New Zealand Bus Tour: Fiords and Whales
DAY 1 - Arrive Christchurch
Welcome to Christchurch—the "Garden City". You are met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation.
Stay: Christchurch (1 night)
Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown
Photographer: Ben Crawford
(www.bencrawford.co.nz)
DAY 2 - Christchurch – Mount Cook – Queenstown
Journey south by sightseeing coach over the patch worked Canterbury Plains to Mount Cook National Park. Pass alpine lakes and journey through tussock country to the resort of Queenstown. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu Queenstown is a year-round alpine resort that caters for all interests. It enjoys a magnificent setting amid steep mountain ranges and pockets of native bush with the jagged peaks of the Remarkables Range rising from the lake.
Stay: Queenstown (3 nights)
DAY 3 - Queenstown
A free day to enjoy the many activities available in this region which include jet-boating excursions, golf, bungy jumping, and paragliding, gold panning in old gold-mines, cruises on Lake Wakatipu, or simply relaxing beside the lakeside or shopping. We have included a ride on the Skyline Gondola high atop the Queenstown basin.
Milford Sound
Fiordland National Park
Photographer: Heidi Coppock Beard
(www.coppockbeard.com)
DAY 4 - Milford Sound Day Excursion
Skirt Lake Wakatipu by coach in the shadow of the rugged Remarkables. And on through rolling farmland to Te Anau, gateway of the Fiordland National Park. Pass through magnificent beech forests and the Homer Tunnel. Remote, mysterious and uniquely New Zealand, Milford Sound is a spectacular reminder of the forces of nature that shaped this land. Formed thousands of years ago during the ice ages, Milford Sound is the northernmost fiord in Fiordland National Park and the most dramatic. Here you will find cascading waterfalls, luxuriant forests and the towering pinnacle of Mitre Peak. No matter what the fiord's mood, shrouded in mist or with sun glistening on deep waters, it will inspire you. Enjoy a scenic cruise on Milford Sound before returning to Queenstown by coach - or scenic flight at your own expense.
DAY 5 - Queenstown – Franz Josef
Leaving Queenstown follow the rocky Kawarau Gorge through to Cromwell. Follow the shores of picturesque Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to cross the divide at the Haast Pass. Continue through the rainforests of the Westland World Heritage Park to the glacier township of Franz Josef.
Stay: Franz Josef (1 night)
DAY 6 - Franz Josef – Punakaiki
Today you travel to Punakaiki, famous for its unique rock formations and blowholes carved by the wind and sea over centuries of time.
Stay: Punakaiki (1 night)
Seal Encounter, Abel Tasman
National Park, Nelson
Photographer: Ian Trafford
(www.iantraffordphotos.com)
Whale Watching, Kaikoura
Photographer: Chris McLennan
(www.cmphoto.co.nz)
DAY 7 - Punakaiki – Nelson
Departing the West Coast following the Buller Gorge into the hinterland before climbing over Hope Saddle to enjoy spectacular views of Nelson Lakes National Park. Nelson has something for everyone and is situated close to Abel Tasman National Park with its unique marine life and endless golden sand beaches.
Stay: Nelson (2 nights)
DAY 8 - At Nelson
Today is free for you to enjoy Nelson. Local attractions include day tours of the Abel Tasman National Park, wine and arts and crafts tours, or simply enjoying Nelson city, its shopping and relaxation areas.
DAY 9 - Nelson – Kaikoura
Leaving Tasman Bay, climb over the Richmond Range to reach the fertile Wairau Valley in the heart of Marlborough's Wine district before arriving in Blenheim, the town that services this major wine growing region. From here you will continue your journey along the Kaikoura.
Stay: Kaikoura (1 night)
DAY 10 - Kaikoura – Christchurch
This morning enjoy a Whale Watching Tour following the resident sperm whales. You may also see resident dolphins, seals and albatross among many other marine animals and birds. Afterwards board the Tranz Coastal Train and head south past some of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal scenery before rolling out across the Canterbury Plains and arriving into Christchurch.
Stay: Christchurch (1 night)
DAY 11 - Depart Christchurch
A departure transfer is provided to Christchurch International Airport.
Fiords and Whales Holiday Package Prices
01 October 2011 - 30 April 2012 - Tour prices start from NZ$2,129.00 per person share twin
01 May 2012 - 30 September 2012 - Tour prices start from NZ$2,011.00 per person share twin
01 October 2012 - 30 April 2013 - Tour prices start from NZ$2,169.00 per person share twin
- Prices based on budget accommodation and two persons travelling together
- Prices based on seat on coach transport
- Costs do not include international or domestic airfares
Popular (mid range) and superior accommodation options available on request.
Tour Highlights:
- Milford Sound Day Tour and cruise on Fiord
- Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
- Westland National Park
- Whale Watch Tour at Kaikoura
- Tranz Coast train journey
Booking Code: NZ10
If you wish to enquire or book this holiday package please fill out our enquiry form.
Other New Zealand Bus Tour Packages
[Snapshot of New Zealand]
[North Island Highlights]
[Scenic Spectacular]
[Classic New Zealand]
[Fiords and Whales]
[Nature Encounter]
Whangarei (
