10D Panoramic Tour of South Island

Price on application

Christchurch – Omarama – Dunedin - Te Anau – Queenstown – Franz Josef – Christchurch

 

On this ten day, Panoramic Tour of South Island visit the natural wonders and iconic landscapes. Journey through the forests, flats and meadows of Fiordland National Park and out to the unmissable Milford Sound. Enjoy the culinary and cultural delights of the South Island.

Itinerary

Day 2

Christchurch – Omara (B)

This morning, cross the Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps to the west. Stop to view the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog Memorial overlooking Lake Tekapo.

 

Visit Mt Cook National Park, with time to enjoy the scenic majesty of New Zealand’s highest snow-capped peaks and a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre before travelling around Lake Pukaki to Twizel and Omarama.

Day 3

Omarama – Dunedin (B)

Today travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru. Stop to view the mystical Moeraki Boulders. The Moeraki Boulders are unusually large and spherical boulders lying along a stretch of Koekohe Beach on the wave-cut Otago coast of New Zealand between Moeraki and Hampden. They occur scattered either as isolated or clusters of boulders within a stretch of beach where they have been protected in a scientific reserve.

 

Later, proceed to Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South. An early arrival allows you time to enjoy some of the many optional activities available. Before dinner this evening you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gifts

 

Day 4

Dunedin – Te Anau (B)

Enjoy spectacular views across the Otago Peninsula as you travel to Larnach Castle.  Depart Dunedin and head inland, crossing rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden, before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau, the gateway to the Fiordland National Park. Rest of the day is at leisure

Day 5

Te Anau – Milford Sound Cruise – Te Anau (B/L)

Today you will be taken for the Milford Sound day tour. Take an unforgettable journey into the heart of Milford Sound, New Zealand's most famous tourist destination. You'll experience the world-famous fiord in all its natural glory – surrounded by dense rainforest, glacier-carved valleys and beautiful waterfalls.

 

Day 6

Te Anau – Queenstown (B)

Today, continue north to Kingston, then skirt around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the picturesque alpine resort of Queenstown.  This evening, cruise across the lake aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw before reaching the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner. 

Day 7

Queenstown (B)

Queenstown boasts an incredible array of adventure and leisure activities. Take a ride on the world-famous Shotover Jet Boat, travel to the top of Bob’s Peak by gondola for spectacular views, take a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon or for the adventurous, try white water rafting. Alternatively, browse the many shops and galleries.

 

Day 8

Queenstown – Franz Josef (B)

Pass picturesque Lake Hayes on the way to Arrowtown, an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining era.

 

Stop at Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the edge of the lake with a spectacular mountain backdrop. View the untouched wilderness and pristine lakes of the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks before arriving on the West Coast, home to the twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef.

Day 9

Franz Josef – Christchurch (B)

Today, proceed to Greymouth to board the Trans-Alpine Train. At Hokitika, stop to visit a Pounamu, (also known as Greenstone or Jade) factory. Pounamu is considered a treasure in Maori culture and is seen as a sign of status and power.  Arrival in Christchurch and transfer to hotel.

Day 10

Christchurch (B)

Transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.

 

Private program - can start any day of the week and can be modified or operated in reverse

Included: Accommodation in 4* Hotels, meals as shown above, transfers & sightseeing using air-conditioned private car, local English speaking guides, entrance fees at monuments, current taxes, 24-hours local contact number for emergencies.

Note: Please contact us if you require more information on different Hotel categories.

Prices quoted are valid from 30 September 2023. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exoticholidays.co.nz for more information.