8 Day Southern Highlight

Relax and let someone else do the driving while you witness the magnificent scenery of New Zealand's South Island. All of the best sightseeing attractions are included and you have the option to include famous Tranz Alpine Train Journey.

Day 1 - Christchurch/Mt Cook/Omarama

Your tour departs from the Pavilions Hotel, 42 Papanui Road at 8.15am. A city sights tour will highlight the main attractions of Christchurch before travelling across the Canterbury Plains into the MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog statue at Lake Tekapo. Opportunity to fly over the Southern Alps with Air Safaris (optional), before continuing to Mt Cook National Park. Admire the majesty of Mt Cook before traveling on to Omarama. Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night)

Day 2 - Omarama/Dunedin

Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin – the “Scottish” city. An early arrival allows the choice of excellent optional activities. Combine a Monarch harbour cruise or Newton’s Citibus tour to see the albatross, penguins and seals. Enjoy the historic and scenic Taieri Gorge train excursion or explore the city only a few minutes walk away. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift. Cargills Hotel (1 night)

Day 3 - Dunedin/Lake Manapouri/Te Anau

Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri with its rugged bushclad mountains before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau. Fiordland National Park Hotel (2 nights)

Day 4 - Milford Sound Day Trip

Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri with its rugged bushclad mountains before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau. Fiordland National Park Hotel (2 nights)

Day 5 - Te Anau/Queenstown

Cruise across Lake Te Anau to explore the underground world of rushing water and drift beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glow worms, an unforgettable sight. This afternoon drive north to Kingston and around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to picturesque Queenstown. This evening, cruise across the lake aboard the steamship Earnslaw for dinner in the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm. Rydges Hotel (2 nights)

Day 6 - Queenstown

A day to explore the delights of this alpine resort at your leisure. Your Coach Captain will happily advise on the many sightseeing activities available. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat ride, take a Gondola to the Skyline high above, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon or for the adventurous - white water rafting. Alternatively browse in the many shops and galleries.

Day 7 - Queenstown/Haast Pass/Fox Glacier

Pass picturesque Lake Hayes on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the goldmining era, to Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora, cross the Haast Pass into the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the magnificent glacier region and visit the National Park Headquarters or take the optional guided walk to the glacier’s terminal face. Fox Glacier Hotel (1 night)

Day 8 - Fox Glacier/Christchurch

Time for an optional helicopter flight over the glaciers then north to Greymouth to visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory to see craftsmen cutting and polishing giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Cross the Otira Gorge and Arthurs Pass to the Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch. Your tour concludes on arrival in Christchurch at approximately 5.00pm.

• A 8 day tour beginning and finishing in Christchurch. Sightseeing tours, national parks and New Zealand’s magnificent alpine glaciers. Experience the highlights of the South Island in eight exciting days.

• Sightseeing where indicated in cities and resort
• World renowned Mt Cook Region
• Massive man-made Hydro Electric schemes
• Traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony
• The might of Milford Sound
• Spectacular Southern Lakes Region
• Te Anau glow worm caves
• Earnslaw Cruise and Dinner in Historic Homestead
• West Coast Glaciers
• Visit Greenstone (Jade) Factory
• Olveston House

(Twin Share)
• Kirra’s Recommended Tour Price from
  NZ $1,625.00 per person

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(Twin Share)
• Acrossnz Tour price from
  NZ $1,544.00 per person

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• A warm welcome at the Airport on arrival to begin your tour (see ‘Airport Transfers’ note).
• Transfers Airport-Hotel-Airport at the beginning and end of your tour (see ‘Airport Transfers’ note).
• Quality, twin share or double accommodation.
• A hearty cooked breakfast each morning (Optional).
• A 3 course multi-choice dinner each evening (Optional).
• Travel in luxurious, well appointed and fully air-conditioned tour coaches.
• Escorted by a professional Coach Captain.
• An informative commentary as you travel.
• Comprehensive sightseeing admission fees as detailed with each itinerary.
• Cook Strait ferry crossing where applicable.
• Baggage handling / porterage
• Travel kit including travel bag, ticket wallet, maps and itinerary.