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15 days,
12 nights |
from $8599 per person*
TOUR CODE: GEM
Your Southern Gems Sojourn begins in the heart of Queenstown, where you’ll unwind in the luxurious comfort of Hotel St Moritz MGallery during your 3-night stay. Prepare for an unforgettable voyage aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw as you cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Farm, where the warm hospitality of the locals awaits alongside a sumptuous BBQ dinner. Then, brace yourself for an awe-inspiring flight over Milford Sound, where the sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls will leave you breathless before you embark on a serene nature cruise through the pristine waters below. Indulge your senses with a private gourmet wine tour, where each sip tells the story of Marlborough’s renowned vineyards, complemented by a delicious lunch platter that perfectly pairs with the region’s finest vintages.
Continue to Franz Josef, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of Te Waonui Forest Retreat, where the lush wilderness surrounds your Deluxe Room, providing the perfect backdrop for evenings spent under the stars. Take to the skies on a twin glacier helicopter flight and feel the rush of adrenaline as you touch down on the icy expanse of these ancient wonders. Enjoy a lake cruise and guided walk through the rainforest trail to the Kiwi Sanctuary.
Travel on the scenic TranzAlpine rail from Greymouth to Christchurch that offers a moment of reflection as you traverse through breathtaking landscapes as your travel to Christchurch for a two-night stay. Join a Wine Trail & City Day Tour in Christchurch introduces you to the region’s rich cultural tapestry and vibrant culinary scene.
Board the Coastal Pacific to Picton and then a water taxi to Bay of Many Coves, located in the Marlborough Sounds. You have two full days to explore, and Bay of Many Coves offers year-round activities, including over six kilometers of private walking trails that link to the internationally renowned Queen Charlotte Track. Wander down one of the many forest tracks and discover a wonderful range of native birds. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for discovering the bay’s abundant marine life, too. Back at the resort, treat yourself to a blissful day at the spa, and afterward, world-class chefs are close at hand to create a unique culinary experience that is all yours.
Continue to Wellington by ferry across the Sounds for a two-night stay. Indulge your tastebuds on an exclusive behind the scenes look at a local specialty coffee roastery, taste freshly made cheeses, sample local craft beers, visit a chocolatier and enjoying a tasting platter at an Italian restaurant and cafe.
All trips include 24-hour emergency travel assistance.
Book by:
May 31, 2024
Valid for travel between:
July 25 – September 25, 2024
Additional dates, gateway cities and airlines may be available.
Need some help? Contact us here.
This package is 100% customizable and no set itinerary is available.
Day 1: Depart USA
This evening make your way to the Los Angeles Airport for your overnight flight aboard Air New Zealand to Auckland and Queenstown. Enjoy a dining experience full of super fresh ingredients and flavors and an extensive range of premium New Zealand wines to complement each meal. Relax in the ergonomically designed seats that create generous personal space to ensure a comfortable journey. Take control of the on-demand entertainment and enjoy a wide range of audio and video and a collection of the very best in music.
Day 2: International Date Line
During your flight, you will cross the International Date Line.
Day 3: Queenstown (D)
On arrival in Auckland, clear Customs & Immigration before transferring to your flight to Queenstown. On arrival you will be met and transferred by private vehicle for a three-night stay. This evening board the TSS Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station for a sumptuous gourmet barbecue dinner. On the menu is a huge variety of produce sourced locally and in other parts of New Zealand. From juicy meats on the grill or rotisserie to a variety of fresh salads and vegetables, your taste buds are in for a treat. Your meal concludes with delightful desserts, delicious cheeses from New Zealand and piping hot cups of coffee and tea. After dinner, enjoy a show that lends some insight into life on a high-country farm. As you return to Queenstown on board the TSS Earnslaw, unwind with a cocktail from the bar or participate in a rollicking singalong session accompanied by the resident pianist.
Day 4: Queenstown (B)
Take to the skies with a scenic 35-minute scenic flight to Milford Sound. View famous Skippers Canyon, the Paradise region (recently made popular as film locations for Lord of the Rings/Hobbit Trilogies), and the Donne glacier among many other awe-inspiring features. On arrival in Milford Sound you will be escorted to the boat docks where you will board the “Spirit of Milford” to enjoy your Milford Sound Nature Cruise. The catamaran explores nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail. Following the cruise, return to Queenstown by air taking in the many sights of the pristine alpine lakes and waterfalls.
