Tour Type: Small Group Tour
Duration: 14 Days
Tour Starts In: Christchurch
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
|
from NZ $6265 pp
|
14 Day Southern Skies Touring Route:
Highlights & Inclusions:
Back to top |
Day
1 |
Arrive Christchurch
On arrival at Christchurch airport, you will be met by our representative & transferred by limousine to your city. Stay: Novotel Christchurch |
Day
2 |
Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura
After a leisurely breakfast, travel inland to the naturally picturesque and tranquil alpine village of Hanmer Springs and relax in the thermal pools. Travel on to the township of Kaikoura, nestled in a narrow strip of stunning coastline that lies between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean. Stay: White Morph Inn (B) |
Day
3 |
Whale Watch cruise, Nelson
Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience & sightings may vary from day to day. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins & the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Hump Back whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales & Southern Right whales. Later, continue north to Blenheim, gateway to the well-known Marlborough Sounds region before arriving at Nelson, a city of charm based on a harbour that is home to the busiest fishing port in New Zealand. Stay: Heritage Rutherford Hotel (2 nights) (B) |
Day
4 |
Abel Tasman National Park Bush ‘n’ Beach walk
Today you can choose from a number of included Cruise & Walk or Cruise only options in the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Cruise into protected bays & view the fur seal colony on Tonga Island. The launch hugs the shore, travelling in close to idyllic beaches fringed by native forest. The Abel Tasman Coastal track is well formed & shaded and comes out onto protected beaches excellent for swimming. Your Tour Host will give you details of the various choices available & will be happy to guide you as to the best tour that suits your own individual needs. Enjoy a great day on the water combining cruising, sightseeing, bush walks & beautiful beaches. (B/L) |
Day
5 |
Nelson Lakes, Punakaiki Rocks
Travel south through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving on the West Coast. Marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes that is the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes. Stay: Punakaiki Rocks Hotel (B) |
Day
6 |
Greymouth, Franz Josef Glacier
The West Coast is home to towering rainforests, mountains and glaciers, tranquil lakes and rushing rivers. It is steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1860’s. Our overnight stay tonight is in the glacial village of Franz Josef. There is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic fl ight over this remarkable region this afternoon (subject to weather conditions). Stay: Punga Grove Lodge (B) |
 |
Day
7 |
Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown
There is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region before our departure this morning (subject to weather conditions). Today, view incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. Cross the spectacular Crown Range to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. On to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine resort regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination. Stay: Heritage Queenstown Hotel (2 nights) (B) |
Day
8 |
Explore Queenstown & its surrounds
Enjoy a free day today to experience this magnificent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure & leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. There are numerous activities from which to choose and your Tour Host will be pleased to offer advice and help you in your selection. (B) |
Day
9 |
Milford Sound Overnight Nature Cruise
Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. Continue along the spectacular Milford Road and through the hand-strewn Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound where you board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise. Cruise the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea & view spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains & wildlife. The Milford Mariner is designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand trading scow to refl ect Fiordland’s heritage and you will be accommodated in private cabins with en-suite bathrooms in this purpose-built vessel. It boasts spacious deck areas for viewing the wilderness, scenery & wildlife of Milford and activities include kayaking and excursions in the tender vessels (stabi craft) to explore the coastline. Stay overnight in sheltered Harrison Cove. (B/D) |
Day
10 |
Return to Queenstown, day at leisure
For those wishing to return to Queenstown by air, an optional scenic flight is available (subject to weather conditions). Upon our return, the rest of the day is free to relax & enjoy all that this spectacular resort has to offer. Stay: Heritage Queenstown Hotel (2 nights) (B) |
Day
11 |
Mighty Dart River Jetboat Safari
This morning, we are collected from our hotel & travel to Glenorchy to join our Dart River Jetboat Safari. Here you jet boat on crystal clear waters in a wild and scenic landscape amidst towering peaks, glaciers and the ancient rainforests of the Mt. Aspiring National Park. This is far more than a jet boat ride...it’s a rare journey into the enchanted wilderness of a World Heritage area. (B) |
