Australian
Natural Adventures
Wildlife,
Nature & Soft Adventure Tours
Custom
Australia, New Zealand & Pacific tours and travel
Southern
Contrasts
Explore
New Zealand's South Island on a 8 day guided Group Adventure
On this group tour - with no more than 21 passengers
in a roomy luxury mini coach - journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train,
visit Fox Josef Glacier, Mt Cook, stay on magical Stewart Island,
overnight on Milford Sound, and visit Queenstown, New Zealand's Adventure
Capital. This tour is special, with an overnight cruise on Milford
Sound - not just the normal tourist-packed 1.5 hour cruise, and we
spend two nights on Stewart Island, the best place in New Zealand
to see wild kiwis.
Day
1: Christchurch - Franz Josef
We board the world famous TranzAlpine for our 
journey
across the Canterbury Plains through the Southern Alps. This is rated
as one
of the world's top train journeys. Join our coach at Arthur's Pass
and visit the small town of Hokitika for a Jade jewellery demonstration.
We travel through the gold-mining town of Ross before arriving at
Franz Josef. This afternoon we enjoy informative commentary from our
expert local glacier guide as he walks us to our viewing area at mighty
Franz Josef Glacier. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with
your fellow passengers. (D)
Day
2: Franz Josef - Queenstown
This morning there is time for an optional scenic flight over the
glacier (weather permitting) or to take a dip in the local hot pools.
Later we travel over the Haast Pass and along the shores of Lakes
Wanaka and Hawea. Stop to explore the historic gold-mining town of
Arrowtown followed by an orientation tour of Queenstown before arriving
at our exclusive accommodation, Millbrook Resort. Tonight is at leisure
to dine at one of the restaurants at the resort.
(B)
Day
3: Queenstown 'Free Time'
Today is free for you to explore at your leisure. Perhaps try a jet
boat ride, white water rafting or a round of golf at Millbrook's world-renowned
golf course. Tonight we ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak for
dinner with a view overlooking stunning Queenstown, the Remarkables
and Lake Wakatipu. (B,D)
Day
4: Queenstown - Milford Sound
We travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau on 
the
shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island. Later
we travel into the Fiordland National Park. We take time to explore
the Mirror Lakes, Pop's Lookout and the Chasm before arriving into
Milford Sound for our overnight cruise. Enjoy dinner on board tonight;
evening on the sound can be very evocative, whether with a surreal
sunset or a misty calm. (B,D)
Day
5: Milford Sound - Stewart Island
This morning we enjoy the many early morning activities on board.
Perhaps take a walk on the foreshore or try kayaking on the Sound.
Later we continue further south to the southern-most city in New Zealand,
Invercargill. This afternoon we board our ferry at Bluff to cruise
to Stewart Island. Tonight is free to dine at one of the cafés
or the local hotel. (B)
Day
6: Stewart Island
Enjoy a Village and Bays tour this morning before a cruise with lunch
on Paterson Inlet. Stop at Ulva Island and spend time with native
wildlife. Ulva Island is managed by the Department of Conservation.
It is predator-free and is a must for viewing native birds and flora.
Tonight you may want to try to spot kiwis in the native bush near
our accommodation! (B,L)
Day
7: Stewart Island - Lake Ohau
We board our ferry and return to the mainland. We travel towards Queenstown
stopping to try local stone fruit at Cromwell. Enjoy views of Lake
Dunstan, New Zealand's largest man-made lake as we travel over the
Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country. We may find out along the
way that vehicles aren't the only ones that use New Zealand roads.
We arrive at our wilderness retreat, with its views of Lake Ohau and
Mt. Cook. We dine watching the sun set on mighty Mt. Cook. (B,D)
Day
8: Mt Cook - Christchurch
Soak up the scenery of Mt. Cook National Park with an optional scenic
flight (weather permitting). We'll see Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, visit
the Church of the Good Shepherd and travel across the Canterbury Plains
to Christchurch. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for
your onward flight. (B)
8 days priced from US$1970 to $2275 per person depending on date of
departure.
Departs from & returns to Christchurch
Departures: September 19 ($1970), then several departures each month
between October and April ($2275).
Call
us for to book or for more information - tollfree 1 877 VEGEMITE
Images
of Milford Sound with Milford Mariner courtesy Real Journeys
