Scenic Southern (Start Wellington)

Scenic Southern (Start Wellington)

Featuring: Southern New Zealand

Length: 12 days
Accommodations: Hotel, Lodge, Overnight Cruise
as per itinerary
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
as per itinerary
Sightseeing: n/a
Transportation: n/a
Next Tour: August 26, 2008
Request a booking See all dates & rates

Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map

  1. Day Icon-day1 Icon-day2 Depart for New Zealand

    Fly over the international date line on your way to New Zealand.

  2. Day Icon-day3 Arrive Wellington

    Check into the Abel Tasman Hotel, spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore Wellington. Hotel

  3. Day Icon-day4 Wellington to Christchurch

    Board the Inter-Island ferry and do the north to south island hop through Marlborough Sound and Cook Strait to Picton. Then make sure your camera has film for the spectacular views along the Kaikoura Coastline. If we're lucky, we'll spot one of the many seal colonies in this area. Then, via the Canterbury Plains, we'll head towards the city of Christchurch. Hotel

  4. Day Icon-day5 Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier

    We'll cross the spectacular Southern Alps via majestic Arthur's Pass and take in the jade greenstone carving at Hokitika. Then we'll journey along the South Island's rugged coast to the awesome Westland National Park, home to Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Hotel (B,D)

  5. Day Icon-day6 Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown

    Today there's the chance to explore the incredible Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers with professional guides that will be on hand to show you the beauty of this natural wonder. We'll then journey through Haast Pass to Queenstown and our lodge high above Lake Wakatipu. Hold onto your hat - Queenstown beckons! Lodge (B,D)

  6. Day Icon-day7 Icon-day8 Queenstown

    Leisure is probably the wrong word as Queenstown is known as the 'Adventure-Adrenaline capital of the world', one of those places that you can literally do as much or as little as you like. A number of options to astound you await! Ever tried Bungy jumping, Sky diving, Jet boating, River boarding, White water rafting, Helicopter riding, Luging, Canyon Swinging, Four wheeldriving, Hiking???? Be extreme! Action by day, action by night - that's Queenstown. Yes, when you've dried off and caught your breath, it'll be time to experience Queenstown's legendary nightlife, and there's no shortage of venues for dining and socialising - why not try an optional meal at the world famous Skyline gondola complex. Lodge (B)(B)

  7. Day Icon-day9 Queenstown to Milford Sound

    Need an adrenalin boost? We'll take you to a bridge to jump off! The bungee jumping bridge provides a hair-raising, gob-stopping adrenalin rush. It is one of the options on this tour that separates the tourists from the purists. Pure fun. Pure rush. Why don't you try it? After this we travel to Fiordland National Park, where we head through the Homer Tunnel (D'OH!) for our first view of Mitre Peak and Milford Sound. Then it's all aboard the Milford Wanderer, for an overnight cruise taking in all the beauty of the fjord. There's the chance to kayak and see whales, dolphins and penguins along with towering mountains and breathtaking waterfalls. It'll be an evening to treasure! Overnight Cruise (B,D)

  8. Day Icon-day10 Milford Sound to Lake Ohau

    In the morning we'll breakfast on board before heading back to the mainland. We travel past Lake Te Anau and the Clutha River to Arrowtown for the chance to find gold. Then we head to the Southern Alps to our lodge at Lake Ohau which affords views over Australasia's tallest peak, Mt Cook. Lodge (B,D)

  9. Day Icon-day11 Lake Ohau to Christchurch

    Free time this morning to visit Lake Tekapo, then on through the Mackenzie country, home to the sheep industry. Later enjoy free time in Christchurch. Hotel (B)

  10. Day Icon-day12 Christchurch

    Say a final farewell to your new friends as your trip ends this morning after breakfast. (B)

Highlights

All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!

Included
  • Queenstown: Visit Arrowtown, the historic gold mining town
  • Hokitika: See traditional Maori Greenstone carving
  • Haast Pass: Stunning drive through the Southern Alps; Stunning drive through the Southern Alps; See Lake Hawea & the Crown Range; See Lake Hawea & the Crown Range
  • Milford Sound: Travel through the Homer Tunnel; Travel through the Homer Tunnel; Unique overnight cruise on Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park; Unique overnight cruise on Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park; Cruise past towering cliffs & spectacular waterfalls; Cruise past towering cliffs & spectacular waterfalls; See the awe inspiring Mitre Peak; See the awe inspiring Mitre Peak
  • Lake Tekapo: See the beautiful turquoise coloured glacial lake; See the beautiful turquoise coloured glacial lake
  • Franz Josef & Fox Glacier: Coastal drive through Westland National Park with views of the glaciers & rainforests; Coastal drive through Westland National Park with views of the glaciers & rainforests
  • Arthur's Pass: Scenic drive through Arthur's Pass National Park; Scenic drive through Arthur's Pass National Park
  • Lake Ohau: See Mt. Cook across this beautiful blue glacial lake; See Mt. Cook across this beautiful blue glacial lake
Accommodations
  • Accommodations as per itinerary
  • Breakfasts (B) and Dinners (D) as per itinerary
Contiki Difference
  • Experienced Tour Managers and Drivers
  • Modern air-conditioned coach
  • Free Contiki ëTravellers Guideí information book
  • Free Contiki document wallet.

