Arrive Christchurch

Welcome to New Zealand. A Kirra Tours representative will greet you at the airport with transport waiting to take you to your hotel. If you arrive early today, we recommend that you take some time to explore Christchurch – the city now showcases some of the most innovative structures in the world. A visit to the Cardboard Cathedral designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban is a must.

Accommodation

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Quest, Christchurch

Quest Christchurch provides stylishly appointed studio, one, two and three bedroom apartment accommodation and is available for all short, long-term and temporary accommodation requirements.

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Hokitika / Franz Josef

This morning you will visit a local Greenstone (Jade) factory. Here witness expert craftsmen at work cutting and polishing giant boulders to create fine jewellery. This jade, or as the Maori people named it, Pounamu, can only be found on the South Island of New Zealand. It is culturally important and considered to be a taonga (treasure) that greatly increases prestige, and thus were prized possessions to be handed down between generations. Later snow-capped Southern Alps dominate the skyline as you pass glades of dense bush, tiny landlocked lakes and small pockets of farmland, heading south along the coast to reach the Glacier Region. Upon arrival into Franz Josef Glacier, there is plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glacier’s terminal face this afternoon, take a scenic flight or alternatively, you may prefer to take a relaxing soak in the indulgent Glacier Hot Pools. (B, D)

Accommodation

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Scenic Hotel Franz Josef

The Scenic Hotel Franz Josef and luxury accommodation, Te Waonui Forest Retreat provide guests with every home comfort and more. Both of these Franz Josef hotels are located within a short distance from the glacier, on the edge of the village and in the rainforest itself.

www.scenichotels.co.nz

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Wanaka / Queenstown

This morning you will leave Wanaka behind, travelling through an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the goldmining era. After this scenic drive you will arrive into Queenstown, a popular resort nestled in a magnificent location beside Lake Wakatipu, with mountain ranges rising on every side. Tonight enjoy spectacular views across this bustling town as you ride the scenic Skyline Gondola to the summit of Bob’s Peak for a delicious fresh New Zealand buffet dinner like no other. Take in the absolutely breathtaking panoramic views from the Skyline Restaurant and enjoy a unique night out. (B, D)

Accommodation

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Rydges Queenstown

Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown, on the shores of stunning Lake Wakatipu, has unmatched views across the water to some of the most majestic scenery in New Zealand. The resort is just five minute flat walk from the centre of this exciting town and caters for visitors, sporting enthusiasts, and conference groups.

Rydges is one of Queenstown’s largest hotels. With 255 rooms Rydges offers a hotel room type to cater to the needs of all travellers. With the choice of five conference rooms, we can accommodate and cater up to 550 people in our multi-functional rooms.

www.rydges.co.nz

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Queenstown

A great way to see Queenstown is from Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw Steamship, otherwise known as the ‘Lady of the Lake’, which has the option of joining an engaging and informative Farm tour of the historic Walter Peak High Country Farm. You may even like to try something a little more daring – such as a ride on the Shotover Jet Boat or maybe even a bungy jump! (B, D – Dinner on Day 7 is not included allowing the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice.)

Accommodation

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Rydges Queenstown

Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown, on the shores of stunning Lake Wakatipu, has unmatched views across the water to some of the most majestic scenery in New Zealand. The resort is just five minute flat walk from the centre of this exciting town and caters for visitors, sporting enthusiasts, and conference groups.

Rydges is one of Queenstown’s largest hotels. With 255 rooms Rydges offers a hotel room type to cater to the needs of all travellers. With the choice of five conference rooms, we can accommodate and cater up to 550 people in our multi-functional rooms.

www.rydges.co.nz

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Milford Sound / Dunedin

Wake to absolute silence in a pristine world this morning, surrounded by isolated wilderness and spectacular vistas of extraordinary Milford Sound. If you’re lucky you may even glimpse a seal or penguin as you cruise back to shore, ready to reboard your coach and travel back along the winding Milford Road to Te Anau. Next watch as the rugged and remote mountains slowly make way to rolling lush green hills and idyllic countryside scenery as you approach the east coast of New Zealand and the “Edinburgh of the South”, Dunedin. This historic city is known for its vibrant university community as well as being home to the world’s steepest street! This evening prior to dinner, you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift! (B, D)

Accommodation

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Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

This stylish hotel has a fresh contemporary design, with clean lines and dramatic features softened by natural elements such as timber and neutral tones. At once energetic, yet restful, Scenic Hotel Dunedin City is well in tune with the beat of this vibrant city. Located in the heart of the city and just blocks from the Octagon, Scenic Hotel Dunedin City is within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions, great restaurants and shopping centres.

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Dunedin / Mt Cook

This morning enjoy a visit to the fascinating Olveston Historic Home for a tour of discovery, the interior being very little changed since the early 1900s. Within the house and grounds is a wealth of rare and extraordinary collections and paintings, which provides a rare insight into the life of a rich Dunedin merchant and his family during the early part of the 20th century. Next you will travel north along the coast, pausing at the unusual Moeraki Boulders and historic Oamaru with its collection of limestone heritage buildings and beautifully preserved Victorian Precinct. Head inland as you follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes and small villages before you enter the Mt Cook National Park, a region of alpine lakes and majestic soaring peaks. Travel deep into the heart of the Southern Alps to visit Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain which towers above the Mt Cook Village where you will be staying the night. (B, D)

Accommodation

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Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook

From an intrepid journey through glacial valleys to a mouth-watering culinary dining adventure, The Hermitage Hotel is the perfect place to base your adventure and discover why this region has endeared itself to Kiwi adventure seekers for so long.

www.hermitage.co.nz

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Christchurch / Home

Today is goodbye to all your new found friends before you make your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport to join your flight home. (B)