A tour of the lower part of the South Island, beginning and finishing in Christchurch. See the enchanting Mount Cook, amongst the Southern Alps. Experience some traditional Scottish culture in Dunedin, and relax on the serene Earnslaw Cruise. All in seven days. 
Tour Duration: 9 Days
Tour Type: Group coach tour
Tour price per person:
01 May 10 - 30 Sep 10 NZ$1935
01 Oct 10 - 31 Jan 11 NZ$2244
01 Feb 11 - 30 Apr 11 NZ$2295
Optional extras (per person) |
|
| Breakfast (8) Supplement | NZ$164 |
| Dinner (6) Supplement | NZ$210 |
| Single Room Supplement | NZ$644 |
Welcome to New Zealand! You will be met at Christchurch Airport and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 – Christchurch/Mt Cook/Omarama
Your tour departs from the Pavilions Hotel,
42 Papanui Road at 8.00am. Cross the broad
Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps to the
west. Enter the foothills near Geraldine to the
barren MacKenzie Country. View the Church of
the Good Shepherd dedicated to the early
pioneers of the region and the Collie Dog
memorial overlooking the milky blue waters of
Lake Tekapo. Time for a spectacular flight over
the Southern Alps, lakes and glaciers with Air
Safaris (optional). Visit Mt Cook National Park,
with time to enjoy the scenic majesty of New
Zealand’s highest snow capped peaks before
travelling around Lake Pukaki to Twizel and
Omarama.
Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night)
Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin the “Scottish” city. An early arrival allows the choice of excellent optional activities. Combine a Monarch harbour cruise or Newton’s Citibus tour to see the albatross, penguins and seals. Enjoy the historic and scenic Taieri Gorge train excursion or explore the city only a few minutes walk away. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift.
Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri with its rugged bushclad mountains before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau. (time and weather permitting)
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (2 nights)
A highlight of any tour. Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys where the beech forests reach to the roads edge and snow capped peaks tower above. Descend into the Cleddau Canyon to Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and shows such highlights as the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Time to relax and appreciate your surroundings. Walk into the rainforest to visit The Chasm a spectacular waterfall then pause at the Homer Tunnel. If conditions permit, your Coach Captain may make a short drive into the Lower Hollyford Valley. Return to Te Anau.
Cruise across Lake Te Anau to explore the underground world of rushing water and drift beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glow-worms, an unforgettable sight. This afternoon drive north to Kingston and around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to picturesque Queenstown. This evening, cruise across the lake aboard the steamship Earnslaw for dinner in the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak Sheep Station.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (2 nights)
A day to explore the delights of this alpine resort at leisure. Your Coach Captain will happily advise on the many sightseeing activities available. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat ride, take a Gondola to the Skyline high above, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon or for the adventurous – white water rafting. Alternatively browse in the many shops and galleries.
Day 8 – Queenstown/Christchurch
Farewell your fellow travellers this morning
and journey by scheduled public coach back
to Christchurch today, through the rugged
Kawarau Gorge and alongside the gold bearing
Clutha River. Traverse the Lindis Pass to
Omarama, Twizel and Tekapo to reach
Christchurch late in the afternoon.
Extend your stay in Queenstown: This can be arranged when making your reservations.
Accommodation: Pavilions Hotel (1 night)
Today is goodbye to all your new found friends. You will be trasnferred to Christchurch International Airport to join your flight home.
(included in tour cost )
- Scottish Haggis Ceremony
- Entry to Olveston House
- Milford Sound Cruise
- Entry to Te Anau glow-worm caves
- Intercity Coach Service Queenstown to Christchurch