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South Island Explorer
Trip Valid:
01/01/2008 to 31/12/2008
Duration:
15 days (ex Christchurch)
Highlights:
Admire exotic flora and dramatic scenery on Mt Cook, Get active in buzzing Queenstown, Experience the natural beauty of Milford Sound, Tuck into authentic home-cooked food in a local pub, Go ice-trekking on Franz Josef Glacier, Ride the Trans Alpine railway
Trip Code:
PSS
Guarantee:
Departure is guaranteed
Group Size:
Minimum 1, Maximum 12
Price:
USD $2085
*(plus local payment NZD $300)
pricing for United States: change country
Extras:
view 2008 airport transfers and pre- & post-trip accommodation prices
From quaint Christchurch and picturesque Queenstown to the rugged mountains of the Southern Alps and the inspiring Milford Sound, this trip makes the most of the South Island's adventurous spirit. Stay in the high country near Mount Cook, walk on a glacier, experience the beauty of the west coast and soak up the spectacular scenery on a rail journey through the mountains.
is this trip right for you?
physical rating:
rating definitions
culture shock rating:
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passenger feedback rating: 4.82 out of 5 how does this work?
meals included: No meals included
transport: Train, coach, minibus, kayak, walking
accommodation: Hotels (2 nts), motel (9 nts), dorm-style hostels (2 nts), local pub (1 nt)
budget: Allow NZD $600 for meals not included.
departs: selected Sat
important notes: Some accommodation may have shared facilities
Day 1 Christchurch
Take a stroll through Cathedral Square or soak up some culture at the vibrant Arts Centre.
Days 2-3 Mt Cook
Travel through the Canterbury plains, a patchwork landscape of crops, dairy farms and grazing sheep. The spectacular Aoraki ('Cloud Piercer'), Mt Cook, stands at 3,754 m. There are optional alpine walks in the area, meandering through a stunning backdrop of mountains, lakes, streams and glaciers.
Days 4-6 Queenstown
From the adrenaline rush of bungee jumping to a gentle ride on a historic steamboat down the Shotover River, scenic Queenstown has something for everyone.
Days 7-8 Milford Sound
Kayak through the stunning fjords. There are also options to visit nearby glow-worm caves, take a scenic flight or scuba dive in this region of waterfalls, rainforests, lakes and peaks.
Days 9-10 Wanaka
Nestled between the Southern Alps and a pristine glacial lake, Wanaka is a haven for watersports. For a quirky alternative, tackle the maze at Puzzling World.
Days 11-12 Franz Josef Glacier
Clamp on some crampons and walk into a world of ancient ice and rock on the Franz Josef Glacier. There is also time to cycle, hike or simply relax against the forested backdrop of Westland National Park.
Day 13 West Country Pub
Stock up on jade souvenirs at Hokitika before settling down to some New Zealand home-style cooking - and a brew or two - at the local pub.
Days 14-15 Christchurch
Delve into local history at Arthur's Pass and the Otira Valley before boarding the Tranz Alpine Railway, passing labyrinthine gorges and beech forests en route to Christchurch.
| start date | finish date | places available | bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 04 Oct 08 | Sat 18 Oct 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 18 Oct 08 | Sat 01 Nov 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 01 Nov 08 | Sat 15 Nov 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 15 Nov 08 | Sat 29 Nov 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 29 Nov 08 | Sat 13 Dec 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 13 Dec 08 | Sat 27 Dec 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 27 Dec 08 | Sat 10 Jan 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 10 Jan 09 | Sat 24 Jan 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 24 Jan 09 | Sat 07 Feb 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 07 Feb 09 | Sat 21 Feb 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 21 Feb 09 | Sat 07 Mar 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 07 Mar 09 | Sat 21 Mar 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 21 Mar 09 | Sat 04 Apr 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 04 Apr 09 | Sat 18 Apr 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 18 Apr 09 | Sat 02 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 02 May 09 | Sat 16 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 16 May 09 | Sat 30 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
The Trip Notes provide you with detailed information about your trip.
This is where you will find everything you need to know... from what's included to suggestions about what to take. This is also where you will find the most up-to-date itinerary and any late changes.
The Trip Notes provide you with a detailed outline of your trip itinerary, and important information like where to meet your group, what to pack, what's included, estimates of spending money requirements and much more. They make great reading.
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Please also read our safety guidelines for further information on the operational safety standards you can expect on every Intrepid trip.
On 07 June the Australian Government issued an updated travel warning for East Timor strongly advising against travel to East Timor because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Australians in the country are advised to leave. The Travel Warning remains at Category 5 - Do Not Travel.
On Tuesday 07 June we have taken the decision to cancel the remainder of our East Timor trips scheduled to depart in 2006. All travellers will be notified and given the opportunity to transfer to another trip or obtain a full refund (land content only). We very much regret having to take this action and our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of East Timor during this troubled time.
We are confident of being able to resume our normal schedule of trips to East Timor in 2007 and hope that those travellers who have had to cancel their plans this year will travel with us to East Timor in 2007.
For other safety updates, please see our general safety updates page.
Every day, hundreds of happy people return from Intrepid trips, and their comments are here for you to read. We do not screen the feedback on this site, all comments are posted here as they were written (unless they used inappropriate language).
great trip and adventure ... excellent trip leader
Andrzej Mystkowski
Excellent trip and a wonderful leader.
David Daneker
The trip was well-planned and well-executed by the group leader and her trainee.
Sarah Daneker
New Zealand's South Island is SPECTACULAR, really great for those looking to detox from large cities full of tourists, monuments, churches and other typical attractions pictured in Lonely Planet. It was a refreshing change for the attraction to be what Mother Nature created herself!
Hayley Miller
Sorry, only passengers from Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom are able to request flight quotes online at this stage.