Day 1 – Tue, Feb 16	Fly USA to Auckland, NZ.
Day 2 – Wed, Feb 17	Cross International Dateline.
Day 3 – Thu, feb 18	Arrive Auckland and connect with flight to Christchurch.
Day 4 – Fri, Feb 19	Christchurch - Alpine Express Journey - Grasmere Lodge.
Day 5 – Sat, Feb 20	Day of optional activities at Grasmere Lodge.
Day 6 – Sun, feb 21	Train journey to Franz Josef Glacier.
Day 7 – Mon, feb 22	Fox Glacier Heli-Hike in Franz Joseph Glacier - Lake Moeraki
Day 8 – tue, feb 23	Enjoy the stunningly gorgeous scenery of Lake Moeraki.
Day 9 – wed, feb 24	Flight-seeing tour of Milford Sound.
Day 10 – thu, feb 25	Jetboat ride on Dart River - Canoeing through "Paradise."
Day 11 – fri, feb 26	Fly to Auckland & on to USA or to Sydney for Gay Mardi Gras.

Our soft-adventure trip to New Zealand highlights the spectacular scenery and natural wonders of the South Island an unspoiled landscape of pristine snow-capped mountains, sparkling fiordlands and glaciers, open farmland, smoldering volcanoes and geysers and vast tracks of natural wilderness. Culturally the country offers a rich mix of Maori, Europeans (Pakeha), Polynesians and Asians who have each put their stamp on the nation. Its cities are elegant and it offers a host of outdoor adventure activities. Known as Aotearoa, ‘the land of the long white cloud’, New Zealand’s diverse physical, cultural and artistic landscapes are very close to each other. New Zealand has the only landscape on earth that could have provided the locations for Tolkien’s Middle Earth for the film Lord of the Rings.

Day 1 -- USA - AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Depart on any regularly scheduled flight to Auckland, New Zealand.

Day 2 -- INTERNATONAL DATELINE

Day 3 --AUCKLAND - CHRISTCHURCH
On arrival into the International Airport you will be met by your guide and transferred to the domestic airport for your onward flight to Christchurch. On arrival in Christchurch you will be met and transferred to your accommodation at The George Hotel.

Day 4 -- CHRISTCHURCH - GRASMERE LODGE
This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to the Christchurch train station to take one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys – the Tranz Alpine. Head across the Canterbury Plains towards Cass, near Arthur’s Pass. This journey is one of the most picturesque rail experiences in New Zealand. On arrival into Cass station you will be met by the Grasmere Lodge representative and transferred to the lodge. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the Lodge and its superb surroundings.

Day 5 -- GRASMERE LODGE
This morning after breakfast you will be given the option to take the 4WD tour of the lodge grounds – a great way to orientate yourself with the area. Then with the rest of the day at leisure you are invited to do as little or as much as you would like. Some options to choose from include: Fishing, Horse trekking, eco tours, sheep farm experience, spa, walking and hiking on trails around the station (easy or more challenging trails), outdoor heated pool, gymnasium, tennis court, extensive library, chess, board games pool – etc! Please note: there may be extra charges for some of these activities.

Day 6 -- GRASMERE - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER
This morning depart on the train from Cass, this time heading to Greymouth where you will be met and transferred down the West Coast to Franz Josef Glacier. On the journey we meet a greenstone artist and learn a little about the craft. On arrival into Franz Josef you will be transferred to you accommodation at Westwood Lodge – enjoy the afternoon to relax!

Day 7 -- FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER - LAKE MOERAKI
The Franz Josef is a 12 km long glacier located in Westland National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Together with the Fox Glacier 20 km to the south, it is unique in the fact that it descends from the Southern Alps to just 240 meters above sea level amidst the greenery and lushness of a temperate rainforest. Today enjoy Fox Glacier heli-hike in Franz Joseph area. The fly-in, fly-out heli-hike combines the excitement of walking on the Fox Glacier with the thrill of helicopter flights. Equipped with sturdy leather boots and other equipment, you board the helicopter for your first flight over the pinnacles of the lower icefall. Your landing site on the ice is a remote and exceptionally beautiful part of the glacier. At this stage, your guide outfits you with crampons, specially designed for these ice conditions and you follow the ice steps cut by your guide as you explore the amazing formations and ice caves. You will then be transferred to Lake Moeraki and you accommodation at the Wilderness Lodge.

Day 8 -- LAKE MOERAKI - QUEENSTOWN
This morning after some leisure time at Wilderness Lodge you will be transferred to the glorious lake side town of Queenstown. Queenstown is situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by rolling farmlands and mountains. As well as being a base for countless outdoor activities Queenstown is well known for its shopping and recreation.

