South Island

Monday 28 February        Hometown to Christchurch and Ashburton     D
From your home in Auckland or Wellington, you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Christchurch. From Christchurch we travel south over the Canterbury Plains to Rakaia and Ashburton. Our accommodation - Hotel Ashburton is set in delightful gardens.
Hotel Ashburton 1 night

Tuesday 1 March  Ashburton to Oamaru           B/D
This morning we visit Trotts Garden - a “Garden of National Significance”. Leaving Ashburton we continue south through Temuka, Timaru and on to Oamaru. The "white stone city" of Oamaru boasts the best preserved collectin of historic commercial buildings in the country. Ths evening there is an optional trip tot eh Blue Penguin Colony.
Kingsgate Brydone Hotel - Oamaru 1 night

Wednesday 2 March           Oamaru to Dunedin                   B/D
En route to Dunedin view the Moeraki Boulders. Enjoy a city sights tour of Dunedin and this afternoon it's all aborad the Taieri Gorge Train for a spectacular rail excursion through the Taieri Gorge.
Quality Inn Cargills Hotel or similar - Dunedin 2 nights

Thursday 3 March          Dunedin                                       B/D
This morning we drive to the tip of the Otago Peninsula - Taiaroa Heads, where the world’s only main land colony of Royal Albatross is found. Join a guided tour to the observatory from where nesting sites can be viewed. On the return we visit Larnach Castle and gardens.

Friday 4 March         Dunedin to Te Anau                   B/D
Today our journey to Te Anau and Fiordland takes us through Milton, Balclutha, Gore and Invercargill. From Te Anau there is an optional evening excursion across the lake to the Te Anau Glow worm Caves.
The Village Inn or similar - Te Anau 2 nights

Saturday 5 March           Milford Sound Day Excursion   B/L/D
Today we journey through mountain beech forests framed by a spectacular backdrop of snow-capped mountains and join a lunch cruise on Milford Sound. (Optional: Milford Sound excursion can be substituted with Doubtful Sound - additional cost).

Sunday 6 March          Te Anau to Queenstown           B/D
A leisurely start today as we leave the Fiordland area and travel to Queenstown. We stop at Arrowtown for lunch (own expense). There is time to explore this delightful village, visit the museum and browse the shops.
Goldridge Resort - Queenstown 2 nights

Monday 7 March     Queenstown                              B/D
Today, wake to the spectacular backdrop of mountains. The morning is at leisure before we take the Gondola to Bobs Peak for breathtaking views across Lake Whakatipu to the Remarkables mountain range. This afternoon we join the historic coal fired TSS Earnslaw for a cruise across the lake to Walter Peak where an afternoon tea is served in the homestead before enjoying an entertaining farm show.

Tuesday 8 March        Queenstown to Twizel       B/D
Travelling over the Crown Range and into Wanaka, enjoy this picturesque lakeside township before continuing to Cromwell. This afternoon travel alongside Lake Dunstan to Tarras and over the Lindis Pass into South Canterbury.
MacKenzie Country Inn - Twizel 1 night

This morning we travel along the edge of Lake Pukaki to the Mt Cook Village. On the return trip to Christchurch we stop to cisit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo. The Latimer Hotel where we are staying for two nights is located just two blocks from the Catherdral Square in the heart of Christchurch.
Latimer Hotel - Christchurch 2 nights

Thursday 10 March            Christchurch                               B/D
A leisurely day to enjoy Christchurch at your own pace. Visit the Cathedral, take a ride on the tram or stroll through the Botanical Gardens. The Ellerslie Flower Show is on during our stay in Christchurch (tickets available through Twilight Travel or Ticketek).

Friday 11 March        Christchurch to Hometown     B
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. On arrival in Auckland or Wellington you will be met and transferred to your home address.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner 

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