Feb 1, 5, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 26; Mar 1, 3, 5, 8, 12, 15, 22; Apr 5 Itinerary also available in reverse (NDC09) 2008: Apr 5; Sep 6; Oct 4, 18; Nov 1, 15; Dec 6 2009: Jan 3, 17, 31; Feb 4, 14, 28; Mar 14 |
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| Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||