11 Day Southern Discovery

11 Day Southern Discovery
Experience the spectacular South Island national parks of Mt Cook, Fiordland, Mt Aspiring, Westland, Paparoa and Abel Tasman on this comprehensive 11 day tour of the South Island
Enjoy a 3 night stay in the popular alpine resort of Queenstown, New Zealand’s premier holiday destination and cruise the pristine fiord of Doubtful Sound with its breathtaking beauty. Wander around the picturesque and historic gold mining village of Arrowtown & travel the wild & rugged west coast, home to glaciers, lakes, raging rivers and the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowhole. Enjoy a scenic cruise of the Abel Tasman Park then travel across Cook Strait to the nation’s capital, Wellington.
Highlights
Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd World Heritage listed Mt Cook National Park Fiordland National Park Spectacular Southern Lakes District West Coast Glaciers Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowhole Abel Tasman National Park
Regions Visited
Itinerary Map
Tour Dates
Start | End | Twin Share | Single |
Tuesday 12 January, 2020 | Tuesday 22 January, 2020 | NZD$5,199 pp | NZD$7,065pp |
Tuesday 28 January, 2020 | Tuesday 4 February, 2020 | NZD $5,199 pp | NZD $7,065 pp |
Tuesday 11 February, 2020 | Tuesday 18 February,2020 | NZD $5,199 pp | NZD $7,065 pp |
Terms and Conditions
Click here for the full
Day 1 : Arrive Christchurch
Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand. On arrival a Kirra representative will greet you at the airport with transport waiting to take you to your downtown city hotel. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail party
Stay at Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Day 2 : Christchurch - Lake Tekapo
Today begins with a unique experience combining history and sightseeing. Enjoy a journey in style through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre on-board a beautifully restored heritage tram. We then visit the International Antarctic Centre before crossing the Canterbury Plains, New Zealand’s largest area of flat land that lies between the mighty Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean. Its patchwork of agricultural activity ranges from grazing grass and wheat to herbs and sunflowers. On arrival at Tekapo, we stop to view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog Memorial overlooking the lake. There is time this afternoon for some optional alpine flightseeing by ski-plane or helicopter over Aoraki Mt Cook, a world heritage listed national park covering over 70,000 hectares of breathtaking mountain scenery (subject to weather conditions).
Stay at Peppers Bluewater Resort
Day 3 : Central Otago - Lake Te Anau
Travel through the townships of Twizel and Omarama before beginning the assent over the Lindis Pass to Cromwell, located deep in the heart of Central Otago in the valley of Upper Clutha. Travel through the lush farmlands of the region before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park.
Stay at Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau
Day 4 : Spectacular Doubtful Sound Wilderness Experience
After breakfast, travel to Manapouri and enjoy a leisurely cruise across this picturesque lake to West Arm. Travel over the Wilmot Pass and pause to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening far below. Board ‘Patea Explorer’ for a three hour cruise through this pristine fiord. During the cruise, knowledgeable and friendly nature guides will share with you their passion for the region through their commentary. They will answer questions, point out landmarks and provide you with information about the varied wildlife you may encounter like dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguin. As the majesty of Doubtful Sound unfolds before you, its vastness will take your breath away. Later this afternoon, travel on to Queenstown, regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination and enjoy dinner at your hotel on arrival.
Stay at Copthorne Lakefront Hotel & Resort Queenstown
Day 5 : At leisure in Queenstown
Queenstown boasts an incredible array of adventure and leisure activities in all its various forms and your Coach Captain will happily recommend and assist with any optional activities you would like to do. Alternatively, you may prefer to browse in the many shops and galleries. Tonight, ride the Skyline gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed.
