Basic Details:
A longish one this time, but worth it! From Christchurch we head inland to Queenstown before dipping further South to Te Anau and into Milford Sound for that obligatory nature cruise on the Fiord. From Te Anau we work our way into Invercargill and then the Catlins Coast in the South-East corner of the island before turning North for Dunedin and eventually our starting point in Christchurch
Duration: 5 Days
Priced From: $2967.95 to $5111.50 per person
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Itinerary
Day 1:
Christchurch to Queenstown: Today we head to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo, Omarama, and Cromwell. And of course, Aoraki Mt Cook! Enjoy stunning views of lakes with mountain backdrops, land locked valleys, mountain passes, and narrow valleys
Day 2:
Queenstown to Milford Sound and Te Anau: Early start as we head to Milford Sound with numerous stops to enjoy and photograph the scenery before arriving in Milford Sound for a scenic cruise on the fiord. More stops to explore the environment on our way back out to Te Anau
Day 3:
Te Anau to Invercargill: Weather permitting enjoy an optional 40 min helicopter flight over Fiordland, then salivate over the scenery as we head south past Lake Manapouri. Along the way, we detour to look at Lake Monowai, and Lake Hauroko before heading out to the coast at Te Waewae Bay. Following a road round through Colac Bay and Riverton, we eventually arrive in Invercargill mid-afternoon. If we have time to spare we explore Oreti beach, and the area around Bluff
Day 4:
Invercargill to Dunedin: Travelling to Dunedin “The long way round” via the Catlins Conservation Park is like a step back in time. Explore and photograph beautiful waterfalls, the remains of a petrified forest, and coastal islets before rejoining SH 1 at Balclutha. Turning off SH 1, we then detour out to the coast once again, this time to the Taieri River Mouth before following the coast as far as Waldronville and arriving in Dunedin in time to explore the Otago Harbour area
Day 5:
Dunedin to Christchurch: Further exploration of Otago Harbour is a must before working our way north towards Christchurch. Once again we enjoy and soak-up coastal scenery, as far as Oamaru with its Steam-punk scene, and Timaru’s scenic waterfront at Caroline Bay, before regrettably arriving back at our starting point in the garden city.
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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
- Milford Sound scenic cruise
- Snacks, beverages, and drinks
- Scenic stops
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Optional Extras
- Scenic Helicopter Flight: Fiordland Mountain Magic (40 min – weather permitting)