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48
South Island Adventure
Christchurch to Christchurch Trek Code: NZS Year Round Departures
10
days
Budget Lodging Tour
SOUTH ISLAND Hokitika Franz Joseph Glacier Christchurch Mt. Cook NP
Milford Sound
Queenstown
STEWART ISLAND
ITINERARY
Departs our Christchurch hotel at 07.30 hrs 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Punakaiki L Franz Josef L Franz Josef L Queenstown L Queenstown L Queenstown L 7. Queenstown L 8. Milford Sound Cruise SB 9. Omarama/ Mt Cook L 10. Christchurch
Discover the splendid South Island with its glaciers, mountains, fjords and wild west coast.
Going west from Christchurch we head over the fertile Canterbury plains heading for the mountains. We leave the dry East Coast and cross the dividing range to go down to the lush, green and moist West Coast. The countryside changes radically as great deep blue rivers spring from the steep mountainsides. The drive down the coast today is beautiful. We have several cultural activity options before leaving for Franz Joseph Glacier along the coast of forests, lakes and hidden beaches. We arrive at Franz Joseph Glacier where sights and activities are plentiful. Go on a guided hike on the glacier or a flight in a helicopter with an upper glacier landing for the ultimate photo. We follow on down the coast via totally deserted coastline, native forest and spectacular mountains. At Haast we climb up into the mountains and cross the divide of the Southern Alps and descend into the heart of the southern lakes district. Continue to Queenstown; the world's extreme sport capital, with an unbelievable selection of activities to suit anyone. This is an amazingly beautiful city and a hub of activity with great shops, bars and activity centres. Three days here allow you to relax and make the most of this very special place. On to Milford Sound, where the mountains meet the sea and the great fjords are waiting to be explored. Here, we board the Milford Wanderer for our overnight cruise. The ocean is crystal clear and full of sea life. Take a paddle in a kayak with the dolphins over the tranquil waters and sit back and just contemplate your surroundings. This is a remote corner of the world still in its wild pristine state and is full of fantastic photo opportunities. During the winter months of May through September this is a day trip only without kayaking. We also offer the awe-inspiring dart River Jet Safari as an alternative to Milford for those who would prefer to do this in winter. After returning to dry land we drive up close to the foot of New Zealand's highest peak, Mt Cook. The drive is over expansive high country farmland with views of the Alps, rivers and lakes. Here we have a last night out with all the gang before returning to Christchurch. Whenever possible, this night's accommodation will be in Mt Cook National Park itself. We swing into Mt Cook and hope to catch a view of this spectacular mountain. There are wonderful lake views and photo opportunities galore. It is now time to continue on to Christchurch and say your goodbyes to everyone.
This trek may operate in either direction
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TRIP DETAILS
Duration: 10 days Start/Finish: Christchurch/Christchurch Accommodation: 8 nights budget lodging, 1 night overnight cruise boat Meals: NZD$10 daily food kitty, Some meals paid locally Group Size: 14 Maximum Flights: See page 58 or contact us for competitive flight quotes
WHAT'S INCLUDED
* Experienced tour guide, budget accommodation and transportation * During the summer months (Oct-April) there is an overnight Milford Sound Cruise and Kayaks on the Milford Wanderer * During the winter months (May-Sept) there is a day trip on the Milford Sound Cruise with an option of the Dart River Jet Safari * Gondola trip to the Skyline overview in Queenstown * Admission to all national parks and cultural sites as per itinerary
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
* Rafting * Parapent * Bungy * Jet Boating * Mountain Biking * Glacier Flights and Hikes * Winter Skiing
For departure dates and prices please see pages 56-57
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