Tripology

An Exciting Interview with Arthur Frommer

South Island Express

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Detailed Trip Description

The express series is great when you have one week of vacation time and you don't want to waste a minute. This tour highlights the Garden City (Christchurch), the Adventure Capital (Queenstown) and allows you to experience the coast where you can go whale watching.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - On the Plane

 
Commercial Flight

Today you leave to New Zealand. The adventure begins!


Day 2 - On the Plane

 
In Flight.
Commercial Flight

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


Day 3 - 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

Go punting on the river running through the city. 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. Travel by the rugged coastline to Kaikora. Whale watching is at it's best as you cruise in special purpose built seacraft 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 - Queenstown

 
Christchurch - Mt. Cook - Queenstown.
Sightseeing

This morning you will join your coach to Mt. Cook. You will first travel through the outskirts of Christchurch, through the Canterbury Plains where you will stop for tea (own expense). Then continue along the shores of Lake Pukaaki, then follow the Tasman river to Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in Australasia. Here you will have a break to enjoy the mountain area and if you would like, have some lunch (own expense). Flights seeing the mountain are available for an extra fee. To pre-book just ask us! Travel back down the Tasman Valley and onto Omarama. A short stop is made here before continuing to Lindis Pass. You will then follow the shores of Lake Dunstan to Cromwell and into the Kawarau Gorge in Queenstown in the early evening.


Day 6 - Queenstown

 
Adventure

Today you can take the action packed shotover jet. Here you will experience the jet boat at the extreme. The rest of the day is free. Queenstown is the unofficial adventure city of the world. Here you have many options for adventure activities to get the adrenaline pumping.

Options:
Rafting

Rafting, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Ride, Sky Dive.


Day 7 - Queenstown

 
Sightseeing

You will have a 4WD Lord of the Rings tour. This tour gives you the opportunity to see the incredible natural backdrops for this movie. Even if you are not a Lord of the Rings buff, you will enjoy this tour because of the beautiful sights. There is a morning tea included. Afternoon Options: Any of the above listed activities.

Food and Dining

This evening you will travel by Gondola up the side of the mountain. Here you will be able to enjoy a buffet dinner whilst overlooking the lights of the city.

Performing Arts

Then 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.

Option:
Adventure

There is a bungee swing on the top that can be pre-booked. Jumping off a ramp into darkness is a great way to start off your evening. You will take a Gondola back down.


Day 8 - Milford Sound

 
Queenstown - Milford Sound.
River, Barge or Yacht Cruise

Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park. Upon arrival in Milford, join your Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise for an unforgettable experience. Return to Queenstown.


Day 9 - Milford Sound

 
Return USA.
Airport Transfer

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


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