Enjoy awe-inspiring scenery with plunging fiords, majestic glaciers, temperate rainforests and stunning mountain ranges on this amazing trip around the South Island!

INCLUSIONS

Round-trip airfare on Qantas Airways from Los Angeles to Christchurch
• Two nights accommodation Christchurch, one pre-tour, one post-tour (3 star)
• Seven nights accommodation, meals and escorted touring as noted* (3 Star)
• Experienced tour guide
• Exclusive overnight cruise on Milford Sound
• Mountain biking on Otago Rail Track
• Applicable fuel surcharge

*One night accommodation is Quad Share as a result of the accommodations available in the region

ITINERARY

DAY 1 Depart USA
DAY 2 Cross International Date Line
DAY 3 Arrive Christchurch
DAY 4 Christchurch to Franz Josef -  Start early for a stunning journey across the Canterbury Plains, over Arthur’s Pass and down to the West Coast. Along the way the scenery changes constantly stopping often for walks and photo opportunities. Visit Hokitika, famous for pounamu (jade) and at the Bushman’s centre to learn about the local history, before heading down to Franz Josef for its majestic glacier. Stay in a lodge in the rainforest at Franz Josef (D).
DAY 5 Full day at Franz Josef - Today is free for exploring this World Heritage area. There are many great walks but it is recommend that you pay to go on one of the guided trips (where they provide you with specialized equipment) so that you can get further onto the glacier. Self-cater tonight - there are great local cafes and a kitchen at the Lodge (B).
DAY 6  Franz Josef to Makarora -  Follow the coast further south today for even more amazing scenery (including NZ’s most photographed lake), some great walks, waterfalls and a breathtaking alpine pass. Arrive at our wilderness accommodation at the foot of Mount Aspiring National Park by mid-afternoon. The locals provide some of the most spectacular activities from scenic flights to wilderness jet boating.Overnight accommodation chalets (B, D).
DAY 7 Makarora to Queenstown -  Journey on to the adventure capital of the world today, Queenstown, the spiritual home of bungy jumping. On the way, stop in the scenic town of Wanaka for a walk and lunch before heading to the bungee bridge. Everyone has the option of observing or jumping themselves. Arrive at our accommodation in the afternoon ready for two days of whatever activities you choose to do from the relaxing to full-on adrenaline. Your guide will take you on an orientation of the resort when we arrive and a tour of the town’s night spots in the evening. (B).
DAY 8 and 9  Full day Queenstown. Optional activities available (No meals).
DAY 10 Queenstown to Doubtful Sound - This morning head into the awe-inspiring Fiordland National Park. Doubtful Sound is truly an amazing place; one of the most remote and untouched places on earth where you will see fur seals, Fiordland Crested Penguins and dolphins. Spend the day and night on a purpose-built boat, which includes a dedicated nature guide and sea kayaks. Overnight in a secluded bay in the fiord (AT, D).
DAY 11 Doubtful Sound to Central Otago - The morning is spent departing Doubtful Sound. Board a own mini-coach at midday and head through the beautiful Otago region. Explore relics of the gold rush, which was responsible for the European settlement of this area. Stay in our own exclusive accommodation in the middle of Otago gold country. You have the option of curling tonight (like bowling but with big stones on an ice rink), we challenge you to try and beat your guide (B, D).
DAY 12 Central Otago to Christchurch - In the morning, grab our mountain bikes and head out to sample part of the old Otago Gold Mining Rail Trail. It is an ideal activity for riders of all abilities and a great way to soak up the incredible scenery and history of the area. Express your way along the Canterbury Plains flanked by the Southern Alps to Christchurch, the garden city. Overnight hotel accommodation Christchurch (B)
DAY 13 Depart Christchurch

Departures June 9 - July 23, 2010:
Prices Per Person Twin Share from: $2579

Departures July 24 - September 21, 2010:
Prices Per Person Twin Share from: $2469

Land tour departs Tuesdays

Gateway add-ons:
$125   Las Vegas (NV), Reno (NV), San Diego (CA)
$240   Phoenix (AZ),  Tuscon (AZ)
$255   Seattle (WA)
$290   Eugene (OR), Spokane (WA), Portland (OR)
$365   Albuquerque (NM), Boise (ID), Denver (CO), Houston (TX), Oklahoma (OK), Billings (MT), Dallas (TX)
$400   Cleveland (OH), Columbus (OH), Chicago (IL),  Detroit (MI),  Minneapolis (MN)
$425   Jacksonville (FL),  Orlando (FL), Washington (DC), Birmingham (AL), New York (NY), Memphis (TN), Charlotte (NC), Boston (MA), Atlanta (GA), Philadelphia (PA), Charleston (SC)
Please ask for applicable add-on when booking.  Other cities available

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