Day 9 -- QUEENSTOWN
This morning after breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your flightseeing tour of the Milford Sound Take a breathtaking scenic flight to the World Heritage listed Milford Sound. Fly over secluded alpine lakes, lush rainforest, through deep bush-fringed valleys and past rugged mountain peaks. Board the Redboat for a scenic lunch cruise on spectacular Milford Sound. After the cruise fly back to Queenstown and transfer to the hotel. The afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy Queenstown. Perhaps a bungy?

Day 10 -- QUEENSTOWN
Today’s tour begins with a picturesque one-hour drive to the head of Lake Wakatipu. On arrival in Glenorchy, board a Dart River jetboat for a ride into the heart of the Southern Alps and the upper reaches of the Dart River. Experience the untouched wilderness of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, normally seen only by hikers or from the air. Enjoy the magnificent streams, lakes, native bush and wildlife in one of nature’s last remaining unspoiled frontiers. At the Beansburn enjoy a nature walk and gourmet picnic lunch before boarding an inflatable Canadian canoe (called “Funyak”) and paddle with your private guide to ‘Paradise’, passing glaciers, rocky peaks, dense rain forest and crystal clear waters. From ‘Paradise’ enjoy a scenic drive through native bush back to Queenstown. Your farewell dinner tonight will be at Gantleys Restaurant.

Day 11 -- QUEENSTOWN - AUCKLAND - USA
This morning after breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your onward journey home.

	THE GEORGE HOTEL Located alongside the tranquil Avon River and Christchurch’s very own “Central Park’, the beautiful Hagley Park, The George embodies Christchurch's elegant and distinctive heritage. The George is a unique boutique hotel situated just a few steps away from the city’s most popular attractions including the tram, arts market, restaurants, theatres and gardens.
	GRASMERE LODGE Tucked amid towering pinnacles bearing such foreboding names as Mt Misery and Mt Horrible, this sensationally sited high country hideaway luxuriates in the heart of some of New Zealand’s most awesome alpine scenery, 90 minutes west of Christchurch. Brick–walled gardens and formal hedgerow frame the beautifully restored rambling limestone homestead house that incorporates the homestead’s original 1858 stone cottage.
	WILDERNESS LODGE LAKE MOERAKI Lake Moeraki in Maori means “to sleep or dream by day”. The lake is a fine trout and salmon fishing spot. The Lodge is set amongst spectacular beaches that are home to the fur seals, crested penguins while the rivers drain the snow capped Southern Alps.
	SOFITEL QUEENSTOWN SOFITEL Queenstown is located in the heart of the city. Most of the hotel's rooms and suites offer private balconies with either mountain or lake views. All rooms are equipped with LCD television, CD and DVD player, espresso machine, wireless LAN and an additional LCD television in the bathroom.

RATES

Double	Single
$6295	$7995
Intra-tour Flights
Approx. $500
*All intra-tour airfares are subject to change until ticketed. These flights are in economy class and are not included in the Tour Rates and must be purchased with the tour.
Single rates can be avoided if you are willing to share. We will be happy to match you with another single traveler who also wishes to share. If no share is available, the single rate will apply.
Special Note - Rates are based on current rates and currency exchange rates at the time of publishing the tour on-line. Rates are subject to change until final payment has been made.

 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
No visa is required for American or Canadian passport holders. Travelers of other nationalities should check with the appropriate Consulate or Embassy for requirements.

SHOTS
Centers For Disease Control website.

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE
Air New Zealand, Qantas, American Airlines, United Airlines, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Canada are among airlines that can be used for this trip. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to try to use Frequent Flyer Miles for free tickets or upgrades or the American Express Platinum card 2-4-1 program.

MINIMUMS
All departures are guaranteed on a minimum of 6 participants. A local New Zealand Tour Manager accompanies the group. Prices available for 2 travelers and 4 travelers. Please inquire.

WEATHER
The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter between 10-15ºC. In summer a light jacket or sweater should be included in you luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain so include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing.

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES / AVERAGE RAINFALL

Farenheit		Christchurch	Queenstown
High	Feb	70	70
Low	Feb	54	50
Inches	Feb	1.6	n/a

Extend your stay in Australia for the Sydney Gay Mardi Gras!

Check out a trip to Australia for the Gay Mardi Gras - Feb 24-Mar 2, 2009 or Sydney's Gay Mardi Gras + Melbourne - Feb 24-Mar 4, 2009.