24 June 2015 (Tuesday) : Christchurch - Home Sweet Home

Catch our flight back home at 1050 hours. The estimated time of arrival from Christchurch to the Airport is 0730 to 0800 hours. After return of cars and check in, we are free until the departure at 1050 hours.

SQ 298
CHC (10:50) to SIN (17:40)

Hope we have had an enjoyable and memorable time stomping South Island, New Zealand.

23 June 2015 (Tuesday) : Akaroa

Wake up to the beauty of a historic French and British settlement this morning (0800hours). 

Time for a good minimal or no-drive day for all drivers today. Today is a good day for them to relax in the beauty of an ancient volcano.

Fun Facts: What is an ancient volcano?

Akaroa

Explore the village with its colonial architecture, galleries, craft stores, and cafés. Relax or take part in the many activities that are on offer. Explore the dramatic outer bays and take your time to soak in the magic of this area. 

 

Where to eat? 

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Optional Tour: Akaroa Farm Tours

If we have missed Walter Peak Farm at Queensland, we may want to consider spending a few hours at Akaroa Farm.  

You will...

• ...Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the pacific ocean while listening to an informative commentary in our air-conditioned vehicle
• ...Visit unique Paua Bay Farm and meet your hosts Murray and Sue Johns
• ...Enjoy the hospitality of these fifth generation farmers
• ...Experience rural life as you tour this traditional New Zealand farm
• ...Watch sheepdogs working on the steep hills of Paua Bay and in the sheep yards
• ...Witness a sheep shearing demonstration
• ...Delight in the history of the bays and memories of days gone by
• ..Take a stroll through the garden with its mature native trees
• ...Be amazed at the prolific bird life
• ...Relax with tea or coffee and home made scones on the homestead veranda

Tours by arrangement
2 hours 45 minutes duration

Pickup and drop off by Info Centre Shore end of Akaroa Main Wharf
Tickets available at Akaroa Adventure Centre
Phone +64 33047784 or book here.
For further information about Akaroa Farm Tours
Phone +64 33048511
Post
Akaroa Farm Tours
113 Beach Rd
Akaroa 7520
New Zealand

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Few other tours which we can consider during our day trip are: 

* Alpaca Experience Akaroa  

http://akaroa.com/tours/alpaca-experience-akaroa

http://www.shamarra-alpacas.co.nz/farm-tours/

* Barry's Bay Cheese 

http://akaroa.com/activities/barrys-bay-cheese

*Akaroa Dolphin Cruise

http://akaroadolphins.co.nz/

With so much fun, the children will find it unbearable to bid farewell to this ancient town and its amazing wild life. 

As we have to head to Christchurch City, we have to depart Akaroa by 1600 hours. 

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We will be spending the last night of our expedition at:

Arthur's Court Motor Lodge

110 Sherborne Street, Edgeware,

8014 Christchurch,

New Zealand

22 June 2015 (Monday) : Mount Cook - Lake Tekapo

Today, visit the postcard-perfect Church of Good Shepherd and the sheepdog statue on the shores of Lake Tekapo as we travel across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Alarm set for: 0600 hours

Depart for Lake Tekapo by: 0700 hours

Lake Tekapo

(Estimated Time of Arrival: 0830 hours) 

The iconic Church of the Good Shepherd was built as both a place of worship and memorial for Mackenzie's pioneering families, the alter window provides picture-postcard views over the lake to the mountains.

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If time permits, pampering is also available at Tekapo Springs, a popular hot pool resort. Since we have had our thermal spa at Hanmer Springs, we can step it up with an adrenaline filled Tube ride at Tube Park.

Optional Tour: Tekapo Springs Tube Park or Sightseeing at the Resort area

6 Lakeside Drive
Lake Tekapo, Canterbury
7945 New Zealand 

Phone: +64 3 680 6550

Free Phone: 080023538283 

***Note:
Estimated Time to depart Lake Tekapo : 1000 hours

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Next, hop on the car for the next long scenic drive towards Christchurch city, Akoroa. Stopover at different locations for sight seeing and interval breaks.

 Estimated Time of Arrival at Akoroa: 1700 hours

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Check in at our night stay at:

Akaroa Waterfront Motels

64 Rue Jolie, 7520 Akaroa,

New Zealand.

