On arrival at Christchurch airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your city hotel. Rest and relax after your flight or perhaps select an activity from the optional list provided
Christchurch is perfect for exploring on foot because it is attractive, fascinating - and flat!
Accommodation: 5 Star Hotel – Christchurch
Located on Hagley Park and the river Avon, your hotel is just steps from Christchurch’s city centre and cultural precinct, this small boutique Hotel that offers luxury lodging.
Today you will be transported up the east coast of the South Island to just north of Kaikoura. Kaikoura means “to eat crayfish” in Maori. It is famous not only for the crayfish stalls on the side of the road, but also its unique marine position. Just off shore (80kms) lies the Hikurangi trench with depths of up to 3,000 metres attracting a variety of marine life including whales, giant squid and inshore fur seals, dolphins and other marine species.
The trip north from Christchurch to Kaikoura takes you past the surf beaches, vineyards and olive groves before you detour to Gore Bay to see the fascinating cliff formations. The impressive scenery of the coastal ranges accompanies you the rest of the way to Kaikoura.
This afternoon you will swim with the dolphins -Swimming with or watching the dusky dolphins is something very special and makes one realise that we must treasure our oceans and the inhabitants within them, because if we don’t, we risk losing another of the world’s creations that once gone, will never be restored.
Accommodation: Luxury Lodge
Contemporary luxury lodge accommodation located in one of the most beautiful places in the world
Your accommodation, the Tree-House, is nestled in the branches of a manuka grove and is a unique experience sleeping amongst the branches with stunning mountain and sea views.
When you wake up to a vista unique to New Zealand, you have the option of either just relaxing, partaking in more Kaikoura activities or a specially designed wine tour in the Marlborough wine region.
Marlborough has become especially famous for producing sauvignon blanc which positively explodes in your mouth with herbaceous aromas and flavours. These wines are very distinctive and nowhere else in the world seems to be able to match them.
Please refer to optional activity list
Accommodation: Tree House Style
Once you have checked out you will be met by our land transport and driven via Nelson to Punakaiki Rocks.
The rest of your day is free to relax.
Punakaiki is famous for its pancake rocks and booming blowholes. It is the centrepiece of the Paparoa National Park, which is packed with a variety of stunning landscapes. There are many excellent coastal and inland walks in this area. The pancake rock formations date back about 30 million years. When the tide is right, Punakaiki’s blow holes are spectacular.
Accommodation: Punakaiki
Punakaiki Rocks Hotel & Villas is a modern hotel complex, tucked into the northern end of Punakaiki Beach just 50m from the high tide mark and 300m south of the famous pancake rocks &blowholes.
This morning is a very special cave rafting adventure in the Paparoa National Park. Take the rainforest train through primeval rain forest; explore an enormous calcite cave paradise complete with an abundance of stalactites and stalagmites. In the lower active levels of the cave, you meet up with a slow moving underground river on which you float in your tube using only the natural light of a simply awe inspiring display of glow worms for navigation. Have fun bouncing down the Nile River rapids.
In the afternoon you will drive to Franz Josef taking in the breathtaking scenery. White capped breakers and rugged rocks on one side, bush-clad mountains on the other.
First explored in 1865, the Franz Josef Glacier has been moving forward at a rate of about 1 metre a day since 1985. Previously it was in retreat. You can walk to the terminal of the glacier in about 10 minutes. Franz Josef Township has a good range of accommodation and eating establishments. Franz Josef and the near by Fox Glacier are the only glaciers in the world that descend into rainforest.
Near Fox Glacier is beautiful Lake Matheson(a “must photo” opportunity), an icon of the West Coast with its enchanting reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, New Zealand's highest peaks. A delightful bush track walk follows the lake edge.
Accommodation: Lodge Style - Franz Josef
Set in a beautiful bush garden, Westwood Lodge offers well-appointed bed and breakfast accommodation with views of the West Coast’s rainforests and the mountains of the Southern Alps.
Combine an awesome helicopter flight over the Franz Josef Glacier with a unique guided walk amongst the ice caves, pinnacles, and pristine alpine environment. This experience takes approximately 3 hours and includes
- 10 minute helicopter flight to Franz Josef icefall
- 2 hour hike amongst glacial ice formations
- Glacier landing and pickup
- Professional and experienced guides
Afternoon is free for you to relax or explore Franz at your leisure.
