Rodney Vincent invites you to join him on a
fully escorted tour to the South Island of
New Zealand

                       
Rodney Vincent invites you to join him on a fully escorted tour to the South Island of New Zealand Share with Rodney the magic and splendour of the South Island of New Zealand—from the Canterbury Plains to the majestic fiordlands, Milford Sound to the great lakes, the spectacular glaciers on the West Coast and travel onboard the Tranz Alpine train, one the great train journeys in the world. A not-to-be-missed travel experience with great company and good friends.

Tour Highlights

Christchurch / Mt Cook / Omarama
Dunedin / Visiting Larnach Castle
Lake Manapouri
Te Anau / Evening glow worm cruise
Milford Sound / cruise to Bowen and Stirling Falls / picnic lunch
Queenstown / Dinner Skyline Gondola Restaurant
Lake Wakatipu / Cruise to Walter Peak Sheep Station for dinner at the
Colonel’s Homestead
Haast Pass / Fox Glacier / Franz Josef / Greymouth
Pancake Rocks / Shanty Town / Tranz Alpine Train

Inclusions:
Airfare Ex — Sydney / Melbourne / Brisbane—to Christchurch return
Accommodation at 3 to 3 /12 * hotels
Breakfast daily & 7 evening meals including specialty dinners
Prepaid admission to attractions as per itinerary
Transport—air conditioned touring coach, boat and train
Tour guide and coach captain 

Cost:
From $2,999* per person twin share
10 day / 9 nights

Rodney Vincent New Zealand South Island Tour
8-17 November 2010

Day 1 – Fly to Christchurch
Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport a Kirra Tours Representative will meet you at the Airport and arrange transportation to your hotel. Overnight at Holiday Inn on Avon

Day 2 – Christchurch – Mt Cook – Omarama
Depart Christchurch for full day tour heading south through the rural farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, before turning inland towards the small township of Geraldine. From here head into the Mackenzie Country and the foothills of the Southern Alps before arriving at Lake Tekapo for lunch (own expense) at a local teashop. From here we visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and sheepdog statue. Arrival to Omarama is around 5pm. Overnight accommodation is at Heritage Gateway

Day 3 - Omarama – Dunedin
Travel down the Lindis Pass through Alexandra to Dunedin - the “Scottish” city. A city sights tour will highlight the main points of interest including the magnificent Railway Station and Baldwin St – the world’s steepest street. A visit to historic Larnach Castle out on the Otago Peninsula also offers stunning breathtaking views of Otago Harbour and of the castle grounds. Overnight accommodation will be at the Mercure Hotel.

Day 4 – Dunedin – Lake Manapouri – Te Anau
Travel across the lush green farmlands of South Otago and Southland, at Balclutha cross the mighty Clutha River and on to Gore. From here you travel across river plains, and onto the shores of Lake Te Anau at the edge of the Fiordland National Park. Time to explore the township and perhaps experience the beauty of the Fiordland Region at the Shadowlands Cinema with a 35 minute movie (own expense). This evening take an evening cruise across the lake to visit the incredible limestone caves that shimmer with thousands of glow worms. Your overnight accommodation will be at the Te Anau Village Inn

Day 5 – Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown
Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, pass through the Homer Tunnel and descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Return to Te Anau and on to Mossburn, then skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the Skyline Restaurant, where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed. Your overnight accommodation is at the Mercure Resort

Day 6 – Queenstown
A full day to explore the many delights of this alpine resort. Try the world famous Shotover Jet, or an excursion to Skippers Canyon. There are a multitude of optional activities available or alternatively explore Queenstown's many international boutiques and galleries - your Coach Captain will be pleased to advise you. This evening make you own way to the real journeys wharf for an evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the elegant TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for a sumptuous dinner and entertaining farm show. Overnight accommodation is at the Mercure Resort

Day 7 – Queenstown – Haast Pass – Fox Glacier
Pass picturesque Lake Hayes on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the goldmining era, to Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lake’s edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora and into Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the glacier region. Explore the township or take the optional guided walk to the glacier’s terminal face (daylight hours permitting). Your overnight accommodation is at the Heartland Fox Glacier Hotel.

Day 8 – Fox Glacier – Greymouth – Punakaiki – Greymouth
This morning you leave Fox Glacier and head to Franz Josef. The snowcapped Southern Alps dominate the skyline as you pass glades of dense bush, tiny landlocked lakes and small pockets of farmland. Visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory where craftsmen cut and polish giant boulders to create fine jewellery. This afternoon travel from Greymouth north along the stunning Coast Road to Punakaiki, being the Maori word for 'food basket' and the home of the fascinating Pancake Rocks.Take a stroll around the Pancake Rocks Walkway to see the unique rock structures layered here 30 million years ago. Watch also for the roaring Geysers that heave their way from the Ocean floor up out through the Rock Blowholes. Return to
Greymouth. Your overnight accommodation is at the Hotel Ashley.

Day 9 – Greymouth – Christchurch
This morning you visit Shantytown which is a leading New Zealand leading culture and heritage attraction. Over 30 historic buildings make up the recreated 19th Century pioneer town, inspired by the West Coast gold rushes of the 1860s. From here you join the Tranz Alpine train for one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Through rainforests and past Lake Brunner to Otira, beneath the high snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass, follow the rugged Gorges of the Waimakariri River and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Your overnight accommodation is at the Holiday Inn on Avon.

Day 10 Christchurch – Home
Today it is good-bye to your new found friends. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport to join your flight home.

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