Stay at Copthorne Lakefront Hotel & Resort Queenstown
Optional Sightseeing Activities From Price (NZD)* Safari of the Scenes – Wakatipu Basin $195 pp Safari of the Scenes – Glenorchy $195 pp Skippers Canyon Scenic Tour $155 pp Wine & Gourmet Odyssey (Queenstown) $199 pp Shotover Jet Boat $149 pp TSS Earnslaw Cruise Only $65 pp Kawarau Jet Boat Ride $129 pp Dart River Wilderness Safari $239 pp Ziptrek – Moa Tour $139 pp TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Lunch $105 pp The Remarkables Helicopter flight with Snow Landing $245 pp The Grand Circle Helicopter flight with Snow Landing $315 pp TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Evening Dining $130 pp Day 6 : Arrowtown-Franz Josef
This morning, we visit Arrowtown. Set beneath the rugged Crown Range, this historic village was once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860’s and features a fascinating collection of mining cottages with an atmosphere straight out of last century. Stop at Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. View the untouched wilderness and pristine lakes of the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks before arriving on the rugged and wild West Coast, home to the twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef.
Stay at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Optional Sightseeing Activities From Price (NZD)* Scenic Jet Boat Safari $109 pp Franz Josef Glacier Snow Landing $245 pp Fox and Franz Josef Twin Glaciers with Snow Landing $315 pp Aoraki Mount Cook Spectacular with Snow Landing $460 pp Day 7 : Hokitika - Punakaiki
At Hokitika, we stop to visit to a Pounamu, (also known as Greenstone or Jade) factory. Marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes that are the Pancake Rocks & Blowhole before checking into our eco resort located in the Paparoa National Park and only a stone’s throw from the beach
Stay at Punakaiki Resort
Day 8 : Murchison - Nelson
Skirt the west coastline before heading inland to Murchison. Travel north through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving at Nelson, a city of charm based on a harbour that is the busiest fishing port in New Zealand. This afternoon, visit the World of Wearable Art & Classic Car Museum.
Stay at Heritage Rutherford Hotel
Day 9 : Cruise Abel Tasman National Park
Enjoy a scenic cruise of the famous Abel Tasman National Park, calling in to picturesque beaches and coves. Pause to view Split Apple Rock and the antics at Tonga Island Seal Colony. An optional coastal walk may be available for those wishing to spend time ashore, your Coach Captain will be happy to provide you with details.
Stay at Heritage Rutherford Hotel
Day 10 : Picton, Wellington or Christchurch
At the picturesque village of Picton, we board the Interislander and cruise through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds into Cook Strait. Enjoy stunning views of New Zealand’s capital city as you arrive into Wellington Harbour.
Stay at Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay
( Guests returning to Christchurch will join the Coastal Pacific Train from Picton and overnight at the Sudima Christchurch Hotel )
Day 11 : Depart Wellington or Christchurch
Sadly, your holiday ends today and you will be transferred to Wellington airport to connect with your onward flight. If you choose to stay in Wellington a little longer, we’ve created a list of optional sightseeing activities to supercharge your holiday – check it out below.
Optional Sightseeing Activities From Price (NZD)* Weta Cave Workshop ‘There & Back Again’ Tour $85 pp Zealandia $55 pp Lord of the Rings Half Day Tour $95 pp Walking Gourmet Tour $185 pp Capital Tastes Tour $299 pp
NZD5,199.00
Price includes
- 10 nights accommodation in premium hotels
- 10 fully cooked breakfasts, 1 lunch and 8 dinners
- Travel by luxury touring coach including professional coach captain
- Services of onboard tour concierge
- All sightseeing, excursions and entrance fees as shown
- Hotel porterage
- Complimentary private airport shuttle transfers
- Scenic Interislander Ferry Crossing
- Welcome cocktail party
- Doubtful Sound wilderness cruise
- Skyline Gondola and Dinner Queenstown
- Cruise the famous Abel Tasman National Park
- Coastal Pacific Train (Christchurch return passengers)
- City tours of Christchurch & Wellington
- Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre, Mt Cook
- World of Wearable Arts Museum
Cancellation policy
- 59-30 days prior to departure - 50%
- 29-15 days prior to departure - 75%
- 14 days or less prior to departure - 100%
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