Phone: +6433047484

21 June 2015 (Sunday) : Te Anau & Surroundings - Salmon Farm - Mount Cook

Rise and Shine as early as 0600 hours this morning. Enjoy a scenic drive towards Mount Cook.  We will do a stopover at a town of Twizel to see Great Salmon @ High Country Salmon.  

High Country Salmon

(Estimated Time of Arrival: 1400 hours)

(Departing Time to Mt Cook: 1530 hours)

Floating on the glacial waters of Wairepo Arm, High Country Salmon is ideally situated on State Highway 8 just south of the town of Twizel. State Highway 8 is the main inland road from Christchurch to Queenstown and passes Aoraki Mt Cook and scenic Tekapo before it reaches Twizel.

High Country Salmon

Tel: 0800 400 385

M: 021 400 385 

Opening hours: Everyday 8am - 6.00pm Winter 

Here, the children will have the opportunity to feed the fishes. The elders can rest and relax in the beautiful scenery.

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 Mount Cook

 (Estimated Time of Arrival: 1700 hours)

 Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is part of UNESCO's Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage region. Australasia's highest mountain Aoraki / Mount Cook (3,724m) is nestled here in the splendid Southern Alps.

Aoraki / Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand. Until 2014, its height was officially listed as 3,754 metres. It lies in the Southern Alps, the mountain range which runs the length of the South Island. A popular tourist destination. 
The region is a magical part of the world. With New Zealand's highest peak Aoraki / Mount Cook, golden grasslands, and turquoise lakes. You'll be captivated by the stunning scenery and exhilarated by the range of outdoor adventures.

In 2012, over 4,300 square kilometres of Aoraki Mackenzie night sky was recognised as the world's largest, gold status International Dark Sky Reserve. 

Mackenzie skies are almost totally free from artificial light pollution making the region "one of the best stargazing sites on Earth".

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 A popular star gazing attraction, place your deck chairs at the balcony at our night stay at: 

The Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook

Terrace Road, Mount Cook

New Zealand

Tel: 64(3)4351809

20 June 2015 (Saturday) : Te Anau - Te Anau Surroundings / Milford Sound

What's planned for today? 

We might either be touring around Te Anau Surroundings, fishing by the famous Waiau River, ride on horses OR driving off to Milford Sound.

Alarm Time: 0700 hours

Set off Time: 0800 hours

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Optional Tour: Kepler Horse Riding Lessons and Trails Rides

207 William Stephen Rd

207 William Stephen Rd, Te Anau 9679, New Zealand

Kepler Boutique Treks offers stunning scenic horse rides along Lake Te Anau and the Waiau River with stunning mountain backdrops.  Ride along the edge of Fiordland National Park, New Zealand's largest World Heritage Area.

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Optional Tour: Milford Sound

Should we settle for the above relaxing drive to Milford Sound, we would require at least half a day to travel (duration of drive: 6 hours) to Milford Sound.

(Estimated Time of Arrival: 1400 to 1430 hours)

 

Milford Sound is a fiord located in the beautiful Fiordland region in the south-west of the South Island. It was named after Milford Haven in Wales. The road to Milford is one of the most beautiful alpine drives in the world.

The discovery of the Mackinnon Pass in 1888 helped open up Milford Sound’s natural beauty to visitors. The pass has since become part of The Milford Track famously dubbed "the finest walk in the world".

Fun Facts: What is a Fiord in geography? (Click Here)

Interestingly, we can consider several optional tours such as Milford Sound Cruise tour where one could get up close and personal with this pristine environment on a small boat, Encounter Nature Cruise. Reach out and touch sheer rock cliffs and drink pure glacial water straight from the waterfalls, see seals sunning themselves on the rocks, dolphins riding the bow wave or if you’re lucky, spot rare Fiordland crested penguins (in season).

*** Note: Cruise departs from Milford at 1245hours and returns at 1500 hours.
 (Otherwise, check out other cruises upon arrival)


One other optional tour which we can consider is the
Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory. 

 Descend 64 steps (10 metres) underwater into a large, fully air conditioned viewing area where large windows with excellent optical clarity open your eyes to this deep underwater haven. Unlike an aquarium, the fish are free to come and go; it’s the people who are contained.

After which, we will travel back to Te Anau for our 2nd night stay at Birchwood Cottages.

