Advertisements
Print
REAL DEALS

New Zealand Loop

Hotel/sightseeing package for the South Island's English-influenced capital and its stunning lakes, glaciers, and backcountry roads
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 |

The Real Deal: 14 nights' accommodations, internal transportation, and activities from $1,880 per person

When: Depart Aug. 19, 2006; Sept. 23; Oct. 7; Oct. 14; Oct. 25; Oct. 28; Nov. 11; Nov. 18; Nov. 25; Dec. 2; Dec. 16; Dec. 23; Dec. 30

Details: Hotel taxes and breakfast and dinner in Otira are included. There's a NZ$300 (US$187) cash payment due upon arrival to cover local expenses. Groups are limited to 12 travelers

Book By: No deadline; based on availability

Contact: Intrepid Travel, 866/847-8192, intrepidtravel.com

The escorted tour makes a 14-night loop across New Zealand's South Island. The first and last nights are at the downtown Copthorne Central Hotel in Christchurch, with views of Victoria Square and the Southern Alps. Add extra nights in Christchurch before or after the trip for $64 per person per night.

Two nights are spent in Mount Cook; three in Queenstown; two in Milford Sound, which is encircled by dramatic cliffs; two in lakeside town of Wanaka; two in Franz Joseph at the glacier's base; and one in Otira, one of the South Island's sparsely populated villages. With the exception of Mount Cook, where you stay in dorm-style rooms with bunk beds sleeping up to five, the accommodations are in modest, locally-owned properties. Transportation is by train or private bus.

Walks in Mount Cook National Park, a skyline gondola ride in Queenstown, kayaking on Milford Sound, a guided walk along Franz Josef Glacier, and a scenic ride on the Tranz Alpine railway are all included. Bungy jumping in Queenstown (NZ$140/US$87), visiting the glowworm caves in Te Anau (NZ$50/US$31), and cycling in Wanaka (NZ$15/US$9 per hour) are among the optional activities.

For a detailed, day-by-day itinerary and map, visit: intrepidtravel.com/tripnote.

Keep in mind that New Zealand's seasons are the opposite of those in America; the longer you wait to take the trip, the better the weather will be!

Getting to New Zealand: The lowest round-trip fares we found to Christchurch in mid-August were: $1,159 (Air New Zealand) from Los Angeles; $1,428 (United) from Seattle; $1,468 (multiple carriers) from Chicago; $1,578 (multiple carriers) from New York City; $1,579 (Qantas Airways) from Miami.

Related Articles:

  • Trip Coach: A Month in New Zealand 

  • A Classic First-Time Trip to New Zealand

    • Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

    Print