Southern Spotlight
ESCORTED TOUR
CHRISTCHURCH | OMARAMA | DUNEDIN | TE ANAU | QUEENSTOWN | FRANZ JOSEF
Tick all the boxes of must-dos in the South Island. Journey through the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train, have a night out at a High Country Station in Central Otago, cruise down the still waters of Milford Sound, and roam through the stone-hewn campus of New Zealand’s oldest university in Dunedin.
Highlights:
- Journey through spectacular Mt. Cook National Park
- Visit Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo
- Stay on the shores of Lake Te Anau
- Travel past ancient glaciers, spectacular mountains and magical rainforest en route to Milford Sound
- Cruise mystical Milford Sound
- Let loose in the adventure capital Queenstown
- Sail on Lake Wakatipu aboard steamship TSS Earnslaw
- Indulge in a unique dinner experience in Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak
- Visit the old gold mining village of Arrowtown
- Taste Central Otago’s famous stone fruit at an orchard
and much more!
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
Day 1 : Welcome to Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Join your Travel Director for a welcome reception in the evening.
Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Day 2 : Christchurch - Omarama
You have time at leisure this morning. Perhaps travel the city on board the famous Christchurch Tram. After crossing patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains, visit spectacular Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, then enjoy the scenic highlight of Mt. Cook National Park. You may choose to take an optional scenic flight over Mt. Cook (weather permitting).
Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 : Omarama - Dunedin
Visit spectacular Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam. Then visit the stately historic town of Oamaru. This afternoon travel to Dunedin, where the rest of your day is at leisure.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 : Dunedin - Te Anau
After a morning of free time, you’ll head off across South Otago’s fertile, sheep-filled rolling farm land en route to beautiful Lake Te Anau, the largest lake on New Zealand’s South Island.
Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 : Te Anau - Queenstown
Today, be awe-struck by great sights from Fiordland National Park, New Zealand’s largest, to Milford Sound, where you’ll cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. See rainforests, ancient glaciers, mountain ranges and the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel. En route see the Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, travel the Devil’s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. On arrival, take a sightseeing tour of Queenstown.
Day 6 : Queenstown
Explore the adventure capital, Queenstown your way, all day. From wine tours to jet boat rides, from 4WD tour safaris to white water rafting, Queenstown will surprise and exhilarate. This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station for a gourmet barbecue highlight dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead, with an entertaining after-dinner farm show for a glimpse of high-country farm life.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown , 2 nights
Included Meals: Day 5: Breakfast. Day 6: Breakfast, Highlight dinner
Day 7 : Queenstown - Franz Josef
Visit the gold mining village of Arrowtown, then enjoy stone fruit at Cromwell. See Lakes Dunstan, Hawea and Wanaka, a trio of beautiful lakes. Travel over the Haast Pass and view Thunder Creek Falls, then enjoy a tranquil rainforest walk. The last stop, is majestic Franz Josef Glacier – a rare, still advancing glacier. Take the opportunity for an optional scenic flight (own expense).
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 : Franz Josef - Christchurch
You’ll visit Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade), for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration. Travel through Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast, to Arthur’s Pass to board the TranzAlpine, one of the top six train journeys in the world. This spectacular journey takes you through the Southern Alps and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. This evening celebrate your holiday at a farewell dinner with your Travel Director and new-found friends.
Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Day 9 : Farewell from Christchurch
Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
