AAT Kings Escorted AAT Kings Escorted 2019-2020 | Page 22

22 Milford Sound The Long White Cloud   22/12/11 DAYS  CHRISTCHURCH AUCKLAND   NZIJ   NZSI   NZNI Christchurch Franz Josef Glacier Queenstown Milford Sound Dunedin Wellington Hawke’s Bay Rotorua Auckland Bay of Islands Embark on an enchanting expedition through the North and South Islands that provides the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Explore extraordinary landscapes and the age-old legends of the Māori as you encounter exhilarating New Zealand as few have seen it before. HIGHLIGHTS Discover • Franz Josef with a Glacier Valley Walk • The buzzing resort town of Queenstown • New Zealand’s vibrant capital Wellington Explore • Glowworm Caves in Waitomo • Milford Sound with a nature cruise and kayak Immerse • Traditional Māori Life at Whakawerawera Living Village • Take a guided walk through the sacred Waipoua Forest • Tour the grounds and castle of the Larnach Family in Dunedin Relax • Spa treatment in Queenstown • In the beauty of the Bay of Islands • In the healing waters of Rotorua’s mineral water Day 1    Welcome to Christchurch Your New Zealand adventure begins in the Garden City. Join your Journey Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception to kick-off your journey of a lifetime. Hotel: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch. Day 2    Christchurch – Franz Josef Glacier Traverse the Canterbury Plains on board the TranzAlpine train. Admire the vivid hues of greenstone (jade) on a visit to Hokitika to meet a local artisan for a jewelry carving demonstration. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier. Your eco-friendly accommodations is set in pristine wilderness, with an emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation. Hotel: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef, 2 nights. B DW Day 3    Franz Josef Glacier After a relaxed start, you’ll explore the area with a local guide, who’ll explain the history behind Franz Josef Glacier. B DW Day 4    Franz Josef – Queenstown It’s time for adventure as you board a purpose-built fully enclosed river jet boat and journey down the Haast River. After a lunch stop in Makarora and later the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown, the adventure capital of Queenstown. Hotel: Crowne Plaza, Queenstown, 3 nights. B DW Day 5    Queenstown Journey Select Today, select your choice of sightseeing: consider a day indulging in the region’s vintages on a wine tour. View the Lord of the Rings film locations and scenery of Queenstown and Glenorchy on a scenic tour or spend time in the spa indulging in a relaxing massage. B Day 6    Queenstown Free Time Today’s the day to earn your adventurer stripes braving some of Queenstown’s most daring activities. This evening, enjoy a memorable Local Dining Experience at one of Queenstown’s fine dining restaurants. B LD Day 7    Queenstown – Milford Sound Venture deep within Fiordland National Park. Drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel and emerge into a photographer’s paradise. Stop to explore the wonder of the Chasm before arriving at Milford Sound Lodge, with its exquisite views of the Cleddau Valley. Hotel: Milford Sound Lodge, 2 nights. B DW Day 8     Milford Sound Cruise A nature guide will share their knowledge of the region before you board the Southern Discoveries vessel for a half day exploration of Milford Sound and an opportunity to go sea kayaking in Harrison Cove. B L DW Day 9    Milford Sound – Dunedin Embark on a journey through the fertile