|
Day 1: Christchurch to Mt Somers (LD)
Your driver/guide meets you in Christchurch. We have a specially arranged lunch before heading to the foothills of the Southern Alps and the small village of Mt Somers. There is time to relax in this idyllic setting before we dine in Stronechrubie’s acclaimed restaurant tonight.
Stay: Stronechrubie
Day 2: Mt Somers, Queenstown (B)
The landscape changes to turquoise lakes and sweeping vistas of tussock grasses and mountains. At Lake Tekapo the picturesque church and sheepdog statue are favourite photo stops. View Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. The Lindis Pass, leads to rugged Kawarau Gorge and Queenstown. Your boutique hotel is close to town with views to Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Range.
Stay: Browns Boutique Hotel (2 nights)
Day 3: Milford Sound Day Trip (B)
This morning take a return flight to Milford Sound deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park. At Milford take a nature cruise down the sound, dominated by iconic Mitre Peak, it's a dramatic fiord landscape of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Return to Queenstown by plane.
Day 4: Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka (B)
Perhaps take an early morning jet boat ride on the spectacular Dart River in The Lord of the Rings country before driving to Arrowtown, a picturesque goldmining village. The road climbs up the Crown Range then down into the Cardrona Valley. We stop at quaint Cardrona Hotel and stay in Wanaka, a favourite Kiwi resort town on the edge of Lake Wanaka
Stay: Te Wanaka Lodge
Day 5: Wanaka, Franz Josef (B)
Today head into the mountain and rivers of Haast Pass in Mt Aspiring National Park. Take short walks on tracks through native beech forests to waterfalls and blue pools where trout lurk. We visit the Department of Conservation Centre for insight into this region's colourful history, flora and fauna. Continue north through the primeval rainforest of Westland World Heritage Park, stopping at Ship Creek for a stroll on the beach to the dune lake. At Franz Josef we view the advancing glacier.
Stay: Punga Grove
Day 6: Franz Josef, Punakaiki (BD)
This morning you may choose to take an optional flight over the glaciers and Aoraki/Mt Cook or perhaps visit Okarito's lovely lagoon, home of the rare kotuku, white heron. Jet boating from Whataroa is an ideal way to see this region. Travel up the coast passing mirror lakes, boulder-laden rivers with glimpses of the Southern Alps. At Hokitika browse the craft galleries – Pounamu (jade, greenstone) carving, glass blowing, wood and copper artisans. A coastal road following part of ancient Pounamu Trails used by Maori for centuries leads to your hotel. Visit Punakaiki Pancake Rocks - sculpted sea stacks and towering cliffs. If the tide is right, blowholes will be spreading clouds of spray. This evening enjoy a farewell celebratory dinner in your hotel’s Waterline restaurant.
Stay: Punakaiki Resort
Day 7: Punakaiki, Arthur's Pass, Christchurch (B)
Drive back down the coast to Greymouth and eastwards into the magnificent alpine scenery of rugged Otira Gorge and Arthur's Pass National Park. Crossing the Canterbury Plains we conclude your tour in Christchurch, an English style city of stone buildings, large parks and stunning gardens. Your arrangements conclude on arrival.
All breakfasts are included. On the evenings where dinner is not included we'll recommend our favourite local restaurants and cafes. |
