Key Information: Tour Duration: 1
- 5
day(s) Group Size: 1
- 10
people Destination(s):New Zealand Specialty Categories:Hiking & Trekking Season: January - December Airfare Included: No Tour Customizable: No Minimum Per Person Price: 2286 New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Maximum Per Person Price: 2913 New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Day 1 - You are met at Christchurch Airport (or elsewhere by arrangement) and given all your travel documents. Transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore Christchurch- New Zealand's Garden City. We suggest a visit to the Antarctic Centre or a trip around the city centre by tram. These are at your own extra cost if you wish to do them. Accom in Christchurch.
Day 2 - Transfer from your hotel, departing at 7:30 a.m. to catch the Tranz-Alpine Train at 8.10 a.m. Enjoy one of the world's most scenic train journeys as you travel through the Southern Alps to Greymouth. Arriving into New Zealand's most spectacular scenic region, you will be met off the train at Greymouth for an afternoon of exhilaration and intrigue.
EITHER: take a scenic guided drive up the stunning Coast Road to view the Pancake Rocks and Sea Geysers. Do the Myths and Legends Cave Tour where you can step into a forgotten world misted by time and ancient Maori legends. Then walk through rainforest and learn about medicines and food found here. On your return, stop and search for your own piece of New Zealand jade.
OR: visit the Dragons Cave Rafting Adventure. Float through a galaxy world lit only by glow-worms. Experience the thunder and roar of underground waterfalls and view the awe-inspiring cave formations in the Love Tunnel. Finishes with a hot spa and drinks. Accom at Ashley Motor Inn Greymouth.
Day 3 - Today we view New Zealand's finest Jade Artisans at work in the Jade Boulder Gallery. Walk the Galleries Heritage pathway and learn about New Zealand Jade's cultural significance.
Then step back in time at Shantytown. Visit New Zealand's 1860's Goldrush There are over 30 buildings of this fascinating era to explore. Experience the heat of a bygone age, as you ride one of their steam locomotives through native rainforest or pan for gold in Shantytown's working gold claim.We finish our visit with lunch in the colonial atmosphere of their Restaurant.
Continue south to Hokitika's Goldroom, the home of unique West Coast goldfields Jewellery. You will see enormous eels at Eco World or perhaps see a New Zealand Kiwi. We then take a 2 hour nature walk into an Alpine Valley where you will enjoy afternoon tea while relaxing in a natural Alpine Thermal Spa. Imagine drinking a glass of N.Z. wine while soaking up the heat as you gaze at the beautiful alpine scenery. Take an optional Hot-Rock River Rafting trip back to your vehicle or enjoy the walk out. Accom. at Fox Glacier.
Day 4 - Today you have an amazing alpine Adventure where you'll visit one of New Zealand's stunning snowfields near Mt Cook by helicopter, for a frolic on the roof of the world. You will walk a River of Ice and experience the deep blue Frozen Ice Caves and the glistening pinnacles of ice in a world you'll remember for the rest of your life. Finish with an easy walk around the Mirror Lakes for some photographs you will cherish forever. Overnight at Fox Glacier.
Day 5 - Continue into South Westland through the World Heritage Area and over the Gates of Haast Pass Route. Today you will be able to enjoy some short walks to view the grandeur of our Alpine Waterfalls. Arrive late afternoon in the Queenstown Alpine Resort.
Other modules can be added to this tour to make up a complete South Island tour circuit.
