Autumn Reflections of New Zealand s South Island

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1 Autumn Reflections of New Zealand s South Island One of the most special things about Autumn in New Zealand are the colors. Deciduous trees turn brilliant hues of yellow, gold, and hot orange, and it s all set against a sky that seems far too blue to be true. May 18 th 27 th, nts/10days fr: $3495 triple $3595 double $4295 single Reserve by October 1 st -Save $100 per person Come, join us as we travel to New Zealand s South Island for an unforgettable autumn experience. Of the four distinct seasons, autumn s arrival is a blaze of reds and golds is the most dramatic, attracting visitors, artists, and photographers from around the world. We begin and end in Christchurch, known as the Garden City. As the hub of the South Island, Christchurch offers visitors a mix of old English contemporary style along with true Kiwi culture. Wining and dining in the city is exceptional and the hip and happening 'Strip' on Oxford Terrace and swanky High Street are the places to explore. From here we travel along the south s center region to see all the beautiful colors of foliage up through Lake Tekapo, Mt. Cook, Queenstown, Twizel, Ommarama and Arrowtown. Just when you think what more can there be, we are off on the Trans Alpine Express scenic train across the mountainous spine of the South Island. It is truly spectacular and is rightly described as one of the great train journeys of the world. Sit back and marvel on this great train journey of the world. Itinerary Day 1 May 18 th, Saturday- Departure from Honolulu Air New Zealand # 9 Departs Honolulu at 9:30am Arrives Auckland at 4:30pm +1 Please meet your Panda Travel representative at the Air New Zealand check-in counter, Terminal 2, formally known as the Main Terminal, three hours prior to the flight departure time. Day 2 May 19 th, Sunday- Auckland-Christchurch On arrival at the Auckland, please proceed to Passport Control and then claim your bags as we must go through New Zealand Customs. Once we are cleared and bags rechecked to Christchurch, we suggest that

2 you enjoy this time to have dinner on your own. Once we arrive in Christchurch, there may not be many options available. Air New Zealand # 567 Departs Auckland at 7:00pm Arrives Christchurch at 8:25pm On arrival at the Christchurch Airport, please proceed to the baggage claim area. Once everyone has claimed their bags we will meet up with our local representative for the transfer to our hotel. Accommodations for tonight is at the Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square Hotel, city center. All rooms offer city views. Accommodations: Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square Hotel- WIFI available for a fee Day 3 May 20 th, Monday- Christchurch-Tekapo-Mount Cook (B/D) After breakfast at our hotel which is available from 7:30am, please meet your Panda Travel representative in the lobby by 8:45am as we are off on a full day of touring. Our local drive/guide begins our day with an easy drive to beautiful Lake Tekapo through the patchwork fields of the Canterbury Plains. Along this scenic route enjoy the small towns that appear regularly as you cross the plains through fields and farms. The drive time is approximately three hours and a rest stop will be made along the way. Lake Tekapo Village is a photographer s dream come true and a must-see destination for every visit to the Mackenzie region. The backdrop for all activities is the amazing turquoise blue color of New Zealand s highest large lake, scenic Lake Tekapo. It gets its intense milky-turquoise color from the fine rock-flour (ground by glaciers) which is suspended in the water. The township, with a population of a little over 350 residents welcomes visitors from near and far. Once here you will have free time to enjoy lunch on your own take in some of the scenic activities. We expect to arrive by 12:30pm and depart at 2:30pm. One of New Zealand s iconic photo locations is on the shores of Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd. The churches alter window frames a perfect view of the Southern Alps beyond the lake. Built in 1935 for the pioneer families of the Mackenzie district, it is still used as a place of worship. Close by is the well-known bronze statue of a New Zealand Collie sheepdog. The statue was commissioned by Mackenzie Country residents in 1968 in recognition of the indispensable role of the sheepdog in their livelihoods. Without their help, the grazing of this mountainous country would be impossible. From here we journey to Lake Pukaki, along the scenic drive that follows State Highway 8 through the heart of the Mackenzie Basin. It is the largest lake in the area and proudly shows off New Zealand s tallest peak, Mount Cook, also known as Aoraki or The Cloud Piercer. We will be stopping at one of these look out points so that you are can enjoy Lake Pukaki s spectacular vistas. The water color of the lake is a bright turquoise due to glacial flour, made from extremely fine rock particles that have come from the surrounding glaciers. The lake is fed at its northern end by the braided Tasman River, which has its source in the Hooker and Tasman Glaciers.