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Birchwood Cottages

208 Milford Road 9600 Te Anau

New Zealand

Phone: +6432499368

n Milford Sound you’ll see towering cliffs and peaks – including the much photographed and iconic Mitre Peak that rises more than a kilometre straight out of the sea. Waterfalls cascade into the fiord and luxuriant rain forest clings to sheer rock faces in this exceptional place. - See more at: http://www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/destinations/milford-sound/#sthash.6Me31QZY.dpuf

19 June 2015 (Friday) : Queenstown - Te Anau

This morning, wake up at 0700 hours to watch sunrise by the lake on the final day at Queenstown before we head towards Te Anau.

(Drive of 171km; 2.5hours)

Te Anau

 (Estimated Time of Arrival: 1030 hours)

Te Anau is primarily a gateway to the great wilderness of Te Wahipounamu, which boasts such crowd-pullers as Milford Sound. There's plenty to keep us occupied around the town itself. 

The township sits on the edge of Lake Te Anau, lying on the border of Fiordland National Park and Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. Te Anau is the town that connects Queenstown to Milford Sound by road. 2 hours drive from Queenstown, the famously scenic Milford Road begins in the centre of Te Anau. 

If we have the time, we could make a trip to the famous Milford Sound. But the main attraction for us will be the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves.

 

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves

(Estimated duration of tour: 3 hours; Starts at 2pm)

Te Anau Glowworm Caves - a rare example of a living cave that is still under formation. A beautiful cruise across the lake drops you off at The Grotto where a short walk and boat ride along water from a fresh water spring take you deep into the (young) 15,000 year old cave, lit by thousands of tiny bioluminescent insects.

The fascinating Te Anau caves system on the western shore of Lake Te Anau offers an underground adventure that charms visitors of all ages. This tour takes you to a mysterious underground world of rushing water before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glowworms.

Following a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to Cavern House. Upon arrival join an informative talk about the life cycle of the glow worms, the history of the caves, their development and operation.

Next a friendly guide will take you on an exploration of the caves by path and small punt. Observe how the rushing water sculpts the rock formations, before gliding through silent darkness to the glowworm grotto. The delicate incandescence of thousands of tiny glowworms is a magical sight. Return to Te Anau by boat across the lake, reflecting on this amazing experience of nature. 

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After this tour, we will check in our 2 nights lodging @ Te Anau town:

Our 7th and 8th Night lodging at:

Birchwood Cottages

208 Milford Road 9600 Te Anau

New Zealand

Phone: +6432499368

What to eat at Te Anau? Click here to check it out!

Also, check out The Olive Tree Cafe.

Tonight, have a good rest before we head out for one of our longest drive of 6 hours (353 km) to Milford Sound and/or other activities in Te Anau town!

18 June 2015 (Thursday) : Queenstown

Queenstown

Queenstown’s stunning scenery, huge range of activities and renowned warm welcome cement its reputation as New Zealand’s favourite visitor destination. - See more at: http://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/#sthash.grTRDoDJ.dp

Queenstown, New Zealand is located in the southern lakes region of the South Island, New Zealand.

Surrounded by incredible mountains, and situated on the edge of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is New Zealand’s leading visitor destination.
The region is renowned for its four distinct seasons, spectacular scenery and world class activities and attractions.
- See more at: http://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/information/AboutQueenstown/#sthash.814549Q2.dpuf

 Queenstown stunning scenery, huge range of activities and reowned warm welcome cement its reputation as New Zealand's favourite visitor destination. Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of the region create the perfect backdrop for a holiday, full of adventure, exploration and relaxation.

Considerably a free at leisure day, we have the options to....

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu on our vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Experience rural New Zealand as we take you on a walking tour of the farmyard. You can help feed the animals, see the sheep dogs in action and watch a sheep shearing display during the farm demonstration.

There is plenty of time to stroll through the lakeside gardens to the charming Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant for morning or afternoon tea.

Delicious gourmet barbecue lunches and dinners, horse treks or cycling excursions are also available (extra cost).

- Duration: 3 hrs 30 mins.
- Departures: all year*

* The TSS Earnslaw will be on annual survey 11 May - 28 June 2015 and mid May – mid June 2016 and during this time travel to/from Walter Peak is by launch. - See more at: http://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/information/product/?product=walter-peak-high-country-farm-excursions-real-journeys#sthash.iI4XSnSk.dpuf

Optional Tour: Walter Peak Farm 

A great place to have a taste of New Zealand's farming lifestyle. You can help feed the animals, see the sheep dogs in action and watch a sheep shearing display.

