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Mountain Magic(Tour Code : T65)An amazing tour of New Zealand featuring scenic rail journeys, glaciers, lakes and mountains. Day 1: Auckland Waitomo Rotorua Travel south through lush Waikato farmland, past Hamilton, to Waitomo Caves for a boat ride under a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue east to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. We recommend you attend a Maori hangi (feast) and concert tonight Stay 2 nights in Rotorua. Day 2: At Rotorua This morning see roaring geysers and boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. Your afternoon is free there are many activities to enjoy. Day 3: Rotorua Wellington Drive south to Wairakei - wreathed by steam, then to Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo, and cross the volcanic landscape of the Desert Rd past the majestic peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu. Continue across the fertile plains of the Manawatu and along the rugged Kapiti coastline to Wellington. An evening tour takes in Parliament Buildings, Old St Pauls Cathedral and Mt Victoria. Overnight in Wellington Day 4: Wellington Picton Christchurch Cross Cook Strait by ferry, to the Marlborough Sounds and Picton. The TranzCoastal train skims the spectacular coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. Continue through North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch. As you arrive in the evening, consider adding an extra day in our most English city. Overnight in Christchurch Day 5: Christchurch Glaciers Aboard the renowned TranzAlpine train cross the Canterbury Plains to the mountains, where Arthurs Pass and the Otira Tunnel lead to the West Coast. Continue by coach through along the narrow, bush clad, coastal plain. Stay in Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers townships for 2 nights. Day 6: At the Glaciers A whole day is available for optional excursions on the Glacier, for bush walks or simply soak up the beauty of snow-capped mountains contrasting with the deep greens of the native bush. Day 7: Glaciers Queenstown Continue south into dense rain forest broken by rugged coastal vistas. As the Haast River guides you inland through the Haast Pass, you may like to travel part of the way by jet boat. Reach Lake Wanaka in the early afternoon. Continue through the rugged Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown for 2 nights stay. Day 8: At Queenstown Today is free for you to enjoy this fabulous Alpine resort we have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping. Day 9: Queenstown Milford Sound Te Anau An early start around the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to Lake Te Anau, then into Fiordland National Park. Pass through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to view the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls aboard a cruise on the Sound. Climb out of Milford Sound to return to Te Anau. Overnight in Te Anau. Day 10: Te Anau Dunedin This morning cross the Waimea plains towards the farming community of Gore, then continue across the rolling hill country of Southland and South Otago to Dunedin "the Edinburgh of the South". Overnight in Dunedin. Day 11: Dunedin Mount Cook (D) Travel north through historic Oamaru, Then inland alongside the Waitaki River, harnessed to provide Hydo-electiric power to the spectacular terrain of the McKenzie country, bounded by the Southern Alps. Tonight, diner is provided in the spectacular Alpine Veiw restaurant at The Hermitage. Overnight at Aoraki-Mt Cook Village. Day 12: Mount Cook - Christchurch (B) After breakfast you will have time to soak up the isolated beauty of Aoraki- Mt Cook village before continuing your journey north in the afternoon through Bourkes Pass, Fairlie and Geraldine to Christchurch. Tour ends on arrival at 6.45pm.
Tour Costs
Farmstay Option
Meeting and Departure Services
Additional nights available an any destinationAdd an extra night at a competitive rate - To extend your tour, advise your consultant at the time of booking. Popular destinations for additional nights are Auckland, Christchurch, Glaciers, Wellington, Rotorua and Dunedin. We also recommend that travellers spend extra nights before and after a tour to explore the gateway cities, as each has its own unique attractions - just ask. This tour also operates in reverse; ex Christchurch - Click Here |
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