10 day Southern Splendour

The South Island is a land of contrast and is your chance to escape the ordinary.

Here, you'll find a magical land where the air is pure and the lakes an unearthly shade of blue... where stunning fiords wait to be explored and towering mountains cloak wide-open spaces of pristine, untouched wilderness

Highlights

• TranzCoastal train journey
• Kenepuru Sound
• Marlborough Sounds
• TranzAlpine train journey
• Twin Glaciers
• Arrowtown
• Mt Cook National Park
• Tasman Glacier boat expedition
• Lake Tekapo

Includes

• Luxury touring
• accommodation and meals as indicated, entry fees
• TranzCoastal train journey
• water taxi
• wine tasting and free use of kayaks and mountain bikes
• TranzAlpine train journey and Tasman Glacier boat expedition

 Notes

• Triple rates are available on request

^Per person, twin share, May to September

Child fares are available on most tours for passengers ages between 5-12 years. Touring is not suitable for infants 0-4 years. Note: New Zealand tours are suitable for passengers 12 year of age or older.

1. Day 1 TranzCoastal train to Picton & the Marlborough Sounds

   (No meals)

   

   
   The journey aboard the TranzCoastal to Picton this morning is a scenic splendour with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. From Picton, join your water taxi for the short cruise to Torea Bay. (no meals) Accommodation: Two nights at the Portage Resort Hotel

2. Day 2 Marlborough Sounds at leisure

   (Breakfast)

   

   
   A free day to relax and enjoy the Marlborough Sounds. There are many optional activities (at additional cost) available including free use of the resorts kayaks and mountain bikes and a wine tasting featuring local produce. (B)

3. Day 3 Kaikoura & Christchurch

   (Breakfast)

   

   
   Travel through Blenheim to Kaikoura, the world renowned whale-watching centre of New Zealand and then continue south to the 'Garden City' of Christchurch. (B) Accommodation: Heritage Christchurch Hotel or similar

4. Day 4 TranzAlpine Train & Twin Glaciers

   (Breakfast)

   

   
   This morning board the TranzAlpine,rated as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The TranzAlpine winds its way over the Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass. Rejoin your coach and travel along the West Coast, steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1800's. (B) Accommodation: Te Weheka Inn or similar

5. Day 5 Wanaka & Queenstown

   (Breakfast)

   

   
   There's an optional scenic flight this morning (subject to weather conditions). Today we travel past native forests and the pristine lakes of Westland National Park and Haast Pass. There's time to wander in the lakeside townships of Hawea and Wanaka before arriving in Queenstown. (B) Accommodation: Four nights at the Heritage Queenstown Hotel or similar

6. Day 6 - 8 Queenstown & Fiordland National Park

   (Breakfast)

   

   
   Enjoy three full days to experience Queenstown, which boasts adventure and leisure activities from extreme to relaxed exploration. Here you can take a jet boat ride, pan for gold, white water raft, take a wine trail, fish for trout or 4WD sheer canyons. It is also a great base from which to explore the Fiordland National Park and the awesome Milford and Doubtful Sounds. (B)

7. Day 9 Arrowtown & Mt Cook National Park

   (Breakfast & Dinner)

   

   
   Enjoy time to stroll through this historic village located beside the Arrow River, once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860's. Later, travel up the western side of Lake Pukaki to the World Heritage listed Mt Cook National Park (optional ski-plane & helicopter flights are available subject to weather conditions). (BD) Accommodation: Mt Cook Hermitage Hotel

8. Day 10 Tasman Glacier & Lake Tekapo

   (Breakfast)

   

   
   Experience the melting ice face of the Tasman Glacier with an experienced guide aboard a stable zodiac. Get up close to the 400 year old icebergs that have been carved into the murky waters of the lake. Visit beautiful Lake Tekapo before crossing the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. (B)

9. 

Prices valid from 01/04/11 to 31/03/12