Estimated duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

Our rural host will meet you after you disembark from the TSS Earnslaw and take you for a walking tour of the farmyard. The first stop is the holding pens, where you can help feed the sheep and deer, and even get up close to the Scottish Highland Cattle. Then stroll through the lakeside gardens to the charming Colonel’s Homestead for morning or afternoon tea.

Afterwards the farmer will lead you over to the shearing shed where you can watch the farm dogs rounding up sheep from the hill paddocks, and see the farmer shear a sheep. You will then board the TSS Earnslaw for your cruise back to Queenstown. - See more at: https://www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/experiences/tours/walter-peak-farm-tours/#sthash.cDEs4QCV.dpuf

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 Next, have a go in this thrilling adventure. Well loved by the kids and much similarity to the Singapore LUGE. If weather permits, we can....

Optional Tour: Skyline LUGE

Adult: $55

Child: $45  

(Price includes gondola and 5 luges)

The Skyline Queenstown complex offers a whole day’s worth of fun things to do in Queenstown!
Located an easy five minute walk from central Queenstown, Skyline Queenstown offers awe-inspiring views of the region.

What's on this Winter? Check out Queenstown deals.

Gondola Lunch and 5 Luge Rides

Looking for lunch with a difference? Work up an appetite taking on the twists and turns of Skyline Queenstown’s thrilling downhill Luge tracks, then relax and savour the stunning views and mouth-watering cuisine at our restaurant.

• Return Scenic Gondola
• 5 Luge Rides
• Lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant

Price: $92 Adult $61 Child
Child (aged 5-14 years) Under 5 Free.  $2 Tandem luge rides available on-site for children under 110cm to ride with an adult.

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Optional Tour: Kiwi & Birdlife Park

Kiwi Birdlife Park
Upper Brecon Street
Queentown 9300
New Zealand

Tel: +64 3 442 8059 

Adults $43 

Children (5-14 years) $22

• 
  
  

If we have missed the earlier option to visit the Kiwi yesterday, we can consider this park today.

Have fun kids!

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Our 5th and 6th Night lodging at:

Alexis Motel & Apartments

69 Frankton Road

9300 Queenstown, New Zealand

Phone: +6434090052

Queenstown’s stunning scenery, huge range of activities and renowned warm welcome cement its reputation as New Zealand’s favourite visitor destination. Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique
energy of the region create the perfect backdrop for a holiday full of adventure, exploration or relaxation. - See more at: http://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/#sthash.grTRDoDJ.dpuf

Queenstown’s stunning scenery, huge range of activities and renowned warm welcome cement its reputation as New Zealand’s favourite visitor destination. Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique
energy of the region create the perfect backdrop for a holiday full of adventure, exploration or relaxation. - See more at: http://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/#sthash.grTRDoDJ.dpuf

17 June 2015 (Wednesday) : Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown

Rise early this morning (0700hours) to witness the magnificent break of dawn in Glacier Country. 

We will give a missed to the Fox Trail guided tour as we have young and elders with us. Instead, take a relaxing stroll and be mesmerized with its surroundings. Inhale fresh air as we look around for breakfast.

Check out Matheson Cafe, a highly recommended cafe for Glacier goers. It has the best views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman and food to match. Open from 8am to 4pm.

Before we depart for Queenstown at 1100 hours, we may want to consider an activity for the kids!

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Optional Tour: West Coast Wildlife Centre Franz Josef

 

Children, here you go. Found something educational for you....

The West Coast Wildlife Centre is centrally located in Franz Josef Glacier Village. It is the official home to the breeding and incubation programme of the Rowi kiwi. Found only in Okarito Forest, near Franz Josef Glacier, the Rowi is New Zealand's rarest of rare kiwis. 

• An all-weather indoor attraction - ideal for rainy days and families
• See Rowi Kiwi in a natural bush walk through
• VIP Backstage Tours available (separate price applies)
• Sights and sounds of the glacier region
• Children's fun facts tour
• West Coast movies, history and story telling
• Interactive displays
• New Zealand made or themed souvenirs
• Cafe and Bakery open from 8:30am
• Free WIFI
• Adult: $35 Child:$20

Fun Facts : Did you know.. The Kiwi, an endangered bird, is the National bird of New Zealand. 

