ITINERARY

(B) Breakfast. (L) Lunch. (D) Dinner. (SD) Specialty Dinner.

DAY 1: 28 October 2017: Arrive Christchurch (D)

On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. Tonight enjoy dinner at the hotel and meet your fellow travellers.
Hotel Quality Hotel Elms (2 nights)

DAY 2: 29 October 2017: Christchurch (B,D)

A city tour of Christchurch will highlight why it is fondly referred to as the Garden City, with its tree- lined avenues and large central city parks. First stop is Ohinetahi, designed by two architects and an artist, this formal garden is densely planted with rhododendrons, camellias and a variety of New Zealand natives. Take in the views of Lyttelton Harbour whilst enjoying morning tea. Next travel into Christchurch for a tour of the historic Botanic Gardens on the unique all-weather electric vehicle. Commentary is provided as you view native & exotic flora. This afternoon visit Broadfield Landscape Garden where the Kauri forest is planted with over 100 trees.

DAY 3: 30 October 2017: Christchurch – Dunedin (B,D)

Depart Christchurch and travel to Trotts Garden, set on 7 acres, where you will relish the formal detail of roses planted in set squares, the buxus edgings, knot garden the long deep perennial borders. Enjoy morning tea in the formal garden before heading south to Dunedin, known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (2 nights)

DAY 4: 31 October 2017: Dunedin Sightseeing (B,SD)

This morning travel along the beautiful Otago Harbour to Larnach Castle for a guided tour of both the Castle & the garden, rated a Garden of International Significance. Enjoy a Devonshire Tea in the grand ballroom, whilst the owner & creator of this incredible property share’s her story of vision and passion. Return to the city to spend time at leisure at the Dunedin Botanic Gardens, a highlight is the Rhododendron Dell. This afternoon board the Silver Fern Railcar for a journey along spectacular clifftops overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Blueskin Bay. On return to Dunedin’s historic Edwardian Railway Station, board the coach for your transfer to the hotel. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, Haggis Ceremony and gift.

DAY 5: 01 November 2017: Dunedin – Invercargill (B,L,D)

This morning visit Wylde Willow Garden, located in a beautiful, tranquil country setting that features a cottage garden & hundred year old willows. Continue south through the rugged coastline of the Catlins and enjoy a picnic lunch enroute. In Invercargill, enjoy time at leisure at Queens Park, a mecca for those who enjoy the natural and the planned, where the numerous gardens and botanic attractions provide vibrant displays whatever the season.

Hotel The Ascot Park Hotel

DAY 6: 02 November 2017: Invercargill – Te Anau (B,D)

This morning visit the Bill Richardson Transport Museum for a tour of this amazing private collection. Housed in a purpose built Art Deco building you will be immersed back to the 19th century. Displays include vintage trucks, rare classic cars, petrol pumps as well as an ever growing showcase of wearable arts. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Tonight after dinner you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).

Hotel Distinction Luxmore (Deluxe Rooms)

DAY 7: 03 November 2017: Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown (B,L)

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Hotel Copthorne Hotel & Resort (2 nights)

DAY 8: 04 November 2017: Queenstown (B,SD)

This morning enjoy time exploring two of the region’s finest private gardens. Chantecler features plantings from around the world making it a garden for all seasons, whilst Blair Garden is a beautifully presented garden, where impressive vistas to the surrounding picturesque mountainous landscape can be found from many vantage points. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore Queenstown at leisure. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

DAY 9: 05 November 2017: Queenstown – Arrowtown – Franz Josef (B,D)

Travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to Fox Glacier. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing)

DAY 10: 06 November 2017: Franz Josef – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch (B,SD)

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your new found friends.
Hotel Sudima Christchurch Airport Hotel

DAY 11: 07 November 2017: Depart Christchurch (B)

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand spring holiday.

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