3 When the sun hits the surface of the lake, it reflects off the particles transforming it to a brilliant blue. The combination of the magnificent lake, surrounding peaks and wide-open skies are a dream for photographers and pose the difficult challenge of capturing the grandeur of the ever-changing landscape. If weather permits, you can take an optional helicopter flight up to the Tasman Glacier and experience the thrill of landing on a sparkling while snowfield. We now make our way to Mount Cook and our hotel, the iconic Hermitage Hotel, nestled in the beautiful Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Our arrival will be by 5:30pm followed by dinner at 6:30pm. Welcome to the Hermitage Hotel, located at the Mount Cook Alpine Village, inside the National Park. Recognized as part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area, the National Park offers a breathtaking environment of glaciers, terminal lakes, turbulent rivers, and Australasia's tallest peak the mighty Aoraki Mt Cook. Declared a World Heritage park in 1986, it sits within the Mackenzie Basin and boasts over thirty 3,000- meter-high peaks, which make up the Southern Alps. It also has five of New Zealand s largest glaciers, including the Tasman Glacier. Below are three optional hikes that you may want to consider on your free time. 1. Governors Bush Walk Starting at the public shelter near the petrol station, the Governors Bush track meanders through silver beech forest to a lookout point before looping back to its start point. The walk takes an easy one hour return and includes a gentle climb. Governors Bush track is a lovely introduction to New Zealand native bush and birdlife. Time: 1-hour loop 2. Bowen Bush Walk This easy 10-minute walk starts opposite Alpine Guides, near the petrol station. It s a simple loop track through totara and celery pine forest with informative plaques identifying plants en route. The track can be exited half way round the loop, where you will join up with the village path system. Time: 10 minutes full loop 3. Glencoe Walk Wind your way through totara trees and ferns to a great lookout above the village. The walk starts from behind the Hermitage hotel and ends at the water tanks, where you ll find views of the village and Hooker Glacier. Time: 30 minutes return Accommodations: The Hermitage Hotel Day 4 May 21 st, Tuesday- Mount Cook-Queenstown (B/L/D) After breakfast at our hotel which is available from 7:00am, please meet your Panda Travel representative in the lobby by 8:15am as we are off on a full day of touring.

