Gray Line 5 day Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Mt. Cook (55Q)

Day 1 - Christchurch to Dunedin

Christchurch to Dunedin

Crossing the vast Canterbury Plains as you head South, State Highway 1 crosses many braided rivers that start their life as glacial melt water high in the Southern Alps. New Zealand's longest bridge at Rakaia crosses such an example. The town of Oamaru is most famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone.
Continue to follow the rugged North Otago coastline before crossing the hills and descending into the beautiful city of Dunedin.

Your accommodation: Scenic Circle Southern Cross Hotel The Scenic Circle Southern Cross Hotel enjoys a premium location in the heart of Dunedin's bustling city centre, and is the perfect location from which to explore Dunedin - just a short walk to The Octagon, Railway Station, theatres and shops.

Day 2 - Dunedin to Queenstown

Dunedin city tour, Taieri Gorge Railway trip then to Queenstown

This morning you join a one hour tour of Dunedin City by double-decker bus. Enjoy the sights before transferring to the railway station to board the historic Taieri Gorge train.
Steeped in early settler history this journey features spectacular changing scenery with magnificent pioneer stone work and engineering along the railway. A combination of modern carriages with panoramic views and immaculately restored traditional versions make this a truly memorable train ride. Arriving at Pukerangi, transfer to your coach and continue to Queenstown through the rugged rock landscape of Central Otago.

Your accommodation: Aurum Hotel & Suites Scenic Circle Aurum Hotel & Suites boasts one of Queenstown's most favourable hotel sites. Located on Stanley Street it's less than five minutes walk to the busy town centre, yet the hotel's elevation allows it to capture spectacular views of the lake and mountains.

Day 3 - Milford Sound day tour

Milford Sound day excursion

This morning you follow the shoreline of the lake's southern arm before travelling overland to Te Anau. A stop morning tea (own cost) before you continue towards the grass-covered Eglinton Valley surrounded by forest-clad mountains. The road to Milford has often been described as one of the most spectacular scenic routes in the world. The lush forest growth west of the Homer Tunnel contrasts with the stark barren beauty east of the tunnel.
On arrival into Milford you depart on your 1-1/2 hour cruise past Mitre Peak which rises dramatically from the ocean floor to its snow-capped summit. View spectacular waterfalls, look out for dolphins, seals and penguins. Return to Queenstown by coach, arriving early evening.

Your accommodation: Aurum Hotel & Suites Scenic Circle Aurum Hotel & Suites boasts one of Queenstown's most favourable hotel sites. Located on Stanley Street it's less than five minutes walk to the busy town centre, yet the hotel's elevation allows it to capture spectacular views of the lake and mountains.

Day 4 - Free day to enjoy Queenstown

Free day in Queenstown

Queenstown offers adventure for all tastes and abilities. From some of the more well know adrenalin sports such as bungy jumping and skydiving to the more sedate such as sampling the local wines or exploring the historic Chinese settlement at Arrowtown, there is something for everyone.
Sitting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu there are many water based activities to enjoy. The TSS Earnslaw is a rare working example of a steamship still operating and cruises take you to Walter Peak Station to enjoy a farm tour, lunch or a farmhouse dinner. The Kawarua Jet offers a slightly faster experience with thrilling one hour jet boat rides. Fishing and sailing are also possible here.
The Gibbston Vallley is a short drive from Queenstown and it's here you will find the vineyards producing some of the finest wines in New Zealand, particularly the Pinot Noir. Appellation Wine Tours have a choice of tour options to ensure you get to experience the best and of course have the chance to sample the vintages.
Arrowtown is a popular destination for many visitors to Queenstown. This historic gold mining town features many original buildings and now also boasts some great shopping. The Lakes District Museum is also here and ranks as one of the best in the country.
Nomad Safaris offer 4WD excursions in and around Queenstown to otherwise difficult locations such as Skippers Canyon and Mace Town. Informative guides share theirs and other locals stories of the region.
At the Head of the Lake sits Glenorchy. The 40 kilometre drive along the lake edge is worth the trip alone however arriving into this peaceful township you could easily rest the day away sitting on the shores of the lake. A great trip from here is the Dart River Wilderness Safari, by far the most scenic jet boat excursion in the country. A short walk amongst native beech forest plus a 4WD bus journey is capped off with over 1 1/2 hours and around 35 kilometres of exhilarating jet boat action as you head deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park.

Your accommodation: Aurum Hotel & Suites Scenic Circle Aurum Hotel & Suites boasts one of Queenstown's most favourable hotel sites. Located on Stanley Street it's less than five minutes walk to the busy town centre, yet the hotel's elevation allows it to capture spectacular views of the lake and mountains.

Day 5 - Queenstown to Mt. Cook to Christchurch

Queenstown to Mt. Cook National Park to Christchurch

The sheer cliffs of the Kawarau Gorge guide you towards Cromwell and along the Gibbston Valley, one of New Zealand's premier wine growing regions. Cromwell old town has restored buildings from before the valley was flooded to create Lake Dunstan for the hydro systems.
The Lindis Pass is one of New Zealand’s highest roads with the summit reaching 971 metres. The tussock covered hills offer an unusual contrast as you pass from the Central Otago and onto the Mackenzie Basin.
The towns of Omarama and Twizel are the last stops before you arrive at Lake Pukaki and take the Mt. Cook Highway along the shores to the village.
In Mt. Cook Village time to enjoy lunch (own expense) before you continue your journey. One option is to take a scenic flight with Air Safaris over the region landing at Lake Tekapo before rejoining your coach.
Lake Tekapo, the northern most of the large Southern Lakes also the reflective quality that Pukaki has making the waters a bright turquoise on certain days. This busy little township is home to some of the most photographed subjects in the country, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog statue. From here you descend from the high country through Burkes Pass and into rich farmland. Beautiful Valley guides you to the town of Geraldine before you cross the vast Canterbury Plains back towards Christchurch City where your tour concludes at approximately 6:30pm.

Standard tour inclusions:

• 4 star hotel accommodation.
• Travel in well appointed and fully air-conditioned tour coaches.
• Commentary as you travel.
• Sightseeing admission fees and attractions as detailed with each itinerary.
• Goods and Services tax (g.s.t).
  

Sightseeing and attraction inclusions:

Dunedin City tour

Experience this magnificent city on a double decker bus

Taieri Gorge Train

Take this famous train journey through stunning countryside from Dunedin to Pukerangi 

Milford Sound

A 1 1/2 hour scenic cruise on Milford Sound