66
Hokitika
Southern Spotlight
9 DAYS | CHRISTCHURCH RETURN | LCQR / LRQC
HIGHLIGHTS
• Journey past crystal clear lakes & towering mountains through Mt . Cook National Park
• Visit Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo
• Stay on the shores of Lake Te Anau
• Travel past ancient glaciers , spectacular mountains & magical rainforest en route to Milford Sound
• Cruise on mystical Milford Sound
• Let loose in New Zealand ’ s ‘ adventure capital ’ Queenstown
• Sail on Lake Wakatipu aboard steamship TSS Earnslaw
• Indulge in a unique dinner experience in Colonel ’ s Homestead at Walter Peak
• Visit the old gold mining village of Arrowtown
• Taste Central Otago ’ s famous stone fruit in Cromwell
• Travel through the magnificent rainforest of Haast Pass
• Discover fascinating Franz Josef Glacier
• Visit a green stone factory & watch the jade artists at work
• Journey over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
• Experienced Travel Director & Driver Guide
Discover all the highlights of New Zealand ’ s magnificent South Island on this comprehensive journey . Cross the Southern Alps aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train , cruise the serene waters of incomparable Milford Sound and peaceful Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm in Central Otago , stroll in the beautiful Dunedin grounds of the country ’ s oldest university – a series of unforgettable experiences awaits you in this proud Pacific nation .
Day 1 : Welcome to Christchurch An eclectic mix of historic elegance and contemporary culture , Christchurch ’ s art galleries , boutiques and open-air markets add to the city ’ s creative vibe . Meet your Travel Director this evening for a Welcome Reception . Hotel : Ibis Hotel , Christchurch .
Day 2 : Christchurch – Omarama See how Christchurch is rebuilding after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 , and pop into the Transitional Cathedral , the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral built almost entirely of cardboard ! Later , travel over the fertile Canterbury Plains to soak up spectacular scenery . You ’ ll visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd , and stop for a quick photo with the bronze statue of a collie dog . You may wish to view Mount Cook National Park from the air this afternoon on a scenic flight ( own expense ). Your day finishes in the heart of the Mackenzie Country at Omarama . Hotel : Heritage Gateway Hotel , Omarama . B D
Day 3 : Omarama – Dunedin Your day begins on the Waitaki River with a visit to the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme . See the monumental spillway of nearby Benmore Dam . Then travel to the historic town of Oamaru , with its celebrated white limestone buildings . Continue to Dunedin and enjoy an orientation tour . New Zealand ’ s southernmost city , Dunedin is known for its Scottish and Maori heritage , Victorian and Edwardian architecture , and large student population . The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore independently . You might like to take a wildlife cruise , or a ride on the historic Taieri Gorge Railway . The train negotiates the deep , narrow gorge with ease as it travels through ten tunnels and over countless bridges and viaducts . Hotel : Scenic Hotel Dunedin City . B D
Day 4 : Dunedin – Te Anau Enjoy some free time here this morning , during which you might like to visit the lovely stately home known as Larnach Castle . A walk in the lovely grounds of the University of Otago , New Zealand ’ s oldest university , is another option . Then travel across the fertile sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago en route to Lake Te Anau , the largest in the South Island . Tonight you may choose to travel by flat-bottomed boat through the mysterious Te Anau Glowworm Caves ( own expense ). The Te Anau Caves are a culturally and ecologically important system of limestone caves on the western shore of Lake Te Anau , with some of the caves nearest to the shore providing a habitat for the bioluminescent