AAT Kings Escorted AAT Kings Escorted 2019-2020 | Page 74

74 Huka Falls New Zealand Marvel   14 DAYS  CHRISTCHURCH AUCKLAND   LCCA   LAAC Christchurch Franz Josef Glacier Queenstown Fiordland National Park Te Anau Dunedin Omarama Picton Wellington Huka Falls Rotorua Auckland This classic New Zealand itinerary spans both North and South Islands, leading you through majestic panoramas from the glaciers of the West Coast to the sensational alpine landscapes of Lake Tekapo and Mt. Cook National Park, and the extraordinary geothermal fields of Rotorua. Glimpses of traditional Māori history and culture deepen your experience as you explore the marvellous land of The Long White Cloud. HIGHLIGHTS • Journey over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train • Visit a green stone (jade) factory • See awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier • Travel through the magnificent rainforest of Haast Pass • Visit the old gold mining village of Arrowtown • Let loose in the adventure capital Queenstown • Sail across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak for a unique Highlight Dinner • Travel past ancient glaciers, spectacular mountains & magical rainforest en route to Milford Sound • Cruise on mystical Milford Sound • View the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo • Cruise tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound • Cruise through Waitomo’s famous Glowworm Grotto • Discover the arts & traditions of New Zealand’s Māori culture • Feast on a Māori Hangi at a unique dinner experience with the Tamaki family Day 1    Welcome to Christchurch On arrival in Christchurch there’s time for relaxing or exploring. Perhaps you might take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the picturesque Avon River. This evening your vacation begins with a Welcome Reception and dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travelers. Hotel: Ibis Hotel, Christchurch. D Day 2    Christchurch – Franz Josef Board the iconic TranzAlpine train for one the world’s great rail journeys. Pass through the lush pastureland of the Canterbury Plains to the rugged gorges and ice-fed streams and lakes of the Southern Alps. Alight at Arthur’s Pass and continue to Hokitika, home of New Zealand’s famous greenstone. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier (an optional scenic flight is available). Hotel: Scenic Franz Josef Glacier, Graham Wing, Franz Josef. B D Day 3    Franz Josef – Queenstown Drive over the spectacular Haast Pass, passing the 96-meter Thunder Creek Falls, and serene Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. Stop at the town of Cromwell and enjoy delicious stone fruit. Next, you’ll visit the historic goldmining settlement of Arrowtown, where over seventy buildings from the gold-rush era are still beautifully preserved. You’ll arrive in Queenstown in time for an orientation tour of the town, which sits on the shore of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu. Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Queenstown, 2 nights. B Day 4    Queenstown Free Time Explore New Zealand’s adventure capital today. There are jet-boat rides for thrill-seekers, and wine tours or intimate cafés for those who enjoy a more leisurely pace. Enjoy a peaceful cruise this evening across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner and an entertaining after-dinner show offering glimpses of high-country farm life. B HD Day 5    Queenstown – Te Anau Travel the highway known as the Devil’s Staircase and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the town of Te Anau. On your journey to Milford Sound you’ll be awestruck by the native rainforests and rugged mountains of Fiordland National Park. Your cruise on the Sound takes in cascading waterfalls, hanging glacial valleys, and towering Mitre Peak. Return to lakeside Te Anau, where this evening consider an optional experience visiting the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Hotel: Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau. B D Day 6    Te Anau – Dunedin Journey through lush green sheep- grazing country on your way to Dunedin this morning. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. Sit