Day 5: Queenstown (B,L)
Today, experience an indulgent and diverse full-day exclusive tour showcasing the very best of the local sights, enjoying fresh and unique cuisine and tasting a selection of fine wines from the region. Be greeted by your specialist Wine Guide and venture into the heart of Central Otago to taste fine wines at three premium vineyards over three contrasting wine sub-regions: Gibbston, Cromwell and the Bannockburn basin. Take a guided tour through New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave. Stop at a unique lunch venue, experiencing a gourmet lunch consisting of five dishes cooked in retired oak barrels and matching with wines – just divine! Take a stroll through Old Cromwell or visit the must-see historic Arrowtown. Your passionate senior guide will impart all there is to know about the local area, the pioneering history and of course everything about Central Otago wines.
Day 6: Franz Josef (B,D)
This morning, collect your rental vehicle from the downtown location and make your way across the pass to Franz Josef. This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day 7: Franz Josef (B,D)
Journey across the lake this morning and enjoy exclusive access to the private rainforest trail through the Kiwi Sanctuary. Step off the boat and into a journey through another world. Experience Westland’s oldest Jurassic-like rainforest and meet curious native birdlife. This premium cruise trip is suitable for all ages. This afternoon set off on a 30-minute flight and fly over both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Soar above the Townships and follow the ice flow to admire the views of the Southern Alps. Land on the snow and view the path the glacier has carved below you.
Day 8: Christchurch (B)
Drive up the West Coast to Greymouth where you will drop off your rental car before boarding the TranzAlpine for a scenic journey across the mountains to Christchurch. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 9: Christchurch (B,L)
Join a full-day tour that explores the city of Christchurch before visiting a few surrounding vineyards for tastings and lunch. There are over 40 boutique vineyards within easy reach of Christchurch, a region renowned for producing aromatic wines, namely Pinot Gris, Riesling and Pinot Noir. Your guide will carefully select 3 wineries whose tastings illustrate the caliber of New Zealand wine.
Day 10: Marlborough Sounds (B)
Transfer to Christchurch Airport to board the Coastal Pacific bound for Picton. On arrival, board the Cougar Line water taxi for your transfer to Bay of Many Coves Resort for a three-night stay. On many days dolphins play in the bay with great views from all apartment balconies. On site activities include a cafe serving deli-style food, award winning Foredeck Restaurant serving fine cuisine, a day spa, pool or hot tub or guests can venture out by kayak, stand up paddle board or boat to enjoy the many activities In Queen Charlotte Sound.
Day 11-12: Marlborough Sounds
You have two full days to explore, and Bay of Many Coves offers year-round activities, including over six kilometers of private walking trails that link to the internationally renowned Queen Charlotte Track. Wander down one of the many forest tracks and discover a wonderful range of native birds. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for discovering the bay’s abundant marine life, too. Back at the resort, treat yourself to a blissful day at the spa, and afterward, world-class chefs are close at hand to create a unique culinary experience that is all yours.
Day 13: Wellington
Return to Picton by water taxi and board the InterIslander to cross the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington for a two-night stay. On arrival, you will met and be transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 14: Wellington (B)
Get an exclusive behind the scenes look at a local specialty coffee roastery, taste freshly made cheeses, sample local craft beers, visit a chocolatier and have a tasting platter at an Italian restaurant and cafe. A different tasting experience at every location. The remainder of your afternoon is free.
Day 15: Depart Wellington (B)
Your morning is free before transferring to Wellington Airport for your flight to Auckland and connecting flight to the US.
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| ased on Departures | Price per person from*
Based on Double Occupancy |
| May 1- June 28, 2024 | 8699 |
| June 29 – July 24, 2024 | 8949 |
| July 25 – September 25, 2024 | 8599 |
| September 26 – October 16, 2024 | 10299 |
| October 17 – December 4, 2024 | 10049 |
| December 5 – December 12, 2024 | 10389 |
| December 13 – December 23, 2024 | 11459 |
| December 24 – January 3, 2025 | 10589 |
| January 4 – January 29, 2025 | 10319 |
| January 30 – March 8, 2025 | 10079 |
Additional upgrades and add-ons may be available.
Need some help? Contact us here.
*Terms & Conditions: Pricing is per person based on double occupancy. All prices are in US dollars and correct at time of posting for travel during specified travel dates. Single supplements, black-out dates and seasonal supplements may apply. Airfare is not included unless indicated. Prices may differ when you book your travel and are not guaranteed until full payment is received. Airline and hotels frequently change their prices as a result of fare increases and/or fuel surcharges. Prices may increase before full payment for those and other reasons. Package is not combinable with any other offer or discounted vacation package. After full payment, prices are guaranteed except only due to an increase in government-imposed taxes or fees. By paying your deposit, you affirmatively agree to the possibility of such increases. Package is strictly subject to availability, not retroactive and not combinable with any other special or vacation package offer. Minimum night stays or required room types may apply. All prices, itineraries and routings are subject to change without notice. Please call for our current prices. CST#2001136-20
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