South Island New Zealand
From Christchurch, NZ To Christchurch, NZ - 11 Nights

Package Details

Details

Itinerary: 

Day 1, Home to Christchurch 

Today we head off for our South Island New Zealand tour! You will be picked up from your home and transferred to the Gold Coast Airport for your flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival in Christchurch we will be met by our driver and transferred to our hotel for a late check in.

• Overnight at ibis Christchurch or similar

Day 2, Akaroa Day Trip

After breakfast you will meet in the lobby to meet your coach driver. Today we have a day trip to Akaroa.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s South Island on a scenic drive from Christchurch to Akaroa. As you depart the vibrant city of Christchurch, you’ll embark on a picturesque journey through the Canterbury Plains, where rolling hills and lush farmland provide a captivating backdrop.

Along the way, take in the captivating views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean and the rugged Banks Peninsula coastline. Upon reaching Akaroa, a charming French-inspired village nestled on the edge of an ancient volcanic crater, you’ll be greeted by stunning harbor vistas and a delightful atmosphere. Explore Akaroa’s quaint streets, savor delicious French cuisine, and enjoy the opportunity to spot Hector’s dolphins, making this road trip an unforgettable adventure filled with natural beauty and cultural charm.

Activity: The Giants House, Akaroa 

A Garden of International Significance 6 stars (NZGT).

Josie Martin – a qualified Horticulturist and Artist, used her two passions to design and create the gardens at The Giants House 23 years ago, this is always a work in progress. The gardens are a fully integrated and inseparable combination of art works and gardens – a contrast and balance of the hard and soft. Original, quirky, colourful, seriously playful, interactive and joyous celebration of life, complete with a highly polished stainless steel Giant sculpture, Bella Vita. There is a flat area of gardens around the house, much seating, and terraced up the hill with surprises at every turn. You will enjoy a quick visit in Akaroa township before heading back to Christchurch.

18H00 – Two course dinner at the hotel.

• Overnight at ibis Christchurch or similar

Day 3, Christchurch to Franz Josef 

After breakfast you will be transferred to the Christchurch Railway Station to board your train to Greymouth. Explore the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine train – one of the world’s great train journeys, covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) one-way and taking just under 5 hours. Our TranzAlpine train travels coast-to-coast through the ‘Great Divide’ and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand’s South Island.

Your coach driver will meet you at the train station in Greymouth and transfer you to your accommodation in Franz Josef.

• Dinner Included.
• Overnight at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier or similar

Day 4, Franz Josef to Queenstown 

We will enjoy breakfast at our accommodation and then drive to Queenstown. Exploring the stunning South Island of New Zealand on a memorable journey from Franz Josef to Queenstown.

Continue your journey through the dramatic Haast Pass, marveling at waterfalls and lush rainforests along the way. Reach the serene shores of Lake Wanaka, where you can relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Finally, arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, where you can indulge in thrilling activities, dine at fantastic restaurants, and take in the beauty of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding Remarkables mountain range. This itinerary promises a mix of natural wonders making it a trip to remember.

• Overnight at Rydges Lakeland Resort or Similar

Day 5, Queenstown 

Enjoy breakfast at the accommodation before a day at leisure until 4pm.

Tonight, you will make your own way to the wharf to meet the TSS Earnslaw for your evening experience. It is approx 5-minute walk from your accommodation.

Activities: TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Evening Dining – 4.00PM-8.00PM

Steeped in Queenstown’s pioneering history, your experience starts with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu in the 100-year-old steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. Then disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm, one of the first farms set up in the region.

Relax in the unique ambience of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, the heart of the stately homestead at Walter Peak. Here you will enjoy a dining experience that’s unlike any other in Queenstown, relax in the unique ambience in front of a roaring open fire and soak in the views from this stunning lakeside setting while the chefs prepare a gourmet BBQ on the outdoor grill. There’s a selection of succulent New Zealand meat and seafood accompanied by delectable seasonal salads, tasty dessert treats and local cheeses. All meat and seafood is cooked on the outdoor BBQ and rotisserie in front of guests and served immediately. A locally influenced wine list and other beverages are available to purchase at the bar.

