NEW ZEALAND - SOUTH ISLAND SPECTACULAR
NEW ZEALAND - SOUTH ISLAND SPECTACULAR
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Activity Highlights
Experience the spectacular landscape of the South Island and see nature at its finest with snow-capped mountains, pure turquoise blue lakes and high country pastures. Travelling by coach or car, your tour also includes a train journey to start and a cruise to finish.
Activity Description
Day 1: Dinner
We start our adventure and board the Northern Explorer Train in Auckland for our journey to Wellington. If preferred, passengers can join the train at one of the stations en route.
The journey through Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains - Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu - is a real highlight.
On arrival in Wellington, it’s a short journey to the hotel where we spend the evening before our sailing to the South Island the next morning.
Alternatively, fly from Auckland to Picton in the South Island and your first night will be in Blenheim (see Day 2). Tour price will be adjusted accordingly.
Day 2: Breakfast, Dinner
An early start on the Interislander Ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton. We drive to the Omaka Heritage Centre and enjoy the wonderful Sir Peter Jackson ‘Knights of the Sky Exhibition’ with rare memorabilia on show.
We move on to the new display at Omaka, the ‘Dangerous Skies Exhibition’ with larger than life exhibits capturing specific moments of history. We have time for a refreshment break before heading to Blenheim for our overnight stay.
Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we join a local 4WD operator for a guided tour through scenic Molesworth Station - New Zealand’s largest farm and home to the country’s biggest cattle herd (up to 10,000).
This tour seems to be on everyone’s ‘to do’ list and you will certainly not be disappointed. The first 100km through the grandeur of the Awatere Valley is well worth the trip.
We stay overnight in Hanmer Springs, the main thermal resort in South Island where bathing in the hot pools is a ‘must do’.
Day 4: Breakfast, Dinner
Back on the road, we head south through the rolling Canterbury countryside, stopping in the garden city of Christchurch for a quick tour.
The city has bounced back after the Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 with innovative new attractions as well as some old favourites. After leaving Christchurch, it’s on to Methven for the next 3 nights.
Day 5: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we join our local tour guide (one of the station owners). We explore three of the High Country Stations in this area. Our first stop is The Point Station with its fabulous historic homestead where we can stroll through the large garden featuring established plantings of rhododendrons and English trees.
Our next stop is Middle Rock where we hear about the history of the property. Lunch is served in the garden. After lunch, it’s time for a wander around the large Middle Rock Garden. Our visit concludes with a farm coach tour of Middle Rock with commentary from the owners.
Ben Lea is the last stop where we are taken on a farm tour by the owners including a visit to the golfing resort at Terrace Downs returning to enjoy the large homestead garden where afternoon tea is served.
Day 6: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We continue our scenic exploration into the High Country as we visit Lake Heron Station and Glenfalloch Station at the top of the Rakaia River. We make our way to Mount Somers then head through the Canterbury High Country.
We arrive at Lake Heron for our morning tea stop where we can marvel at the breathtaking views over the lake to the mountains. From here, the tour goes off-road as we go by 4WD and follow Lake Stream to the Rakaia River and Glenfalloch Station.
At Glenfalloch Station, we enjoy a delicious lunch before we make our way down the Rakaia River. A day to remember for a very long time.
Day 7: Breakfast, Dinner
We take a leisurely journey this morning, making our way down the Inland Scenic Route over Burkes Pass into the barren Mackenzie Country. Travelling on through Tekapo and around Lake Pukaki, we arrive at the outstanding Hermitage Hotel with its magnificent views of Mount Cook.
An early arrival will give us plenty of time to explore this national treasure and there will be some time for scenic flights (own expense) if the weather allows.
Day 8: Breakfast, Dinner
We make our way back around Lake Pukaki this morning, past the Waitaki Hydro Lakes to our morning tea stop in Omarama.
We continue over the Lindis Pass and there will be time for a little local touring before we stop for the next 2 nights in the tranquil lakeside town of Cromwell.
Day 9: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, it may be a bit of a ‘mystery tour’ as the exact route will depend on road and weather conditions, however, we can guarantee a day of discovery as we enjoy the wonderful landscape of the Central Otago ranges.
The old gold town of St Bathans and the Naseby Indoor Curling Rink will be among the many sights.
Day 10: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we take a drive to Wanaka looking at Lake Dunstan on the way. After morning tea, we meander around the east side of Lake Dunstan then head back past Cromwell and through the Kawarau Gorge to Arrowtown for lunch.
We make our way to Stoneridge Estate at Lake Hayes where we visit the Chapel by the Lake and Gardens. Its sprawling gardens, tranquil water features and sculptures all represent the decades of dedicated and inspired work carried out by the Gore Family.
Our final stop will be in Queenstown where we stay for the next 2 nights.
Day 11: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, we have the choice of two 4WD tours. The first takes us up the challenging and exciting Skippers Road to the old gold mining town of Skippers which has been restored to its former glory by the Department of Conservation.
The second is a more sedate tour of the highlights in the area.
Don’t let the adventurous side of these trips put you off going. The vehicles are comfortable, safe and are suitable for all age groups.
The afternoon allows us to recover from the morning’s excitement before we join a cruise across Lake Wakatipu. We sail to Walter Peak Station on the ‘Old Lady of the Lake’, the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy dinner at Walter Peak Homestead.
Day 12: Breakfast
As we make our way to Queenstown Airport, we can reflect on an exciting journey around the most spectacular landscapes in the country before we fly home.
Details
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- Activity Duration
- 12 Days
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- City
- Auckland
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- Type
- Adventure
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- Host for Partner
- New Zealand Explorer Tours
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- Cancellation
- General Cancelation Policy More
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- Bookings Accepted
- 60 Day(s) Prior To Activity
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- Max Participants
- 6
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- Max Participants Per Time Slot
- 6
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- Guide Can Speak
- English
Requirements
- Photo ID required for flight from Queenstown to Auckland.
Inclusions
- 11 nights accommodation at 4 or 5 star hotels with restaurant and bar, wifi, en suite bathroom, air-conditioning and TV.
- 11 Breakfasts (buffet), 3 Lunches and 11 Dinners.
- Airport Transfers including Meet & Greet service.
- Train from Auckland to Wellington including baggage handling.
- Interisland Ferry from Wellington to Picton.
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown.
- Flight from Queenstown to Auckland.
- The whole tour and all visits and excursions with local English guides and drivers. Other languages on request. Please ask.
- Any admission fees and extras as specified.
- All taxes and mandatory service charges
Exclusions
- Unless otherwise agreed, all extras such as optional services, beverages and any other expenses of private nature as well as voluntary tips for guides and drivers.
Cancellation
- Unless otherwise specified on the website or subsequently advised to you, cancellation fees apply as follows:
- Cancellation advised over 60 days before departure - loss of 10% deposit.
- Cancellation advised between 31 and 60 days before departure - 25% of tour price.
- Cancellation advised 30 days or less before departure - 100% of tour price.
- Special conditions for groups on request.
Direction
New Zealand Explorer Tours
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