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| Day by Day Itinerary: |
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| Day 1 - Christchurch / Greymouth |
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 Join the Tranz Alpine train this morning which departs at 8.15am, crossing the broad Canterbury Plains then following the Waimakariri River to Arthurs Pass. Through the snowcapped Southern Alps to Otira, descending past Lake Brunner and through rainforest to Greymouth. On arrival you are transferred to Hotel Ashley with the remainder of the day at leisure. Hotel Ashley (1 night) |
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| Day 2 - Greymouth / Fox Glacier |
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| Remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes with dense native bush and forest, all dominated by the towering Southern Alps, highlight your journey to Fox Glacier. Plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glaciers terminal face, a helicopter flight and snow landing or walk to nearby Lake Matheson. Fox Glacier Hotel. (1 night) |
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| Day 3 - Fox Glacier / Wanaka |
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 Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Aspiring National Park. At Wanaka a choice of two afternoon activities. Either a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island, a nature reserve, for a bush walk followed by refreshments. Look for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird whose curiosity is likely to attract them close to you. Alternatively a very picturesque walk along a track beside the Clutha River as it flows from Lake Wanaka to a picnic spot. Enjoy light refreshments and a thrilling jet boat excursion on the river tailored to suit – full on exciting, leisurely scenic cruising or somewhere in between. Mt Aspiring Hotel. (1 night) |
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| Day 4 - Wanaka / Queenstown |
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Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and gold mining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant (entire group). You have 2 choices for the next three days and Kirra Tours enthusiastically recommend.
Options 1: The Greenstone Valley Guided Walk. Today enjoy the sights, sounds and activities of Queenstown plus attend a pre-walk briefing. Rydges Hotel. (1 night)
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| Day 5 - Queenstown / Steel Creek |
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| By coach to Glenorchy then onto the track, stately beech forests, rocky gorges and silent river pools with Robins and Tom Tits for company. Its 18km to Steel Creek Lodge nestled on broad river flats. |
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| Day 6 - Steel Creek / Lake McKellar |
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| Red tussock land, ancient bog pines and cottonwoods with sheer mountainsides above and possibly deer on the forests edge. 14km to Lake McKellar Lodge. |
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| Day 7 - Lake McKellar / Milford Sound |
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| To the Greenstone Saddle, through lush forests to Lake Howden, then ascend Key Summit (919m) an area of alpine swamp with incredible 360 degree views, so spectacular, then down to rejoin your Tour on the Milford Road. At The Divide meet the other group and travel through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight. (1 night) |
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Or...
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| Day 4 - Wanaka / Queenstown |
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 Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and goldmining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant. At leisure in Queenstown, jet boating, lake cruises, a day on the Routeburn Track, Lord of the Rings Tours, rafting and more shops, galleries and boutiques than you can count – enjoy. Dinner day 13 is not included allowing the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice. Rydges Hotel. (3 nights)
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| Day 5 - Queenstown |
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| At leisure in Queenstown |
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| Day 6 - Queenstown |
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| At leisure in Queenstown. |
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| Day 7 - Queenstown / Milford Sound |
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| Follow the lake to Kingston, across fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri then Lake Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley, native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains.At The Divide collect the Greenstone Trek group and travel through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight. (1 night) |
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| Day 8 - Milford Sound / Dunedin |
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 Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world. Rugged and remote mountains change to lush green countryside, which in turn gives way to rolling hills as you approach Dunedin, the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift. Cargills Hotel. (2 nights) |
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| Day 9 - Dunedin |
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| A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude of optional activities available. A Monarch Wildlife Cruise, Natures Wonders Tour (both featuring penguins, seals and birdlife), the Taieri Gorge Railway, a Citibus Newtons Tour, fascinating Larnach Castle or Tour the Cadbury Factory or Speights Brewery. Have fun! |
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| Day 10 - Dunedin / Omarama |
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| Visit Olveston, Dunedin’s majestic historic home with its original furnishings. See bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and a rocky coastline, view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes to Omarama. Heritage Gateway Hotel. (1 night) |
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| Day 11 - Omarama / Mt Cook / Christchurch |
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| Pass the milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook National Park and village, amidst New Zealand’s highest mountains. At Lake Tekapo view the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial with time for a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air Safaris. Descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch. Your tour concludes at approx 5pm after a brief city tour. |
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| Departure Dates: |
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| TOUR |
START TUE
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FINISH FRI
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| XL11 |
21 Oct 2008
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31 Oct 2008
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XL112
(1) |
07 Nov 2008
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17 Nov 2008
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| XL12 |
11 Nov 2008
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21 Nov 2008
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| XL13 |
02 Dec 2008
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12 Dec 2008
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| XL14 |
23 Dec 2008
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02 Jan 2009
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| TOUR |
START TUE
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FINISH FRI
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| XL15 |
13 Jan 2009 |
23 Jan 2009 |
| XL152 |
20 Jan 2009 |
30 Jan 2009 |
| XL16 |
27 Jan 2009 |
06 Feb 2009 |
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| XL162 |
03 Feb 2009 |
13 Feb 2009 |
| XL17 |
10 Feb 2009 |
20 Feb 2009 |
| XL172 |
17 Feb 2009 |
27 Feb 2009 |
XL173
(2) |
26 Feb 2009 |
08 Mar 2009 |
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| XL18 |
03 Mar 2009 |
13 Mar 2009 |
| XL182 |
10 Mar 2009 |
20 Mar 2009 |
| XL19 |
17 Mar 2009 |
27 Mar 2009 |
| XL192 |
24 Mar 2009 |
03 Apr 2009 |
| XL20 |
31 Mar 2009 |
10 Apr 2009 |
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| XL21 |
14 Apr 2009 |
24 Apr 2009 |
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(1) Start Friday, finish Monday
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(2) Start Thursday, finish Sunday
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* Overnight in Wanaka replaced with Queenstown due to Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow.
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