Day One: Arrive Christchurch
On arrival at Christchurch International Airport and after
completion of customs formalities, you will be met by our
representative and transferred to your hotel.
The city earns its English heritage from the many parks and
gardens that adorn the suburban streets and city centre. The inner
city attractions include the Canterbury Museum and Arts Centre and
Hagley Park and Gardens.
Day Two: Christchurch - Kaikoura -
Blenheim
Collect your Budget Hire Car - Intermediate automatic vehicle
with standard insurance.
Your Budget Car Hire includes unlimited kilometres and Motor
Vehicle/Third Party insurance. For full terms and conditions,
please click here.
Soon after departing Christchurch today, you will cross the
Waimakariri River which meanders its way from its origin in the
Southern Alps, through gorges, across the plains and exits at the
Pacific Ocean. The river is also noted for its trout and
salmon. Travel through many small towns heading northward
along the eastern coastline passing the seaward Kaikoura Ranges to
Blenheim.
Today, orchards, vineyards and horticultural products benefit
from the sunny climate. The country's most extensive area of
grapes is planted in the Wairau Valley and has earned international
acclaim.
Day Three: Blenheim
Today is at leisure, to explore the wineries.
Optional Sightseeing: Marlborough Icon
Tour - Wine & Cruise (contact us for pricing details).
Head out into the stunning Marlborough wine region to sample the
world famous Sauvignon Blanc. Marlborough is renowned as the
wine capital of New Zealand with over half of New Zealand's wine
grown in the region. Marlboough has gained a reputation as
one of the finest wine-growing regions in the world. See why
our Sauvignon Blanc is world famous, try the aromatic Riesling,
Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer or sample the complexities of our
Merlot and Pinot Noir.
After a morning of wine tastings, travel to Havelock, the
gateway to the Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds. Time to enjoy a
nice lunch (own cost) at the Slip Inn Cafe before boarding the
Marlborough Travel launch for the Greenshell Mussel Cruise. As we
cruise out into the Marlborough Sounds you will be taking in the
natural beauty and tranquility of this stunning area.
Your experienced skipper has a wealth of knowledge about
the Marlborough Sounds and the people who live here. His
informative commentary will keep you entertained as you cruise
through the inner Pelorus Sound and into the Kenepuru Sound.
During the cruise you will get to visit a Greenshell Mussel farm
where your skipper will explain the intricacies of growing this
delicacy in the Sounds. Learn the history of aquaculture in
the Marlborough Sounds and the history of the pioneers who created
the industry. See the Mussels growing on longlines in the
clean waters of the Marlborough Sounds. While at the
mussel farm, your Skipper will serve freshly steamed mussels and
serve them with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This
is a really neat wine and food experience in a beautiful part of
Marlborough.
Day Four: Blenheim -
Nelson
Depart Blenheim and cross over the Wairau River. Follow the
Kaituna and Pelorus Rivers on to the beautiful bush surrounding
Pelorus Bridge. Over the bridge, the road becomes hilly and
sweeps up and over the Rai Saddle and Whangamoa Hill before running
down to Tasman Bay and the city of Nelson.
Day Five: Nelson
This morning, make your way to Kaiteriteri beach, which is an
entry point to the Abel Tasman National Park. Abel Tasman is
New Zealand's smallest but most beautiful national park and is
famous for golden-sand beaches, bush walks and sea kayaking.
Today, we have included a cruise/walk pass - where you can
choose from a full day cruise or take the shorter cruise with time
for a leisurely walk along part of the walking track from Torrent
Bay to Bark Bay. Board your vessel this morning and cruise
into the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park. The cruise gives you
the opportunity to see beautiful stretches of coastline which are
not always visible from the walking track. Your vessel's shallow
draughts allow it to be taken in close to shore, giving an
excellent view of dozens of sandy coves as the history of the area
and points of interest are explained. A picnic lunch is
included today.
Day Six: Nelson - Franz Josef
Journey into the fertile farmlands of pine forested hills around
Murchison. Pass through the mighty Buller Gorge which is the
gateway to the West Coast and from there it is on to the incredible
drive down the coast. The mighty rollers from the Tasman Sea
crash and thunder endlessly onto the rocky shore. We pause to
view the geographical oddities of the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
at Punakaiki, where countless years of wind and water have
weathered the coastline into pancake-like
formations. Dairy farms scatter the countryside
as you travel south to the town of Hokitika. From here you enter
the Westland National Park where you will view spectacular rain
forest and mountains as your approach Franz Josef Glacier
township.
