Lower South Island

Monday 22 August

Depart mid-morning from Auckland on Air New Zealand to arrive Christchurch at midday. This afternoon enjoy walking tour of rebuilt Christchurch, with the
balance of the day free. Welcome Dinner tonight.

Tuesday 23 August

We join our exclusive chartered train and travel south through rolling farmland and coastal inlets via Timaru to arrive in Oamaru for a two night stay. This evening join
an optional tour to visit the Blue Penguin Colony of Oamaru.

Optional Tour Blue Penguin Colony visit (Oamaru) $36 per person
The birds return from their days fishing, make their way across the beach, up a
stony ramp and cross to the colony. The colony began when a small number of blue
penguins began nesting in a rock quarry area at the edge of Oamaru Harbour in the
early 1990s. Today it is Oamaru’s largest tourist attraction.

Wednesday 24 August

After breakfast join our local guide for a fascinating walking tour of Oamaru with its Victorian Precinct built of Oamaru stone. Steampunk has grown rapidly over the past 10 years to make Oamaru the “capital of Steampunk” in the world. Free time to enjoy lunch. Continue onto Duntroon to visit the Vanished World Centre and learn about the
unique fossil history of this area.

Thursday 25 August

After breakfast, board our train and travel through Dunedin, Gore and Balclutha before arriving in Invercargill, to enjoy one of the southernmost cities in the world.

Friday 26 August

This morning we will have an excursion to Bluff before a free afternoon to explore the city. Why not discover the world class vintage truck collection at Bill Richardson Transport World, or learn about the legend of speed - Burt Munro at E Hayes Motorworks. Or simply take a stroll through the botanical gardens.

Saturday 27 August

Rejoin our train and travel to Balclutha where we will join our coach and have short visit into the Caitlin’s to Nugget Point lighthouse before continuing onto Dunedin for
a two night stay.

Sunday 28 August

This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ including Signal Hill, the world’s steepest street, Botanical Gardens, University and the Forsyth Barr sports stadium. The afternoon is free. An optional tour to the
Dunedin Royal Albatross Centre is available this Afternoon

Optional Tour Royal Albatross Centre $60 per person
Albatrosses are the world’s largest seabirds. They normally breed on remote islands and spend at least 85 percent of their lives at sea, well away from land and human view. Dunedin’s Taiaroa Head is the only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world and is a great day out from Dunedin (group numbers are limited).

Monday 29 August

After breakfast we travel north to Oamaru and then inland alongside the Waitaki river passing through Duntroon, Kurow, the Benmore Dam, Omarama, the gliding Capital
of New Zealand before arriving at Mt Cook for our two night stay.

Tuesday 30 August

A day to participate in optional activities and / or simply enjoying the area at your leisure. The Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre is included in your stay.

AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES

Indoor Stargazing Where science meets entertainment for an unrivalled 360 degree cinematic experience in New Zealand’s first full dome, digital Planetarium. Leave Earth, fly to the edge of our galaxy and far beyond to the reaches of our known universe.You will be given an introduction and orientation in the Planetarium, a guided tour through our solar system and beyond.

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Your Explorer pass will enable you to visit the centre which features a 3D movie theatre, planetarium and museum – valid for the duration of your stay. You’ll find the museum showcasing the history of the Mount Cook region through transport, climbing, and pioneer extraordinaire, Sir Edmund Hillary himself.

Mt Cook Day Walks For the more energetic walks are available, taking in some of the breath-taking views of the mountains and valleys. The Hooker Valley walk is the best.

Wednesday 31 August

We depart Mt Cook National Park after breakfast returning again past the azure waters of Lake Pukaki, through Tekapo, Fairlie and Geraldine across the
Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Late afternoon flight home from  Christchurch airport.