4 Our route to Queenstown begins with a drive through Twizel, the town that wasn t meant to last and is now booming. An alpine town close to five picturesque lakes, Twizel is the largest in the Mackenzie region with a resident population of approximately 1,200. Back around 1968 the town of Twizel was developed as a temporary settlement to service the construction of dams and power stations on the Waitaki River. Slowly they would truck in more and more prefabricated homes, hook up services and new families would move in. At its height, Twizel s population reached Everyone was young, there were no fences between houses, there was no unemployment. The primary school was the largest in Australasia, the town had two kindergartens and a maternity hospital. But by the early 1980s, the Waitaki power scheme was winding up, construction was done, workers were being laid off, and they started dismantling the town. Twizel was never meant to be permanent it was a temporary town with temporary residents and was meant to disappear from maps and revert to farmland. But after more than a decade, the town had settled into a popular base for those interested in salmon or rainbow trout fishing, rock, and mountain climbing, cycling, hinting or to simply relax at one of the town s highly rated village cafes and eateries. Next, we will be stopping in Omarama, a small township near the southern end of the Mackenzie Basin. nestled in a broad basin between mountain ranges. Omarama is well known to glider pilots who love the air above this town. World and national gliding records are regularly broken here, as pilots make the most of the clear, empty skies and accommodating updrafts. The town s other popular activities include golf, horse riding and fly fishing. You'll know you've arrived when you see the large merino sheep statue. Our stop here is to enjoy lunch at the Heritage Gateway Hotel Omarama, set amongst landscaped gardens with views of the surrounding mountains. After lunch we continue the drive through to Queenstown with a rest stop in Cromwell to refresh and enjoy refreshments. Located on the shores of Lake Dunstan, Cromwell has the appearance of a modern town, but its history stretches back to the gold rush days of the 1800s. This history is best experienced in 'Old Cromwell Town, a historic district within the town. Here you can see buildings that date from 1860 to 1900 and reflect the town's gold mining and pioneering past. Some of these early businesses included The London House Stables, Captain Barry's cottage, The Cobb & Co Store, Belfast Store and Jolly's Seed & Grain Store. In the 1980's and 90's Cromwell underwent a major transformation with the construction of the Clyde Dam power station. When the dam was completed in 1992, the valley behind it was flooded to create Lake Dunstan. As a result, the original site of Cromwell's historic business district at the junction of the Kawarau and Clutha Rivers now lies at the bottom of the lake. Now, off to Queenstown and once there, off to enjoy the stunning views as we ride the Skyline Queenstown Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the must-do activities in Queenstown! You ll be carried 450 meters above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob's Peak, where you ll enjoy the best views in the region unfolding before your eyes. You get to experience a spectacular 220-degree panorama with breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and, of course, Queenstown.

5 We will now enjoy a delicious buffet dinner at Skyline s Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar at the top of the Gondola. The menu is inspired by iconic New Zealand cuisine and infused with international influences. Stratosfare offers something for everyone, fresh seafood, great vegetarian options and saving the best till last, delectable desserts. Now, off to our hotel for the evening, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, in one of the most picturesque settings in the world. If this wasn t enough, we are just a minute s walk to many shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Our arrival will be approximately 7:30pm and once checked in the remainder of the evening is free. Accommodations: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside -WIFI available for a fee Day 5 May 22 nd, Wednesday- Queenstown-Arrowtown-Queenstown (B) After breakfast, we are on a full day of exploring Queenstown. Please meet your Panda Travel representative in the lobby by 9:15am. Our morning begins with a scenic 25-minute drive to Arrowtown. It is a New Zealand treasure, with its beautiful buildings and famed nature trails, a charming gold rush village that sits in a natural paradise. It is a Queenstown must-do. This delightful gold rush village sits in the Arrow Basin which was carved by the great glaciers of ages past. Enjoy viewing the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River. The heart of its history is Buckingham Street, a procession of small town heritage buildings that stretch into a tree lined avenue of tiny miners cottages. The buildings in this lovely precinct, house shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants many classy, most individual, not one from an international chain. Buckingham Street is home to the Lakes District Museum with its memorable display of life in a goldfields town. It s also the Information Centre - a first stop for maps and local information. Many of Arrowtown s early gold miners were adventurous Chinese, invited by the government to come and work. The remains of their very separate village lie by the river. This historic village is a wonderful place to browse and relax. Enjoy free time here to explore and have lunch on your own. This afternoon we make our way back to Queenstown to enjoy free time to explore and do some shopping. Optional activities for the more adventurous include a jet boat ride or a scenic helicopter flight to the Remarkables, a mountain range and ski field in Otago. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free. Accommodations: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside -WIFI available for a fee Day 6 May 23 rd, Thursday- Queenstown-Milford Sound-Queenstown (B/L/D)

