Tour Details - New Zealand Southern Icons

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch

On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your hotel for check- in. You’ll have time at leisure before a welcome drink and dinner with your Tour Director this evening.
Hotel: Heartland Hotel Cotswold, Christchurch. D

Day 2: Franz Josef Glacier

Depart Christchurch for the scenic drive over Arthur’s Pass. You’ll visit Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade), for a factory visit and demonstration before continuing south along the rugged coastal road to Franz Josef Glacier.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef, 2 nights. B D

Day 3: Franz Josef Glacier

Today you’ll explore Franz Josef Glacier with your local expert guide on an interpretive tour. This afternoon you will have the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers and Mt. Cook (weather permitting). Enjoy dinner at your leisure at one of the local cafés. B

Day 4: Franz Josef Glacier – Wanaka

Travel along the coastal road with the towering mountains on your left and the Tasman Sea on your right. Climb over the Haast Pass to view Thunder Creek Falls and travel through dramatic mountain and forest scenery. You’ll stop for a ride on the Haast River Safari, a unique covered jetboat experience. Later you’ll arrive at Lake Wanaka.
Hotel: Wanaka Hotel, Wanaka. B D

Day 5: Wanaka – Queenstown

This morning pass Lakes Hawea and Dunstan. Journey through the Kawarau Gorge. Stop at Cromwell with its sensational stone fruit. Enjoy a visit to Arrowtown, a colourful old gold-mining township steeped in local history, before continuing to Queenstown for dinner with views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
Hotel: Heartland Hotel, Queenstown, 3 nights. B D

Day 6: Milford Sound

Today is a feast for the senses. Travel along the Devil’s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau and its lake. You’ll be awe-struck by great sights from Fiordland National Park, New Zealand’s largest, to Milford Sound, one of the world’s most amazing places, where you will cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. En route you’ll drive through the hand-made Homer Tunnel to the abundant photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. In the late afternoon you’ll return to Queenstown, where your evening is at leisure. B

Day 7: Queenstown ‘Free Time'

Today is at leisure for you to enjoy the many scenic delights of Queenstown. Perhaps take an optional jet boat ride or try white water rafting. For the less adventurous there are garden and wine tours. This evening you’ll ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak for a delicious buffet dinner while taking in stunning views of Queenstown. Experience a Kiwi Haka Maori Show as well! B D

Day 8: Mt. Cook – Christchurch

Travel past Mt. Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest mountain. You may wish to take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). This afternoon stop at Lake Tekapo and view the Church of the Good Shepherd and then continue over the colourful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner together with your travelling companions.
Hotel: Heartland Hotel Cotswold, Christchurch. B D

Day 8: Depart Christchurch

Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. B