Tour New Zealand, Milford Sound Tours, South Island, Rotorua, Nelson, Queenstown
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32 Take in the picture perfect views of New Zealand's majestic mountains Day 1. Arrive Christchurch. Arrive in Christchurch, the gateway to the Southern Alps. Be met upon arrival by your APT Tour Director and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax or take in the sights. Stay: Rydges Latimer Christchurch. Day 2. Christchurch, Mt Cook. Traverse the Canterbury plains to visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, perched on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Built of locally gathered stone and oak, this charming church was erected as a tribute to the early pioneers of the region. Journey into Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to view Australasia's highest mountain, Mt Cook, and admire the sublime alpine scenery that abounds here. This evening, get to know your Tour Director and fellow travellers during a special Welcome Dinner with drinks. APT HIGHLIGHT! Two Night Stay: Mt Cook, The Hermitage Hotel, in a room with alpine views. B, FD Day 3. Mt Cook, Freedom of Choice. Following breakfast this morning, enjoy the opportunity to choose from a range of included sightseeing options. Perhaps visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, including a visit to the planetarium and a stargazing session with an astronomer. Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is home to some of New Zealand's most spectacular landscapes, so you may like to join a guided nature walk and discover the native flora and fauna. Alternatively, during the summer months, board a MAC boat and get up close to icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. With some time at leisure after your activity, perhaps take a stroll through the lovely alpine town. BD Day 4. Mt Cook, Dunedin. Set out along the shores of Lake Pukaki to Oamaru. Continue to Koekohe Beach to view the unusual spherical- shaped Moeraki Boulders. Arrive in Dunedin this afternoon and enjoy time at leisure before dinner. Stay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel. BD Day 5. Dunedin, Freedom of Choice, Te Anau. This morning, choose your Freedom of Choice activity. Perhaps tour Larnach Castle, visit Olveston House, or ride the Taieri Gorge Railway. Those who enjoy a beer might like to tour Speight's Brewery. Alternatively, either visit an albatross colony, see penguins or take an off-road tour of the Otago Peninsula. Afterwards, absorb the breathtaking scenery as you traverse the rolling countryside of the spectacular Southland region. Continue to the tranquil lakeside settlement of Te Anau. Two Night Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas. BD Day 6. Te Anau, Freedom of Choice. Today, choose one of our exciting included activities in Te Anau. Perhaps explore an underground network of limestone caves, lit by thousands of glowworms, set off on an incredible wilderness cruise on Doubtful Sound, or take an exciting jet boat ride along the Upper Waiau River. Equally tempting is the option to sit back and relax with a glass of wine while you enjoy a film featuring Fiordland's beautiful landscapes. The remainder of the day is free for you to soak up the peaceful atmosphere. B Day 7. Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown. Witness the incredible diversity of New Zealand's landscapes today as you experience one of the world's most spectacular alpine drives along Milford Road. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, then travel through the Homer Tunnel to be met by the majestic sight of Mitre Peak. Continue to enchanting Milford Sound where you'll cruise along the full length of this beautiful fiord deep within Fiordland National Park. Afterwards, your journey continues as you travel onwards to Queenstown. Three Night Stay: Crowne Plaza Queenstown. BD Day 8. Queenstown, Freedom of Choice. Today presents the opportunity to indulge your interests with our wide selection of Freedom of Choice activities. Lord of the Rings fans will jump at the chance to visit key filming locations, while thrill-seekers may enjoy an exhilarating ride on the Shotover Jet Boat, a Skippers Canyon adventure or a river safari along the Dart River. Others may prefer a leisurely cruise on the shimmering waters of Lake Wakatipu. Maybe tour the country's premier wine-producing region and savour the local offerings? Nature enthusiasts might fancy a 4WD experience at Mt Nicholas or a bird walk through the surrounding wilderness. This evening, select from our Freedom of Choice dining inclusions. Seafood lovers will be New Zealand Splendour 23 Day Luxury Escorted Journey Mt Cook | Milford Sound | Queenstown | Blenheim | Napier | Rotorua | Bay of Islands www.aptouring.com.au