A luxurious way of getting in touch
with nature Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch - Darfield
You will be met on arrival in Christchurch and driven across the spectacular Canterbury
plains to the farming community of Darfield, location of the Bangor Country
Estate.
Day 2: Kaikoura day trip
Enjoy a drive through the rich pastoral land of North Canterbury, to Kaikoura on the
rugged east coast. Off the coast is a marine environment so rich in nutrients that it
attracts a wealth of sea and bird life, in particular sperm whales, but also humpback
whales(June and July), orcas (summer months), New Zealand's own tiny Hectors dolphin,
Dusky dolphins, fur seals and the royal albatross. Our tour today will give you the
opportunity to view their activities on the sea and in the air.
Day 3: Darfield - Arthur's Pass
Journey into the rugged Southern Alps to Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass. The
lodge is set admidst mountain beech forest, tussock and moss-lined streams and lakes. The
Southern Alps form a natural barrier along the middle of the South island which
contributes to the vastly differing climate and ecosystems on each coast. Amongst
the mountains themselves is another completely different microcosm with its own unique
flora and fauna. Accompany the lodge's specialist nature guides on a tour
of discovery. learn about the beech forest, rare and endangered flora and fauna as well as
the rigours of high country farming.
Day 4: Arthur's Pass - Franz Josef
Okarito Lagoon is the largest unmodified wetland in New Zealand and
is surrounded by magnificent kahikatea and rimu rainforest. The area is so green and
luxuriant that it is often compared to the Amazonian rainforest. Ferns and mosses festoon
the towering kahikatea trees and wild orchids can be found in the forest. The lagoon is a
birdwatcher's paradise, home to more than 70 bird species and the only white heron (
kotuku) nesting colony in New Zealand.Kayaking on the lagoon is a great way to watch the
birds in this finely balanced eco-system. Watch for tuis,bellbirds, pigeons and kea. One
night at Westwood Lodge.
Day 5: Franz Josef - Lake Moeraki
A helicopter ride will take you onto the Franz Josef Glacier to enjoy a guided hike
amongst the pinnacles and ice falls of this majestic river of ice. Then travel further
down the rugged West Coast to Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge in the heart of a world
heritage area. Stay two nights.
Day 6: Lake Moeraki
The lodge's nature guides will help you explore the rainforest, beaches with colonies of
fur seals, crested penguins and pristine lakes and rivers.
Day 7: Lake Moeraki - Te Anau
The speactacular scenery will aew you as you skirt the shores of lakes Wanaka and Wakatipu
on your way to Te Anau, the Gateway to Fiordland'. Stay two nights at Takaro Lodge,
home of Energy Clinique New Zealand.
Day 8: Doubtful Sound Excursion
Today's excursion to the untouched paradise of Doubtful Sound will
enthral you with its silence. A silence broken only by birdsong, or maybe the
rushing of a distant waterfall. You may catch sight of the 'locals' - a pod of bottlenose
dolphins, fur seals or rare penguins. Continue your adventure in the evening with a visit
to the glow-worm caves.
Day 9: Te Anau - Dunedin
Travel across the island to Dunedin, situated on the east coast at the base of the Otago
Peninsula. The peninsula is home to mainland colonies of such rare species as the royal
albatross and yellow eyed penguin, as well as seals and shags. Observe
them on a private conservation estate. Overnight at Corstorphine House
Day 10: Departure
You will be transfered to the airport for your onward flight.
Inclusions
1. Accommodation in exclusive lodges and hotel suites
2. All dinners and breakfasts
3. Guided hike on the Glacier
4. Whale watching in Kaikoura
