Visit: Christchurch, Hanmer, Reefton, Punakaiki, Greymouth, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Arthurs Pass
Valid for departures between 26 Sep 2020 and 10 Apr 2021
Minimum 6 pax to guarantee departure for the tour dates
On arrival to the largest city in the South Island, you will be transferred to your city hotel for the first night of your tour. Depending on your arrival time you may like to enjoy a walk around the exciting re-development of central Christchurch surrounding your city hotel. From stunning new architectural office buildings and shopping centres to the painstaking rebuild of the historic Arts Centre. This afternoon meet your local tour representative who will provide a tour briefing and confirm tomorrow’s departure details.
Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
This morning enjoy a brief sightseeing tour of Christchurch City, where you will learn about the amazing rebuilding efforts taking place in the city following the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Leaving Christchurch your tour will take you north to the Waipara region renown for producing rich and spicy Pinot Noirs and Rieslings. Heading inland the road takes you through North Canterbury and on to the picturesque alpine village of Hanmer Springs. Enjoy a dip in the Thermal hot pools located just a short walk from your hotel. Dinner is included this evening.
Hotel: Drifters Inn. B,D
Leaving Hanmer Springs head west and over the Lewis Pass. The northern most pass of the three main passes over the Southern Alps. Elevation 907 Metres. The first stop this morning will be Reefton, the first town in New Zealand, some say in the Southern Hemisphere to be lit by electricity. Visit the Reefton Distilling Company, fast becoming known for their Little Biddy range of Gin’s. Onwards to Westport, and then head to Cape Foulwind to visit the seal colony at Tauranga Bay. Join State Highway 6 and pass through the small town of Charleston – founded during the gold rush of the 1860’s and then travel alongside rugged Woodpecker Bay. Arrive in Punakaiki, located on the edge of the Paparoa National Park. Enjoy a pleasant walk around the famous limestone landscape of the Pancake Rocks. Continue onto Greymouth. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel.
Hotel: The Ashley Hotel Greymouth. B,D
Today learn about the fascinating history and enjoy the raw beauty of the West Coast. Visit Shantytown for an insight to the goldmining past of the coast and ride on the lovingly preserved steam railway. Fur-ther south take time to explore Hokitika, famous for Jade carving and glass blowing. Onwards you will pass alongside dairy farms, coastal forests, glistening lakes and more historic gold mining towns before arriving in Franz Josef township. On arrival drive up the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Road and have the opportunity to walk a short distance to a viewing point of the Glacier Valley. The final destination today is Fox Glacier township. As a tour highlight we have included a Helicopter flight over the Fox Glacier with stunning views of the Southern Alps, out over the Fox township and beyond to the West Coast. Dinner is included this evening.
Hotel: Distinction Fox Glacier Hotel. B,D
Leaving Fox Glacier on State Highway 6 climb over Mt Hercules and along the Whataroa River. Pass by the towns of Hari Hari and Ross before stopping again at Hokitika. Continue on to the Kumara Junction where you will take the road inland and head back across the Southern Alps. Stop at Arthurs Pass, a historic township named after the explorer Arthur Dobson who was the first European to travel through here to the West Coast in 1864. Continue to Christchurch. Dinner is included this evening at tour hotel.
Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel. B,D
Your tour will conclude today following breakfast and your transfer to the Airport. B
Inclusion
Christchurch, Hanmer, Reefton, Punakaiki, Greymouth, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Arthurs Pass
Christchurch Airport to City Hotel Transfer
Five nights in excellent centrally located accommodation including Breakfast Daily (B)
Meals as stipulated in Itinerary include 4x Dinners
Modern air conditioned vehicle as per Itinerary outline
Sightseeing includes
• Christchurch City Tour
• Hanmer Springs Thermal Hotpools
• Reefton Distilling Company
• Pancake Rocks
• ShantyTown
• Franz Josef Glacier Valley
• Fox Glacier Helicopter Flight
Christchurch City Hotel to Airport Transfer
Exclusion
Domestic Air Fares
Additional /Optional Tour Costs
Hotel Mini Bar
Sightseeing/Meals not stated in Itinerary
Note
Valid for departures between 26 Sep 2020 and 10 Apr 2021
Minimum 6 pax to guarantee departure for the tour dates
Child supplement is available on request
Supplement cost for rental car options, private driver options or exclusive group travel is available on request