After dinner, an entertaining and informative demonstration gives you a glimpse of life in the high country. On the magical night-time cruise home, you can enjoy the camaraderie of a sing-a-long with the ships pianist or breathe in the fresh night air on the moonlit decks as you watch the lights of Queenstown draw nearer.

• BBQ Dinner Included
• Overnight at Rydges Lakeland Resort or Similar

Day 6, Queenstown to Te Anau

After breakfast at the accommodation you will embark on an awe-inspiring South Island road trip as you depart from Queenstown and journey to Te Anau. Your adventure begins in Queenstown, renowned for its thrilling activities and stunning alpine vistas, before setting out westward, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, pristine lakes, and lush forests. Along the way, don’t miss the charming town of Kingston on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and the captivating wonders of Fiordland National Park, including Mirror Lakes and the iconic Eglinton Valley. As you approach Te Anau, nestled by the serene Lake Te Anau, you’ll find yourself at the gateway to Fiordland’s natural treasures, including the world-famous Milford Sound. This road trip promises an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s wilderness, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, and guarantees lasting memories against a backdrop of awe-inspiring scenery.

• Dinner at the hotel
• Overnight at Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau

Day 7, Te Anau 

Your coach driver will collect you after breakfast and take you to Milford Sound for your day cruise.

Activities: Milford Sound Cruise ex Milford – 10h30 – 12h30

A 1 hour 30 min cruise of Milford Sound to the open sea with full commentary. The road to Milford has many interesting stopping points. In particular don’t miss Mirror lakes (58 kms from Te Anau) and The Chasm with its curiously shaped rocks (109 kms from Te Anau).

The luxury vessels cruises the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea and stops at various points and offer excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. The cruise is accompanied by comprehensive commentaries. Foreign language guides provide interpretation on board selected cruises and interesting interpretation handouts are available in eight languages. Barista-made coffee and organic tea are available for purchase.

Note: coach tours visit these sites going to Milford, therefore if you stop on the return trip chances are you will have them all to yourself.

**Please Note – CASH ONLY

There are no EFTPOS facilities onboard your cruise. So please remember to bring cash. If you need to get cash out, the last destination to do this before Milford is Te Anau.

• Overnight at Distinction Luxmore Hotel or similar

Day 8, Te Anau to Dunedin 

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before a scenic drive from Te Anau to Dunedin offers a delightful journey through the heart of New Zealand’s South Island. As you embark on this picturesque road trip, you will stop at Larnach Castle, a stunning historic gem nestled on the Otago Peninsula. The castle’s dramatic architecture and lush gardens provide a captivating backdrop for exploration.

Activities: Larnach Castle Gardens Entrance & Guide (no Castle Entry)

The gardens at Larnach Castle have been rated by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Significance. Today, the Castle is surrounded by 7 acres of maintained Gardens. The gardens are Margaret Barker’s personal creation – not only is she a restorer of historic buildings, but also a passionate gardener. Margaret has been a Guest Speaker and Judge at the New Zealand Ellerslie Flower Show, is well-respected as a garden star throughout New Zealand and has recently written a book about her garden.

There is always something to see in the gardens at Larnach Castle. This is more than just a Garden of International Significance; it is a unique collection of specialised gardens. For instance, there is a Patterned Garden, the Lost Rock Garden, the Serpentine Walk, the Rain Forest, the South Seas Garden, the Alice Lawn, and the Laburnum Arch and Green Room.

To assist in exploring the gardens, a colour map is provided, with features to be found including the Wishing Well, the Dungeon, a Methane Gas Generation Plant and a challenge to find the Oamaru Stone Cheshire Cat! For those interested in our extensive collection of New Zealand native plants, we have a Native Plant Trail brochure that leads visitors around the gardens on a journey of discovery, identifying our native flora.

