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New Zealand's South Island - 5 Days, 4 Nights

Pre-Cruise Program:

Seize the opportunity of this five-day pre-cruise program to see aspects of New Zealand's stunning South Island that are not accessible from the sea: the wine country surrounding Queenstown; the lakes, rivers, and waterfalls of the wilderness regions of Makarora and Mount Aspiring National Park; and the landscapes and glaciers of the Southern Alps. The variety of experiences is remarkable, as you discover all of this on scenic drives, from the decks of a historic steamship, aboard a helicopter, and gazing through the panoramic windows of an iconic luxury train.

Day 1 – Queenstown

On arrival at Queenstown International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the QT Queenstown Hotel, a 5-star boutique hotel with views over Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains. Settle into your room and relax until dinner time, when you meet you guide and fellow travelers for a short walk to the Skyline Gondola and a trip to the hilltop for a welcome buffet dinner at the Stratosfare Restaurant.

QT Queenstown Hotel

Day 2 – Queenstown

After breakfast at the hotel, set off to explore the Queenstown wineries. Drive through beautiful Gibbstown Valley to reach Gibbstown Valley Winery, the region's oldest vineyard and home to the largest wine cave in New Zealand, where you will enjoy tastings of its current releases. Then it's on to sample the wines of Mount Edward Winery at the Church Cellar Door, housed in an old Presbyterian Church. The last stop on this morning's tour is at Kinross, a collective of five boutique wineries, where you will enjoy your final tasting along with lunch. Return to the hotel for a bit of relaxation and to freshen up before you sail across Lake Wakatipu aboard a vintage steamship to enjoy a quintessential Kiwi BBQ at historic Walter Peak Hight Country Farm.

QT Queenstown Hotel

Day 3 – Queenstown | Franz Josef

Today is a day of travel through some of the most scenic country to be found anywhere, as you make your way from Queenstown to Franz Josef.  Drive through mountains and along the shores of lakes and rivers to reach Makarora, a wilderness region within the World Heritage preserve of Mount Aspiring National Park. Here, a jet boat ride on the river is followed by lunch at the Makarora Country Café. Your drive turns westward in the afternoon, as you follow the path of the Haast River through dense rainforest and past cascading waterfalls, stopping at a salmon farm for afternoon tea along the way. You reach Franz Josef in late afternoon and check in to the Te Waonui Forest Retreat for overnight. Dinner is at the hotel.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Day 4 - Franz Josef | Christchurch

This morning begins with a helicopter ride to the top of Franz Josef Glacier for panoramic views across the Southern Alps. On your return to town, exploration of New Zealand's South Island continues with a drive along its picturesque west coast, across rivers that empty into the Tasman Sea, and through small communities that dot the shoreline. Pause for lunch in one of these towns and visit a pounamu factory before continuing up the coast to Greymouth. Here you board the iconic Transalpine Train for an unforgettable journey from the west coast, over the Southern Alps, through Arthur's Pass and onto the Canterbury plains. Dinner is served on the train. On arrival in Christchurch, transfer to the Fable Christchurch Hotel for overnight.

Fable Christchurch

Day 5 - Christchurch | Embarkation

After breakfast at the hotel, a tour of New Zealand's "Garden City" includes the world-renowned Botanic Gardens, the Christchurch Art Gallery, and the iconic Christchurch Cathedral, which was heavily damaged in the earthquake of 2011. Also visit the Quake City Museum, which chronicles the city's recent history of devastating seismic activity in interactive exhibits aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of earthquakes and the necessity of preparedness. Following lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the pier in Lyttleton to board Le Jacques-Cartier and set sail.

Your hotels:

The QT Queenstown Hotel is a 5-star boutique hotel on the city, overlooking Lake Wakatipu, with views of the surrounding mountains. Its Bazaar Restaurant serves international cuisine using local produce, and its Reds Bar is known for 'Remarkable' drinks. All rooms are equipped with the amenities you would expect in a luxury hotel. On site swimming pool and sauna.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat in Franz Josef is a luxury property built to serve as an example of eco-friendly sustainable accommodations, preserving a piece of the native rainforest in the center of the property itself. Two restaurants offer the choice of casual or formal dining. All rooms are equipped with the expected amenities, and a day spa complements the comfort of the rooms.

Fable Christchurch hotel is located in the center of the city, within easy walking distance of Cathedral Square and other landmarks and attractions. A 5-star boutique property, it features luxurious rooms and suites, an award-winning restaurant and bar, gym and sauna.

Your program includes:

• 2 nights at the QT Queenstown Hotel
• 1 night at Te Waonui Forest Retreat
• 1 night at Fable Christchurch Hotel
• Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled day of arrival, throughout the program from hotel to hotel, and from the hotel to the ship on the day of embarkation.
• Dinner on Days 1, 2, 3, and 4
• Breakfast and lunch on Days 2, 3, 4, and 5
• Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
• Local English-speaking guide
• Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

• Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
• Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

• It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
• Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
• The official currency is the New Zealand dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
• This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
• Program is offered on a space available basis.
• Program is subject to change without notice.