9D Southern Highlights

Christchurch – Frank Josef – Queenstown – Te Anau – Dunedin – Omarama – Christchurch

Price on application

Visit the land of the long white cloud and experience the fresh air, magnificent scenery and outdoor activities. Enjoy the fresh stone fruit of Cromwell like, cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums. You will also have a chance to buy the soft fleece of sheep at the Country Farms during your visit.

Itinerary

Day 1

Christchurch

Arrival in Christchurch and transfer to the hotel. Three hours panoramic tour of Christchurch.

Day 2

Christchurch – Frank Josef

Transfer to train station to board the iconic TranzAlpine train, Arrive at Arthur’s Pass, the highest settlement on the South Island, and continue to Hokitika, home of New Zealand’s famous greenstone. Drive to Franz Josef Glacier for overnight.

Day 3

Frank Josef – Queenstown

Drive over the spectacular Haast Pass this morning, passing the 96-metre Thunder Creek Falls and serene Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. Stop in Cromwell and enjoy the tastes of the delicious stone fruit for which the region is known. Next, you’ll visit the historic gold mining settlement of Arrowtown, where more than 70 original buildings from the gold-rush era are preserved. An orientation tour of Queenstown, which sits on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic mountain ranges, completes your day.

Day 4

Queenstown

Free day to explore Queenstown. Take a peaceful cruise this evening across Lake Wakatipu aboard the century-old TSS Earnslaw.

Day 5

Queenstown – Te Anau

This morning you’ll travel the iconic stretch of highway known as the Devil’s Staircase, and along the shores of serene Lake Wakatipu to the town of Te Anau. On your way to Milford Sound, you’ll be awestruck by the towering native rainforests and rugged mountains of Fiordland National Park. Your cruise on the magnificent Sound provides views of cascading waterfalls, hanging glacial valleys, and the sheer pinnacle of Mitre Peak – it’s sure to be one of the highlights of your New Zealand adventure. Return to lakeside Te Anau, visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

Day 6

Te Anau – Dunedin

Journey through the lush green sheep-grazing country on your way to Dunedin. Panoramic tour of Dunedin.

Day 7

Dunedin – Omarama

This morning during a tour of the city you’ll have the opportunity to visit the stately home known as Larnach Castle. Then set out for the historic town of Oamaru, with its elegant tree-lined streets and celebrated white limestone buildings. Later, follow the course of the mighty Waitaki River, passing the monumental Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Aviemore on your way to Omarama.

Day 8

Omara – Christchurch

Travel through the awe-inspiring Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park. At 3,724 metres, Aoraki/ Mt. Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain. Stop at serene Lake Tekapo, and view the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, whose altar window frames a perfect view of the Southern Alps beyond the lake. Later, traverse the fertile Canterbury Plains and return to the vibrant city of Christchurch, where your holiday began.

Day 9

Christchurch

Transfer to Airport.

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 till 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.