After your visit at Larnach Castle, continue your drive into Dunedin, where you can explore the city’s vibrant culture, heritage, and local attractions.

• Dinner included
• Overnight at Dunedin Leisure Lodge or Similar

Day 9, Dunedin to Twizel

Breakfast

Activity: Dunedin Botanic Gardens – 9.30AM-11.30AM

The Dunedin Botanic Garden is New Zealand’s first botanic garden and holds the status of six star Garden of International Significance. ArbNet, the global network for tree-focussed professionals, has accredited the Botanic Garden as level III. The Camellia Collection is rated as a Garden of Excellence by the International Camellia Society.

The Dunedin Botanic Garden celebrates its 160th anniversary in 2023, marking its position as New Zealand’s first botanic garden. It occupies 30.4 hectares in North Dunedin at an altitude of 25 – 85 metres above sea level. The Garden has hill views from sunny lawns, more than 6,800 plant species and the song of wild native bellbirds, wood pigeons and tui.

Accessibility – Although the garden includes slopes, it has been awarded a silver rating for accessibility by BE.ACCESSIBLE. The visitor map rates each track as easy, medium or hard.

Tours generally start at the top of the hill and finish at the bottom (route is mostly downhill and on gravelled path surfaces), to save people walking back up the hill. Buses can drop off at the top of the Garden and pick up at the bottom of the Garden.

After your tour of the Botanic Gardens, you will travel to Twizel. Embarking on a journey from Dunedin to Twizel in New Zealand’s South Island offers a scenic adventure. As you drive inland, you’ll encounter picturesque landscapes, charming towns like Oamaru, and the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. Twizel, your final destination, is a gateway to outdoor adventures, including hiking in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and stargazing in the dark skies. This itinerary promises a memorable South Island experience.

• Dinner at the hotel
• Overnight at Mackenzie Country Hotel

Day 10, Twizel to Christchurch 

After breakfast you’re on your way from Twizel to Christchurch with a stop at Trotts Garden in Ashburton for a garden tour.

Activity: Trott’s Community Garden – 1100-1300

Like all gardens, is spectacular over spring and summer, with beautiful Rhododendrons in full bloom, and equally throughout winter, the knot garden and our many garden rooms deliver a different experience. The Trott’s Community Garden Charitable Trust is an organisation which was formed in order to protect and maintain Trott’s Garden – a garden of international significance, for our community and it’s current and future generations.

The Trust employs 2 staff – a full time Garden Manager and a part time Administrator and Marketing person. Working alongside our 2 staff is many volunteers from the local community – approximately 80 people, who work at gardening, lawn mowing, maintenance, greeting, guiding and catering. Without these people we would not be in operation.

Activity: Ashburton Dairy Farm – 1315-1445

Visit a working dairy farm, your guide will take 1-1.5 hours explaining the in’s and out’s of running a dairy farm in the Canterbury region. You will see a milking demonstration and you may also get the chance to see the farmer do an artificial insemination.

• Overnight at Peppers Clearwater Resort or Similar

Day 11, Christchurch 

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

Today you will have half day transfers included with your driver, your driver will take you to the Christchurch International Antarctic Centre. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Activity International Antarctic Centre

A MUST DO fun, interactive and authentic Antarctic experience! Located on a real, working Antarctic Campus across from Christchurch Airport, its location is uniquely authentic and offers visitors of all ages an interactive, fun Antarctic adventure and learning experience.

Experience dramatic lighting in the four seasons of Antarctica show where it snows every 6 minutes. Learn about life in modern day Antarctica then venture out on to the ice from (the new) Scott Base to play in the Antarctic the snow & ice experience and survive an Antarctic storm! How long can you hold your hand in the icy Antarctic water? Hang out with Little Blue Penguins, buckle up for the famously exciting Hagglund ride, take an awesome simulated 4D Antarctic cruise, then watch a stunning movie on a MASSIVE screen! The International Antarctic Centre is possibly the closest you’ll get to Antarctica without mounting your own expedition!

