Journey down the wild and isolated West Coast and arrive into Queenstown, a resort surrounded by colossal mountain ranges and nestled snugly on the shores of the vast Lake Wakatipu. As local Maori legend tells it, the lake’s unusual tidal waters are testament to the heart of a long dead giant which still beats deep below the surface.
Here, you will enjoy a cultural Haka show and mouth-watering buffet dinner at the summit of Bob’s Peak where panoramic views extend for miles, before you travel inland to the powder-blue alpine waters of beautiful Lake Tekapo, home to St John’s Observatory and some of the most spectacular night skies in the world.
Optional Extras
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights – Departing Christchurch finishing in Christchurch
Departure
Please click on the Price & Date Tab for departure dates.
Seat rotation plan
When you travel on a Kirra Coach Tour your Coach Captain maintains a daily seat rotation plan to ensure you get to know
all your travelling companions and enjoy the scenery from a different vantage point each day.
Smoking policy
All our coach tours are smoke free and are restricted to smoking during the frequent sightseeing, photographic and comfort stops. We request non-smoking hotel rooms for the comfort of our entire tour group. Travellers who prefer accommodation without such limitations are asked to make their preference known when making reservations and again at the beginning of their tour.
Arrive Christchurch - Christchurch / Franz Josef - Franz Josef / Queenstown - Queenstown - Queenstown / Lake Tekapo - Lake Tekapo / Christchurch
Welcome to New Zealand. A Acrossnz representative will greet you at the airport with transport waiting to take you to your hotel where you can enjoy hosted courtesy welcome canapes and a drink prior to dinner. This gives you the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow travellers. (D)
Leave Christchurch behind as you travel on the famous TranzAlpine Train over the idyllic Canterbury Plains, and onwards through spectacular gorges and the stunning Waimakariri River valley. Later you will cross the Southern Alps via the alpine village of Arthurs Pass at 737 metres above sea level before descending through the lush beech forests of the West Coast and reaching the town of Greymouth on the Tasman sea where you will meet your Coach. Visit a Jade Gallery where you can see native jade mined in remote alpine valleys and then crafted into fine jewellery on display, before heading south to Franz Josef village. Here you will have time to enjoy optional activities such as a helicopter flight and snow landing or perhaps you would prefer the opportunity to just relax in the local Glacier Hot Pools, the perfect way to end the day (all optionals at own expense). (B, D)
This morning travel south, following the wild and rugged coastline before turning inland to cross the Alps of Haast Pass which will take you into the impressive bushlands of the Mount Aspiring National Park. Take a brief tour through the lovely lakeside town of Wanaka before driving through a picturesque region with a fascinating history of early settlement and goldmining. Upon arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown, enjoy a brief city tour. Tonight take the spectacular Gondola ride up to Queenstown’s Skyline Restaurant to experience the world of Maori with a Kiwi Haka Cultural Show that takes you through mythical Maori legends via traditional song and dance. After your show enjoy a delicious buffet dinner while admiring amazing panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges! (B, D)
Today is completely at your leisure so you can sit back and relax, or your Coach Captain can assist with any optional activities you would like to do. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat ride or a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon. Alternatively, browse in the many shops and galleries. Tonight, cruise across the lake aboard the steamship TSS Earnslaw for dinner in the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm, a very special night out. (B, D)
A leisurely start this morning; depart Queenstown and head to Northburn Station for a seasonal three course lunch and wine tasting. After lunch, continue on over the Lindis Pass and through the Mt Cook National Park to arrive into Tekapo. This evening board the bus for the trip up to the summit of Mt John – home of the most southerly permanent optical observatory in the world. The region is renowned for the clarity of its sky and freedom from the light pollution which is why the area was declared a gold-level International Dark Sky Reserve in mid 2012. Experience the thrill of peering through powerful telescopes and binoculars to see amazing sights both near and far, followed by a complimentary hot chocolate in the warm and candle-lit Astro Cafe. When stars are hidden from sight by cloud, you will instead enjoy a tour that explores behind the scenes of Mt John Observatory, usually out-of-bounds to the general public. The Mt John Stargazing Tour is a truly memorable and extraordinary experience, taking you on a journey to explore the wonder and mystery of space. (B,L,D)
This morning you have time for a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air Safaris (weather permitting) or maybe a visit to Tekapo Springs for a relaxing soak in the hot pools, a dash around the skating rink or an adrenaline filled ride down the tubing park (all optional). Leave the township of Tekapo behind today as you descend through Burkes Pass, travelling past picturesque small New Zealand towns before finally reaching the Canterbury Plains and its patchwork of farmlands. You will arrive back into Christchurch mid afternoon where you will enjoy a brief city tour before your tour concludes at Christchurch Airport at approximately 5.30pm. (B)
Tour Starts | Tour Ends | Tour Status | Normal Rate | Acrossnz Discount Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fri 08 Jan 2016 | Wed 13 Jan 2016 | GUARANTEED | NZ $2,745.00 | NZ $2,608.00 |
Fri 05 Feb 2016 | Wed 10 Feb 2016 | GUARANTEED | NZ $2,745.00 | NZ $2,608.00 |
Fri 18 Mar 2016 | Wed 23 Mar 2016 | GUARANTEED | NZ $2,745.00 | NZ $2,608.00 |