6 After breakfast, please meet your Panda Travel representative in the lobby by 7:15am as we are off on a full day of touring. We are off to Milford Sound, situated on the west coast of the South Island. It is a fusion of spectacular natural features with amazing visual cues around every corner. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. Breathtaking in any weather, the fiord's cliffs rise vertically from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards from as high as 1000 meters. When it rains in Milford Sound, and it often does, those waterfalls multiply with magnificent effect. The total drive time is approximately 4 hours in each direction. We will first drive to the half way point, Te Anau, which about 2 hours from Queenstown. The road to Milford Sound is as much a scenic experience as the fiord itself. Get your camera ready for this world-renowned journey through breathtaking, out-of-this-world landscapes. The approach to Te Anau travels over stunning high moorland, covered in native red tussock and then you are confronted with your first views of the amazing Fiordland peaks before winding around the gentle curves of Lake Wakatipu. The scenery is stunning - lakeside vistas are framed by the rugged face of a magnificent mountain range appropriately named The Remarkables. Easy rolling countryside soon leads you to the shores of Lake Te Anau, the biggest of the South Island s many lakes. On the western side, the long arms of the lake disappear into the looming, densely forested Murchison Mountains. Now, onto Milford Sound, drive time should be just under 2 hours. It is a beautifully scenic route that offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing. Below is a breakdown of the sights along the way. Te Anau to Te Anau Downs: 30 KMs The first 30km stretch of the drive will see you reach the world-famous Te Anau Downs, which were first discovered in 1888 by Quentin McKinnon. Mirror Lakes: 59 KMs When we reach the 59th kilometer, you will see Mirror Lakes. As an area that practically epitomizes serenity. The lakes mirror the mountains that tower above them, presenting a perfect photo opportunity for budding nature photographers. Knobs Flat: 63 KMs Knobs Flat is the point at which you can soak in the ethereal feel of the kames and hummocks of Eglington Valley. Cascade Creek: 75 KMs Complete with shallow glistening pools and tumbling waterfalls, Lake Fergus: 80 KMs

7 Initially discovered in 1889 by George Barber and William H. Homer, Lake Fergus derives its name from the MP of Wakatipu, Thomas Fergus. The lake received its name following Fergus death, and continues to stand as a beautiful commemoration of his work across Queenstown. The Divide: 84 KMs Reaching heights of 918 meters above sea level, The Divide is ideal for walking out to The Summit and looking out over Eglington, Greenstone, and Hollyford valley. Hollyford Valley Lookout: 88 KMs Stopping off at Hollyford Valley Lookout is an opportune moment to look out and see how the river s below meander between mountains. From here, you can also see Darren Mountains. Monkey Creek: 96KM To see great views of the Hollyford Valley and learn a little more about William Homer s history. Named by Homer himself, this creek continues to attract plenty of tourists, much as the explorer anticipated. Homer Tunnel: 102KM Yet another aspect of the route named after William Homer, Homer Tunnel is in one of the natural habitats of the Kea Mountain Parrot. While not the most vibrant parrot in the world, its inquisitive and somewhat cheeky nature makes it a delight for people of all ages to see. With a gradient of 1 in 10, the tunnel descends for 129 meters and exits at 1141-meter elevation. The Chasm: 110KM As we edge ever closer to Milford Sound now, peer at Cleddau River as it runs through The Chasm. Mount Tutoko: 112KM As the highest point of the Fiordland National Park, Mount Tutoko is not to be missed. Often featuring snow that glistens in the sun, it has an otherworldly feel, even when you observe it from a distance. Cruise Milford Visitors Centre: 122KMs Our Milford Sound lunch buffet cruise is scheduled to depart at 1:00pm. We are off on a 1 hour 40-minute breathtaking scenic cruise. Our Scenic Cruise vessels come equipped with purpose-built observation lounges and large decks. From here you ll see just what makes the New Zealand landscape so incredible the sheer cliffs, massive waterfalls, glaciers, and rainforest. Keen eyes may observe seals basking on the rocks or the local pod of dolphins streaking through the Sound. During your Milford Sound cruise, our crew provide commentaries in several languages. They ll make sure you don t miss the sightseeing highlights, including Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier.

