52
Southern Spotlight
9 days
• Journey past crystal clear lakes and towering mountains through Mt . Cook National Park
• Visit Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo
• Stay on the shores of Lake Te Anau
• Travel past ancient glaciers , spectacular mountains and magical rainforest en route to Milford Sound
• Cruise on mystical Milford Sound
• Let loose in the adventure capital Queenstown
• Sail on Lake Wakatipu aboard steamship TSS Earnslaw
• Indulge in a unique dinner experience in Colonel ’ s Homestead at Walter Peak
• Visit the old gold mining village of Arrowtown
• Taste Central Otago ’ s famous stone fruit at an orchard
• Travel through the magnificent rainforest of Haast Pass
• Discover fascinating Franz Josef Glacier
• Visit a green stone factory & watch the jade artists at work
• Journey over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
• Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
Dining
• Full buffet breakfasts ( 8 ) B
• Highlight dinner ( 1 ) HD
• Farewell dinner ( 1 ) FD
• Dinners ( 4 ) D
Mt . Cook
Day 1 : Welcome to Christchurch On arrival in Christchurch you ’ ll be transferred to your hotel . There will be a Welcome Reception with your Travel Director and fellow travelers in the evening . Hotel : Ibis Hotel , Christchurch .
Day 2 : Christchurch – Omarama You have time at leisure this morning . Why not head travel around the city on board the Christchurch Tram , and hear how Christchurch is rebuilding after the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes . Later , traveling over the patchwork countryside of the Canterbury Plains , the spectacular sightseeing begins . Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki are first up . Next you ’ ll visit the Church of the Good Shepherd before soaking up the sensational alpine landscape of Mt . Cook National Park – a scenic highlight ! You may choose to take an optional scenic flight over Mt . Cook ( weather permitting ). Hotel : Heritage Gateway Hotel , Omarama . B D
Day 3 : Omarama – Dunedin Your day starts along the Waitaki River with the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam . Travel through Oamaru with its famous white limestone buildings to Dunedin , for a city tour . Then you ’ ve got the afternoon to yourself – take a Wildlife Cruise , visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway . Hotel : Scenic Hotel Dunedin City . B D
Day 4 : Dunedin – Te Anau After a morning of time to yourself , during which you might like to tour New Zealand ’ s historic Larnach Castle and its stunning gardens , you ’ ll head off across South Otago ’ s fertile , sheep-filled rolling farming land en route to Te Anau , on the shores of beautiful Lake Te Anau , the largest lake on New Zealand ’ s South Island . Tonight you may choose to travel by boat to the famous Te Anau Glowworm Caves . Hotel : Luxmore Hotel , Te Anau . B D
Day 5 : Te Anau – Queenstown Today is a feast for the senses . You ’ ll be awe-struck by great sights from Fiordland National Park , New Zealand ’ s largest , to Milford Sound , where you ’ ll cruise on the waters of this natural wonder . Amazing photo opportunities await you as you see rainforests , ancient glaciers , mountain ranges and the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel . Along the way you ’ ll see the Mirror Lake , Pop ’ s Lookout , Cleddau Valley , the Chasm , Mitre Peak , Bowen Falls , travel along the Devil ’ s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu . A sightseeing tour on arrival in Queenstown will complete this highlight day . Hotel : Copthorne Hotel & Resort , Queenstown , 2 nights . B
Day 6 : Queenstown ‘ Free Time ’ Explore the adventure capital , Queenstown your way , all day . From wine tours to jet boat rides , from 4WD tour safaris to white water rafting , Queenstown will surprise
Optional Experience Day 6 : Skipper ’ s Canyon Queenstown
Located in Queenstown ’ s back country , Skippers Canyon is one of New Zealand ’ s best kept secrets . You will travel on Skippers Road alongside the Shotover River at a leisurely pace . You ’ ll then reach Skippers Point in the Mount Aurum Conservation Area and enjoy morning tea . Ask your Travel Director for details .