14 Day - Southern Skies

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand!

On arrival you will be met by our representative & transferred by limousine to your city hotel.

Christchurch is the nation’s second largest city and because of its extensive gardens and the Avon River meandering though, it is regarded as the most English of New Zealand cities “The Garden City”. Residents and visitors alike love the city's vibrant nightlife, award-winning restaurants and cafes, fashion precincts, heritage architecture and of course its gardens and wide open spaces for which the city is internationally renowned. This is a city of contrasts, a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment it is world-renowned for. It really is the 'city that shines'.

Some sightseeing and activity options available:

One Nights Accommodation at the Novotel in Christchurch. Located in the city centre, this contemporary hotel has city views in all rooms. It is walking distance from the Convention Centre and Hagley Park. Featuring  spacious rooms with contemporary design and double glazed windows, Novotel’s restaurant is open throughout the day, serving New Zealand cuisine and excellent wines. There is also a fully equipped gym and a popular bar. 

After a leisurely breakfast, travel inland to the naturally picturesque and tranquil alpine village of Hanmer Springs, nestled in a valley surrounded by a superb expanse of mountains and forest clad hills. Relax in the hot thermal pools at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve before continuing on to the township of Kaikoura, nestled in a narrow strip of stunning coastline that lies between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean.

One Nights Accommodation at the White Morph Inn in Kaikoura. A quality complex situated on the quiet beachfront of Kaikoura. It is ideally located for visitors staying in the area to go whale watching and dolphin swimming. The White Morph has on site parking and on-site restaurant and bar.

Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience & sightings may vary from day to day. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins & the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Hump Back whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales & Southern Right whales. Later, continue north to Blenheim, gateway to the well-known Marlborough Sounds region before arriving at Nelson, a city of charm based on a harbour that is home to the busiest fishing port in New Zealand.

Marine Mammal encounters available:

Two Nights Accommodation at the Rutherford Heritage Hotel in Nelson. luxurious hotel accommodation with a full complement of features designed to help you achieve the most from your stay. The hotel offers a range of superior guest facilities including two restaurants, and is only a couple of minutes walk from Nelson’s main shopping district and landmark cathedral.

Today you can choose from a number of included Cruise & Walk or Cruise only options in the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Cruise into protected bays & view the fur seal colony on Tonga Island. The launch hugs the shore, travelling in close to idyllic beaches fringed by native forest. The Abel Tasman Coastal track is well formed & shaded and comes out onto protected beaches excellent for swimming. Your Tour Host will give you details of the various choices available & will be happy to guide you as to the best tour that suits your own individual needs. Enjoy a great day on the water combining cruising, sightseeing, bush walks & beautiful beaches.

Sightseeing and activity options:

Travel south through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving on the West Coast.

The heaving swells of the Tasman Sea have carved the coastline of the West Coast for millions of years. Nowhere is the effect on the landscape more spectacular and profound than at Punakaiki. These rocks really are remarkable pieces of natural sculpture, a series of stratified limestone stacks which, over many thousands of years, have been eroded to give the effect of giant piles of neatly stacked pancakes.

One Nights Accommodation at Punakaiki Resort in Paparoa National Park. Few places in the world can offer comfort so close to the wild action. All rooms are architecturally designed to maintain a sense of privacy and maximise the incredible ocean and rainforest views while ensuring harmony with the local environment.

The West Coast is home to towering rainforests, mountains and glaciers, tranquil lakes and rushing rivers. It is steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1860's. Our overnight stay tonight is in the glacial village of Franz Josef. There is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region this afternoon (subject to weather conditions).

Sightseeing and activity options:

One Nights Accommodation at Punga Grove in Franz Joseph. Punga Grove offers stylish accommodation in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village. Perfectly positioned in a beautiful rainforest, set amongst native forest against a stunning backdrop of high alpine peaks, Wake up to call of native birds, step from your motel room into luxuriant rainforest, and be spellbound by superb alpine and glacier views.

View breath-taking scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. There is time to wander around the popular lakeside townships of Hawea and Wanaka before travelling over the spectacular Crown Range to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. On to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine resort regarded as New Zealand's premier holiday destination.