Optional Excursions

Queenstown

'Mad Dog' River Boarding (NZ$129)
Swimming with wetsuit, helmet, flippers and 'boogie board' down the Kawarau River. Allow 3 hrs.
Heliraft (NZ$209)
Rafting on the Kawarau River (grade 3) and heli flight. www.rafting.co.nz
Kawarau Rafting (NZ$159)
Rafting on the Kawarau River (grade 3). 2 hrs www.rafting.co.nz
Moonlight Stables Horse Riding (NZ$89)
1.5 hour guided horse trek through Doonholme Farmland in the Wakatipu Basin. Any level of rider welcome but will only go as fast as the slowest member. www.moonlightcountry.co.nz
Nzone Skydiving (9,000 ft. NZ$245 / 12,000 ft. NZ$295 / 15,000 ft NZ$395)
Tandem skydive with a qualified jumpmaster from 9,000 ft. (2,743m) over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range. Chance to upgrade to 12,000 ft. (3,657m) or 15,000 ft. (4,572m) NB: Video and/or photos additional cost of NZ$245. www.nzone.biz
Shotover Jet (NZ$99)
40 minute jet boat ride on the Shotover River. An icon adventure product in NZ with 360's and fast corners etc. www.shotoverjet.co.nz
Shotover Rafting (NZ$159)
Rafting on the Shotover River. 2 hrs www.rafting.co.nz
Skyline Restaurant (NZ$65)
Includes large buffet meal, entertainment, gondola (cable car) ride to restaurant.
Thrillogy (NZ$359)
All 3 AJ Hackett jumps - Kawarau Bridge, The Ledge & Nevis incl. T shirt. www.AJHackett.com
Triple Challenge (NZ$299)
40 minute jet boat ride on the Shotover River, an icon adventure product in NZ with 360's and fast corners etc., plus white water rafting (grade 3) on the Shotover River plus 6 minute helicopter flight. www.rafting.co.nz
Group Photograph (NZ$15)
In specially designed Queenstown souvinier folder. Photo taken by lakeside in warmer climes, at the Lodge during winter. www.queenstowngroupphotos.co.nz
Aj Hackett Bungy - Kawarau Bridge (NZ$155)
The original bungy jump in Queenstown and often referred to as 'the home of bungy'. 43m (142ft) jump incl. T shirt. www.AJHackett.com
Aj Hackett Bungy - Nevis (NZ$209)
134m (440ft) bungy from a platform suspended across a river at Nevis Bluff. Incl. T shirt. www.AJHackett.com
Aj Hackett Bungy - The Ledge (NZ$139)
Bungy jump from the Ledge at the Skyline restaurant, Bobs Peak. 47m (158ft) jump but 400m (1320ft) above town. Incl. T shirt. www.AJHackett.com
AJ Hackett Skyswing - The Ledge (NZ$99)
Swing from the Ledge at the Skyline restaurant, Bobs Peak. 47m (158ft) jump but 400m (1320ft) above town. www.AJHackett.com
Canyon Swing (NZ$165)
Freefall from platform, 109m (360ft) above the Shotover River, then break into a cable controlled swing. www.canyonswing.co.nz
Dart River Jet Boat Safari (NZ$195)
30 km jet boat ride up the Dart River from Glenorchy into the Mt Aspiring National Park - locations for LOTR. Includes a short bush walk. www.dartriver.co.nz
Funyaks (NZ$275)
Full day excursion into this beautiful untouched world, known as 'Paradise' and made famous in the LOTR trilogy. Jetboat in and canoe out at your leisure. Average standard of fitness required. www.dartriver.co.nz
Twin Challenge (NZ$259)
40 minute jet boat ride on the Shotover River, an icon adventure product in NZ with 360's and fast corners etc., plus white water rafting (grade 3) on the Shotover River. 3 hours www.rafting.co.nz
Fly By Wire (NZ$145 (5min), NZ$95 (3min))
Feel adrenalin flood your body as you release the tow, diving towards the valley floor at exhilarating speeds, before you rocket up the other side. Feed the control freak inside, where you’re firmly in the pilot's seat.
Paradise Found Hike (NZ$95)
Explore the majestic Mt Aspiring National Park, visit film locations from Lord of the Rings. Fully guided, half day.
Routeburn Trail Hike (NZ$155)
A full day hike offering plenty of swing bridge crossings, lush beech forest, beautiful waterfalls and magnificent alpine scenery, in the Mt Aspiring National Park. Departs 8am.

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

Helihike 'Flying Fox' (NZ$315)
Helicopter flight up to and on to the glacier, then brief hike in that area of the glacier. Not strenuous. 3 hours. www.foxguides.co.nz
Glacier Hike 'Fox Trot' (NZ$79)
4 hour trek to the terminal face of the glacier and then climb up onto the glacier itself. All boots, picks, crampons provided. Reasonable level of fitness required. www.foxguides.co.nz
Fox Glacier Heli (NZ$180)
Helicopter flight to discover the twin glaciers with glacier landing. www.scenic-flights.co.nz
Fox Glacier Heli / Mt Cook (NZ$240)
Helicopter flight to view Mt Cook and Fox Glacier, including glacier landing. www.scenic-flights.co.nz

Lake Tekapo

Air Safaris (NZ$250)
40 minute scenic flight from Tekapo, taking in many of the regions premier glaciers including NZ's highest peak, Mt Cook (3,750m / 12,349 ft).

Wellington

Wairarapr Wine Trail (NZ$129)
A full day excursion from Wellington by taxi, coach and train to Martinborough and Wairarapa 'wine country'. Includes hotel pick ups / drop offs, lunch, afternoon tea and, of course, some sampling.

Fox Glacier

Hukawai Ice Climbing Centre (NZ$85)
Try your hand at something you don’t get to do every day, and that’s climbing a 10m high ice wall! www.hukawai.co.nz

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