6Day/5Nights Southern Heritage

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Christchurch - Mount Cook - Queenstown⌄

   This morning you will depart Christchurch by road and travel south through the Canterbury Plains to Geraldine and then through the rolling hill country of South Canterbury and through Burkes Pass to Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepard.

   From Lake Teakpo you will travel across the Tekapo Basin via Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook

   On arrival at the Hermitage Mount Cook you will have time to have a look around the village and get some lunch (optional extra). There will be time also to explore the visitors centre in the village.

   From Mount Cook continue through to Queenstown this afternoon by road, initially travelling through the Linda's Pass snow-covered for much of the winter months.

   From the Lindas Pass the tour will then travel along the shores of Lake Dunstan to the township of Cromwell famous as an area for its fruit growing with numerous roadside stalls selling fresh fruit during the summer months

   From Cromwell the tour continues through the Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand where you will send the next three nights

   Overnight: 4-Star standard

2. 2Queenstown - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau - Queenstown⌄

   This morning you will depart Queenstown by road initially travelling along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau

   Your first stop today is in the township of Te Anau nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau and your gateway to Foridland National Park

   From Te Anau travel through the Te Anau Downs and long the shores of Lake Te Anau prior to entering Foridland National Park

   Travelling through the national park with photoshops on route you will reach the Homer Tunnel, a three kilometre tunnel carved through the top of a mountain and your gateway to Milford Sound

   On arrival in Milford Sound you will join a two hour nature cruise on the sound with a picnic lunch provided.

   On the cruise you will see some spectacular scenery including Mitre Peak and a host of marine and bird life, including New Fur Seals and little Blue Penguins

   This afternoon retrace your steps to Queenstown by road stopping on route in Te Anau on the shores of the lake which bears its name.

   Returning to your Queenstown accommodation early evening

   Meals: Lunch

   Overnight: 4-Star standard

3. 3Queenstown - Free Day⌄

   On this your free day in Queenstown enjoy on or more of the wonderful attractions the township has to offer, such as The Skyline Gondola, The Shotover Jet, TSS Earnslaw and Walter Peak, A J Hackets Bunny Jumping, or A Gibstone Valley Wine Tour, just to name a few.

   Overnight: 4-Star standard

4. 4Queenstown - Dunedin⌄

   This morning you will depart Queenstown by road and travel via the the central Otago townships of Cromwell, Alexandra, Lawrence and Clyde all renown for their fruit growing, specifically stone fruit during the summer months with Orchards dominating the landscape.

   Dunedin the second largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and known as the Scotland of the south for its Scottish Heritage. Here in Dunedin you will spend two nights

   Overnight: 4-Star standard

5. 5Dunedin and Otago Peninsula⌄

   Today you will get to experience the history, natural scenic beauty and the native wildlife unique to this area. from your hotel you will travel by road to Larnach Castle with its shocking history, beautiful gardens and magnificent scenery. A guided tour of the castle has been arranged for your enjoyment.

   From Larnach Castle you will travel by road to Taiaroa Heads at the end of the peninsula and the entrance to Otago Harbour. Here you will join a wildlife cruise.

   Cruising around the Taiaroa Heads you are likely to view while enjoying this nature cruise the Royal Albatross that nest on the rocky slopes of the headland, New Zealand Fur Seals and possibly Hector Dolphins and Little Blue Penguins as well as a host of other marine and bird life.

   You will return to Dunedin cruising up the length of the harbour to Dunedin City where you will be returned to your Dunedin accommodation by road.

   Overnight: 4-Star standard

6. 6Dunedin - Oamaru - Timaru - Christchurch⌄

   This the final day of your 7 day tour travels from Dunedin to Christchurch by road. You will be collected from your Dunedin accommodation and transferred to the intercity Coach for your travel to Christchurch with your first stop in Oamaru.

   From Oamaru you will continue north to the township of Timaru where you will have another brief stop.

   Late afternoon you will return to the city of Christchurch where your 7 day tour commenced. On arrival in Christchurch your tour concludes with a transfer to your Christchurch accommodation to the Christchurch Airport.

   This morning you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of this magnificent city and its heritage. The tour will include the worlds steepest street, the University of Dunedin, stately homes and historic buildings including the Dunedin Railway Station and the cities great beaches renown for their large surf.

   Overnight: Not included