Two Nights Accommodation at the Heritage Hotel in Queenstown. Brilliantly positioned overlooking the awe-inspiring vistas of Queenstown, The Heritage Queenstown is a sophisticated European-style resort hotel within easy walking distance of the Queenstown Township. Standing proud above the shores of the picturesque Lake Wakatipu, with magnificent views of the majestic Remarkables Mountain Range.

Enjoy a free day today to experience this magnificent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure & leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. There are numerous activities from which to choose and your Tour Host will be pleased to offer advice and help you in your selection.

Here is a selection of the many options:

Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. Continue along the spectacular Milford Road and through the hand-strewn Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound where you board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise. Cruise the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea & view spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains & wildlife. The Milford Mariner is designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand trading scow to reflect Fiordland's heritage and you will be accommodated in private cabins with en-suite bathrooms in this purpose-built vessel. It boasts spacious deck areas for viewing the wilderness, scenery & wildlife of Milford and activities include kayaking and excursions in the tender vessels (stabi craft) to explore the coastline.

Overnight in the Sheltered Harrison Cove on the Milford Mariner.

For those wishing to return to Queenstown by air, an optional scenic flight is available (subject to weather conditions). Upon our return, the rest of the day is free to relax & enjoy all that this spectacular resort has to offer.

Two Nights Accommodation at the Heritage Hotel in Queenstown. Brilliantly positioned overlooking the awe-inspiring vistas of Queenstown, The Heritage Queenstown is a sophisticated European-style resort hotel within easy walking distance of the Queenstown Township. Standing proud above the shores of the picturesque Lake Wakatipu, with magnificent views of the majestic Remarkables Mountain Range.

This Wilderness Safari takes you on a spectacular Jet Boat journey through the Dart’s ever-changing braided river system, where you’ll be thrilled by our Jet Boat's capabilities including jet spins and awed by your surroundings of breathtaking snow-capped mountains, ancient native forest, waterfalls and glacial valleys frozen in time. It includes an easy guided 30 - 40 minute walk through the ‘Heritage Trail’ at Paradise, where your knowledgeable guide will enliven your walk with an informative and entertaining commentary about the ancient native beech forest, the unique flora and fauna, as well as the fascinating Maori and colonial history of the area.

Leaving the main tour party, travel by a regional tour operator to Mt Cook National Park. This world heritage listed site covers over 70,000 hectares of stunning alpine scenery. Optional ski- plane and helicopter scenic flights are available this afternoon subject to weather conditions. Entry to the Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre & Museum is included. After dinner, enjoy stargazing in the southern skies with expert astronomers. Telescopes ensure a close look at stars, planets, moon craters and distant galaxies.

Some sightseeing and activity options:

Two Nights Accommodation at the Hermitage in Mt Cook Village. The Hermitage Hotel is a world renowned tourist destination and has been an icon of superior accommodation and dining since 1884. From an intrepid journey through glacial valleys to a mouthwatering culinary dining adventure, The Hermitage Hotel is the perfect ‘base camp’ to discover your Peak Experience.

This morning you get to experience the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake and icebergs up close on the only tour of its kind in New Zealand. Experienced local guides whisk you away in a stable MAC boat to explore the melting ice face of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest, and you’ll be able to touch & taste 500 year old ice. Rejoin your coach early afternoon and travel to Lake Tekapo and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd before crossing the vast Canterbury Plains to the 'Garden City' of Christchurch.

One Nights Accommodation at the Novotel in Christchurch. Located in the city centre, this contemporary hotel has city views in all rooms. It is walking distance from the Convention Centre and Hagley Park. Featuring  spacious rooms with contemporary design and double glazed windows, Novotel’s restaurant is open throughout the day, serving New Zealand cuisine and excellent wines. There is also a fully equipped gym and a popular bar.

Sadly, your holiday is at an end and you will be transferred to Christchurch airport today for your onward flight.

Please take the time to view our “Virtual Tour” for the 14 Day Southern Skies tour or download or print the detailed “Tour Dossier”. Both can be found on the right hand column of this page. Alternatively you can simply contact us. For a comprehensive  list of  all activities available in each location featured in this tour, please refer to the "Destination Guide" found at the top of this page.