Southern Explorer 2010

Visit New Zealand's southern island including the TranzAlpine Train through the Southern Alps. See the pancake Rocks and Blowholes in Punakaiki and be awed at the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier! Visit New Zealand's adventure capital - Queenstown and cruise Milford Sound. There is so much to see and do in Southern New Zealand and Trafalgar can show you it all!

Highlights:

  • TranzAlpine
  • Punakaiki
  • Franz Josef
  • Queenstown
  • Milford Sound
  • Dunedin
  • Mount Cook
  • Lake Tekapo
  • Christchurch

    Sightseeing Highlights

  • TranzAlpine See the Southern Alps.
  • Punakaiki See the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
  • Franz Josef See the magnificent Glacier.
  • Queenstown Spend time in New Zealand's adventure capital.
  • Walter Peak Station Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to the station.
  • Milford Sound Cruise this spectacular wonder of nature.
  • Dunedin Tour this "Scottish city" including a guided tour of Larnach Castle.
  • Mount Cook See mighty Mount Cook.
  • Lake Tekapo View the Church of the Good Shepherd.
  • Christchurch Discover the sights on the Christchurch Tram.

    Dining Highlights

  • 9 Buffet breakfasts
  • 6 dinners in hotels
  • 1 carvery dinner in the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak Station

    16 included meals in total (see day by day itinerary)

    First Class Travel Highlights

  • The services of one of Trafalgar's professional Tour Directors on tour.
  • Chauffeur driven on Trafalgar's luxury air-conditioned motorcoaches with reclining seats.
  • Christchurch to Arthur's Pass on board the TranzAlpine Train.
  • Airport transfers will be provided on Days 3 & 12 in Christchurch, only for passengers who have booked their flights on a Trafalgar recommended airline and advised Trafalgar of their flight details.
  • You'll stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
  • All hotel service charges, tips and local taxes are included.
  • Travel wallet containing tour documents and helpful information.

    • Call (954) 796-9006 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8649835

    Tour Operator
    Trafalgar Tours
    Duration
    12 Days
    Escorted
    Escorted - Yes
    DayDestinationDescription
    Days 1-2Depart USADepart USA :
    We fly over the international date line on our way to Christchurch, New Zealand.
    Day 3ChristchurchArrive Christchurch :
    On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your hotel. After check-in, there's time at leisure to explore the city, famous for its gardens and for being the most English city outside of England. Perhaps visit Hagley Park, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Cathedral or the Botanic Gardens. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Drink and dinner with your Tour Director and traveling companions. (Dinner)

    Hotel: Novotel Christchurch

    Day 4PunakaikiTranzAlpine - Punakaiki :
    We start our day with the spectacular train journey on the TranzAlpine from Christchurch over the Alps to Arthur's Pass. Later, we'll see the West Coast rainforest then experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes on arrival in Punakaiki, where we'll spend the night at our resort right on the waterfront. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Punakaiki Resort

    Day 5Franz JosefPunakaiki - Franz Josef :
    This morning we visit a New Zealand native greenstone (jade) factory for a jewelry demonstration at Hokitika. Later we arrive at Franz Josef Glacier, the world's most accessible glacier. See it from the air on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting) or take a glacier hike! (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

    Day 6QueenstownFranz Josef - Queenstown (2 nights) :
    Some spectacular sights are in store for us today. We take in the Haast Pass, Thunder Creek Falls then a trio of lakes - Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. We'll enjoy the tastes of sumptuous stone fruit at Cromwell, the stone fruit capital. Next we visit historic gold mining Arrowtown on the Arrow River, previously one of the world's richest rivers. We arrive in Queenstown for an orientation tour. Tonight you have the option to dine at the Skyline Restaurant at Bob's Peak via the Southern Hemisphere's steepest gondola! Plus you can see the Kiwi Haka Maori Show to top off a great night out. (Buffet breakfast)

    Hotel: Millennium Hotel

    Day 7QueenstownQueenstown at leisure :
    Explore the action-packed, adventure capital of Queenstown at your leisure. Take it easy with wine and garden tours, or walk on the wild side with jet boat rides and white watering rafting. Maybe you would prefer to go sailing or simply relax. This evening we cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand's oldest steamship the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for a carvery Highlight Dinner at the Colonel's Homestead. An entertaining after dinner farm show provides a glimpse into high country farming life. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
    Day 8Te AnauMilford Sound - Te Anau :
    We journey over the Devils Stair Case and along Lake Wakatipu's shore to Te Anau. Travel through the rainforest of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, viewing glaciers and mountain ranges. We drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to abundant photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lakes, Pop's Lookout, Claudu Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls before reaching mystical Milford Sound for a cruise. We return to Te Anau this evening. Tonight you have the option to tour the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Distinction Hotel

    Day 9DunedinTe Anau - Dunedin :
    We cross rich fertile faming land of South Otago and on through Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, which was founded by Scottish settlers. The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps take a wildlife cruise to see Penguins and the Royal Albatross, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

    Day 10TwizelDunedin - Twizel :
    Start the day with a guided tour of Larnach Castle and its gardens followed by sightseeing of Dunedin. From here we continue our journey through Oamaru with its white limestone buildings then along the Waitaki River past the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam to Twizel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: MacKenzie Country Inn

    Day 11ChristchurchTwizel - Mount Cook - Christchurch :
    Be prepared for the sensational alpine landscape of Mt. Cook National Park! An optional scenic flight over Mt. Cook is available (weather permitting). Later we'll continue to Christchurch. Along the way we'll see Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and travel over the patchwork of the Canterbury Plains. On arrival in Christchurch we'll discover the highlights of the city on the Christchurch Tram. (Buffet breakfast)

    Hotel: Novotel Christchurch

    Day 12Return USAChristchurch - USA :
    Time to bid farewell to your Tour Director and new-found friends as we transfer you to Christchurch Airport to connect with your return flight home.
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    09/17/2010$2,460.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    10/15/2010$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    10/29/2010$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    11/05/2010$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    11/12/2010$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    11/19/2010$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    12/03/2010$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    12/10/2010$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    12/17/2010$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    12/31/2010$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    01/07/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    01/21/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    01/28/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    01/31/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    02/04/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    02/07/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    02/18/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    02/21/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    02/25/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    02/28/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    03/04/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    03/07/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    03/11/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    03/14/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    03/18/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    03/21/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    03/25/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    03/28/2011$2,875.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    Disclaimer

    * This list indicates brochure rates and dates.
    For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
    The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.

    - These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
    - All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
    - For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.

      
    Online Agency Travel Websites