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Mainland by Rail |
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Day 1 Wellington - Christchurch Cross Cook Strait on the Interislander and cruise through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. Disembarking at Picton board the Coastal Pacific train and cross the Wairau Valley, New Zealand’s premier wine producing region. Returning to the coast the railway hugs the rugged shore to Kaikoura, famous for its lobster fishing and whale watching. Skirt the Hundalee Hills and over the North Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch. On arrival at Christchurch Railway Station uplift your rental car. Day 1 or 2 Christchurch - Dunedin Departing Christchurch the highway travels over the Canterbury Plains. Cross over New Zealand’s finest salmon rivers to reach Oamaru, with its collection of fine whitestone buildings preludes the picturesque Blue Skin Bay. Follow the coastline to Waitati prior to traversing the Killmog Hill to arrive Dunedin. This afternoon you may wish to join the Taieri Gorge Railway New Zealand’s spectacular historic rail journey - crossing giant viaducts and passing through ever changing scenery. Day 2 or 3 Dunedin - Te Anau Prior to departing Dunedin we suggest you visit the cities many historic buildings. Depart Dunedin travelling south skirting Lake Waihola, continue over the rolling South Otago farmland to reach Gore and Te Anau. Day 3 or 4 Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown Drive through the Eglinton Valley with its hanging glacier valleys, pristine forest and towering peaks. Exiting the Homer Tunnel arrive at Milford Sound. Cruise on the Sound and inspect up close the cascading waterfalls, sea life and towering rock faces. Return to Te Anau and cross Southland’s farmlands to reach Queenstown. Day 4 or 5 Queenstown A free day to explore New Zealand’s premier resort. Suggested activities include a Skippers Canyon excursion, a Lake Wakatipu cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw and a ride on the Shotover Jet. The daring may consider parapenting off Bob’s Peak, white water rafting, or a thrilling bungy jump. Your holiday includes the Bob’s Peak gondola ride (and light refreshments) for magnificent views over Lake Wakatipu. Day 5 or 6 Queenstown - Glaciers Farewell Queenstown and retrace your
route down the Kawarau Gorge. Journey past Lakes Dunstan, Hawea
and Wanaka. Entering the Westland forest the highway climbs to the
summit of Haast Pass. Surrounded by cascading waterfalls and lofty
peaks the route follows the Haast River to join the coast. Pass
serene lakes and virgin forests to reach the Glaciers. Day 6 or 7 The Glaciers The day is free for activities. Popular attractions include the glaciers and bush walks or a scenic flight with an on snow landing. Alternatively just sit back and enjoy the delightful alpine scenery. Day 7 or 8 Glaciers - Christchurch Crossing numerous rivers and through tall stands of Beach forest to reach Greymouth. Return your rental and board the TranzAlpine train, rated as one of the World's premier rail trips. Pass Lake Brunner and through dense bush to arrive at Otira. Exiting the tunnel at Arthur's Pass the railway hugs the banks of the Waimakariri River before reaching the plains of Christchurch. |
The Canterbury Plains
Bowen Falls Milford Sound
Lake Matheson
The TranzAlpine Train
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Prices are valid until 30 September 2008
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