State: New Zealand
Operator: Adventure Express
Minimum Price: AUD $ 1,425

Explore the renowned South Island for 9 days on a fully escorted tour, see Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Fox Glacier, Te Anau, Milford Sound & more!

Highlights:

• Explore the beautiful Garden City of Christchurch
• Travel over the Canterbury Plains
• See the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
• View mighty Mt. Cook
• Tour the sights of Dunedin
• Cruise on Milford Sound
• See Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls
• Full day at leisure in Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital
• Visit historic Arrowtown
• Stay in spectacular Fox Glacier
• See the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki
• Opportunity to journey on the TranzAlpine train

Itinerary:

Day 1 Sun: Arrive Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm). The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Christchurch. This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink.
Accommodation: The Elms Hotel, Christchurch.

Day 2 Mon: Mt. Cook
Travel over the colourful, patchwork plains of Canterbury. Visit beautiful Lake Tekapo and view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue past Mt. Cook National Park, a world heritage site and home to New Zealand's highest mountain. Time to take an optional scenic flight over this mighty mountain (weather permitting).
Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama. (B)

Day 3 Tue: Dunedin
Follow the Waitaki River, passing hydro-electric dams at Waitaki and Aviemore. Travel through Oamaru which is famous for its white stone buildings made of limestone. Continue south to Dunedin, a beautiful city founded by Scottish settlers.
Accommodation: Saville International Hotel, Dunedin. (B)

Day 4 Wed: Dunedin
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dunedin. Opportunity to visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only authentic castle. Travel south through Balclutha and the farming town of Gore. Cross the rich fertile country of South Otago and continue to Te Anau, situated on the shores of Lake Te Anau, which was gouged out by a huge glacier.
Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel, Te Anau. (B)

Day 5 Thu: Milford Sound
Travel south towards Fiordland, through some of New Zealand's magnificent alpine country. Drive through the Homer Tunnel, a tunnel one mile long and completely hand hewn. Stop briefly at the Chasm, before arriving at Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on the waters of this natural wonder, with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above.
Accommodation: Aspen Hotel, Queenstown, 2 nights. (B)

Day 6 Fri: Queenstown
Today is at leisure for you to enjoy the many scenic delights of Queenstown. Your Tour Director will happily advise on the optional activities available. Perhaps take a relaxing stroll along the lake shore or an exciting optional jet boat ride. This evening you have the opportunity to ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob's Peak for a delicious buffet dinner.
Then later you may experience the Kiwi Haka. Enjoy a performance of the Haka, plus a dazzling display of Poi dance and melodious songs. Ask your Tour Director for further details. (B)

Day 7 Sat: Fox Glacier
Enjoy a visit to Arrowtown, a colourful township steeped in local history. Follow the course of the fast flowing Kawarau River through the Kawarau Gorge. Travel over the Haast Pass, which winds its way through Mount Aspiring National Park. Continue north along the coastal road to Fox Glacier, with the towering mountains on your right and the mighty Tasman Sea on your left.
Accommodation: Fox Glacier Hotel, Fox Glacier. (B)

Day 8 Sun: Punakaiki
This morning you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional scenic flight over Fox Glacier and Mt. Cook (weather permitting). This afternoon continue north along the rugged coast to Punakaiki and see the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Opportunity to journey on the TranzAlpine train over the spectacular Southern Alps and colourful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch (please request at time of booking).}
Accommodation: The Elms Hotel, Christchurch. (B) (HRQC only)

Day 9 Mon: Depart Christchurch
You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport to connect with your flight (flights to depart anytime). (B)

What's Included?

• Rooms with private facilities in quality hotels, on a twin share basis
• Tour by luxury coach, air-conditioned, restroom equipped, reclining seats and panoramic windows
• All purpose travel bag, wallet and touring map
• Airport transfers included
• Porterage at your tour hotels
• Experienced services of a professional Tour Director and Tour Driver
• Welcome Drink
• Full Buffet Breakfasts (8) (B)
• Hotel Dinners (5) Your choice
  

Notes:

Tour Code: HCQR
Special Departure Dates: 13 May 21 May 20 May 28 May 24 Jun 02 Jul* 22 Jul 30 Jul 19 Aug 27 Aug 02 Sep 10 Sep* 16 Sep 24 Sep 30 Sep 08 Oct*
Trip Duration: 9 days
Departs from: Christchurch
Tour Ends: Christchurch
All Prices: $1425 per adult. Savings are available on Concession Card holders, group tours and children.