South Island Express
Tags:
Sightseeing; Christchurch; Milford Sound; Red Boat Cruise; South Island Express; Lake Dunstan;
The express series is great when you have one week of vacation time and you don't want to waste a minute. This tour highlights the Garden City (Christchurch), the Adventure Capital (Queenstown) and allows you to experience the coast where you can go whale watching.
Read Full Description- Destination:
- Christchurch, New Zealand; Kaikoura, New Zealand; Milford Sound, New Zealand; Queenstown, New Zealand
- Trip Length:
- 9 days
- Price Range:
- From $0 to $2000 per person See what this includes and what this excludes
- Best Time to Go:
- Any time.
- Recommended for:
-
Infants (under 2)
Children (2 - 5)
Children (6 - 8)
Children (9 - 11)
Children (12 - 14)
Children (15 - 17)
Adults (18 - 20)
Adults (25 - 29)
Family Trip, Group Retreat, Trip Around the World
Detailed Trip Description
The express series is great when you have one week of vacation time and you don't want to waste a minute. This tour highlights the Garden City (Christchurch), the Adventure Capital (Queenstown) and allows you to experience the coast where you can go whale watching.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - On the Plane
Commercial Flight
Today you leave to New Zealand. The adventure begins!
Day 2 - On the Plane
In Flight.
Commercial Flight
You lose this day due to the International Dateline. You will get it back at the end of your trip.
Day 3 - Christchurch
You arrive in Christchurch, the Garden City. You will be transferred to your hotel.
Relaxation
Where you will have a chance to rest or get refreshed for the day.
Sightseeing
Go punting on the river running through the city. Afterwards you have some free time to walk around the botanical gardens.
Day 4 - Kaikoura
Christchurch - Kaikora.
Sightseeing
Board the Great Sights tour for the full day Whale Watching Tour. Leaving Christchurch, your coach will cross the North Canterbury Plains and continue through the Hundalees. Travel by the rugged coastline to Kaikora. Whale watching is at it's best as you cruise in special purpose built seacraft to view the majestic whale. The sea also abounds with other sea life; seals, Dusky dolphin and the rare Hector dolphins can sometimes be seen. You will then return back to Christchurch.
Day 5 - Queenstown
Christchurch - Mt. Cook - Queenstown.
Sightseeing
This morning you will join your coach to Mt. Cook. You will first travel through the outskirts of Christchurch, through the Canterbury Plains where you will stop for tea (own expense). Then continue along the shores of Lake Pukaaki, then follow the Tasman river to Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in Australasia. Here you will have a break to enjoy the mountain area and if you would like, have some lunch (own expense). Flights seeing the mountain are available for an extra fee. To pre-book just ask us! Travel back down the Tasman Valley and onto Omarama. A short stop is made here before continuing to Lindis Pass. You will then follow the shores of Lake Dunstan to Cromwell and into the Kawarau Gorge in Queenstown in the early evening.
Day 6 - Queenstown
Adventure
Today you can take the action packed shotover jet. Here you will experience the jet boat at the extreme. The rest of the day is free. Queenstown is the unofficial adventure city of the world. Here you have many options for adventure activities to get the adrenaline pumping.
Rafting
Rafting, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Ride, Sky Dive.
Day 7 - Queenstown
Sightseeing
You will have a 4WD Lord of the Rings tour. This tour gives you the opportunity to see the incredible natural backdrops for this movie. Even if you are not a Lord of the Rings buff, you will enjoy this tour because of the beautiful sights. There is a morning tea included. Afternoon Options: Any of the above listed activities.
Food and Dining
This evening you will travel by Gondola up the side of the mountain. Here you will be able to enjoy a buffet dinner whilst overlooking the lights of the city.
Performing Arts
Then you will enjoy a Maori experience and show. After the show you will have an opportunity to take a photo with a male & female Maori performer.
Adventure
There is a bungee swing on the top that can be pre-booked. Jumping off a ramp into darkness is a great way to start off your evening. You will take a Gondola back down.
Day 8 - Milford Sound
Queenstown - Milford Sound.
River or Barge Cruise
Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park. Upon arrival in Milford, join your Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise for an unforgettable experience. Return to Queenstown.
Day 9 - Milford Sound
Return USA.
You will be transferred to the airport where you will fly home via Christchuch. You will return with a lifetime of wonderful memories.
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