Day
12 |
Queenstown to Mt Cook (Independent Travelling From Here)
Leaving the main tour party, travel by a regional tour operator to Mt Cook National Park. This world heritage listed site covers over 70,000 hectares of stunning alpine scenery. Optional ski- plane and helicopter scenic fl ights are available this afternoon subject to weather conditions. Entry to the Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre & Museum is included. After dinner, enjoy stargazing in the southern skies with expert astronomers. Telescopes ensure a close look at stars, planets, moon craters and distant galaxies. Stay: Mt Cook Hermitage Hotel (B) |
Day
13 |
Tasman Glacier, Lake Tekapo & Christchurch
This morning you get to experience the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake and icebergs up close on the only tour of its kind in New Zealand. Experienced local guides whisk you away in a stable MAC boat to explore the melting ice face of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest, and you’ll be able to touch & taste 500 year old ice. Rejoin your coach early afternoon and travel to Lake Tekapo and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd before crossing the vast Canterbury Plains to the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch. Stay: Novotel Christchurch (B) |
Day
14 |
Depart Christchurch
Sadly, your holiday is at an end and you will be transferred to Christchurch airport today for your onward flight. (B) |
 |
Click on the icon to download the 14 Day Southern Skies tour in pdf format. |
 |
from NZ $6,265
14 Day Southern Skies
2
4.5
5
14 Day Southern Skies Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 14 Day Southern Skies. |
I found the tour fantastic. We were blessed with the weather in that it rained and the sun shone at the right times except once. There was even snow on the mountains towards the end of the tour. Even though we were a diverse group of people we rubbed along well. There were 6 on the tour of the South Island; 4 on the North. I found the tour educational as well as beautiful. The different landscapes we saw were amazing. I had always thought that the Sth Island would be greener than the North, but that was not so. Our Sth Island guide was very knowledgeable which helped make the trip. The North Island guide was more reserved, but we also learnt from his knowledge. What I would have appreciated was being told to be prepared for the sand flies on the west coast of the South Island. I did buy repellent after the initial bitings. It is hard to say what impressed me most, as it is a holiday that I shall remember for a long time!
Ruth Shaw (Australia)
Tour Date 20/03/2011 |
Wow, how can I put it all into words. Everything about the tour went beyond our expectations. Our tour guides, Graham on the North Island and Ian on the South Island were professional, very knowledgeable, showed great pride in their country, were great drivers and lots of fun. Accomodations and food couldn't have been better. The mood was light and informal which suited our style, the itinerary was superb. New Zealand is a little slice of paradise in this crazy world of ours. What a beautiful country, beaches, lakes, waterfalls, forests, glaciers, geothermal pools, fjords, great weather, lovely countryside, vineyards, pleasant cities. Not to mention lots of scrumptious ice cream! After three weeks, I was not ready to leave. Thank you for the most memorable vacation I have ever had.
Rose & Ken Bauman (United States)
Tour Date 02/01/2011 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
|
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Sale! Save $300 per person. Guaranteed Departures. Deposit this month to qualify.
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 February 2012 and 29 February 2012
. Subject to availability at time of booking. |
Tour
Starts |
Tour
Finishes |
Tour
Status |
Brochure
Price |
OUR
SPECIAL |
OUR
PRICE |
| 06 Feb 2012 |
19 Feb 2012 |
|
NZ $6565 |
Save $300 |
NZ $6265 |
| 13 Feb 2012 |
26 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $6565 |
Save $300 |
NZ $6265 |
| 20 Feb 2012 |
04 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $6565 |
Save $300 |
NZ $6265 |
| 27 Feb 2012 |
11 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $6565 |
Save $300 |
NZ $6265 |
| 05 Mar 2012 |
18 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $6565 |
Save $300 |
NZ $6265 |
| 12 Mar 2012 |
25 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $6565 |
Save $300 |
NZ $6265 |
| 19 Mar 2012 |
01 Apr 2012 |
|
NZ $6565 |
Save $300 |
NZ $6265 |
| 26 Mar 2012 |
08 Apr 2012 |
|
NZ $6565 |
Save $300 |
NZ $6265 |
| 02 Apr 2012 |
15 Apr 2012 |
|
NZ $6565 |
Save $300 |
NZ $6265 |
| 09 Apr 2012 |
22 Apr 2012 |
|
NZ $6565 |
Save $300 |
NZ $6265 |
| 16 Apr 2012 |
29 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $6565 |
Save $300 |
NZ $6265 |
*Tour Status: 'G' Tours are guaranteed to depart.
|
Single Travellers:
Solo travellers are required to pay the single supplement. |
| |
| Single Supplement: |
Add |
NZ $2,100 |
*Terms & Conditions apply to any discounts and/or specials above. Your designated tour consultant will apply the appropriate discounts automatically to your quote and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'. |
|
      |
