9 Day Crays, Castles and Fjords Platinum Tour Itinerary
STARTS/FINISHES: Christchurch DURATION: 9 days & 8 nights
Day 1 Christchurch to Hokitika
Haere Mai and Welcome on board! Today you’ll make your way to Christchurch Train Station, where you’ll start your adventure on board the Tranzalpine train. Considered to be one of the world’s greatest train journeys, prepare to be blown away by these epic vistas of forests, plains and mountains. Upon arrival in Greymouth, you’ll be met by your driver guide before heading down the incredibly scenic ‘wild’ West Coast. Greymouth is a historic town known for jade hunting, gold mining and dramatic river floods before arriving into the vibrant, artistic town of Hokitika. We’ll visit the amazing Greenstone and Glass blowing factories and watch some talented artists at work before getting settled in at the Beachcomber. You’ll have the option of visiting The National Kiwi Centre this afternoon before we meet for dinner at the hotel.
Visit: Greymouth, Hokitika Stay: Beachfront Hotel Hokitika Activity: Tranzalpine train, Greenstone and Glass Blowing Factory visit Optional Activities: The National Kiwi Centre Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Hokitika to Haast via Jackson Bay
Travel south along the coast to the Westland National Park, home of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. This remarkable part of the country was shaped by the dynamic glaciers and boasts lush temperate rainforest growing beneath towering mountains. We’ll stop in Franz Josef township for morning tea and drive to the glacier viewpoint. The afternoon drive to Jackson Bay is spectacular and one not many people will be able to say they’ve done! Jackson Bay marks the farthest point of the West Coast's road network. We’ll have an amazing West Coast lunch at The Craypot - a quirky, little caravan style restaurant situated on the esplanade before heading back towards Haast. Tonight we stay at the Heartland Hotel, a popular local establishment where the locals come to mix and mingle at the Frontier Bar.
Visit: Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Jackson Bay, Haast Stay: Heartland Haast Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 Haast to Queenstown
View incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched wilderness and pristine lakes of the Mt Aspiring National Park. We’ll stop in Wanaka along the way, a popular township on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Next we visit Arrowtown, an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining era. Finally, we’ll skirt around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the picturesque alpine resort of
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Queenstown. Enjoy some downtime this evening, as you kick back, relax and admire the amazing alpine and lake views!
Visit: Wanaka, Arrowtown, Queenstown Stay: Novotel Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Day at leisure in Queenstown
Today is yours to experience New Zealand’s adventure capital for yourself. Queenstown boasts an incredible array of activities and your Coach Captain can assist with booking any optional extras you’d like to do. Take a ride on the world famous Shotover Jet Boat, travel to the top of Bob’s Peak by gondola for spectacular views, take a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon, or for the adventurous, try white water rafting or bungy jumping. Alternatively, browse in the many shops and galleries in town or relax at one of the many cafes or bars along the lakefront.
Stay: Novotel Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Queenstown to Te Anau via Doubtful Sound
Travel around Lake Wakatipu and through lush farmland to Fiordland National Park. On to Manapouri, where you enjoy a leisurely cruise across the lake to West Arm. This is followed by a short coach trip on New Zealand's most expensive road, travelling over Wilmot Pass and pausing along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening far below. At Deep Cove, board a modern catamaran and allow the majesty and vastness of the fiord to take your breath away. Enjoy the on-board commentary that provides insight into the region’s history, flora and fauna as you view spectacular towering mountains and wildlife. Tonight we’ll have dinner at the Distinction Hotel, Te Anau.
Visit: Lake Manapouri, West Arm, Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound, Te Anau Stay: Distinction Luxmore Te Anau Activity: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Te Anau to Invercargill
Skirting around the Fiordland National Park and along the rugged south coast we’ll head for Tuatapere, the most south westerly town in New Zealand with a rich sawmilling history. From there we’ll visit Riverton, the “Riviera of the South”. At nearly 200 years old, Riverton was one of the very first European settlements in New Zealand. Next stop is Bluff to stand on Stirling Point and see the famous signpost and the chain representing the Maori belief that Stewart Island is anchored to the South Island, from here vista’s of Stewart Island and surrounding Mutton Bird Islands can be viewed. We’ll arrive in Invercargill in the afternoon and the rest of the day is yours to explore - we recommend the Transport Museum for the history buffs!
Visit: Tuatapere, Riverton, Bluff, Invercargill. Stay: Kelvin Hotel
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Optional Activities: Queen’s Gardens, Southland Museum, Stewart Island tour, Truck & Classic Car Museum Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 Invercargill to Dunedin via The Catlins
The Catlins are rugged, beautiful and ecologically unique. We’ll stop frequently along the coastline to explore. If we’re lucky we may see the Hector's Dolphins at Curio Bay and its 180 million year old forest of fossilised trees at Slope Point. We’ll detour off the main route to Nugget Point Lighthouse where we’ll take a short walk to see penguins, seals, sea lions and a variety of coastal birds. We’ll stop in the main settlement of Owaka before heading through to Balclutha and on to Dunedin. Dunedin is the South Island’s second-largest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of the South for its unique Scottish heritage. Tonight, dinner is included at the Southern Cross Hotel and Casino.
Visit: Curio Bay, Nugget Point, Owaka, Balclutha Stay: Southern Cross Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 Day at Leisure in Dunedin
Today is a free day to experience Dunedin and the greater Otago Peninsula. This heritage city offers stunning examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, most of which can be viewed on a downtown walking tour. Visit th to search for albatross, penguins, seals and sea lions as well as a variety of walking and biking trails. In the evening, embark on a walking tour to learn more about the history and culture of Dunedin and get up close and personal with the city’s vibrant street art scene. End your tour at one of the cool burger joints, bars or wine cellars on Vogel Street.
Stay: Southern Cross Activity: Street art walking tour Optional Activities: Otago Museum, Speight’s Brewery, Larnach Castle Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Dunedin to Christchurch
After breakfast this morning, we’ll stop to view the mystical Moeraki Boulders, geological marvels that began to form about 60 million years ago and were exposed by the erosion of sedimentary rocks over time. Then we’ll continue to the township of Oamaru, home to some of the best-preserved heritage buildings in New Zealand. Our journey north takes us up the coast and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, where your trip comes to an end. Whether you decide to head home today or to stay in Christchurch for a few extra days, we hope you leave with many happy memories of your trip with us.
Visit: Moeraki Boulders, Oamaru, Christchurch Meals: Breakfast
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What’s Included:
• Tour Guide • Small Group Tour • 8 nights luxury accommodation • 8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners • Tranzalpine Train ticket • Greenstone and Glass Blowing Factory visit • Visit Arrowtown and Wanaka • Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise • Curio Bay and Slope Point walk • Nugget Point Lighthouse walk • Dunedin Street Art Walking Tour • Moeraki Boulders conservation fee
Notes: • If you require transfers or accommodation before your tour starts or after your tour finishes, please make a note of this when booking your tour. • Accommodation is subject to change based on availability.
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