Southern Gems Sojourns

Southern Gems Sojourns

Experience New Zealand’s South Island Gems as you journey from Queenstown to Franz Josef, Christchurch, Marlborough Sounds, and Wellington. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand while traveling aboard the TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific rail, promising a truly enchanting and seamless exploration of the country’s diverse beauty.

Southern Gems Sojourns

New Zealand > North Island > Wellington & Martinborough > South Island > Christchurch & Canterbury > Glaciers & West Coast > Queenstown & Wanaka 

15 Days, 12 Nights

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.

Highlights

  • Queenstown:  Milford Sound, Wine Tour, Farm BBQ Dinner
  • Franz Josef: Cruise & Walk and Twin Glacier Heli Flight
  • TranzAlpine & Coastal Pacific Rail Journey
  • Christchurch: City Tour & Wine
  • Marlborough Sounds
  • Wellington: Foodie Tour

Inclusions

  • Round-trip airfare on Air New Zealand from Los Angeles to Queenstown, returning from Wellington
  • One-way private arrival transfer Queenstown Airport/Hotel
  • 3-nights Queenstown at Hotel St Moritz MGallery, King Garden Room including breakfast
    • TSS Earnslaw with Walter Peak Farm and BBQ Dinner
    • Milford Sound Fly/Nature Cruise/Fly
    • Private Gourmet Wine Tour including lunch platter
  • 3-days Full Size SUV Hire (Group F) including unilimited mileage
  • 2-nights Franz Josef at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Deluxe Room including breakfast and dinner
    • Cruise and Walk Experience
    • Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey from Greymouth to Christchurch, Scenic Plus
  • Round-trip private transfers Christchurch Rail Station/Hotel
  • 2-nights Christchurch at The Mayfair, Mayfair King including breakfast
    • Wine Trail & City Day Tour
  • Coastal Pacific Rail Journey from Christchurch to Picton
  • Round-trip ferry transfer from Picton to Bay of Many Coves
  • 3-nights Marlborough, Bay of Many Coves, One Bedroom Apartment
  • One-way ferry from Picton to Wellington
  • One-way private transfer Wellington Ferry Terminal/Hotel
  • 2-night Wellington at QT Wellington, QT Gallery Harbourview Room including breakfast
    • Taste Buds for Foodie Tour
  • One-way private transfers Wellington Hotel/Airport
  • US/foreign taxes and fees including September 11 Security Fee

 

Based 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

Group Size

Independent Vacation

Dates

July 25 - September 25, 2024

Price

From $8599 per person based on double occupancy*

Trip Terms

*Prices are quoted in USD and are ‘from’, per person, based on twin share. Single supplements apply. Advertised price valid for departures July 25- September 25, 2024. Other date ranges are available, however seasonal surcharges apply. A weekend surcharge of US$50 each way applies to travel Thu-Sat (US$100 roundtrip) for Transpacific flights. Black-out dates apply Queenstown May 31 - Jun 1; Nov 15-17; Dec 25-Jan 7; Marlborough Dec 24 - Jan 4 . Other blackout dates may apply. Other dates may be unavailable due to special events. Airlines frequently change their prices because of fare increases.  Seats and rooms are limited and subject to availability at the time of booking. Prices are current at the time of posting (18/2024) and may differ when you book your travel and are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. Airfare is non-refundable once ticketed as per airfare rules. Travel Answers Group terms and conditions apply to change fees and cancellations. Packages must be booked by May 31, 2024. All prices, itineraries and routing are subject to change without notice. Please call for our current prices based on availability. An ETA Visa is required to enter or transit in New Zealand.CA CST: 2076233-40 | WA ID: 601 684 531

Terms and Conditions

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Your Destination

Weather Wellington Airport
Weather Christchurch
Weather Hokitika Aerodrome