50
New Zealand Marvel
14 days
• Journey over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
• Visit a green stone factory & watch the jade artists at work
• 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 and magical rainforest en route to Milford Sound
• Cruise on mystical Milford Sound
• Visit Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo
• Marvel at Fur Seals at Ohau Point and Whales at Kaikoura
• Cruise through Waitomo ’ s famous Glowworm Grotto
• Feast on a Maori Hangi at a unique dinner experience with the Tamaki family
• Discover the arts and traditions of New Zealand ’ s Maori culture
• Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
Dining
• Full buffet breakfasts ( 13 ) B
• Highlight dinners ( 2 ) HD
• Farewell dinner ( 1 ) FD
• Dinners ( 7 ) D
Mirror Lakes
Day 1 : Welcome to Christchurch On arrival in Christchurch you ’ ll be transferred to your hotel . Perhaps take a walk along the Avon River before a welcome reception and dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travelers . Hotel : Ibis Hotel , Christchurch . D
Day 2 : Christchurch – Franz Josef This morning you ’ ll board the TranzAlpine , one of the top 6 train journeys in the world . This spectacular railway takes you across the Canterbury Plains and through the Southern Alps to Arthur ’ s Pass . Later , visit Hokitika home of the native greenstone ( jade ) for a factory visit to see local artists at work . Next stop is Franz Josef Glacier ( optional scenic Franz Josef Glacier flight available ). Hotel : Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier ( Graham Wing ), Franz Josef . B D
Day 3 : Franz Josef – Queenstown Travel through the Haast Pass . See Thunder Creek Falls , take a rainforest walk and then it ’ s a trio of lakes – Wanaka , Hawea , Dunstan . Next up try sumptuous stone fruit at a Cromwell orchard . Later , you ’ ll visit historic gold mining
Arrowtown on the Arrow River , previously one of the world ’ s richest rivers . On arrival in Queenstown , New Zealand ’ s adventure-capital , you ’ ll enjoy a sightseeing tour . Hotel : Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown , 2 nights . B
Day 4 : Queenstown ‘ Free Time ’ Explore exciting Queenstown your way , all day . From wine tours to jet boat rides and white water rafting , Queenstown will surprise and exhilarate ! This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand ’ s oldest steamship , the TSS Earnslaw , to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue highlight dinner at the Colonel ’ s Homestead . An entertaining afterdinner farm show provides a glimpse into high-country farm life . B HD
Day 5 : Queenstown – Te Anau Travel along the Devil ’ s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau . You ’ ll be awe-struck by the great sights of Fiordland National Park on your journey to Milford Sound , one of the world ’ s most amazing places , where you ’ ll take a spectacular cruise on this natural wonder . En route you ’ ll have abundant photo
Rural Homestay Option : Day 12
A warm welcome awaits you on your New Zealand rural homestay and your hosts will provide you with the wonderful Kiwi hospitality that really makes you feel ‘ at home ’. Enjoy dinner and breakfast , a tour to introduce you to their way of life and comfortable accommodation in their home or cottages . You may choose to meet the animals , which may include sheep , cows , deer and many others , or simply relax and enjoy the company of your hosts and the scenic surroundings . Additional cost per person USD55 | CAD70 . opportunities at the Chasm , Mirror Lake , Pop ’ s Lookout , Cleddau Valley , Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls . Return to lakeside Te Anau , where this evening you ’ ll have the option to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves . Hotel : Luxmore Hotel , Te Anau . B D
Day 6 : Te Anau – Dunedin Cross sheep-filled farming land to Dunedin for a city tour . With ‘ Free Time ’ this afternoon , consider a wildlife cruise to see Penguins and Royal Albatross , a visit to the Cadbury Factory or ride the Taieri Gorge Railway . Hotel : Scenic Hotel Dunedin City . B D
Day 7 : Dunedin – Omarama This morning , you have the opportunity to visit Larnach Castle , New Zealand ’ s only castle . Later , travel through Oamaru , famous for its limestone buildings , passing the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and the Benmore Dam on your way to Omarama . Hotel : Heritage Gateway Hotel , Omarama . B D
Day 8 : Omarama – Christchurch Soak up the scenery of Mt . Cook National Park ( optional scenic flight available ). See Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo , visit the Church