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Tour Description
For the next ten days, your tailor-made adventure will take you through lush valleys, spectacular mountain ranges and pristine alpine meadows. Some of the most beautiful scenery New Zealand has to offer.
Adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers find nirvana in New Zealand's wide-open spaces, alpine roads, glacier lakes, and swift-moving rivers. Once you've gotten your blood pumping, it's on to Milford Sound among cascading waterfalls, luxuriant forests, and the towering pinnacle of Mitre Peak, rising one full mile into the sky. You may even catch sight of seals, dolphins, and penguins.
Itinerary
Day 01 - QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND
On arrival in Queenstown, our local representative will provide you with a welcome packet including all necessary documents and vouchers, and drive you to your hotel for check-in.
You will be confirmed for four nights at the St. Moritz Queenstown M Gallery in a Guest Room inclusive of full daily breakfast. With a ringside seat overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountains, Hotel St Moritz enjoys a truly spectacular Queenstown setting. With its name owing to Queenstown's synergy with the exclusive Swiss resort town, Hotel St Moritz is an opportunity to not only observe the enchanting scenery, but be absorbed by it. The hotel's classic yet beautifully stylish lodge-style interiors are authentic yet refined, reminiscent of a grand European residence. Hotel St Moritz holds the highest accolade awarded by New Zealand's Tourism industry, the Distinction Award. Innovative and inviting, the hotel boasts a distinctive style, reflecting the essence of its dramatic setting. From picture windows and a refreshing color palette to intriguing artworks and handsome furnishings, Hotel St Moritz epitomizes Queenstown's natural beauty. Stylishly understated, the spacious, apartment-style rooms exude a sense of retreat and tranquil serenity, complemented by a rich residential underscore in the guest rooms. Timeless classics blend with modern essentials - a 'mountain chic' design resulting in a clever play of texture, color, detail and light.
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.
St. Moritz Queenstown M Gallery
Day 02 - QUEENSTOWN
After breakfast, 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 and 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.
Breakfast, Lunch
St. Moritz Queenstown M Gallery
Day 03 - QUEENSTOWN
You have today at leisure to enjoy the beauty and excitement of Queenstown.
There are many activities available to you, from the exhilarating jetboating, white water rafting, bungee 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 Queenstown's specialty, 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.
Breakfast
St. Moritz Queenstown M Gallery
Day 04 - QUEENSTOWN
After breakfast, join in a half-day scheduled Wine Tour.
For first-time tasters or wine connoisseurs, an in depth introduction to four Queenstown wineries and an underground wine cave tour. Friendly, knowledgeable guides offer an understanding of the unique Central Otago wine growing conditions and wines offered.
Return to your hotel late this afternoon.
Breakfast
St. Moritz Queenstown M Gallery
Day 05 - QUEENSTOWN - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER
After breakfast, depart from Queenstown on board an Inter City bus for your trip to the Franz Josef Glacier. Sit back, relax and take in the spectacular scenery of Kawarau Gorge, Lake Hawera, Haast Pass and Fox Glacier.
Your home for the next two nights will be the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier in a Douglas Wing Room including breakfast. Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, and is just moments from one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier.
Arrive to your lodge for check-in and balance of day at leisure.
Breakfast
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 06 - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER
Today is at leisure.
From a mantle of pure white snow massive rivers of ice wind their way down glacier valleys explore the glaciers, an incredible natural phenomenon. Optional extra is a Helicopter Flight to the Glaciers. The highlight of this 30-minute flight is landing at the
head of the Franz Josef Glacier, snow landing or icefall landing. Flights or routes may vary due to the weather - all changes are at your pilot's discretion.
Breakfast
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 07 - FRANZ JOSEF- CHRISTCHURCH
Transfer to Greymouth for the Trans Alpine Train to Christchurch.
After breakfast board a point-to-point service with Inter City this morning to Greymouth. A stop for lunch is made in Shantytown (own expense.) In Greymouth, you will board the Trans Alpine Train for one of the most beautiful journeys in New Zealand. One which you will need plenty of film!
As you board the train at Greymouth you say farewell to the glacier country and travel through the rugged mountains of the Southern Alps to the Canterbury Plains and on into Christchurch.
After your arrival in Christchurch, you will be picked-up and transferred to your accommodation for the next three nights, The George Hotel.
Located only minutes from the heart of the city, opposite Hagley Park and the Avon River, you will discover the George Hotel, a deluxe boutique hotel that combines luxury and attentive friendly service.
The superb location is complemented by many leisure facilities both on-site and available close-by. It is a short walk to Hagley Park, with its gardens, sports field & golf course, and the Botanical Gardens, Arts Center and Museum.
Breakfast
The George Hotel
Day 08 - CHRISTCHURCH - AKAROA
Today you will visit Akaroa on a full-day coach tour.
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, New Zealand 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.
You will return to Christchurch around 5.30pm.
Breakfast
The George Hotel
Day 09- 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; 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.
Breakfast
The George Hotel
Day 10 - CHRISTCHURCH - DEPART
Private transfer to the Christchurch Airport for your departing flight.
Breakfast
Departures
Depart any day! Contact iExplore for details.
Pricing Information
2011 Prices: Valid until March 31, 2012:
January to April 10:
$2,919 per person double occupancy.
April 11 to August 23:
$2,779 per person double occupancy.
August 24 to September 3*:
$3,889 per person double occupancy.
September 4 to March 28, 2012*
$3,129 per person double occupancy.
* Rates are not valid during Rugby World Cup. Please contactn iExplore for an exact quote for travel during that period.
Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of January, 2011. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.
Included:
· Day 1: Private car transfer from Queenstown International Airport to the hotel.
· Four nights accommodations at the St. Moritz Queenstown M Gallery Hotel in a Guest Room, inclusive of daily full breakfast.
· Day 2: Milford coach & scenic cruise from Queenstown including lunch buffet.
· Day 4: Private boutique wine tour including lunch and all tastings.
· Day 5: Coach service Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier.
· Two nights accommodations at the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier in a Douglas Wing Room inclusive of daily breakfast.
· Day 7: Coach service from Franz Josef to Greymouth, Trans-Alpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch, private transfer from the train station to the hotel.
· Three nights accommodations at The George Hotel in an Executive Room including daily full breakfast.
· Day 8: Canterbury Trails full day coach tour to Akaroa & Banks Peninsula.
· Day 9: Morning city sightseeing of Christchurch.
· Day 10: Private car transfer from the hotel to Christchurch Airport.
Not Included:
· International or domestic airfare/taxes
· NZ Departure tax (currently $NZD25 per person)
· Helicopter Flight Tour
· Meals, unless otherwise indicated
· Items of a personal nature
· Holiday surcharges
· Travel insurance
· Gratuities
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
