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The Grand Tour continued
Details and prices
Your accommodation
· 2 nights in Auckland at the Hilton · 2 nights in The Coromandel at Brenton Lodge* · 2 nights at Lake Taupo at Chalet Eiger* · 2 nights in Hawke's Bay at Cobden Villa* · 1 night in Wellington at Duxton Hotel · 2 nights in Marlborough Sound at the Bay of Many Coves · 2 nights in Kaikoura at Hapuku Lodge*
Doubtful Sound
· 1 night in Canterbury High County at Terrace Downs* · 2 nights in Queenstown at Queenstown House*
Days 18 and 19
Wanaka
Day 21
Christchurch
This lakeside town is like a cameo version of Queenstown, but more chilled out and arguably even more scenic. The local activities have more of a natural emphasis and feature a wide choice of walking trails. Your guest-house, River Run, sits on the side of a mountain with views of the lake and surrounding peaks. For a more intimate encounter with the nearby Mount Aspiring scenery, book a `Siberia Experience', which includes a scenic flight over the mountains, a walk and a jetboat ride back to base (£127). Day 20
Drive to Greymouth, arriving in time to drop off the car and catch the lunchtime departure of the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch. Your last night will be spent in the Worcester, a stone's throw from the river, next to Hagley Park and the botanic gardens and a stroll from several restaurants. You'll have time to enjoy the sights of this pretty city, not unlike Cambridge in the UK (you can even go punting!).
· 1 night at Doubtful Sound aboard the Fiordland Navigator, full board · 2 nights in Wanaka at River Run* · 1 night in Fox Glacier at Te Weheka Inn* · 1 night in Christchurch at The *includes breakfast Worcester*
Auckland Lake Taupo
Coromandel
Hawke's Bay Marlborough Wellington Sound Kaikoura Christchurch Doubtful Sound Wanaka Queenstown
Fox Glacier
· Let us know if you want us to tailor a similar itinerary to your particular interests.
Fox Glacier Want to add a few days?
You could turn the trip into a full `head to toe' journey through New Zealand by starting in the Bay of Islands, which epitomises the `100 per cent pure New Zealand' of the posters. The best approach would be to fly straight from Auckland's airport to Kerikeri (see page 46). If you want to see more of the South Island, particularly the wildlife at the southern tip, see page 14.
Head north, with a long day's drive over the Haast Pass and along the west coast, but a spectacular one with a Kodak moment at every bend. The final stretch of serpentine road will lead you to the small isolated town of Fox Glacier. You should have time to take a scenic flight over the glaciers (£121 for 60 mins) and a walk - 2hrs or so - through native forest around Lake Matheson, known as Mirror Lake for its perfect upside-down perspective on Mount Cook.
What's included Accommodation as
above, 17 days' car hire, transfers in Auckland and Christchurch, ferry crossing and TranzAlpine train. Touring options at approximate prices shown. · New Zealand can be toured by motorbike; ask us for more details, both for independent travel as well as escorted bike tours.
Guideline price per person, based on two sharing
Low season (Apr - Sep) High season (Oct - Mar) £1978 £2253
25
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