AAT Kings Escorted Brochure 2018-2019 North America 1819 CAD Anderson Vacations | Page 64

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TranzAlpine Train
New Zealand Marvel
14 DAYS  |  CHRISTCHURCH TO AUCKLAND  |  LCCA/LAAC
HIGHLIGHTS
• Journey over the Southern Alps
on the TranzAlpine Train
• Visit a green stone 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
• Visit 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 Maori culture
• Feast on a Maori Hangi at a
unique dinner experience with
the Tamaki family
• Experienced Travel Director
& Driver Guide
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 Maori history and culture deepen your experience
as you explore the marvelous Land of The Long White Cloud.
Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch there’s time
for relaxing or exploring. Perhaps 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
(optional scenic flight available). Hotel:
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
(Graham Wing), Franz Josef. B D
Day 3: Franz Josef –
Queenstown
Drive over the spectacular Haast
Pass, passing the 96-metre 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 70 buildings from the gold-rush
era are still beautifully preserved,
before arriving in Queenstown. 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
Explore New Zealand’s adventure
capital today. There are jet-boat rides
for thrill-seekers, and wine tours or
intimate cafés for a more leisurely
rhythm. Enjoy a peaceful cruise this
evening across Lake Wakatipu aboard
the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak
High Country Farm for a gourmet
barbecue 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 you’ll have
the option of visiting the Te Anau
Glowworm Caves (own expense).
Hotel: Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau. B D