Southern Scenic

13 Days/ 12 Nights from $2,799 (Tour Code : T19)

Train lovers delight - 13 days from Christchurch includes a spectacular circuit of the southern mountains then a taste of the north - Wellington, Rotorua, Waitomo to Auckland...

Day 1: Christchurch - Dunedin
Travel across the Canterbury Plains through seaside Timaru, white stone Oamaru and along the coastline to Palmerston. Cross Mt Cargill to Dunedin, the 'Edinburg of the South'. Arrive in early afternoon with time for optional sightseeing of the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Overnight in Dunedin.
Please note, no commentary is provided on this journey

Day 2: Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning is free for optional sightseeing. Now it's the rich farming country of South Otago and Southland as we travel to Balclutha and turn west to Gore. The countryside becomes drier as you reach Lumsden, Mossburn and then your first glimpse of Fiordland. Overnight in Te Anau.

Day 3: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
A you travel through the Fiordland National Park you will pass the Mirror Lakes, the Chasm, the Homer Tunnel and the Cleddau Chasm. A cruise on Milford Sound beneath lofty Mitre Peak, waterfalls and out to the mouth of the Tasman Sea is included. Then you climb out of Milford Sound to Te Anau and across country to the alpine playground of Queenstown. Two nights in Queenstown

Day 4: In Queenstown
Today is at your leisure in this fabulous resort. We have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities as well, from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris, bungy jumping.

Day 5: Queenstown - Wanaka
It is a short drive through the spectacular Kawarau Gorge to Lake Wanaka. The rest of the day is at your leisure, perhaps to visit Puzzling World or the Fighter Pilots' Museum. Overnight in Wanaka

Day 6: Wanaka - Glaciers
Travel through the southern lake district to the Haast Pass. Dense rainforest contrasts with rugged coastal vistas as you travel north towads the glaciers. Stay two nights at Fox or Franz Josef Glacier.

Day 7: At Fox or Franz Josef Glacier
A whole day is available for optional excursions onto the glacier, by foot or by helicopter, for bush walks or local sightseeing.

Day 8: Glaciers - Christchurch
Travel north past Hokitika, where you can see jade carvers at work, to Greymouth. Here you board the renowned Tranz Alpine train and travel through the lengthy Otira Tunnel, over Arthurs Pass and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch once more. Overnight in Christchurch.

Day 9: Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
The Tranz Coastal train makes an early start through dry North Canterbury sheep country. Next it edges along the narrow coastal strip between the ocean and the rugged Kaikora Ranges, before turning inland to Blenheim and Picton. Board the Interislander ferry to cruise through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to the Wellington in the North Island. Enjoy the upgrade on the Interislander ferry to premium class. Stay 2 nights in Wellington.

Day 10: At Wellington
This morning a half-day tour of the city will take in the Parliament Buildings and 'Beehive', Old St Paul's Cathedral, panoramic views of the harbour and city from Mt Victoria and a ride on the cable car. This afternoon is free, perhaps to visit Te Papa Museum or the Museum of City and Sea.

Day 11: Wellington - Rotorua
Travel north along the Kaikora Coast and then ascend the central plateau, where the peaks of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe stand watch over Lake Taupo. Pass the steam fields of Wairakei and exotic forests to arrive in fiery Rotorua. We recommend you attend a fascinating Maori hangi and concert tonight (optional). Stay two nights in Rotorua

Day 12: At Rotorua
A half day sightseeing tour is included. You will see roaring geysers, boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. This afternoon is free - there are many activities to attract you.

Day 13: Rotorua - Waitomo - Auckland
After leaving fiery Rotorua, you travel to Waitomo for a tour of the limestone caves. Board an underground punt to cruise in awe below a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue via Hamilton and the Waikato River to Auckland once more.

Tour Inclusions:

*All tours are flexible. Extra nights and pre and post tour accommodation available.