Day 1 : Arrival Auckland
or Christchurch -
Dunedin
Arrive in Auckland or Christchurch. You would be immediately transferred to
the domestic terminal for your Air New Zealand flight to Dunedin. Upon
arrival at Dunedin, 'The Edinburgh of the South', you would be picked up by
our luxury car. The car would carry you to a nearby historic lodge.
Depending on your arrival time into New Zealand, you may have time to begin
exploring Dunedin.
Day 2 : Dunedin
- Catlins
Wake up early if you want to watch the penguins this morning. After
an indulgent breakfast at your luxury lodge, you are ready to begin your
remote wilderness exploration. Just over one hour south of Dunedin is the
wild and rugged coastline called The Catlins. It is a region high in
dramatic beauty and wildlife and low on population.
You have the balance of the day to view the penguins, seals, Hector
dolphins (world's smallest dolphin found only in New Zealand), see the
fossil forest at Curio Bay, walk to the many waterfalls of the region, see
the Cathedral Caves or try to absorb the vast view from your motel suite.
Day 3 : Catlins - Te Anau
A saunter on the picturesque beach is suggested before heading to your next
destination. It is a three and half hour drive over seemingly endless rivers
and streams through the Southland region before reaching Te Anau, the
gateway to the Fiordland National Park. Here the flora and landscape quickly
change to beech and rain forest with beautiful lakes and mountains as
compared to this morning's rugged coastline. There is a wide variety of
options to enjoy this afternoon at Te Anau.
Day 4 : Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau
Today is the time for exploring the Majestic Milford Sound. A small group
nature and walking trip with only twelve people ensures personal service and
learning for everyone. The trip includes transport between Te Anau and
Milford Sound with stops for pictures, short hikes with commentary on flora
and fauna and bird viewing (usually Keas the cheeky alpine parrot).
Upon arrival at Milford Sound, you hop on a two and a half hour cruise on a
small boat that specializes in wildlife viewing. Instead of returning to Te
Anau the way you came, you have the option of oard a small plane for a
flight up and over the Sound. This flight permits you to get a feel for the
vastness of the Sound, see the glacier lakes, the waterfalls and get
panoramic views of the Fiordland National Park. Arrive back to Te Anau
around 3:00pm.
Day 5 : Te Anau - Doubtful Sound - Te Anau
Visit Doubtful Sound. Different from the Milford because there are three
arms to this Sound not just one like Milford. On this full day trip you
cruise across Lake Manapouri, then visit the underground power plant. Then a
luxury coach transports you past Fiordland's moss forests before boarding
your catamaran cruise through the Doubtful Sound. Dolphins and seals are
often encountered on this Sound (really a fjord). Back at Te Anau around
5:00pm.
Day 6 : Te Anau -
Queenstown
You
may want to indulge further in the quiet and natural beauty of Fiordland
this morning or choose to immediately head for the bustle of Queenstown.
Queenstown often referred to as 'the Aspen of the South' is the adventure
capital of the country. Queenstown is not just known for its adventures -
it's wines are becoming more popular with quite a few of the local vineyards
winning international awards. Endless opportunities to raft, cruise, soar,
golf, jump, bike, taste, climb and shop abound in this charming lakeside
resort town.
Day 7 : Queenstown
A full day to enjoy and explore Queenstown.
Day 8 : Queenstown
- Lake Moeraki
Today is the time for leaving Queenstown to journey to the World Heritage
Rain Forest and the remote Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge. You will travel
past Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea then through the dense rainforests of the Haast
Pass. There are many walks, waterfalls and rivers to enjoy along the way. We
will provide you with a map of the various walk options. A late afternoon
guided nature experience is available at your lodge.
Day 9 : Lake Moeraki - Franz Josef
After breakfast, another guided nature encounter is available before
hitting the road north to Glacier Country. Beaches, rain forests, glaciers
and the Southern Alps are all together within a few km of each other in this
unique region. To understand the true wonder, a 10 minute scenic flight onto
the glacier begins your 2 hour guided glacier hike. Hike through ice
archways, discover ice caves and between million year old crevices for a
truly memorable adventure.
Day 10 : Franz Josef - Christchurch
This morning you have time to further explore Franz Josef glacier, or an
optional morning kayak on Okarito Lagoon; New Zealand's largest wetland and
home to the rare White Heron (additional cost). Head north up the coast to
the township of Hokitika to shop for handmade crafts. At 2:00 you will drop
off your rental car at the Greymouth train station and board the TranzAlpine
train for your scenic journey through the Southern Alps, along rivers,
skirting gorges and over the patchwork of the Canterbury Plains on the
journey to Christchurch.
Day 11 : Christchurch
Your 4WD rental car will be delivered to your accommodation this morning.
You will have a full day to explore the wonders of Christchurch, the Garden
City.
Day 12 : Christchurch
- Kaikoura
The
drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura is just over two hours but it may take
you longer if you choose to stop at the Waipara Vineyards along the way.
Kaikoura was once a whaling station, now it is at the forefront of mammal
conservation. Depending on what time you choose to arrive at Kaikoura, you
may or may not have time to explore this quaint seaside town.
Day 13 : Kaikoura - Blenheim
The best time to view dolphins and/or whales is first thing in the morning
when the sea is calm. You may choose a whale watch cruise, dolphin watch or
swim cruise or pelagic bird cruise tour. Whichever one you choose, lots of
film will be required! Once back on solid ground, you journey two hours
north to the premier wine-producing region. Blenheim, nestled in the
Marlborough Region, is the Napa Valley of the Southern Hemisphere. Large and
small boutique vineyards abound offering wine tastings; wine tours and many
have cafés for lunches and light snacks. You may choose to go on a
guided wine tour (additional cost) or on a self-guided wine tour. We will
supply you with vineyard information and locations so you can decide which
producers interest you most. The region is best known for their Sauvignon
Blancs although their Merlots are becoming increasingly popular. You have
the afternoon to become a Marlborough wine connoisseur.
Day 14 : Blenheim -
Auckland or
Christchurch
An afternoon flight from Blenheim will transport you back to Auckland for
connection with your International flight home.
Other
New Zealand Tour Packages...
