Southern Grandeur - Platinum

Price per person:
$
$8,175.00
(Single supplement:
$1,799.00
)
(Single costs are available on request)
8 Days - With Tour Leader Julie Hanham
Tour Departs:
November 18, 2024
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Indulge in the epitome of luxury with our new exclusive tour, designed for discerning travellers seeking unparalleled comfort and unforgettable experiences. Immerse yourself at landmark accommodations, meticulously chosen for their exceptional comfort and remarkable locations, promising a stay beyond compare.

Delight your senses with gourmet adventures and expertly paired drinks at renowned local restaurants. Experience the pinnacle of culinary artistry with a tasting menu at the world-class Bistro Amisfield Winery, and embark on an Italian culinary journey like no other at the exclusive Aosta Italian Restaurant, owned by celebrated chef Ben Bayly. Enjoy private touring in iconic destinations Queenstown, Franz Josef, and Christchurch. Embark on a scenic odyssey aboard the TranzAlpine rail journey, elevated to new heights with the new exclusive Scenic Plus service. Elevate your travel experience with our luxury tour, where every moment is crafted for indulgence and every destination is a masterpiece waiting to be explored.


Departure Date:
November 18, 2024
Departure Date:
Departure Date:
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INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR COST

Boutique, Luxury Touring

  • Home pick up and return within the Auckland metropolitan area (if applicable).
  • Services of Travelwise Holidays Tour Leader throughout.
  • Return economy class airfares Auckland-Queenstown, Christchurch-Auckland.
  • Luxury hotel accommodation; Queenstown - The 5 Star QT Hotel or Similar (2 nights), Franz Josef - 5 Star Te Waonui Forest Retreat, a luxury hideaway (2 nights),  Christchurch 5* Star Mayfair Hotel (3 nights).
  • Breakfasts daily and many specialty meals including - world-class Bistro Amisfield Winery “Lunch with Vaughan Mabee” Tasting menu with matching wines. Dinner at the exclusive Aosta Italian Restaurant by celebrated chef Ben Bayly.  Scenic Plus dining and drinks on the TranzAlpine rail journey. 4-course meals at Te Waonui Retreat, 5 course dinner and paired wines at Inati, Christchurch
  • Little Paradise Gardens Queenstown.
  • Jackson Bay, lunch in the wilderness, where the rare Fiordland Crested Penguins and dolphins are often sighted. A casual but scrumptious lunch here - feasting on Blue Cod fish, Crayfish and Whitebait.
ITINERARY

MON 18 NOV - AUCKLAND/QUEENSTOWN     L

Depart Auckland on Air NZ 635 at 9.20am. Arrive in Queenstown 11.15am. Transfer to world-class Bistro Amisfield Winery adjacent to Lake Hayes. Savour a “Lunch with Vaughan Mabee” Tasting menu with matching wines.

Afterwards, drive into Queenstown to your hotel and freedom evening tonight in the centre of Queenstown.

Stay 2 nights at the 5-Star QT Hotel Queenstown (or Similar).

TUE 19 NOV - QUEENSTOWN      B,D

Take the scenic route hugging Lake Wakatipu, South towards Glenorchy and arrive at the stunning gardens at Little Paradise. There are thousands of flowers planted all over the beautiful 5-acre garden. including about 3,000 roses and thousands of lilies, some of which stand over 4 metres tall- also Poppies and many other varieties of flowers. It sits exactly on the 45th parallel South, meaning it is the same distance from here to the Equator and the South Pole! Afterwards a drive up Coronet Peak for outstanding views and then a guided tour of picturesque gold mining town of Arrowtown. Afterwards dinner at the exclusive Aosta Italian Restaurant owned by celebrated chef Ben Bayly. Savour an unforgettable Italian culinary journey.

Wed 20 Nov - QUEENSTOWN/FRANZ JOSEF      B,L,D

Depart Queenstown and head to Wanaka for a visit. Then off to the wild West Coast and a Jurrasic Park-like drive to remote Jackson Bay, where the rare Fiordland Crested Penguins and dolphins are often sighted, as well as the odd deer wandering down the road. A casual but scrumptious lunch here - feasting on Blue Cod fish, Crayfish and Whitebait. After lunch drive North to your luxurious eco-designed Forest Retreat An outstanding experience that is close to nature but far from ordinary.

Stay 2 nights at the 5-Star Te Waonui Forest Retreat.

Thu 21 Nov - FRANZ JOSEF       B,D

A day to relax in the Retreat or take an optional excursion to explore further - a helicopter ride with exceptional views of the alpine landscapes.

Fri 22 Nov - FRANZ JOSEF/CHRISTCHURCH       B,L

Head up the rugged coast to Greymouth where you board the TranzAlpine train. Priority check-in and boarding for the exclusive Scenic Plus carriage. Included drinks and dining service with a regionally inspired food menu and a Paired drinks menu. Specialist table service and barista coffee service. Relax and enjoy the incredible views. Arrive in Christchurch and transfer to your boutique accommodation. 3 nights at the 5-Star The Mayfair Hotel.

SAT 23 Nov - CHRISTCHURCH       B,D

Enjoy a Christchurch city tour with a stop for morning tea at  The Sign of the Takahe, a unique heritage building halfway up Cashmere Hill. Carry on over the hill to Lyttleton for fantastic coastal views. The afternoon is free, maybe visit Quake City, Canterbury Museum's special exhibition, telling the stories of the earthquakes which rocked the region in 2010 and 2011. Dinner tonight on the historic Christchurch tram.

Sun 24 Nov - CHRISTCHURCH        B,L,D

Take a guided day trip to gorgeous Akaroa.  Visit the eclectic house & gardens of The Giant’s House - noted for its many whimsical mosaic sculptures. A cafe style lunch here. This evening a Farewell Dinner - Fine Dining at Inati restaurant - 6 courses with wine matching.

Mon 25 Nov - CHRISTCHURCH/AUCKLAND        B

Transfer to Christchurch airport for your Air NZ flight NZ538  departing at 11am and arriving back into Auckland 12.25pm.

Key: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Need Assistance?

Office hours are 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday. An answer phone takes care of calls after hours and during the weekends.
Phone Toll Free
0800 11 60 60
Phone Within Auckland
(09) 414 4488