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Photo courtesy of Tom Walter -
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Photo courtesy of Tim Parkinson -
Photo courtesy of Mike Goren -
Photo courtesy of Andreas Beeker -
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Photo courtesy of matthew Hunt -
Photo courtesy of Robert Young -
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Tour Description
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.
For the next eight 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.
Itinerary
Day 01 - ARRIVE 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 Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Hotel in a Guest Room, including daily full breakfast. The 204-room hotel is located on the waterfront of spectacular Lake Wakatipu, and just a step from the cosmopolitan center of Queenstown. Relax in the spa, take in the amazing view while enjoying breakfast or dinner in Vitts Restaurant, or warm up by the fire located in Revive Bar. Novotel rooms provide modern comfort, a unique feeling of spaciousness and contemporary decor for both business and leisure travel.
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.
Centrally located in one of the most picturesque settings in the world, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside is nestled beside the beautiful, tranquil lake on which Queenstown sits. This fresh, modern hotel offers guests 273 rooms plus superb, uninterrupted views of the lake, mountains and adjoining gardens. Novotel Queenstown Lakeside also features conference facilities, a business center, plus an excellent restaurant and bar.
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
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, 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
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
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
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
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
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Day 05 - QUEENSTOWN - CHRISTCHURCH
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you depart for Christchurch.
Join Great Sights coach tour 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 and check in to the Chateau on the Park. Nestled in 5 acres of beautiful and tranquil gardens, the 193-room Chateau on the Park seems a world away from the stresses of city life. Yet just minutes from this secluded retreat is the sparkling city of Christchurch New Zealand. 100 newly refurbished Deluxe King Rooms with a King Bed (convertible to 2 single beds). The colors are very much in keeping with the French Chateau-style architecture of the hotel. The large bathrooms feature a separate shower and full-size bathtub as well as a very practical sized vanity. 42 Deluxe Twin Rooms with 2 double beds have been newly refurbished and are decorated in garden colors of rust, tan and blues. The bathrooms are large and feature a full-size bath/shower.
Breakfast, Lunch
Chateau on the Park
Day 06 - CHRISTCHURCH
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before joining a 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, 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.
Lunch is included today, and return to Christchurch is around 5.30pm.
Breakfast, Lunch
Chateau on the Park
Day 07 - CHRISTCHURCH
After breakfast today, join a 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, and 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.
Breakfast
Chateau on the Park
Day 08 - CHRISTCHURCH, DEPART
Today after breakfast at the hotel, you will be met and privately driven to Christchurch Airport for your departing flight.
Breakfast
Departures
Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details.
Pricing Information
2011 Prices
January 1 to March 28:
$1,709 per person double occupancy.
$1,559 per person triple occupancy.
$2,459 solo traveler.
March 29 to September 1:
$1,589 per person double occupancy.
$1,479 per person triple occupancy.
$2,279 solo traveler.
October 24 to December 26 and January 1, 2012- February 1, 2012:
$1,859 per person double occupancy.
$1,669 per person triple occupancy.
$2,729 solo traveler.
December 27- 31
$1,969 per person double occupancy.
$1,749 per person triple occupancy.
$2,969 solo traveler.
Rates are not valid over Rugby World Cup- September 2 to October 23, 2011. Please contact iExplore for an exact quote for travel over this 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:
· Airport meet and assist on arrival
· Private airport-hotel transfers
· Accommodations as indicated on a bed an breakfast basis:
o The Novotel Queenstown Lakeside in a Guest Room
o The Chateau on the Park Hotel in a Deluxe Room
· Meals as indicated in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
· Great Sights coach transfer from Queenstown - Christchurch, via Mt. Cook, with lunch
· Taxes and service fees
· Sightseeing tours a non-exclusive basis
o Milford Sound (coach/cruise) with lunch
o Queenstown Wine Trail Tour with snack
o Great Sights Mount Cook with lunch
o Akaroa & Banks Peninsula tour, including harbor cruise with lunch
o Christchurch City Tour
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.