The attraction also offers a fully licensed cafe open daily from 8 am – 5 pm and a gift shop.

• Tonight, dinner has been included at your hotel.
• Overnight at Chateau on the Park or Similar

Day 12, Christchurch to Home

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Until your driver is ready to transfer you to the airport at 12pm please leave your bags with receptions and enjoy your last few hours. At 12pm please meet your driver outside the hotel for your transfer to the airport for your flight to the Gold Coast.

Once arrived on the Gold Coast you will be met by your driver and transferred back home.

Inclusions

• Return Transfers from Home to the Airport
• Return Economy Class Flights with Checked Baggage
• All Accommodation
• Activities as per itinerary

 

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: + A$1650.00

DEPOSIT: $1500.00 – With completed booking form

Terms

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Tour Cost: Total tour cost reflected in this brochure is per person twin share. (minimum 10 passengers to be guaranty departure fully escorted)

Single Supplement applies.

(All costs are subject to change until your tour has been paid in full.)

Deposit:
A non-refundable deposit per person is required within 7 days of confirmation of your reservation.

Final payment:
The final payment, plus single supplement (if applicable) must be received 90 days prior to departure or as advised at the time of the booking.

Payment methods:
Payment can be made by cash, cheque, direct deposit and credit card. Credit Cards incur a 1.0% surcharge above the tour cost. The following credit cards are accepted: Visa and MasterCard. Please note no foreign credit cards can be accepted for payment.

Cancellations: In the event of cancellation, you agree to pay the cancellation fees listed on the Casino Travel Shoppe Schedule of Service Items and Fees. In addition, you agree to be liable for all supplier cancellation fees.

Travel insurance:
It is compulsory and provides protection against most legitimate reasons for cancellation. Your deposit is non refundable. Once you have made the final payment, the full payment is non-refundable. The client is responsible for cancellation fees immediately confirmation of arrangements is conveyed verbally or in writing to you as the client.

Refunds:
Once the departure is reached, cancellations for unused services/vouchers are not refundable. Refunds cannot be authorised by service providers.

Amendment Fees:
Once tour reservations are confirmed changes will attract a minimum fee of $330 per client file, plus fees applied by airlines and other service providers.

Late bookings:
Bookings made within 25 days of departure may require an additional fee. Details of the fee if applied will be advised at the time of requesting your reservation. Additional airfare costs may also be necessary and will also be passed on at the time of your booking request.

Late payment:
In some instances suppliers impose a late payment fee, should the late payment be due to the failure of the client to pay by the due date this fee may be passed on as an additional amount payable above the tour cost advertised.

Document reissue:
A fee of $330 dollars will apply to reissue and dispatch of documents

Departure date:
The departure date is the date selected for this tour. The tour will be operated by a Supplier/s commencing on the date stipulated in the itinerary and the Casino Travel Shoppe group will form part of the overall Supplier departure for this tour. Should this tour date change, clients will be offered alternate departure dates. Where a client is affected by a departure date change, then the client’s consent as to alternatives will be sought.

Prices:
All prices and amounts quoted are current at the time of publication. Airfares, taxes, fuel surcharges, and currency fluctuations as well as land content costs from suppliers can change at any time and are beyond our control and the control of suppliers of product offered. Any changes in price affecting the client will be advised immediately they become known. Regrettably in some instances the change is not advised in time to protect the client from additional cost for the tour.

Not included:
Charges for excess luggage, personal services, gratuities (unless stated in the departure itinerary), laundry, drinks, meals except as specified, pre travel documentation unless stated in the departure itinerary), personal accident and medical expenses including all communication charges incurred on the passengers behalf

Tour operator’s responsibility:
The supplier/s and its/their associated companies or agents act in the capacity as agent for the suppliers of transportation and tour operation services. Seasonal variation in airline, transport and accommodation services may necessitate minor variations to itineraries and hotel standards. Any variation inconsistent with the applicable tour described in this brochure or the Supplier’s brochure/website will be discussed and agreed with the client

Quotations for tours are subject to tariff and exchange rate variations and may differ from prices quoted in this brochure and that of the Supplier.

