Tripology

An Exciting Interview with Arthur Frommer

South Island Classic

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Detailed Trip Description

The Classic Tour series hits all of the essential tour sites if you have a limited amount of time. In the South Island classic you are able to experience the beautiful Garden City (Christchurch), go on a whale watching tour, take a ride on the Tranz Alpine trains though the beautiful picturesque mountains, visit the Adventure capital (Queenstown), the incredible fiords of Milford Sound and more!

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - On the Plane

 
Commercial Flight

Today you leave for New Zealand. The adventure begins!


Day 2 - On the Plane

 
In Flight.
Commercial Flight

You lose this day due to the International Dateline; however you will get it back at the end of your trip.


Day 3 - Christchurch

 
Welcome to Christchurch.
Airport Transfer

You arrive in Christchurch, the Garden City. You will be transferred to your hotel.

Christchurch Airport Transfer picture
Relaxation

Where you will have a chance to rest or get refreshed for the day.

Sightseeing

Afterwards you have some free time to walk around the botanical gardens.


Day 4 - Kaikoura

 
Christchurch - Kaikora.
Sightseeing

Board the Great Sights tour for the full day Whale Watching Tour. Leaving Christchurch, your coach will cross the North Canterbury Plains and continue through the Hundalees. Whale watching is at its best as you cruise in special purpose built sea craft to view the majestic whale. The sea also abounds with other sea life; seals, Dusky dolphin and the rare Hector dolphins can sometimes be seen. You will then return back to Christchurch.


Day 5 - Franz Josef

 
Christchurch - Trans Alpine - Franz Joseph.
Train

Board the scenic Trans Alpine Train for a journey famous for its spectacular mountain scenery. From Greymouth, travel on to Franz Joseph.


Day 6 - Franz Josef

 
Sightseeing

Today you can explore the glacier at your leisure.

Option:
Hiking

Scenic Flight (helicopter or ski plane), Guided Hike up the Glacier


Day 7 - Queenstown

 
Franz Joseph - Queenstown.
Sightseeing

Travel south through the stunning West Coast Scenery through the Haast Pass. Journey past Lakes Hawea and Wanaka, then continue to Queenstown.


Day 8 - Queenstown

 
Adventure

Today you can take the action packed shotover jet. Here you experience the jet boat at the extreme. Queenstown is the unofficial adventure city in the world. There are many options for adventure activities to get the adrenaline pumping.

Options:
Rafting

Rafting, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Ride, Sky Dive.


Day 9 - Queenstown

 
Sightseeing

You will have a 4WD tour. This tour gives you the opportunity to see the incredible natural backdrops from movies filmed in the area. This evening you will travel by Gondola up the side of the mountain.

Food and Dining

Here you will enjoy a buffet dinner whilst overlooking the lights of the city.

Performing Arts

Next you will enjoy a Maori experience and show. After the show you will have an opportunity to take a photo with a male & female Maori performer. You will take a Gondola back down.


Day 10 - Milford Sound

 
Queenstown - Milford Sound.
National Parks

Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park.

River, Barge or Yacht Cruise

Upon arrival in Milford, join your Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise for an unforgettable experience. Return to Queenstown.


Day 11 - Dunedin

 
Queenstown - Dunedin.
Sightseeing

You will travel to Pukerangi where you will transfer to the Taieri Gorge train. View Otago's unspoilt landscape as your journey takes you into rugged terrain with sightseeing stops along the way. You will then arrive in Dunedin.


Day 12 - Dunedin

 
Sightseeing

This morning is at leisure. If you would like you could visit the Jacobean Olveston House, or take a guided tour of Larnach Castle. The downtown area has some great shops so this would be a good time to get in some shopping. This afternoon you will be taken on a tour of the Otago Peninsula including the renowned Royal Albatross Colony (seasonal).


Day 13 - Christchurch

 
Dunedin - Christchurch.
Sightseeing

This morning you will have some leisure time. You will then be transferred to Christchurch.

Airport Transfer

You can be transferred by coach or flight.

Sightseeing

The rest of the day is at leisure. You can enjoy the charming feel of the Garden City.


Day 14 - Christchurch

 
Return USA.
Airport Transfer

You will be transferred to the airport where you will fly home with a lifetime of wonderful memories.


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