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Stunning scenery, breathtaking landscapes, magnificent wildlife… this place – and this vacation - has it. This vacation experience will have you out into the wilderness; on the ocean whale watching; in the water swimming with dolphins and relaxing in natures own hot tubs.
The adventure starts in the self described Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown. You’ll be transferred from the airport to you 3 nights stay at the Crowne Plaza Queenstown. Overlooking stunning Lake Wakatipu with its majestic mountain backdrop, this hotel offers contemporary, stylish accommodation in an outstanding location. You’ll receive a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability) and a $50 food and beverage credit.
Today you will be on a Wilderness Safari. It begins with a 1.5 hr jetboat ride up the Dart River. You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking snow-capped mountains, ancient native forest, waterfalls and glacial valleys frozen in time. Then take a 30-40 minute walk through the Heritage Trail at Paradise, where your guide will show you the ancient native beech forest, unique flora and fauna and you’ll hear about the Maori and colonial history of the area.
You‘ll take a 4WD safari vehicle along a back-country route hearing stories about the surrounding countryside and stopping to view some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery. Vistas that have formed the epic backdrop for many international movies, including ‘The Lord of the Rings’.
Today you will visit one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand. Board a luxury glass-roofed coach and enjoy a trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. After a morning tea break in Te Anau continue along the spectacular Milford Road. Milford Sound is incredibly grand. Sheer granite cliffs tower into the sky and plunge into the depths of clear water. while Mitre Peak stands like a massive sentinel, guarding this amazing fiord, described by Rudyard Kipling as the eighth wonder of the world! You’ll board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise on the Sounds and excellent viewing opportunities of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife.
For a change in scenery, today you will fly to Christchurch (flights not included) where you’ll pick up your rental car. Take your time as you travel north across the Canterbury Plain to the foothills of the Southern Alps to Hanmer Springs. Check into your hotel – the Heritage Hanmer Springs, then head across the street to the thermal reserve to soak in the naturally heated pools. Hanmer Springs is an attractive year-round holiday destination for adventure, relaxation and indulgence. You’ll have time to experience forest hiking, mountain biking, shopping, golf or horse trekking.
The scenery changes again today as you head further north to the beautiful coastal town of Kaikoura. Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. There are also plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops. You’ll stay on the waterfront at the Anchor Inn Motel.
The natural encounters continue today when you take a whale watching tour. Just offshore from Kaikoura a deep undersea canyon combines with unusual sea currents to attract an extraordinary abundance of marine life, the most famous being the Sperm Whale. These are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales, and Southern Right Whales.
 After your marine mammal encounter, travel south to the picturesque city of Christchurch and check into the Millennium Christchurch Hotel.
Today you travel to the small town of Akaroa and cruise on the Akaroa Harbour sighting dolphins, penguins and seals. Get into your wet suit and swim with a pod of Hectors Dolphins. These are the world’s smallest dolphins – they are rare, curious and endangered mammals. Following your swim with the dolphins there is time to explore the town’s arts and crafts shops before returning to Christchurch
This morning, return you rental car to the airport before your flight home.
This vacation package can be extended and/or customized.
 
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Day Two - Wildlife Safari
Day Three - Milford Sound
Day Five - Kaikoura
Day Eight
