Description
December 28 | Arrive in Christchurch
*Travel days Dec 26 and 27*
Upon arrival in Christchurch, you will be met and taken to your hotel by private van.
Tour | Half day city tour
Having picked you up we drive to Christchurch and by the city’s center. Here you can assess the progress of the rebuild following the 2010/2011 earthquakes. We will delve into the history of the city and briefly explore the beautiful Botanic Gardens where you
will discover why New Zealand’s flora and fauna is unique. City stops will include the River precinct, the Transitional Cathedral (Cardboard Cathedral), and the Tannery shopping precinct. If time permits, we will head to the Port Hills which overlook Christchurch and present stunning views of the city, Canterbury Plains, Lyttelton Harbor and the distant Southern Alps. Please note the order of activities will be dependent of pick up/drop off points and weather.
Trip Includes:
- City sights including Botanic Gardens
- Travel by deluxe 4WD mini-van
- Fully escorted with informative commentary and stunning scenery
Accommodation | Ramada suites Christchurch
December 29 | Christchurch – Lake Tekapo
After breakfast you will be driving to Lake Tekapo, rest of the day will be at your own leisure to explore. Here you will stay at the Peppers Bluewater Resort. Near the shores of Lake Tekapo in the heart of the Mackenzie region in New Zealand’s central South Island is Peppers Bluewater Resort. Overlooking Lake Tekapo, this resort is located in an intensely beautiful part of the world. Peppers Bluewater Resort is set amongst the purest natural landscape.
Accommodation | Peppers Bluewater Resort
Meals | not included
December 30 | Lake Tekapo – Queenstown
Dark Sky Project – Summit experience Dark Sky Stargazing
Start time: 12:15AM
See more, see further with New Zealand’s ultimate mountaintop stargazing experience at the world-renowned astronomical center; UC Mt John Observatory. Immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings, pristine night skies and sophisticated viewing technologies as our expert guides share the science and stories of our Southern Skies. Don’t miss New Zealand’s premier stargazing experience. Exclusive to the Dark Sky Project, the Summit Experience at Mt John Observatory is in partnership with the University of Canterbury.
The nature of the terrain on Mount John dictates a certain level of fitness. You need to be confident walking 100 meters on a gravel incline and be able to climb a couple of steps in the dark.
The Summit Experience is a weather dependent activity. If weather conditions prevent us from taking you outdoors (e.g. cloud cover or inclement weather) you’ll be offered alternate options including learning about our southern skies from our purpose-built technological and interactive venue. We strongly recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
DURATION | 105 minutes
Today you will drive to Queenstown, overnight at the Heartland Hotel Queenstown. Heartland Hotel Queenstown has a distinctive design close to all the action in the bustling resort town. Even with the amazing views of the mountains and Lake Wakatipu you can still feel cosy and tucked away in these A-line style chalets in the hills.
Accommodation | Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
December 31 | Queenstown – Te Anau
PRIVATELY GUIDED LAKESHORE, FOREST & BIRD – HALF DAY WALK
Start time: 8:00AM
The ‘Lakeshore Forest & Bird’ guided walk is a unique nature interpretive experience taken at a leisurely pace through native beach forest, with morning or afternoon tea/coffee on the lake-shore to the sounds of native bird calls and surrounded by majestic mountains. This half-day walk is our easiest walk. It combines the best of native flora and fauna, with magnificent lake and mountain views. As the flora is protected from the elements in this area, the species are much larger. ‘It’s as if we’re walking through the sentinels of the forest’. Native birds are readily seen and heard in and around the edges of the forest. You will be introduced, by your guide, to an array of edible and medicinal plants used by the early Maori and European settlers. The track is good but uneven and winds around the lake shore with the option of a steeper climb to a lookout with magnificent views in all directions.
Duration: 3 to 4 hours (approx)
Walking time: 2 to 3 hours (approx)
Walking distance: 2 to 4kms (approx – easy walking)
Track: Well-formed – undulating surface – some steps
What you bring:
Strong walking boots or shoes, a warm/sun hat, Wet/wind/warm clothing for changeable weather, Small day pack. A reasonable level of fitness will ensure an enjoyable day
What is provided:
All transport to and from Queenstown accommodation, Picnic lunch – including tea or coffee & biscuits, friendly knowledgeable local guide, Interpretative commentary of flora, fauna, history & geology and small day packs & some wet weather gear available on loan. In the afternoon you will be driving to the Distinction Luxmore Hotel in Te Anau. Distinction Luxmore Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Te Anau’s town shopping center and a short stroll from Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake and launching pad for many water-based activities.
