Day 01: Queenstown, New Zealand
Arrive Queenstown. You are met by our local representative who will provide you with a welcome packet including all necessary documents and vouchers.
Private transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight.
Although Queenstown receives over one million tourists a year, it can hardly be described as a city, having just 9,000 permanent inhabitants. Indeed it has grown little since its establishment in the early 1860s as first a pastoral settlement and then a gold rush town. Despite this, its attractions for visitors are immediately evident on arrival – look up to see paragliders descending into the town encircled by a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, look around to see thrill seekers jetting about on the shimmering waters of Lake Wakatipu. Put simply, Queenstown’s main draws are its stunning surroundings and the astoundingly wide selection of adventure sports on offer within them. Novotel Gardens
Day 02: Queenstown
Breakfast at the hotel. Full-day coach tour to Milford Sound.
An early start as you leave your hotel and travel via coach through some of the most beautiful countryside in New Zealand. Arrive Milford Sound, board your vessel for a leisurely cruise along the sound to the Tasman Sea. The vessel stops at various points and plenty of time is available to view waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and seals. You may even see dolphins frolic alongside the boat. A buffet lunch is included during the cruise.
Arrive back at the wharf around 1:45pm, and return coach transfer to Queenstown and your hotel. Novotel Gardens (B,L)Day 03: Queenstown
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at leisure to enjoy the beauty and excitement of Queenstown.
There are many activities available to you, from the exhilarating jetboating, white water rafting, bungy jumping tours to the more sedate TSS Earnslaw cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak. In town you can visit museums and see art and craft displays, for shop. Shopping is Queenstowns speciality, with shops as good as you will find anywhere in the country.
Not to be missed is the 10-minute gondola ride up Bob's Peak for a breathtaking view from the restaurant of Queenstown nestled against the gorgeous lake below. Novotel Gardens (B)
Day 04: Queenstown
Breakfast at the hotel. Half-day scheduled Wine Tour.
The tour commences at around noon from your hotel and visits four boutique vineyards in the Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn.
Savor the hidden delights of the world's southernmost wine growing region in comfort and style. A mix of spectacular New Zealand scenery, fascinating regional history and a chance to visit a selection of delightful boutique wineries are the rewards of a truly great day out!
During the afternoon a platter of light food will be served at Olssen's of Bannockburn garden vineyard. Throughout the afternoon visit the vineyards, enjoy a scenic drive at Kawarau Gorge and see the Otago Goldfields.
Return to your hotel late this afternoon. Novotel Gardens (B)Day 05: Queenstown - Christchurch
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Christchurch.
Join Great Sights tour coach on an exceptional journey from Queenstown to Mount Cook via the Lindis Pass and then down the Southern Alps to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch. Lunch is included en route. Arrive Christchurch at 6:00pm.
Christchurch's Chateau On the Park is in a picturesque location, in the heart of Hagley Park. The sights of Christchurch are just a 20-minute walk through the park, and the hotel offers a courtesy shuttle service into Cathedral Square (city center.) You may explore the extensive Botanic Gardens, the Museum, city shopping and an incredible variety of food, arts and crafts at the Arts Center. Chateau on the Park (B,L)Day 06: Christchurch
Breakfast at the hotel. Full-day coach tour of Akaroa.
On this amazing tour, visit the extinct volcanoes of Banks Peninsula and view the beautiful harbors & green farmland. We make photo stops at scenic places and include morning & afternoon teas and a cheese tasting at the Barry's Bay Cheese Factory.
Once at Akaroa, included in your tour is a nature and harbor cruise on the Canterbury Cat. This cruise explores the volcanic harbor and sightings may be made of the world's smallest dolphin - the Hectors Dolphin, NZ Fur Seals and numerous seabirds. If time allows, stroll through the village and along the waterfront, taking in the quaint French charm that is unique to Akaroa.
Lunch is included today, and return to Christchurch is around 5.30pm. Chateau on the Park (B,L)
Day 07: Christchurch
Breakfast at the hotel. Half-day coach tour of Christchurch.
Discover Christchurch today with a 3-hour tour covering the central city highlights, including Cathedral Square, Victoria Square, Thomas Edmonds former band rotunda and the Avon River. See also Town Hall, the floral clock, Law Courts, Botanical Gardens, Arts Center, Worcester Boulevard and the Bridge of Remembrance.
On leaving the city, travel around Hagely Park to the Mona Vale homestead and gardens.
From Mona Vale we go across town towards the Port Hills viewing the Catholic Cathedral on our way to the hillside suburbs. From Mt. Pleasant, we enjoy the city and beach views, then continue to the seaside suburb of Sumner for a stop of Cave Rock. We return via the Lyttelton tunnel and travel back to the city center via the Eastern suburbs. Chateau on the Park (B)Day 08: Christchurch - Depart
Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer to the Christchurch Airport for your departing flight. (B)
