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South Island Christmas Journey - 11 days
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CO2 emissions resulting from all trips on Bookmundi will be offset via investments in carbon reduction projects.
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Highlights
Christchurch - Experience the International Antarctic Centre, from a polar storm simulation and Hagglund ride to little blue penguins and a 4D theatre
Franz Josef - Ride the TranzAlpine through river valleys, gorges and alpine scenery before continuing to this glacier-side township via Hokitika
Queenstown - Spend Christmas Day aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu, with a gourmet Christmas lunch at Walter Peak Station
Arrowtown - Step into Otago’s gold rush past at the Lakes District Museum in this historic village of preserved heritage buildings
Milford Sound - Sail through this spectacular fiord, passing Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls as sheer cliffs rise above the water
Dunedin - Admire grand Victorian and Edwardian architecture before touring Larnach Castle and enjoying Devonshire Tea in its acclaimed gardens
Lake Tekapo - Take in vivid turquoise waters and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and Sheep Dog Statue in the Mackenzie region
Dunedin - Admire grand Victorian and Edwardian architecture before touring Larnach Castle and enjoying Devonshire Tea in its acclaimed gardens
Lake Tekapo - Take in vivid turquoise waters and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and Sheep Dog Statue in the Mackenzie region
11 daysDuration
Group TourJoin a group of travelers
32 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 55 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Starts
Ends
Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch, New Zealand
Availability
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What's Included
Accommodation
10 nights 4-star hotelsDiscounted hotel drinks
Meals
10 breakfasts, 2 lunches (incl Christmas lunch) & 8 dinnersAll sightseeing and attractions: International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch Tram, TranzAlpine Rail Journey, Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw, Lakes District Museum, Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch, Larnach Castle guided tour & tea, City sights tour of Dunedin and Christchurch
Transport
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 with meet & greet & airport departure transfer on day 11All transportation in a 32 seat Premium Economy Comfort full-size coach with 2 door access; seat back tray table; cup holder; cold water storage; restroom; daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance and USB charging port
Guide
Escorted by a Professional Coach Captain-guide and Experienced Tour Leader
Others
Rail journeys and cruises as per the itinerarySignature documentation pack including travel bag and ticket wallet1 suitcase and 1 travel bag per person (on coach)
Itinerary
Discover New Zealand’s South Island at Christmas with this 11-day journey starting and ending in Christchurch. You’ll combine iconic rail travel on the TranzAlpine with spectacular alpine scenery, glacier country and lakeside stays in Queenstown and Te Anau. Highlights include a Christmas Day cruise aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw, a gourmet lunch at Walter Peak Station, and a breathtaking Milford Sound cruise through Fiordland. Along the way, explore historic Arrowtown and Dunedin, visit Larnach Castle, admire Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo, and soak up the region’s dramatic landscapes, wildlife and heritage. It’s a wonderfully scenic tour with a festive twist.
day 1Welcome to Christchurch
On arrival into Christchurch, you are met by a representative and transferred to our hotel. This evening, enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers, followed by dinner together. Please note: If arriving later than 8.00pm, dinner is not included.
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On a scale of 1-10, how much do you want to experience a country dedicated to adrenaline? Convincing you to top the scale in 3, 2, 1... This 10-day small group trip hits two major cities and four places with scenery so wildly beautiful your eye-brain connection might malfunction. Everything’s planned, including activities such as a cycle ride across dramatic gorges, a cruise through Milford Sound and sleeping among the glaciers of Franz Joseph. Your sole focus is making every moment count, but that doesn’t just mean being in constant adrenaline mode. Relaxing is highly recommended too.
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This small-group tour of New Zealand’s South Island will take you through some of the country’s most dramatic and scenic landscapes! Begin your journey in Christchurch, a city that has been beautifully rebuilt following the 2011 earthquakes and blends heritage with modern charm. Travel through the heart of the Southern Alps aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train, one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, as you cross alpine passes, deep gorges, and river valleys. Continue along the rugged West Coast to visit the spectacular Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, surrounded by rainforest and towering mountains. Drive onward to W?naka, a picturesque lakeside town set against stunning alpine scenery. Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders with a scenic cruise through Milford Sound, known for its dramatic fjords, waterfalls, and sheer cliffs. From there, travel to Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of New Zealand, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and wide range of outdoor activities. Your tour concludes with a scenic return journey to Christchurch, travelling past Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, and through some of the country’s most breathtaking alpine landscapes, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the South Island.
This tour of New Zealand will show you some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world! You will discover fascinating rainforests, magnificent mountains, powerful waterfalls, stunning glaciers and more on this journey. Begin your tour in Auckland, the cultural capital of New Zealand packed with diverse neighborhoods and historical landmarks. Drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and enjoy views of the Hauraki Gulf and the city skyline. Visit The Domain, the oldest park in Auckland and one of the largest in the city. Continue to the Waitomo Caves, travel through scenic farmland regions and take a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of glowworms. Fly to Christchurch and visit Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand at 3,724 meters. Stop at Lake Tekapo, a glacier-fed lake offering views of the Southern Alps. Travel onwards to Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of New Zealand, known for activities such as bungee jumping, paragliding, ziplining and skydiving. The tour ends in Queenstown before your onward journey home.
Discover New Zealand’s spectacular South Island on this 10-day journey, starting and finishing in Christchurch. Travel in Ultimate Business Class comfort through some of the island’s most dramatic landscapes, from the Southern Alps and West Coast glaciers to the lakes and peaks of Queenstown and Fiordland. Highlights include the world-famous TranzAlpine Rail Journey, a cruise aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw, and a memorable Milford Sound cruise with lunch. You’ll also explore historic Dunedin, visit Larnach Castle, and take in the beauty of Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo. With plenty included, this tour blends scenery, comfort and classic South Island experiences.
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