Ultimate South Island Escape
DELUXE ESCORTED COACH TOUR
CHRISTCHURCH | TRANZALPINE TRAIN | FRANZ JOSEF | QUEENSTOWN | TE ANAU | MILFORD SOUND | DUNEDIN | MOUNT COOK | LAKE TEKAPO
Marvel at the spectacular Mount Cook; enjoy the Scottish heritage of Dunedin; cruise the magnificent Milford Sound; enjoy a relaxing two night stay in Queenstown and witness the rugged Southern Alps of the mighty West Coast.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Luxury Small Group Tour
- Travel in style on the Ultimate Coach with 20 luxury leather reclining seats on a full size vehicle with panoramic windows
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
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Day 10
Day 1 : Arrive Christchurch
On arrival into Christchurch you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy luxe benefits and this evening meet your travelling companions over a complimentary pre-drink.
Hotel: Sudima Christchurch City
Please note: Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.
Day 2 : Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef
This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your Ultimate coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (option, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Hotel: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Day 3 : Franz Josef - Queenstown
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year round resort. This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.
Hotel for 2 nights: Heritage Queenstown
Day 4 : Queenstown
Free day; there are plenty of sightseeing options and your Coach Captain will assist. This evening board the TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine in the Colonel’s Homestead. Then enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for your return cruise.
Day 5 : Queenstown - Te Anau
Travel to Arrowtown to visit the Lakes District Museum and continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).
Hotel for 2 nights: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Day 6 : Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch on-board. This afternoon return to Te Anau.
Day 7 : Te Anau - Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the “Edinburgh of the South”. Enjoy a city tour followed by some free time.
Hotel: Distinction Dunedin
Day 8 : Dunedin – Mount Cook
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle to hear about its tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom. Travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone and enjoy an informative update on this unique precinct before continuing to Mount Cook.
Hotel: The Hermitage Hotel
Day 9 : Mount Cook - Christchurch
This morning marvel at New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook and perhaps enjoy a scenic flight over the Southern Alps (optional, weather permitting). Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch for an introductory city sights tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected drinks.
Hotel: Sudima Christchurch City
Day 10 : Depart Christchurch
You’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