Accommodation | Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
January 1 | Te Anau
MILFORD SOUND COACH, CRUISE & WALKS
Start time: 7:45AM
Departing from Te Anau, travel along the spectacular Milford Road. Your local, experienced nature driver/guide, eager to share their stories, knowledge and passion for the area, will bring the mysteries of Fiordland to life. With a maximum of 14 people and traveling in a modern touring coach, your experience of the Fiordland will be second to none. From Te Anau travel along the spectacular Milford Road with local, experienced nature guides/drivers, eager to share their stories, knowledge and passion for the area, bringing the mysteries of Fiordland to life.
On reaching Milford Sound, join a nature style boat cruise of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities of the waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. On completion of the cruise, guests rejoin their small coach and begin their overland tour back to Te Anau. If guests prefer shorter walks, they stay with the nature guide and enjoy a series of walks in a range of different environments.
Our National Park concession allows us to access Gertrude Valley, Lake Gunn, Marian Gantry, the historic Hollyford Museum and Humboldt Falls, alongside the more traditional stops. We tailor the day to the weather and seasonal highlights to ensure clients get to enjoy the best from the wilderness and wildlife opportunities available in this World Heritage Area. We also include a unique wilderness tea-break with complimentary billy tea, coffee and home style biscuits.
Alternatively, for passengers wanting a longer hike option, a 2.5-hour unguided walk to Key Summit on the renowned Routeburn Track is offered. This walk ascends through lush rainforest and into the alpine environment with panoramic views of the surrounding Fiordland Mountains, alpine lakes and deep bush clad valleys. The groups then reunite before continuing along the Milford Road back to Te Anau.
A delicious picnic lunch is included in the cost. If you have any dietary requirements please let us know.
Accommodation | Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
January 2 | Te Anau – Wanaka
Today you will be driven to Wanaka where you will stay at the Oakridge Wanaka. Here you can take some time to relax, use the spa or do any other outdoor activities on your own offered by the hotel. Facilities include a restaurant and bar, outdoor hot pools, unheated lap pool, fitness center, and day spa.
Accommodation | Oakridge Wanaka
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
January 3 | Wanaka
Today will be at your own leisure
Accommodation | Oakridge Wanaka
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
January 4 | Wanaka – Franz Josef Glacier
After breakfast you will be driven to Franz Josef and check into your hotel, the Hotel Franz Josef Glacier. The rest of the day will be at your own leisure to enjoy this beautiful area.
Accommodation | Oakridge Wanaka
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
January 5 | Franz Josef – Punakaiki
Glacier Valley Eco Tours
Franz Josef Nature Tour – 2 hours
Nestled in thick historic West Coast forest and a stone’s throw from wild black sand beaches, this is one of the world’s most unusual glaciers. Beautiful blue skies or magical misty rain – whatever the weather – you will feel like you are in Narnia or LOTR. With easy walking at your pace, information on glaciology, geology, geomorphology, flora and fauna, local legends, history and small guided groups with fantastic guides, you will experience this glacier in style and in the best hands with the only local
company.
Wander past glacier rivers and streams and through beautiful podocarp forest; discover hidden natural treasures such as native snails, wild native mushrooms and dozens of species of native orchids; listen to native bird song and waterfalls; see if you can spot a Chamois or a Tahr on the huge snow-capped mountains above while drinking a cup of tea and talking one-on-one with your guide. This tour will be a highlight of your travels and you won’t regret splashing out for a guided tour of this beautiful area of New Zealand.
Duration: 2 hours
Accommodation | Ocean View Retreat
Meals | Breakfast
January 6 | Punakaiki – Christchurch
Today will be at your own leisure until you will transfer back to Christchurch.
Accommodation | Ramada Suites Christchurch
Meals | Breakfast
January 7 | Departure from Christchurch
Day of departure and transfer to the airport for your homeward bound flights.
Meals | no meals
PRICING
Trip Cost per person based on double occupancy (2 travelers sharing one room) $6,900
Single Supplement (exclusive room for one traveler) $1,050
Included in Trip cost:
- Accommodations as listed in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- All private transfers per itinerary
- All private tours per itinerary
- Credit card fees
- Collection & disbursement of all payments
- Collecting all legal forms
- Travel support for all travelers
Land price does not include:
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- International airline tickets
- Gratuity for drivers and guides
- Items of a personal nature
- Any additional tours
**Please note, we always do our best to follow the set itinerary, however please know it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, guest ability/injury, and or natural events that can be out of our control.
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