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Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
On arrival at Christchurch airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation. Vibrant and cosmopolitan, Christchurch enjoys exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award winning attractions. Internationally known for its award winning gardens, Christchurch is a graceful city that values its culture and heritage.

Day 2: Christchurch – Punting on the Avon & Tram Dinner
This morning sit back and relax in a custom built beautifully upholstered punt as your boatman guides you past the sights of the central city. Enjoy the tranquillity and calm which is uniquely Christchurch. Your punting journey takes you right through the central business district of the city, giving you a different perspective of lovely parks, historic buildings and tree lined avenues - punting, an experience unique to Christchurch.... (except of course if you’re in England). The remainder of the day is at your leisure. This evening enjoy fabulous dining aboard the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant where dining is not only a culinary delight but also a trip back into history. We invite you to sit back in the luxury of the air-conditioned, colonial style, a la carte dining tram and be treated to the finest service, cuisine and beverages that New Zealand has to offer.

Day 3: Christchurch - Kaikoura
Transfer to the train station this morning and travel by Tranz Coastal train through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury, enjoying the beauty of its rural pastoral scenes, to Kaikoura where mountains meet sea. This afternoon enjoy a three hour Whale Watching experience by boat. Off the coast of the Kaikoura village is a marine environment so rich in nutrients that it attracts some of the most magnificent creatures with which we share our planet. Among them the giant Sperm Whale which can grow up to 20 metres in length and has the largest brain of any animal alive. Not only can you be introduced to the magnificent Sperm Whale, but also to migratory Humpback Whales (June & July), Orca (summer months), New Zealand's own tiny Hectors dolphin, the high spirited displays of the Dusky dolphins, New Zealand Fur seals and the Royal Albatross.

Day 4: Kaikoura – Marlborough Sounds
This afternoon rejoin the Tranz Coastal train for your journey to Picton where on arrival join a water taxi and transfer to your accommodation located in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds.

Day 5: Marlborough Sounds – At Leisure
Today is yours to discover this area of great, unspoilt natural beauty. Laze on the beach, go sailing, kayaking or fishing or discover one of the many walking tracks in the Sound (additional cost).

Day 6: Marlborough Sounds – Wellington
Return to Picton by water taxi today and join the Interisland Ferry for your journey across the Cook Strait to reach Wellington. The Cook Strait is the stretch of water that separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand and the journey has a dramatic beauty all of its own. Both Islands can be viewed, including the magnificent Kaikoura ranges, and there is often the chance to see wildlife such as seabirds, dolphins, seals, whales and orca. On arrival in Wellington you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Day 7: Wellington – At Leisure
Today is at leisure to explore what Wellington has to offer. Downtown Wellington on Lambton Quay is popular with shoppers. Perhaps take a trip on the Cable Car which takes you from Lambton Quay to Kelburn or enjoy a visit to the Botanic Gardens. For a different perspective of the city, take a harbour cruise or a ferry trip to Eastbourne, where there are craft shops, galleries and cafes. Highly recommended is a visit to Te Papa Museum.

Day 8: Depart Wellington
Sadly your time in New Zealand comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Here, we bid you a fond farewell to your homeland and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Inclusions
- prices below are inclusive of the following:

• departures daily
• meet and greet at Christchurch Airport
• all accommodation as follows:
  • 2 nights at The George in an executive room
  • 1 night at Hapuku Lodge in a guest room
  • 2 nights at Bay of Many Coves Resort in a one bedroom apartment
  • 2 nights at Duxton Hotel Wellington in a club room
• all breakfasts
• all transfers & activities as follows:
  • private transfer from Christchurch airport to hotel
  • punting on the Avon River
  • Christchurch tramway dining including beverages
  • private transfer to Christchurch train station
  • Tranz Coastal Train from Christchurch to Kaikoura
  • 3 hour Whale Watching cruise by boat
  • Tranz Coastal Train from Kaikoura to Picton
  • return water taxi from Picton to Bay of Many Coves
  • Interisland Ferry from Picton to Wellington
  • private transfer from ferry terminal to hotel
  • private transfer from hotel to Wellington airport
• Arrival Documents
• 24 Hour On Call Assistance from a Luxury Vacations Staff Member or Representative

Tariff

The below costs are per person based on two people travelling together and staying in a twin/double room. All prices are quoted in New Zealand Dollars (NZ$) and include New Zealand Goods & Services Tax (GST).

VALID 01 MAY 2005 TO 30 SETPEMBER 2005
Transport by Private Vehicle Transfers & Train Services $1,839

VALID 01 OCTOBER 2005 TO 30 APRIL 2006
Transport by Private Vehicle Transfers & Train Services $2,065

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