The Southern Scenic

Train lovers delight - 13 days from Christchurch includes a spectacular circuit of the southern mountains then a taste of the north - Wellington, Rotorua, Waitomo to Auckland...

Reporting time 7.45 am.  Departs from Christchurch Intercity station at 8.00 am, EVERY DAY !

Day 1: Christchurch - Dunedin
Sit back and enjoy the scenery as you roll over the patchwork Canterbury plains to seaside Timaru.  Continuing south, plains meet the hills of Otago, the whitestone buildings of Oamaru, and the jagged coastline of Palmerston.  Finally, climb the cliffs around Mt Cargill and drop down into Dunedin - the 'Edinburgh of the South'.  Arrive early afternoon. Overnight in Dunedin.

Day 2: Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning is free for optional tours around Dunedin - art galleries, museums, or shopping.  Heading south, journey over the rich sheep country and green fields of South Otago and Southland, fed by cool clear mountain rivers.  Turn inland at Balclutha to Gore, then deeper, across the island to the great forests and deep lakes of Fiordland. Overnight at Lake Te Anau.

Day 3: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
The Fiordland National Park is the venue for today's thrilling experience - the beautiful Eglinton and Hollyford valleys the beech forests, the Homer Tunnel and the awesome Cleddau Canyon.  A cruise on Milford Sound to see the majesty of Mitre Peak, rising nearly a kilometre straight up out of the sea and Bowen Falls is included.  Then climb out of Milford Sound to Te Anau, travel across country to Kingston and drive alongside Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Stay three nights in Queenstown

Day 4: At Queenstown
Two full days for you to enjoy this fabulous resort and area. We have included the Skyline Gondola and the Kiwi Magic Movie in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities as well - thrilling jetboating on the rivers - white water rafting - helicopters through the river chasms - A.J. Hackett's world famous bungy jumping - cruises on Lake Wakatipu on the vintage 'TSS Eamslaw' - High Country sheep stations - gold panning - spectacular walking trails - the list is endless. . . Overnight in Queenstown

Day 5: Queenstown - Wanaka
A short drive through the spectacular Kawarau Gorge historic gold mining area then along Lake Dunstan to Lake Wanaka.  You have most of the day to explore this mountain paradise with many activities available.

Day 6: Wanaka - Glaciers
Leaving Wanaka, pass Lakes Hawea and Wanaka before climbing the forest lined valleys of the Makarora valley to Haast Pass.  Once over the pass, wind your way through towering snowy mountains and over rushing white water rivers to the coast. Travel north through dense rain forest and past wild surf beaches to the Glaciers.  Two nights at the Glaciers.

Day 7: At Fox or Franz Josef Glacier
A whole day is available for optional excursions on the glacier, for bush walks or to simply soak up the beauty of snow-capped mountains contrasting with the deep greens of the native bush. Overnight at the Glaciers.

Day 8: Glaciers - Christchurch
Continuing north along the West Coast until Greymouth where you transfer to the famous 'Tranz Alpine Express'.  This magnificent scenic train journey takes you through and over the mountains of the southern alps, across Porters and Arthurs Pass and through the Otira tunnel.  Then travel down the scenic Waimakariri gorge and follow the broad river valley over the patchwork Canterbury plains to Christchurch - the 'Garden City'.  Overnight in Christchurch.

Day 9: Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
Travel today by train, the 'Coastal Pacific', north over the plains and into the mountains. Then enjoy an exhilarating ride up the narrow coastal strip, with pounding surf on one side and the sheer Kaikoura ranges on the other. At Picton, catch one of the famous ferries down the long, narrow Marlborough Sounds and into Cook Strait. Enjoy the sun decks, bars, cafes and lounges as you look out for dolphins and whales before arriving in Wellington, the Capital.  Overnight in Wellington.

Day 10: At Wellington
A whole day to explore the Capital city.  We have included a half day city tour in the morning, which visits the unusual parliament buildings ('The Beehive'), Old St Paul's Cathedral, Mt Victoria with its panoramic city and harbour views and finally a ride to the Botanic Gardens and Observatory on the Cable Car.  Other places worth visiting are the excellent National Museum 'Te Papa', the Art Gallery and National Library.  Wellington is an interesting city with a beautiful harbour promenade and an exciting cultural and commercial life. Theatres, art galleries, restuarants, shops and cafes are plentiful.  Overnight in Wellington.

Day 11: Wellington - Rotorua
Leave the city for the rocky Kapiti coastline then fertile horticultural plains. The Manawatu area is impressive for its steep river gorges and tablelands. Climb up to the volcanic plateau where the huge mountains of Ruapehu, Ngaruahoe and Tongariro line your journey across 'The Desert Road'. Drop down to the blue waters of Lake Taupo and then travel through Wairakei's geothermal clouds and the vast exotic forests which line the road to Rotorua. We recommend you attend a Maori hangi and concert tonight (optional).  Stay 2 nights in Rotorua

Day 12: At Rotorua
The half day Grand Tour is included. You will see roaring geysers, boiling mud pools and steaming lakes at the thermal area, tame trout and kiwi at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome.  This afternoon is free - there are many activities to tempt you - such as bathing in the thermal waters.  For a small additional cost you could stay on a farm tonight.  Overnight in Rotorua.

Day 13: Rotorua - Waitomo - Auckland
After leaving Rotorua's volcanic charms, we travel to Waitomo Caves. A tour of the caves including the world famous glow worm grotto is included. Then on to Auckland via the Waikato Valley, Hamilton and the Bombay Hills. The coach arrives in Auckland at 5.10 pm