New Zealand

8 Days / 7 Nights — Christchurch, the Tranz Alpine Express, Franz Joseph Glacier, Queenstown, Middle Earth

 

DAY 1 — Christchurch

Upon arrival you will be met by your chauffeur and transferred by private car to your hotel. Christchurch has been called "the most English city outside of England." Much of the charm here centers along the river Avon that flows through the center of the city. Lodging: Crowne Plaza

DAY 2 — Christchurch

Relax in the morning and spend the afternoon walking tour with your official guide to discover the highlights of this charming city. Lodging: Crowne Plaza

DAY 3 — Franz Joseph Gacier

Leave Christchurch in the morning to embark on one of the great rail journeys of the world. From the Pacific Ocean, the trip crosses the country through a fascinating variety of scenery that includes valleys, gorges and the Southern Alps until you arrive at the shores of the Tasman Sea. In Greymouth, your chauffeur will transfer you via the famous Franz Joseph glacier to Fox Glacier. Lodging: Te Weheka Inn

DAY 4 — Lake Wanaka

After a morning tour of New Zealand's most famous glacier, continue along the west coast to Haast, which is the center of high stands of rainforests, and a major wildlife refuge with extensive wetlands. The area is so special it has earned status as a World Heritage site. Continue over the Haast Pass, which is still in the Southern Alps, down to Lake Wanaka. Lodging: Edgewater Resort

DAY 5 — Queenstown

After a leisurely morning, drive to the quaint, restored, gold-rush mining town of Arrowhead. Next, continue to Queenstown, which is situated on a sheltered arm of the S-shaped Lake Wakatipo. From here, New Zealand's grandest scenic treasures can be reached, including Lake Te Anau and Milford Sound. Lodging: Mercure Grand St. Moritz

DAY 6 — Queenstown

Embark on a cruise boat to the Walter Peak High Country Sheep Station. Following a meeting by the friendly staff, experiences of life on a sheep station are shared during coffee at the homestead. Visit the original wool shed and watch the sheep dogs in action. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Lodging: Mercure Grand St. Moritz

I was a tremendous fan of the lord of the rings, and seeing it close up and personal brought back many epic moments for me.

DAY 7 — Queenstown (optional tour to "Middle Earth')

You'll have an opportunity to tour some of the local sites used in the making of the film trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers and Return of the King. Although the filming of the J.R. Tolkien classic took place at over 150 separate locations, the Queenstown area had more of its share in this epic undertaking. Lodging: Mercure Grand St. Moritz

DAY 8 — Queenstown

Transfer to the airport and bid a reluctant farewell to this unique corner of the world.

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