New Zealand Southern Escape from $1,645

Uncategorized > New Zealand Southern Escape from $1,645

Day 1. Arrive Christchurch

Arrive in Christchurch, where you will be transferred to your hotel.

Stay: Christchurch, Quality Hotel Elms; Dinner included.

Day 2. Christchurch, Fox Glacier

Perhaps take the TranzAlpine train (own expense) – crossing the Canterbury Plains and travelling up into the Southern Alps. Alternatively, enjoy the picturesque drive through the Southern Alps to Westland National Park. Later, travel along the west coast with views of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. Over thousands of years, these remarkable natural wonders have created immense glacial valleys.

Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier; Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 3. Fox Glacier, Queenstown

Following breakfast, travel past the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, through spectacular Haast Pass, skirting the tranquil shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the alpine resort of Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu. Special Stay – settle in for a two-night stay with the dramatic backdrop of towering mountains overseeing the calming blue waters of Lake Wakatipu. Delicious food is always on the menu here in Queenstown as it is renowned for its world-class culinary scene. This evening, during time at leisure, perhaps enjoy one of the many local restaurants on offer in town.

Stay: Two Nights: Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview; Breakfast included.

Day 4. Queenstown

Queenstown is perfect for adventurers and leisure-seekers alike with almost endless activities on offer in and around the town. Today, during time at leisure, you have the freedom to choose from one of the Optional Experiences. You may wish to join the TSS Earnslaw for a cruise to Walter Peak Station or perhaps take a gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for views over Queenstown (both at own expense). Breakfast included.

Day 5. Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau

This morning after breakfast, skirt The Remarkables mountain range, tracing the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park and beyond to Milford Sound. Like a Local – cruise the full length of Milford Sound, a magnificent fiord with views of cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest, sheer cliffs and the surrounding mountains of this World Heritage-listed area. Carved by ancient glaciers during the ice ages, today Milford Sound is widely regarded as one of the most incredible natural wilderness areas on Earth. Afterwards, continue by coach to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau.

Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau; Breakfast & Dinner included.

Day 6. Te Anau, Dunedin

Travel through the hills of Southland to Dunedin. Enjoy a tour taking in the city’s most significant landmarks, then head to Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. Steeped in scandal and tragedy, filled with magnificent antiques, and offering breathtaking views, Larnach Castle provides a memorable holiday highlight.

Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City; Breakfast & Dinner included.

Day 7. Dunedin, Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo

Journey along the east coast to see the Moeraki Boulders. These large spherical stones, formed over 60 million years ago, can be found along a stretch of Koekohe Beach on the Otago coast. Then, continue to the harbor town of Oamaru. Like a Local – en route to Lake Tekapo, admire the magnificent mountains of Mt Cook National Park. Special Stay – arrive at your wonderful hotel, situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo. A Taste of New Zealand – dine on fresh local produce at your hotel’s restaurant during a memorable Farewell Dinner.

Stay: Lake Tekapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort; Breakfast & Dinner included.

Day 8. Lake Tekapo, Depart Christchurch

Your final day in New Zealand begins with a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. Here, enjoy the pristine natural beauty and the azure waters of Lake Tekapo. Your journey concludes on arrival at Christchurch Airport. Breakfast included.