14 Day Independent Scenic South Island Holiday ex ChristchurchDay one Christchurch Following your arrival in Christchurch take some time to explore the city. Take in the famous Cathedral Square, visit the historic Arts Centre and Museum, just across the road take a stroll through the Botanic Gardens, or perhaps just relax at one of the cities many cafes. Your accommodation in arrange in Christchurch overnight.
Day two Christchurch - Greymouth
This morning catch the TranzAlpine train through the heart of the scenic Southern Alps to the west coast township of Greymouth. This train journey is rated as one of the top five train journeys in the world, make sure you have your camera and loads of film! Following your arrival in Greymouth explore the local area. The west coast was the scene of a prosperous gold rush in the mid 1800's. Today many of the old relics are still to be seen and the area is rich in history from this area. Stop off at Shantytown for a taste of one of the historic townships, and to try our own hand at gold panning! Or perhaps just explore some of the areas many ghost towns.
Accommodation overnight in Greymouth.
Day three Greymouth - Franz Josef
Have the morning to finish exploring Greymouth. In the afternoon depart by coach south along the coast to Franz Josef village. Franz and Fox Glaciers are both very accessible glaciers and are well worth exploring. As well as the glaciers, Franz Josef also offers excellent mountain and forest views, glowworm dells and plenty of walking opportunities.
Accommodation is overnight in Franz Josef or Fox.
Day four Franz Josef - Queenstown
After exploring the glacier region further head south to Queenstown by coach, takes in the scenic Haast Pass area. Once in Queenstown take some time to explore the area.
Accommodation overnight in Queenstown
Day five Queenstown
Included in your activities for today is a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw over to the Walter Peak farm, the tour included a scenic cruise, morning or afternoon tea, a farm tour and a cruise back across the lake. The rest of the day is at your leisure, the activity options are endless, rafting, jet boating, horse riding, Lord of the Rings tours, gondola rides, the list goes on. Let us know your preference and we can book you in to your pick, to avoid disappointment.
Accommodation overnight again in Queenstown
Day six Milford Sound
From Queenstown you will this morning board a guided tour to take you into Milford Sound and aboard a cruise the length of this majestic fiord. The tour is a full day in duration and takes in some on New Zealand's most outstanding scenery. If preferred you can visit the fiord via plane, please indicate I you require this option at time of booking.
Your tour returns you to Queenstown where will stay overnight again
Day seven Queenstown to Dunedin
From Queenstown make your way to Dunedin with Citibus on their Track and Trails tour, this includes a journey on the Taieri Gorge Rail track. On arrival in Dunedin take some time to explore this historic city.
Accommodation is arranged overnight
Day eight Dunedin
Take the morning to explore this city, perhaps visit the Speight's Brewery, world famous in New Zealand, or Cadbury World, were you can experience the production of New Zealand's finest chocolates. This afternoon you have a tour of the Otago Peninsula, exploring some of New Zealand's unique wildlife, including the mighty albatross (in season), yellow-eyed penguin and Hooker's seals.
Accommodation is overnight again in Dunedin
Day nine Dunedin to Mount Cook
This journey with Citibus, of approximately 4 hours take you to the foot of New Zealand's highest mountain, enjoy the afternoon exploring this alpine village and taking in the mountain air. There are many walking tracks in and around the village and plenty of areas to explore.
Accommodation overnight in Mount Cook village
Day ten Mount Cook - Christchurch
Have the morning to finish exploring. In the afternoon you will board the coach to Christchurch. This journey of approximately 4 hours takes you from mount Cook out onto the Canterbury Plains and then north to Christchurch city again. Along the way you will pass through many beautiful country towns. Accommodation overnight in Christchurch.
Day eleven Christchurch - Kaikoura
This morning take the TranzCoastal train from Christchurch to Kaikoura. This seaside town is a sleepy farming centre built up by its outstanding year around whale watching opportunities. As well as whales you can also experience swimming with dolphins, swimming with seals and diving with sharks. Another asset in the area are the outstanding seafood restaurants. The area is famous for its crayfish and they are well worth sampling.
Accommodation overnight in Kaikoura
Day twelve Kaikoura - Hanmer Springs
This morning you will be booked on a whale-watching excursion in the early morning. This whale-watching trip is approximately three hours long and gets you up close to these majestic sea creatures. You may also take this opportunity to swim with the dolphins as well, please indicate if you wish to book this at the time of booking.
This afternoon you will board Hanmer Connection, over to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs for some rest and relaxation to wind down the end of your holiday. Hanmer Springs is famous for its outstanding complex of hot springs. The village is in a alpine setting, surrounded by mountains and forest. If you are feeling particularly energetic then try hiking or mountain biking on some of the many tracks through the surrounding alpine forest.
Accommodation overnight in Hanmer Springs
Day thirteen Hanmer Springs - Christchurch
From Hanmer Springs make your way back to Christchurch city by coach. Take the remainder of the day to explore the city of Christchurch.
Accommodation is arranged overnight in Christchurch
Day fourteen Christchurch
Price: 3* - NZ$2380.00 per person, price includes Transport, Accommodation, Milford Sound Cruise ex Queenstown, TranzAlpine 4* - NZ$2940.00 per person, price includes Transport, Accommodation, Milford Sound Cruise ex Queenstown, TranzAlpine 5* - NZ$3640.00 per person, price includes Transport, Accommodation, Milford Sound Cruise ex Queenstown, TranzAlpine (NB - prices will change subject to availaiblity)
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