8 Our departure back to Queenstown will be at 3:00pm with an expected arrival of 6:30pm. Once back we will be having dinner at Prime Waterfront Restaurant and Bar. There is no better way to end our day than to enjoy dinner on the waterfront with views of Lake Wakatipu and the snowcapped mountains in the background. Arrival back at our hotel will be approximately 8:00pm and the remainder of the evening is free. Accommodations: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside -WIFI available for a fee Day 7 May 24 th, Friday- Queenstown-Wanaka-Franz Josef (B/L/D) After breakfast, please meet your Panda Travel representative in the lobby 8:15am as we are off on another fun fill touring day. Our morning begins with a drive to Franz Josef via Wanaka. Not only is this journey popular and iconic, it is one of the most spectacular road trips in the South Island as we head out via Wanaka, cutting through Mt Aspiring National Park before hitting the West Coast and heading north to glacier country. The drive to Wanaka is just about one hour. The drive will take us over the Cardrona Pass, the most spectacular route as we travel up and up over countless switchbacks to the summit before descending into Wanaka. Situated on a lake with the same name, Wanaka is a laid-back town with heaps of character and a great place for those who love the outdoors with plenty of walking and biking trails. Our drive continues onto Haast and again is another spectacular one that cuts between Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. The road will first take you to the shores of Lake Hawea, another of the spectacular lakes to be found in the region before cutting back through the valley and re-joining the shores of Lake Wanaka. There are plenty of photo opportunities along this route which are spectacular all year round. Haast is an untamed place of beauty, with ancient forests, untouched beaches, mighty glaciers, and rare wildlife. Once here, time for lunch at the Heartland World Heritage Hotel. After lunch, off to Franz Josef and the drive time is approximately 2 hours. This final leg of our drive today takes us along another great driving route with the rugged West Coast to your left as you make your way north. Our arrival in the hospitable town of Franz Josef whose glacier has the same name will be approximately 5:00pm. Franz Josef Glacier was first explored in 1865 by geologist Julius von Haast, who named it after the Austrian emperor. Accommodations for the evening are at the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, in the heart of the village and edge of the Westland World Heritage Park and only a breath away from the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. This is one of New Zealand s most spectacular natural attractions. Dinner will be at our hotel this evening at 6:00pm. After dinner the remainder of the evening is free. Accommodations: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

9 Day 8 May 25 th, Saturday-Franz Josef-Greymouth (B/D) After breakfast, please meet your Panda Travel representative in the lobby by 8:45am as we are again off on a full day of touring. The morning begins with a drive to Greymouth, just a bit over 2 hours. Today we are going from the rugged beauty of the glaciers through lush farmland, and then takes us through forest regions before the wild beaches of the West Coast. Boasting some of the most untamed and stunning scenery in the world, the coastal road between Greymouth and Hokitika provides great views of the genuine Wild West Coast. This morning we will be visiting Shantytown, a recreated gold-rush town tells stories of fortitude and pioneering spirit through a fascinating mix of experience and displays. Shantytown is a leading New Zealand culture and heritage attraction. Made up of over 30 historic buildings it is a faithfully recreated 19th century pioneer town, inspired by the West Coast gold rushes of the 1860s. Highlights include riding the steam train, gold panning, the Beehive store with its range of traditional confectionery and the opportunity to have an old-time photo portrait taken as a memento of your visit. Enjoy free time here to explore and have lunch your own. From here, a short ride to Greymouth, a town with a history of jade hunting, gold mining and dramatic river floods. Accommodations for the evening are at the Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth, ideally situated riverside, right in the center of town. Our arrival will be by 5:00pm. Once the site of the Maori pa Mawhera (which means wide spread river mouth, Greymouth is considered the heart of the West Coast. It is the largest town on the South Island s west coast and the arrival point for the Tranz Alpine which we will be taking back to Christchurch tomorrow. After checking in, please join up for dinner at 6:00pm. After dinner, the remainder of the evening is free. Accommodations: Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth- (500MB free Wi-Fi for 24hrs) Day 9 May 26 th, Sunday-Greymouth-Christchurch (B/D) After breakfast, a free morning to explore a little of Greymouth and maybe enjoy lunch before we board the Tranz Alpine Express to Christchurch. You will only need to take your personal belonging on the train as our driver/guide will be returning to Christchurch with our bags and meet us on arrival. He will then drop us off at the hotel. The Tranz Alpine Express departs at 2:05pm and the arrival in Christchurch is scheduled for 6:05pm. All Aboard as we are about to take in the South Island s stunning mountains and the vast Canterbury Plains aboard the Tranz Alpine, named one of the world s top ten train rides. Sit back and enjoy this journey of a lifetime. Along this journey you ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest.

