Nights at Destinations:

Christchurch (2), Franz Josef (1), Queenstown (2), Te Anau (1), Dunedin (1), Mt Cook (1)

Highlights

Price Includes

Domestic and International airfare not included.

Note: Itinerary effective 1 Apr 08. Tours prior follow different itinerary. Please inquire for further details or refer to 2007 brochure.

Ask about our guaranteed departure dates.

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch

On arrival in Christchurch, the "Garden City," you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the English flavor of this city (own expense). Overnight: Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel

Day 2: Christchurch-Franz Josef

This morning, board the TranzAlpine Train. Cross the Canterbury Plains and the magnificent Southern Alps. At Hokitika, take the opportunity to visit a glass-blowing factory and see beautiful native Greenstone (Jade) jewelry and artifacts. Continue south along the dramatic West Coastline through dense rainforest and enter World Heritage-listed Westland National Park. View the spectacular and accessible Franz Josef Glacier. Try an optional scenic flight over this breathtaking region (own expense, weather permitting). Overnight: Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (B,D)

Day 3: Franz Josef-Queenstown

Enjoy a day of incredible scenery, traveling along the West Coast, through a world of mountains and glaciers, limestone landscapes, tranquil lakes, raging rivers and rare bird and plant life. At Haast, experience a unique river safari, offering breathtaking views of the massive glacier-formed Haast River Valley, flanked by towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and dense temperate rainforest. Follow the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the action packed alpine resort of Queenstown. Tonight, enjoy a dining choice in Queenstown, where you get to choose from one of four restaurants and we will include it! Perhaps take a leisurely cruise to Walter Peak to enjoy a candlelight dinner at the Colonel's Homestead or ride the Queenstown gondola to the Skyline Restaurant for dinner and spectacular views over Queenstown. A quiet night may appeal, so perhaps dine at your hotel or a local restaurant. Overnight: Queenstown, Novotel Gardens Hotel for 2 nights (B,D)

Day 4: Queenstown Personalized Sightseeing

Today we have a selection of activities for you to choose from and we will include it! Perhaps a tour through some of Queenstown's local gardens, a visit to local wineries, a jetboat ride or a doubledecker bus tour around Queenstown-the choice is yours. (B)

Day 5: Queenstown-Milford Sound Cruise- Te Anau

Today, follow the Remarkables mountain range and trace the shore of Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland, a World Heritage area. Follow the road into Milford Sound, the beautiful Mirror Lakes. Pass through Homer Tunnel and view Mitre Peak in Milford Sound. Cruise on this grand glacier-carved fiord. Overnight: Te Anau, Village Inn (B,D)

Day 6: Te Anau-Dunedin Personalized Sights

Travel across the South Island through small farming communities to Dunedin. Settled in 1848 by the Scottish, the heritage is still apparent today in the architecture of the many fine buildings including the University of Otago, modeled on the University of Glasgow buildings. This afternoon you choose the activity and we'll include it. Perhaps choose from a visit to either the Royal Albatross Center or a yellow-eyed penguin colony, the choice is yours! Overnight: Dunedin, Dunedin City Hotel (B,D)

Day 7: Dunedin-Mt Cook

Depart Dunedin and journey north to Moeraki Beach. Stop at historic Oamaru. Journey into New Zealand's high country and Mt Cook National Park. Try a guided walk or scenic flight over this alpine region (weather permitting, own expense). Overnight: Mt Cook, The Hermitage Hotel (B,D)

Day 8: Mt Cook-Christchurch

View the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd on the shore of beautiful Lake Tekapo. Leaving the High Country, cross the braided Rakaia River and travel through the vast Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel (B,D)

Day 9: Personalized Sights, Depart Christchurch

Enjoy this morning in Christchurch with your selected activity before transferring to the airport. (B)

Departure Dates

2008: Apr 13, 20, 24, 27; May 4, 11; Jun 22; Jul 20; Aug 10, 31; Sep 21, 28; Oct 5, 16, 23, 26, 30; Nov 2, 13, 16, 20, 27, 30; Dec 4, 14, 25, 28

2009: Jan 11, 15, 22, 25, 29; Feb 1, 5, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 26; Mar 1, 3, 5, 8, 12, 15, 22; Apr 5

Itinerary also available in reverse (NDC09)

2008: Apr 5; Sep 6; Oct 4, 18; Nov 1, 15; Dec 6
2009: Jan 3, 17, 31; Feb 4, 14, 28; Mar 14