Sensational South
A plethora of natural wonders and iconic landscapes await when you embark on a journey through New Zealand’s South Island. Join a local expert as they share with you the wonder of Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier, before embarking on a scenic journey through the forests, flats and meadows of Fiordland National Park and out to the unmissable Milford Sound. Indulge in the culinary and cultural delights of the South as you enjoy a Be My Guest lunch at Morelea.
10 nights from £2893pp
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Sensational South Itinerary
Day 1 Wellington
After settling into your hotel, you'll have time to explore Wellington independently. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at your hotel.
Day 2 Wellington
This morning, join a local guide for a walking tour to discover Wellington’s vibrant culture and food scene. The afternoon is free for you to spend as you please.
Day 3 Wellington – Blenheim
Board the Interislander for a cruise across the Cook Strait, to the seaside village of Picton. Later it’s on to Blenheim for an orientation tour before heading to your accommodation. Later, visit one of the Marlborough region’s famous wineries, Hans Herzog Estate, for a tasting and 3-course Highlight Dinner.
Day 4 Blenheim Included Choice
Choose from either land or sea sightseeing experiences: indulge in a half-day winery tour, or take the Greenshell Mussel Cruise into magnificent Marlborough Sounds, where you will learn about local history of the area and visit a mussel farm.
Day 5 Blenheim – Christchurch
Travel to Kaikoura, where sperm whales can often be seen not far from shore. Travel along the Pacific Ocean coast and across the colourful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. See how Christchurch is rebuilding after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, and pop into the incredible Transitional Cathedral in Latimer Square, the world’s only cathedral made substantially of cardboard.
Day 6 Christchurch – Mt Cook
Enjoy some warm Kiwi hospitality at Morelea, the home of Angie and Stan Taylor, indulge in a Be My Guest barbecue lunch and hear about a lifetime spent farming in New Zealand. You’ll also get to witness Angie preparing her famous dessert pavlova. From here it’s on towards the spectacular Southern Alps and then alongside majestic Lake Pukaki, before arriving in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to see Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in Australasia. Tonight, enjoy dinner with a breathtaking mountain view.
Day 7 Mt Cook
First up, you’ll experience the melting ice face and icebergs of eerie, magical Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's largest, on a gently paced one-hour cruise guided by a local expert, against an awesome backdrop of New Zealand's highest and most spectacular mountains. Later, you will have time to enjoy your surroundings back at the Hermitage. A stargazing optional experience is available after dinner.
Day 8 Mt Cook – Te Anau
Today is another scenic day, travelling over the Lindis Pass through Central Otago. Visit Cromwell, next to pristine Lake Dunstan, and taste delicious stone fruit at a local orchard, then stop at the perfectly restored gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown. The town’s beautiful tree-lined avenues and 19thcentury wooden buildings feel like a movie set. Afterwards, make your way to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. This afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to try jet boating down the majestic Waiau River, to the serene Lake Manapouri, stepping into ancient beech forests and learning all about this unique location.
Day 9 Te Anau – Queenstown
Leaving Te Anau, you will take the scenic journey through the forests, flats and meadows of Fiordland National Park and out to Milford Sound. You will stop at Mirror Lakes where the stunning mountain scenery is perfectly reflected in the waters, then on to rough-hewn Homer Tunnel, and after, to one of the world’s most dramatic alpine drives, down through the Cleddau Valley and its impressive Chasm. Then it’s on to cruise the waters of the unmissable Milford Sound. Your cruise will take in the Bowen and Stirling Falls plummeting from glacial hanging valleys sharply into the sea, and sheer Mitre Peak, rising from the fiord’s depths. Finally, you will travel on to the adventure capital, Queenstown. An orientation tour around Lake Wakatipu takes you into the city before arriving at your hotel.
Day 10 Queenstown
Choose an Included Choice sightseeing experience today: venture out on a scenic tour visiting the many filming locations of the Lord of the Rings, or cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak High Country Farm, for a gourmet Barbecue lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead. This evening, join your Travel Director for dinner at The Boatshed, set in the historic New Zealand Railway Shipping Office built in 1936. Restored and relocated to its lakeside setting, The Boatshed, with its spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables is the perfect for your exclusive Farewell Dinner.
Day 11 Queenstown
Farewell your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight.
Tour Highlights
Highlights
- Encounter glacial ice, icebergs & centuries-old ice crystals
- Discover the culinary and cultural delights of Wellington
- Indulge in a Be My Guest barbecue lunch
- Travel over the Lindis Pass through Central Otago
- Cruise the waters of the unmissable Milford Sound
Price Includes
What's Included
- Comfortable accommodation
- Travel by luxury coach
- Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- Airport transfers (see flight information below)
Dates and Prices
2021 Departures £ prices per person based on 2 people sharing
2022 Departures £ prices per person based on 2 people sharing
2023 Departures £ prices per person based on 2 people sharing
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