Mt. Cook Lily
Escorted Tour
Discover jaw dropping scenery across the South Island of New Zealand on this trailblazing tour. Marvel at the majestic Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Sample some of New Zealand’s best wines in Marlborough and cruise the breath-taking Milford Sound. Enjoy unparalleled landscapes from stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, the energy of Queenstown and the staggered Remarkable Mountains.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the adrenaline capital of Queenstown for 2 nights
- Enjoy a scenic ferry through the Cook Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound
- Drive through Nelson Lakes National Park
Your Itinerary
Day 1 : Wellington
Today is at leisure to explore Wellington.
Hotel: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Day 2 : Nelson
Take a scenic ferry to the South Island through the Cook Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound. In Marlborough enjoy a wine tasting at one of the region’s premier wineries.
Hotel for 2 nights: Heritage Rutherford Hotel
Day 3 : Abel Tasman
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise of the Abel Tasman National Park then the choice is yours between a self-guided walk to Anchorage Beach or extend your walk to include the famous Falls River swing-bridge and Cleopatra’s Pool.
Day 4 : Punakaiki
Today drive through Nelson Lakes National Park following through the goldminers route to Punakaiki – renowned for its famous Pancake Rocks.
Hotel: Punakaiki Resort
Day 5 : Fox Glacier
Head south along the Great Coast Road through historic towns reaching Hokitika with time to explore, continue to the spectacular Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
Hotel: Distinction Hotel Fox Glacier
Day 6 & 7 : Wanaka
Enjoy a morning visit to Lake Matheson before departing via Haast Pass deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park then arriving at Wanaka. The next day choose between a lake cruise to a conservation island with a local eco-guide or explore remote high-country farmland on a scenic 4WD adventure.
Hotel for 2 nights: Edgewater Resort
Day 8 : Te Anau
Stop at the much photographed Cardrona Pub then traverse the Crown Range road to historic gold rush village of Arrowtown. Continue to Lake Te Anau.
Day 9&10 : Queenstown
Journey to Milford Sound, here cruise past Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea, lookout for seals and dolphins in the waters of the fiord. End the day in Queenstown, the next day is at leisure.
Hotel for 2 nights: Scenic Suites
Day 11 : Twizel
Continue north through Kawarau Gorge and across Central Otago countryside to the Lindis Pass. Descend into the Mackenzie Basin before following Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook. Village.
Hotel: Mackenzie Country Hotel, Twizel
Day 12 : Rural Canterbury
Visit a local home at Lake Tekapo and learn the arts of Pavlova making. This afternoon views popular photo spot the Church of the Good Shepherd then continue to Ashburton.
Hotel Choice: Rural homestay or similar
Day 13&14 : Christchurch
Travel across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, board a flat-bottomed punt as you are steered through the River Avon and the Botanic Gardens. This afternoon a heritage tram takes you through the city and tonight enjoy a farewell dinner. The next day transfer to the airport as your tour comes to an end.
Hotel for 1 night: Distinction Hotel