10 On board there is a fully licensed café that sells sandwiches, salads, and snacks, hot and cold food, teas and coffees, soft and alcoholic drinks. After checking in to our hotel, please meet in the lobby for our farewell dinner at 7:30pm. After dinner the remainder of the evening is free. Accommodations: Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square Hotel- WIFI available for a fee Day 10 May 27 th, Monday-Christchurch-Auckland-Honolulu (B) After breakfast, enjoy a free day until we meet up later this afternoon at the hotel for the transfer to the airport. Welcome to Christchurch, set in the heart of Canterbury's rural plains, Christchurch mingles olde English quaintness with modern city style. Historic nineteenth century buildings sit elegantly alongside the city's brand new architectural creations. Classic haute-cuisine restaurants sit alongside lively modern food alleys. Clinks and chortles from the city's gastropubs and wine bars blend harmoniously with the howls and cheers of sports bars and pubs. Christchurch is a small-town city of close-nit diversity! What to do with your day? If shopping and people watching is not on the list, here are some alternative ideas to consider Take an historic tram ride: The Christchurch tram has been running since the turn of the twentieth century and with so few trams still operating around the world, this really is a wonderful opportunity to ride back in time. The Christchurch tramway is quite extensive, and it is a good way of seeing the city. However, the thrill of catching a tram is the real motivation for jumping aboard! Red Bus tour of Christchurch: Young or old, everyone feels a tinge of excitement when an old London Routemaster bus greets them at the curb. You can either do a full organized red bus tour of Christchurch or a hop on and off tour at your own pace. Take a punt on the Avon River: What could be more relaxing or romantic than a slow punt along the Avon River on a sunny afternoon? The gentle swish of the pole, the chatter of bird song and the slow ripple of water are the only distractions on this journey into tranquility. So, drift off for an hour of bliss with a skilled punter at the helm from the Antigua Boat sheds. Learn the history of New Zealand's oldest city in the Canterbury Museum: The Canterbury Museum has everything to keep young and old amused for many, many hours. Experiment in the interactive science zones, explore the frozen world of Antarctica, ride on a penny-farthing as you walk through a life-size model of 19th century Christchurch and discover Canterbury's rich, colorful, history. It is undoubtedly one of the best museums in New Zealand. Explore Antarctica: Christchurch has long been base camp for exploring the world's most remote continent, Antarctica. From Scott's great race to modern scientific research, the International Antarctic Center covers everything you could want to know. And, with its interactive icy exhibitions, it is probably as close as you want to get to the dark, hazardous, chilling world of Antarctica!

11 Revel in railway history: New Zealand's first steam train ran from Christchurch to the nearby port of Ferrymead in By 1867, New Zealand's first railway tunnel had been constructed through Port Hills to Lyttelton. To learn about this early history, head to the Ferrymead Heritage Park. There you'll find many lovingly restored 19th century locomotives and railway equipment - including the first New Zealand built steam locomotive, which was manufactured at Addington, on the site of Christchurch Station. Please meet back in the hotel lobby by 3:00pm for the bus transfer to the airport. Air New Zealand # 566 Departs Christchurch at 6:00pm Arrives Auckland at 7:20pm On arrival in Auckland, we will need to take the free bus transfer over to the International Airport and checkin for our flight to Honolulu. Air New Zealand # 10 Departs Auckland at 8:55pm Arrives Honolulu at 7:25am (same day)