• There are less than 400 Rowi and Haast Tokoeka remaining in the wild today and they are critically endangered.
• Kiwi lay HUGE eggs, about 20% of the female's body weight. This is the equivalent of a human giving birth to a 6 year old child!
• Kiwi are monogamous — they'll only have one partner for life and won't breed until around 4-5 years old.

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We will depart for Queenstown at 1100 hours, a 351 Km drive from Fox Glacier. 

Queenstown 

(Estimated time of Arrival: 1600 hours)

As dusk falls, we will check into our 2 nights lodging before we walk around the town for dinner.

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Our 5th and 6th Night lodging at: 

Alexis Motel & Apartments

69 Frankton Road

9300 Queenstown, New Zealand

Phone: +6434090052

Queenstown’s stunning scenery, huge range of activities and renowned warm welcome cement its reputation as New Zealand’s favourite visitor destination. Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique
energy of the region create the perfect backdrop for a holiday full of adventure, exploration or relaxation. - See more at: http://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/#sthash.grTRDoDJ.dpuf

16 June 2015 (Tuesday) : Hokitika - Franz Josef Glacier - Fox Glacier

Today, we will enter into the World of nature's wonder. 

A scenic drive from Hanmer Springs (departing at 0800 hours) through lush Canterbury plains, spectacular river gorges and stunning snow-covered peaks of the Southern Alps. We will stop over at the famous town of Hokitika for an hour lunch break.

Welcome to Hokitika, the cool little Town!

(Estimated time of arrival : 1130 hours)

Popular with history buffs and the setting for numerous NZ novels. The town's riches come in many forms. Founded on gold, today the town is the stronghold of indigenous pounamu (Greenstone), which jostles  for attention amid many other arts and crafts, drawing rafts of visitors to the town's wide open streets. If time permits before we head towards Franz Josef Glacier, we could consider the following optional tours.

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Optional Tour @ Hokitika region: Dorothy Falls

 

 An easy walk. Time: 2 minutes. Access: Carpark beside bridge at Dorothy Falls Rd on eastern side of lake. Features: Short path to pool at base of best local falls. Awesome in a good rain.

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Optional Tour @ Hokitika region: Hokitika Gorge Track (Walk)

Fun Facts: What is a gorge in geography?  (Click here)

EASY - Buggies/Strollers ok
Time: 15 minute return
Access: 25km east of Hokitika. Turn inland onto Stafford St from SH6/Fitzherbert St and follow the yellow signs saying Hokitika Gorge. Be prepared for lots of turning! (Passes Kowhitirangi Incident memorial on route).
Features: Top rated activity in Hokitika on TripAdvisor! A picturesque 35km drive leads to this gorge, a ravishing ravine with unbelieveably turquoise waters coloured by glacier 'flour'. Look out for the walkway and swingbridge.  

Photo credit: Adrienne Sidal

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Glacier  Country - Franz Josef Glacier

(Estimated time of arrival : 1430 hours)

 

 

 Soon after lunch (1230 hours) and insights with nature's creations, head south of Hokitika is the start of Glacier Country (1.5 hours drive).  

The West Coast of New Zealand is one of only two places in the world where you can view glaciers descending into temperate rainforest and they are the most accessible glaciers in the world.  

Fun facts: What is a Glacier in geography? (Click here)

From the mountains to the sea, you won’t want to miss any of it. Active adventure, relaxation or family fun all against the backdrop of spectacular scenery, New Zealand’s Glacier Country offers something for everyone.

Create your own unforgettable Glacier Country experience from the wealth of things to do in Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Okarito and the surrounding area. 

Check out the weather at Franz Josef Glacier from this link. Live cameras.

 

Fun Facts: How are Glaciers formed? (Click here)

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Glacier  Country - Fox Glacier 

(Estimated time of arrival : 1630 hours)

25 minutes from Franz Josef village, we will head further south of the island to Fox Glacier. It is the name of both the glacier and the nearby village though the Maori names are different. Fed by four alphine glaciers, Fox Glacier / Te Moeka o Tuawe is longer and faster moving than the Franz Josef Glacier / Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Its terminal face is just five kilometres from the village.

Check out the weather of Fox Glacier from this link. Live cameras!

What to eat ?

In need of Asian fusion? Check out Eighty Eight Asian Fusion.

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End the day at our 4th night accommodation at: 

Rainforest Retreat
46 Cron Street 7856 Franz Josef, New Zealand

Phone: +6437520220