Southern Explorer 2009
Highlights
Southern Explorer 2009 Whats Included
Sightseeing Highlights
Dining Highlights
First Class Travel Highlights
Call (979) 260-5981 for more information or to book today! Mention code 7694591
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2009
- Duration
- 11 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 & 2 | Depart USA | Depart USAWe fly over the international date line on our way to Christchurch, New Zealand. |
| Day 3 | Arrive Christchurch | Arrive 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: The Heritage Hotel |
| Day 4 | Franz Josef | Christchurch TranzAlpine Franz Josef : We start the day with a spectacular train journey on the TranzAlpine from Christchurch over the Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass. We'll see the West Coast rainforest and view the fascinating Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki. At Hokitika we'll visit a native New Zealand greenstone (jade) factory for a jewelry demonstration. Next we arrive at Franz Josef Glacier, the world's most accessible glacier. You'll have the opportunity to see it from the air on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting).?(Buffet breakfast / Dinner)? Hotel: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel |
| Day 5 | Queenstown | Franz 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 6 | Queenstown | Queenstown 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 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 7 | Te Anau | Milford Sound - Te Anau : We journey over the Devils Stair Case and along Lake Wakatipu's shore to Te Anau and its lake, the largest in the South Island. 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 8 | Dunedin | Te 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: Southern Cross Hotel |
| Day 9 | Twizel | Dunedin - 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 10 | Christchurch | Twizel - 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: The Heritage Hotel |
| Day 11 | Return USA | Christchurch - 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.?(Buffet breakfast) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- * This list indicates brochure rates and dates.
** For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
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.
