South Island Highlights Tour

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Wednesday 04 December

HAMILTON / CHRISTCHURCH

This morning transfer to Hamilton Airport for your flight to Christchurch.
Upon arrival at Christchurch transfer to your hotel and check in to the Crowne Plaza hotel for 2 nights

Thursday 05 December bl

CHRISTCHURCH

This morning enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Christchurch. Since the devastating earthquakes of 2011, the city of Christchurch’s rebuilding programme has been in full swing and there will be the opportunity to view a variety of innovative architectural projects, such as the temporary ‘Cardboard Cathedral’, and the reconstruction of the main arts buildings. Other tour highlights include the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Art Gallery; the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial; Bridge of Remembrance; and the Spanish Mission inspired New Regent Street.
Stop at the Botanic Gardens and enjoy Punting on the Avon River. Board a traditional punt – a handcrafted flat-bottomed boat, then glide along the tranquil Avon River, as a skilled punter in traditional Edwardian attire propels you slowly along the water. Travel from the historic Antigua Boat sheds, through the Botanic Gardens, and enjoy the spectacular flora for which Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’, is famous. Enjoy lunch at The Curator’s House situated in a heritage building in the lovely Botanic Gardens.

Afternoon at leisure.

Friday 06 Decemberbd

CHRISTCHURCH / FRANZ JOSEF

This morning board the Tranz Alpine rail service for a scenic journey across the fertile Canterbury Plains and into the heart of the mighty Southern Alps. Travel across towering viaducts, through spectacular gorges and river valleys and into the lush forest of Arthurs Pass National Park. Leave the train at Arthurs Pass and reboard your coach.
From the valleys of the snow-capped mountains, descend into the lush rainforests of Westland and travel south along the West Coast to Hokitika. Visit one of the greenstone factories where local jade-like stone, highly prized by pre-European Maori, is crafted into exquisite jewellery. Continue south through forests and farmland, with views of the Alps to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west, to Franz Josef. The huge rivers of snow and ice of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers flow from vast snowfields high in the Southern Alps almost to sea level, which is unusual in a temperate climate.
There will be time for optional helicopter flights – recommend pre-booking (extra cost – not included).
This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel, the Te Waonui Forest Retreat, in The Canopy Restaurant where the chef utilises the freshest and most seasonal local produce available.

Saturday 07 December b

FRANZ JOSEF / QUEENSTOWN

Driving towards the southern end of the South Island’s West Coast Road, there is a strong sense of entering a primeval land. Arriving at Haast, you are surrounded by a landscape of rainforest, wetlands, sand dunes and surf-pounded shingle beaches. This wilderness forms part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.
Travel through the Haast River valleys and over the Haast Pass to Makaroa. Travel past Lake Hawea, reaching the popular Lake Wanaka, the starting point of the mighty Clutha River. Continue past stone fruit orchards and through the rock hewn Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown.
Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of the Queenstown region create the perfect backdrop for a holiday full of adventure, exploration or relaxation. Its lake and mountain landscape is suited to almost any kind of adventure; but Queenstown is just as well-known as a place for indulgence, for wine and cuisine and for gold-mining history.
This evening, check in to your Lakeview room at The Rees Hotel for 4 nights

Sunday 08 December b

QUEENSTOWN / MILFORD SOUND / QUEENSTOWN

Early this morning enjoy a trip highlight – a light aircraft flight over Fiordland National Park landing at Milford Sound (if you prefer, you can go by road in a coach, but it is a 12 hour return journey, of which approximately 10 hours is spent on the coach!).
During the 35-minute flight, take in panoramic views of spectacular alpine scenery including glaciers, rivers, lakes and rainforest before landing at Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area. Once on the ground at Milford airport, there is a coach transfer to the Real Journeys Visitor Centre.
Here board a comfortable vessel for a Scenic Cruise of Milford Sound. Sheer mountain walls tower above the tranquil waters of the Sound, carved out by Ice Age glaciers and waterfalls tumble into the fiord from mountain-locked lakes. The Sound is dominated by unforgettable Mitre Peak, the focal point of this majestic wonderland. On returning to the Milford Wharf, there is a coach transfer to the Milford airport for the return scenic flight to Queenstown.
Note – all flights operate weather and conditions permitting. If the flights are cancelled due to weather, group will have day at leisure, and will receive a full refund for the flights.

Afternoon at leisure

Monday 09 December b

QUEENSTOWN

This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Queenstown. Highlights include a visit to historic Arrowtown, a quaint village set on the banks of the Arrow River which was once a rip-roaring gold rush town. Sample some of the cafés, galleries and boutiques or you may wish to take a walk to the historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. This partially restored and well interpreted settlement is a reminder and tribute to the contribution made by the Chinese goldminers and business people to the region’s goldmining, cultural and business history.
See the Edith Cavall Bridge, spanning the narrow canyon of the rugged Shotover River, and pretty Lake Hayes. Ride the aerial gondola to Bob’s Peak for the stunning panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.

Afternoon at leisure.

Tuesday 10 Decemberbd

QUEENSTOWN

Day at leisure. Queenstown has a plethora of optional sightseeing activities available from jet-boating on the thrilling Shotover Jet; winery tours to the premier Central Otago wineries; 4WD tours into unforgettable Skippers Canyon; scenic flights; fly-fishing or if you dare – bungy jumping or tandem sky-diving! Extra cost for optional sightseeing excursions.
This evening we have a taste of rural life in New Zealand. Steeped in Queenstown’s pioneering history, our experience commences with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the 1912 vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm, one of the first farms set up in the region. On arrival enjoy an entertaining brief farm experience including a sheep dog demonstration and a sheep shearing exhibition. Then, in the ambience of the Colonel’s Homestead, enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ dinner.
On the magical night-time cruise home, enjoy the camaraderie of a sing-a-long with the ship’s pianist or breathe in the fresh night air on the moonlit decks as you watch the lights of Queenstown draw nearer.

Wednesday 11 December

QUEENSTOWN UK

Today we depart Queenstown by air and begin the journey back to the UK (arrive the next day).