Day Seven: Franz Josef
This morning, join your guide for a half day glacier walk.
After meeting at the office and being fitted out with boots, you'll
enjoy a 10 minute bus ride which takes you to within 3 km of the
glacier. After a short walk through regenerating rainforest,
the trip continues along the glacier valley, with your guide
calling stops to explain about the unique features of the Franz
Josef Glacier and the surrounding environment. After
strapping on a set of Ice Talonz you make your way up the terminal
face of the glacier, where pre-formed access ways make exploring
the lower reaches of the glacier achievable for most agile people.
The terrain can look daunting, but the huge effort our guides put
in to creating extensive trails, together with the Ice Talonz on
your feet, allows you to go further and see more, whilst travelling
in comfort and at ease.
The afternoon is at leisure. We suggest visiting the Franz
Josef Hot Pools for a hot soak (admission not included).
Day Eight: Franz Josef - Wanaka -
Queenstown
Depart Franz Josef heading through a mountainous section of road
before entering Fox Glacier. Cross the Cook River Bridge and
travel through forests of red and white pine to Bruce Bay, an old
goldmining settlement. Continue through attractive bush scenery
until you pass tranquil Lakes Paringa and Moeraki, the haunt of the
fabulous White Heron, to the township of Haast. From here, drive
through the Haast Pass Highway, viewing en route Mount Brewster,
towering 2423 metres and the Brewster Glacier. Descend 82
kilometres, past the Lake Hawea Dam, water storage for the Roxburgh
Hydro Electric Station, to Wanaka.
From Wanaka, travel to Cromwell and through the spectacular
Kawarau Gorge to follow the river into Queenstown. Nestled on
the shores of Lake Wakatipu Queenstown is a year-round alpine
resort that caters for all interests. It enjoys a magnificent
setting amid steep mountain ranges and pockets of native bush with
the jagged peaks of the Remarkables Range rising from the lake.
Day Nine: Milford Day Trip
Depart Queenstown and skirt Lake Wakatipu in the shadow of the
rugged Remarkables. Drive to Te Anau, gateway of the Fiordland
National Park then follow Lake Te Anau to the valley of the
Eglinton River. Pass through magnificent beech forests before
a gradual descent into the precipitous Hollyford Valley.
Climb steadily to the gigantic Cirque and the Homer Tunnel.
Pass through the tunnel and down to the Cleddau Canyon where you
will catch your first glimpse of Mitre Peak before finally emerging
into the open at Milford Sound.
This afternoon, join your Milford Sound Scenic Cruise and cruise
the full length of Milford to the Tasman Sea. The luxury
vessel stops at various points and offers excellent viewing of
waterfalls, rainforest and wildlife. The cruise is
accompanied by comprehensive commentaries. Complimentary tea
and coffee are available onboard and a picnic lunch is included.
Following your cruise, rejoin your rental vehicle and return to
Queenstown
Please note, the drive between Queenstown and
Milford Sound is approximately 5 hours each way, making this a very
long day. If you prefer to upgrade to a day trip which
includes coach transfers or scenic flight options then please see
us for pricing.
Day Ten: Queenstown
A free day at New Zealand's premier resort and an almost
overwhelming selection of attractions to choose from.
There are over 70 different activities available: including the
Shotover Jet, bungy jumping, horse riding, golf, parapenting,
gondola and luge.
Day Eleven: Depart Queenstown
Today, return your rental vehicle to Queenstown Airport and
connect with your onwards flight.
Your travel arrangements conclude today.
The Offer includes:
- All accommodation, with meals as detailed
- Car hire with unlimited mileage and Third Party Insurance (full car terms and
conditions)
- Incorporated tours as detailed
The flight costs to and from New Zealand are not
included in this price, as each clients itinerary
will be different, the airline and routings used will be
different on each occasion. Plus the flight prices
differ between airlines, the time of year and any
stopover cities required. Also, there are often special offer
discounted fares which are offered throughout the year, so please
call us for the current airfares for your desired dates of travel
and routing, which should be added to the following prices to give
you your total cost.
If you want to arrange your own flights and just book the tour
with us thats OK
PRICE PER PERSON (based on 2 adults sharing a twin or
double room)
| Option One |
£2032 |
| Option Two |
£2436 |
| B&B Option |
£2575 |
Available options:
- Extensions to duration can be arranged on request
- Upgrades to other room catagories, or different properties can
be arranged on request
- Additional optional tours or attractions can be added on
request