Australian Natural Adventures

Wildlife, Nature & Soft Adventure Tours

 

 

 

Mountains and Lakes

 

Explore New Zealand's South Island on a 8 day guided Group Adventure

On this group tour - with no more than 21 passengers in a roomy luxury mini coach - journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train, visit Fox Josef Glacier, Mt Cook, stay on magical Stewart Island, overnight on Milford Sound, and visit Queenstown, New Zealand's Adventure Capital. This tour is special, with an overnight cruise on Milford Sound - not just the normal tourist-packed 1.5 hour cruise, and we spend two nights on Stewart Island, the best place in New Zealand to see wild kiwis.

 

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
Arrive into Christchurch today where you are met and transferred to your hotel, Huntley Lodge, built in 1876 and still retaining its historic features after an extensive restoration. This evening meet your tour director and fellow travelers for a welcome drink and dinner.           (D)

 

Day 2: Christchurch - Franz Josef
We board the world famous TranzAlpine for our journey across the Canterbury Plains through the Southern Alps. This is rated as one of the world's top train journeys. Join our coach at Arthur's Pass and visit the small town of Hokitika for a Jade jewellery demonstration. We travel through the gold-mining town of Ross before arriving at Franz Josef. This afternoon we enjoy informative commentary from our expert local glacier guide as he walks us to our viewing area at mighty Franz Josef Glacier.      (B,D)

    

Day 3: Franz Josef - Queenstown
This morning there is time for an optional scenic flight over the glacier (weather permitting) or to take a dip in the local hot pools. Later we travel over the Haast Pass and along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Stop to explore the historic gold-mining town of Arrowtown followed by an orientation tour of Queenstown before arriving at our exclusive accommodation, Millbrook Resort. Tonight is at leisure to dine at one of the restaurants at the resort.       (B)

   

Day 4: Queenstown 'Free Time'
Today is free for you to explore at your leisure. Perhaps try a jet boat ride, white water rafting or a round of golf at Millbrook's world-renowned golf course. Tonight we ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak for dinner with a view overlooking stunning Queenstown, the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu.        (B,D)

 

Day 5: Queenstown - Milford Sound
We travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island. Later we travel into the Fiordland National Park. We take time to explore the Mirror Lakes, Pop's Lookout and the Chasm before arriving into Milford Sound for our overnight cruise. Enjoy dinner on board tonight; evening on the sound can be very evocative, whether with a surreal sunset or a misty calm.    (B,D)

     

Day 6: Milford Sound - Stewart Island
This morning we enjoy the many early morning activities on board. Perhaps take a walk on the foreshore or try kayaking on the Sound. Later we continue further south to the southern-most city in New Zealand, Invercargill. This afternoon we board our ferry at Bluff to cruise to Stewart Island. Tonight is free to dine at one of the cafés or the local hotel.        (B)

       

Day 7: Stewart Island
Enjoy a Village and Bays tour this morning before a cruise with lunch on Paterson Inlet. Stop at Ulva Island and spend time with native wildlife. Ulva Island is managed by the Department of Conservation. It is predator-free and is a must for viewing native birds and flora. Tonight you can take an beach tour to find kiwis (added expense)           (B,L)

 

Day 8: Stewart Island - Queenstown
We board our ferry and return to the mainland. We travel towards Queenstown stopping to try local stone fruit at Cromwell. The tour concludes in Queenstown, allowing you to continue to discover this wonderful area.            (B)
  

 

 

8 days priced from US$4745 to $5185 per person depending on month of departure.
Departures: all months except July.

 

Call us for to book or for more information - tollfree 1 877 VEGEMITE

 

 

Images of Milford Sound with Milford Mariner courtesy Real Journeys