Southern Alps
8 Days Wellington to Queenstown
Price: NZ720 AU640 £320 €390 C$610 US$590
Day 1: Wellington to Kaikoura. Accommodation: 
Our tour starts in New Zealand’s Capital City ‘Wellington’. We
take the short journey to the Inter Islander Ferry where we cross the Cook
Strait and enter the South Island through the scenic Marlborough Sounds, often
dubbed New Zealand’s ‘little slice of Norway’. We arrive at Picton, the gateway
to the Sounds, and make our way to Kaikoura via Marlborough which is New
Zealand’s top producing wine region. Here we have the chance to sample some of
New Zealand's fine wines.
Day 2: Kaikoura to Christchurch. Accommodation:
This morning before we depart Kaikoura we have the chance to go
in search for the mighty Sperm Whale (weather permitting) - or maybe a swim with
dolphins/seals in their natural environment. A drive along the Kaikoura coast
and the ‘Alpine Pacific Triangle’ brings us to the very English looking city of
Christchurch. The ‘Garden City’ has plenty to offer and you will have time to
explore. Don’t miss the Cathedral Square and the chance to meet the famous
wizard! Take time out with a walk through tree lined Hagley Park which borders
the city centre, and end your afternoon with a relaxed punt down the Avon River.
Tonight we head into town for a bit of local culture.
Day 3: Christchurch to Omarama. Accommodation: 
We depart Christchurch and head South through the Canterbury
Plains towards McKenzie Country. We stop for views along the way at Lakes Tekapo
and Pukaki. We have the option of a flight over New Zealand's highest peak, Mt
Cook, which is 3764m and produces fantastic aerial views of the mountains and
surrounding areas. Tonight we spend the night at one of McKenzie Countries
remote farm stations.
Day 4: Omarama to Dunedin. Accommodation:
Today as we make our way to Dunedin, New Zealand’s Scottish and
Victorian City, we stop along route to see Moreraki Boulders. Formed some 60
million years ago, these boulders have long been a subject of legend and
curiosity. Dunedin is at the heart of one of New Zealand’s most renowned eco
tourism areas. Not only can one see the world’s rarest penguin’s, the Royal
Albatross, New Zealand’s Oldest University, but the world’s steepest street, and
a 19th Century Castle. And let’s not forget an optional tour of the Speight’s
Brewery, ‘The Southern Man’s beer’. Tonight we can enjoy a night out in this
Scottish City.
Day 5: Dunedin to Te Anau. Accommodation:
We head into Southland on the ‘Southern Scenic Route’ towards
the famous Milford Sound. We make the ascent up to the Homer Tunnel, which is
1200m long and an experience on its own. As we drive into Milford Sound you will
soon understand why we have travelled so far off the beaten track to get here.
Come rain or shine this is truly New Zealand at its unparalleled and glorious
best. Tonight we will relax before we take in the spectacular scenery.
Day 6: Milford Sound to Te Anau. Accommodation:
Today we hop aboard the ‘Milford Wonderer’ for a breathtaking
cruise in the heart of the sounds. You will see Mitre Peak, which has a dominate
presence on the skyline. Milford Sound is 15km long and about 290m at its
deepest. You also have the chance to visit the 160m Bowen falls. The fiords are
home to a number of different wildlife, with Fur seals commonly being seen lying
about on the rocks. Here you have the option of a Helicopter Flight over Milford
Sound. We head back to Te Anau, New Zealand’s second largest lake. This lovely
little lake side town will allow you to appreciate the spacious open areas,
beautiful lake views and the amazing contrasts that the South Island has on
offer.
Day 7: Te Anau to Queenstown. Accommodation:
Today we head to the adventure capital of New Zealand, where it
will be time for your adrenaline to get pumping.
You now have a few options
available to you as we arrive into Queenstown. First, you can take time to relax
and get your breath back, or you can fasten your seatbelt and indulge in the
adrenaline capital of New Zealand! With the variety of activities on offer
in and around Queenstown, you will be spoilt for choice. Jump off the bungee
bridge, go white water rafting and follow that by a jet boat ride. When you
think you have had enough, there's always more! It's out of the wet cloths and
on with the dry, as we paint the town red by night. (Winter trips have the
option of hitting the slopes, to catch up on some skiing).
Day 8: Queenstown.
This is where your tour comes to an end. You can have the next how many days to explore this adventure town or just relax in the array of coffee shops on and around the lakes edge; the surrounding view will see your day pass very easily.