In the evening it is time for some kiwi spotting in the wild. Take a walk into known kiwi habitat. There is a very good chance that will hear the birds snuffling for food or generally moving around in the bush.
The guide will explain the Maori myths and legends that surround the story as to how a kiwi became a ground dwelling bird. He will also explain a little about New Zealand's history. A clear night will give you a great chance to be guided by the stars of our galaxy and we often get a great view of the Milky Way.
Accommodation: Lodge Style - Franz Josef
You have the morning to simply relax or continue exploring before your afternoon transfer to Hokitika and flight to Queenstown by private jet.
Fly over this amazing alpine region with vast snowfields, glaciers and a spectacular view of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Accommodation: Luxury Lodge – Queenstown or similar
Sofitel Queenstown is located in the heart of the city the hotel features luxury rooms and suites, most offering private balconies with either mountain or lake views
In Queenstown one can enjoy a variety of natural features. The spectacular Remarkables Range (Kawarau) was formed by faulting and folding of schist rock to the extent that many of the rock faces are near vertical. A glacier coming down from the north-west was responsible for gouging out the lakebed
Maori overlanders first came to this area via the valley systems of Southland and Otago in search of food, fibre and stone resources. They hunted the large, flightless moa and they discovered sources of pounamu (greenstone) at the head of Lake Wakatipu.
Today Queenstown is more commonly know as New Zealand adventure capital. Catering for extreme thrills (Bungy) to scenic horse riding, Queenstown has something for everyone.
The rest of your day is unplanned. Experience and enjoy some of the many activities that Queenstown has to offer.
For today’s activity you have a choice of one of the following
- Bungy Jump - Make no mistake, the Nevis Highwire Bungy is not for the nervous - with a wild 134 metres (440 feet) drop, the river seems to rush towards you faster than you're rushing towards it!
- Shotover Jet - It's a thrilling ride - skimming past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet 'Big Red', as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breath taking speeds. And a major highlight - hold tight for the world famous Shotover Jet full 360o spins!
- Tandem Sky Dive - It takes a certain kind of person to jump from an aircraft at 15000ft into thin air. It takes courage. Harnessed by space age materials to an experienced qualified Jumpmaster, you step out that aircraft door and for some 60 seconds you plummet towards the ground at 200KPH, Terminal Velocity. The Jumpmaster will deploy the reinforced tandem canopy controlling your entire skydive.
By night Queenstown can be just as exciting. Try the Ice bar to cool down or if you feel lucky the Casino. These are just a few of the many attractions that Queenstown has to offer.
Accommodation: Azur – Queenstown or similar
Day leisure or you may choose to add an activity – see activity options.
Accommodation: Azur – Queenstown or similar
Queenstown - Manapouri – Doubtful Sound - Te Anau
Today you will fly over to Fiordland and land at Manapouri. Doubtful Sound is a very different experience. For one thing Doubtful sound has an annual rainfall of over 6 meters a year.
Accessing the sound is by boat across Lake Manapouri and then a short bus trip over the Wilmot pass down to Deep Cove where you will board your boat.
Accommodation: On Doubtful Sound
The Fiordland Navigator is purpose built for cruising in the fiords. The vessel offers spacious viewing decks, a comfortable dining saloon/fully licensed bar and observation lounge.
After you disembark from your Boat at Manapouri, travel the short distance to your lodge accommodation.
Rest of your day is free.
Accommodation: Luxury Lodge
The elegance and splendour of the Lodge is mirrored in the breathtaking views of Lake Te Anau and Fiordland. Private and serene, the Lodge is perfect for relaxation, or as a base for your Fiordland experience.
This day is free for you to choose what you would like to do. See list of possible activities.
Accommodation: Luxury Lodge
Te Anau – Christchurch via Manapouri
Today you check out of your accommodation and travel to Manapouri airport for your flight to Christchurch. From Christchurch airport you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Accommodation: 5 Star Hotel
Christchurch – Depart to your home town
Check out from your accommodation and transfer to Christchurch International Airport
Haere Ra, sadly, your New Zealand experience is at an end and you travel home.
|