Tour New Zealand, Milford Sound Tours, South Island, Rotorua, Nelson, Queenstown
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38 Queenstown offers scenic beauty and wild adventures Day 17. Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau. Embark on one of the most scenic drives today as you journey along the Milford Road. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, then drive through the Homer Tunnel to be met by the majestic sight of Mitre Peak. Continue to spectacular Milford Sound, where you'll enjoy a cruise that explores the full length of this pristine fiord. See towering mountains climb straight out of the sea, be entranced by the verdant rainforest as it clings to sheer rock walls and watch in awe as cascading waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into the sea below. Afterwards, enjoy a drive through picturesque countryside to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau, set against the backdrop of Mount Luxmore and the Murchison mountains. Settle in to your hotel before enjoying dinner. Two Night Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotels & Villas. BD Day 18. Te Anau, Freedom of Choice. Today, choose from a range of exciting Freedom of Choice Sightseeing activities that are available to you. Perhaps explore an underground network of limestone caves, lit by thousands of tiny glow-worms. Or embark on a Doubtful Sound wilderness cruise and explore the beauty of this vast fiord, or the more adventurous could try the Luxmore Jet Boat ride. Equally tempting is the option to sit back and relax with a glass of wine as you enjoy a film featuring Fiordland's breathtaking landscapes. The rest of the day is yours at leisure to explore this magical region of New Zealand. B Day 19. Te Anau, Dunedin, Freedom of Choice. Depart the lakeside settlement of Te Anau and traverse Southland to Dunedin, a university town that was planned in Scotland and still maintains its Victorian and Edwardian heritage. Known as the Edinburgh of the south, this former goldmining town was once New Zealand's largest city thanks to an influx of miners during the goldrush. This afternoon, choose from our extensive range of Freedom of Choice Sightseeing Inclusions. Perhaps tour Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, and learn of its intriguing history. In keeping with the heritage theme, you may prefer to visit Olveston House, or visit Dunedin's beautiful railway station and board the Taieri Gorge Railway for a journey into the rugged countryside. Those who enjoy a beer might like to tour Speight's Brewery and taste the local brew that has been produced on this site since 1876. Alternatively, nature lovers can either visit an albatross colony; see penguins; or take an off-road tour of the Otago Peninsula. Stay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel. BD Day 20. Dunedin, Mt Cook. Today, travel north via the Waitaki Valley and Oamaru. See the unique collection of elegant Victorian-style architecture here, as we follow the coast to view the mysterious Moeraki Boulders along Koekohe Beach. These unique formations are concretions that formed in ancient sea floor sediments around 60 million years ago. Some of these incredible boulders are up to three metres in diameter. Follow the shores of blue Lake Pukaki before entering spectacular Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Here, appreciate the sheer magnitude of Australasia's highest mountain, Mt Cook. A favourite challenge for mountain climbers, the sight of it is truly awe-inspiring. APT HIGHLIGHT! Two Night Stay: Mt Cook, The Hermitage Hotel. BD Day 21. Mt Cook, Freedom of Choice. Today offers you the chance to explore Mt Cook through one of the Freedom of Choice Sightseeing options available to you. Perhaps visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and enjoy a stargazing session with an astronomer, or immerse yourself in the region's incredible native flora and fauna on a guided nature walk. Alternatively, during the summer months, board a MAC boat and get up close to icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers. B, FD Day 22. Mt Cook, Christchurch. This morning travel to beautiful Lake Tekapo and visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, perched on its shores. Built of locally gathered stone and oak, this charming church was erected as a tribute to the early pioneers of the region. Absorb the serenity of this magical area before continuing to Christchurch, the South Island's largest city for the final night of your luxury holiday. Stay: Rydges Latimer Christchurch. B Day 23. Depart Christchurch. Your journey ends today. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight. B www.aptouring.com.au