Tour Basics:
Admire, photograph, and enjoy not just one fiord, but two, in one expedition. From Christchurch we had for Queenstown via Aoraki Mt Cook, and then into Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and Te Anau before exploring Doubtful Sound / Patea. Both fiords include a cruise and where possible we overnight on both as well. There is the chance of a mountain helicopter flight to tempt your taste buds too
Duration: 6 Days
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Itinerary
Day 1:
Christchurch to Queenstown. Today we work our way south via Lake Tekapo and the Lindis Pass to Queenstown in the heart of the Otago-Lakes District, and a perfect jumping off spot for our foray into the Fiordland National Park. Along the way soak up the views of big mountains, magical lakes, and the ever spectacular Kawarau gorge before arriving Queenstown
Day 2:
Queenstown to Milford Sound: Our Fiordland Journey begins in earnest. Departing early for Milford Sound, we arrive in time to board our over-night vessel*, late afternoon. Once out on the water, there is nothing to stop the spectacular scenery assaulting your senses. A nature lovers and photographers delight which ever way you turn. Towering mile high seacliffs, and a fiord that is over 300m deep in places
*If the overnight cruise is unavailable then we stay onshore at the Milford Sound Lodge, in Milford Sound, and do a day-time scenic cruise
Day 3:
Milford Sound to Te Anau: Post overnight in Milford Sound, we have the rest of the day to work our way back to Te Anau, where we pick up our accommodation for the night. If time and daylight permits, there may be a (optional extra) heli flight, weather permitting, for those inclined to do so – The Fiordland Mountains from the air? Magnificent!
Day 4:
Te Anau to Doubtful Sound: After a leisurely start (or you can get up early and photograph the sunrise as it plays across the mountains and lake in front of you!) we depart mid-morning for Lake Manapouri, and Pearl Harbour at it’s southern end. Departing Pearl Harbour at 12:00, we take boat across Lake Manapouri, and after a stunning bus ride over Wilmot Pass, we drop down into Deep Cove – one of the many arms of Doubtful Sound, where we join our next over-night vessel, for another jaw-dropping over-night experience.
Day 5:
Doubtful Sound to Queenstown: We return from our over-night excursion late morning. After stopping once more in Te Anau, we make our way back to Queenstown for another night whilst once again enjoying the scenery around us. With a bit more time this afternoon, we can take more time to enjoy some of the sights we bypassed on our way to Milford Sound a few days ago. Arriving back in Queenstown late afternoon, we can further explore the lakeside town before settling in for the night
Day 6:
Queenstown to Christchurch: Today we make our way back to Christchurch, in much the same direction as our outwards path, taking in more of the sights that we might have missed the first time. Lunch in Lake Tekapo? Nothing like it. We reluctantly arrive back in Christchurch mid-late afternoon.
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Inclusions
- Pickup from some of the main hotels within Christchurch, or alternately from the Canterbury Museum
- Expert, knowledgeable guide
- Activities and Permits
- Photography tuition (if required)
- Late model, air conditioned transport
- All meals including lunch, dinner, breakfast
- Accommodation
- Overnight Milford Sound cruise if possible, otherwise overnight at Milford Sound Lodge with a day cruise on Milford Sound
- Overnight Doubtful Sound cruise
- Snacks, beverages, and drinks
- Scenic stops
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Optional Extras
- Scenic Helicopter Flight: Mountain Magic (40 min – weather permitting)