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Day 1 to Day 2
DEPART USA
You will fly over the international date line on your way to Christchurch, New Zealand.
Day 3
ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH
On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in (flights to arrive prior to 4pm). You’ll have free time to relax before a Welcome Reception and dinner with your Travel Director this evening.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 4
CHRISTCHURCH - TRANZALPINE - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER (2 NIGHTS)
Start the day with a spectacular train journey on the TranzAlpine from Christchurch through the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. You’ll visit Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade), a Local Specialty, for a factory visit and demonstration before continuing south along the rugged coastal road to Franz Josef Glacier.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 5
FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER SIGHTSEEING
Today you’ll explore Franz Josef Glacier with your Local Guide on an interpretive tour. This afternoon you will have the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and Mt. Cook (weather permitting). This evening, why not dine at one of the local cafés.
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Day 6
FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER - WANAKA
Travel along the coastal road with the towering mountains on your left and the Tasman Sea on your right. Climb over the Haast Pass to view Thunder Creek Falls and travel through dramatic mountain and forest scenery. You’ll stop for a ride on the Haast River Safari with a Local Expert, a unique covered jetboat experience. Later you’ll arrive at Lake Wanaka.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 7
WANAKA - QUEENSTOWN (3 NIGHTS)
This morning pass Lakes Hawea and Dunstan. Journey through the Kawarau Gorge. Stop at Cromwell to taste its sensational stone fruit, a Local Specialty. Enjoy a visit to Arrowtown, a colorful old gold-mining township steeped in local history, before continuing to Queenstown for your three night stay.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 8
MILFORD SOUND CRUISE
Today is a feast for the senses. Travel along the Devil’s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau and its lake. You’ll be awe-struck by great sights from Fiordland National Park, New Zealand’s largest, to Milford Sound, one of the world’s most amazing places, where you will cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. En route you’ll drive through the hand-made Homer Tunnel to the abundant photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. In the late afternoon return to Queenstown, where you’ll have a free evening.
Day 9
QUEENSTOWN AT LEISURE
Time at leisure today gives you the opportunity to sample the many scenic delights of Queenstown. Perhaps take a jet boat ride or try white water rafting. For the less adventurous there are garden and wine tours. This evening ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak for a delicious buffet Highlight Dinner while taking in stunning views of Queenstown. Experience a Kiwi Haka Maori Show as well, a Local Specialty!
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Day 10
QUEENSTOWN - CHRISTCHURCH
Travel past Mt. Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest mountain. You may wish to take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). This afternoon stop at Lake Tekapo and view the Church of the Good Shepherd and then continue over the colorful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner together with your traveling companions.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 11
CHRISTCHURCH - USA
Your vacation concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).