The Supplier/s and other eligible parties shall not be responsible for any injury, damage, accident, loss, and delay in respect of any person or property. In this clause “eligible parties” shall include any carrier, tour operator or other provider of any service in respect of a tour and for the purpose of conferring the benefit of this clause upon eligible parties. The exclusion of liability contained in this clause shall be subject to all statutory warranties. These conditions of booking shall form part of the contract between the client and the Supplier/s. Where a carrier notifies conditions of carriage on any ticket, coupon or brochure, then the client shall be bound by those conditions.

Cancellation:
The Supplier/s reserves the right to cancel or withdraw at any time any booking made for any client and in such an event the Supplier/s shall be under no liability in respect of any loss or damage to a client provided that the client shall be entitled to a full refund in respect of any monies paid.

Holiday costs:
Tour costs are a gross amount including all services stipulated and itinerary planning, currency transfers, booking procedures and communication costs. Unless agreed by the Supplier/s, no itemized costing will be provided

Conditions of booking: By instructing Casino Travel Shoppe or the Supplier/s directly, either verbally or in writing to proceed with Reservations on your behalf, you, the client shall be taken to have accepted these conditions of booking as binding.

Fully Escorted Conditions**
A member of the Casino Travel Shoppe staff will accompany this tour as long as the minimum number of passengers (between 8 and 14) are booked on this tour. Should the required numbers not be reached the tour will operate as normal with national and local guides. All items mentioned in the itinerary will be provided however you will complete the international flights unaccompanied. All transfers will be provided within Australia and at your destination.

Product Descriptions: Descriptions and information on products and services are based on information supplied by our third party suppliers and are subject to change at any time. The standard of accommodation and other services are based on various factors, which are generally accepted as indicative of a certain class; however, we do not guarantee the standard, class, or fitness for purpose of that accommodation or service.

Limit of Liability:
We do our best to make sure your arrangements are satisfactory, however many of the goods and services offered by Casino Travel Shoppe are supplied by third parties and we act as an agent only for those suppliers. To the extent permitted by law, Casino Travel Shoppe Pty Ltd excludes all liability for any loss or damage whatsoever (including but not limited to physical and psychological injury, and loss or damage to property of whatever nature) that may arise in any way in connection with the offer or supply of goods or services through Casino Travel Shoppe or any third parties, or in connection with the supply of such goods or services.

If the Trade Practices Act 1974 or any similar law implies a condition of warranty that cannot be excluded, the liability of Casino Travel Shoppe Pty Ltd for a breach of the condition or warranty will be limited as determined by Casino Travel Shoppe Pty Ltd in its absolute discretion to:

In the case of services: The supplying of the services again; or the payment of the cost of having the services supplied again.

Events beyond our control:
Casino Travel Shoppe Pty Ltd does not accept any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expenses or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by any events which are beyond its control including, but not limited to, war, civil disturbances, fire, floods, acts of God, acts of Government or any other authorities, accident to or failure of machinery or equipment or industrial action.

Destination passenger enquiries:
Casino Travel Shoppe makes no representations as to the safety, conditions or other issues that may exist at any destination. International travel advice can be obtained from various sources, including local government, local consular offices and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. (www.smartraveller.gov.au)

Travel Insurance:
On all Casino Travel Shoppe Group tours, purchasing a travel insurance policy of your choice to cover loss, damage, illness, injury or other unexpected circumstances is compulsory. In all instances Travel Insurance is compulsory before you are accepted on a tour. You can not insure against changing your mind about your journey.

Health and immigration:
You should familiarise yourself with any health or visa requirements that may be applicable in the areas you intend visiting. You are responsible for all exit, entry, health and other documents required by laws, regulations, orders, demands or requirements of the countries visited or transited. Each person travelling internationally shall carry a valid passport with at least 6 months validity at all times. Passports and Visas are your personal responsibility. In some instances the staff at Casino Travel Shoppe can arrange visas.

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