We are pleased to announce that the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine trains have returned to the tracks for spring and summer. Face masks are now mandatory on The Northern Explorer including all sectors on the journey, except when consuming food or drink.
Cook Strait ferry bookings and some daytours and bus routes are also open for sale. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries on 0800 143 669 or info@newzealandtravelteam.com
We understand that Covid-19 continues to add uncertainty in planning, and indeed all the train services rely on the country being at Covid - 19 Alert Level 1. Should there be cancellation of services due to Covid 19 restrictions, we will offer affected customers a transfer to an alternative date, a credit for 12 months, or a refund, regardless of the fare purchased less a $30 processing fee for the entire reservation.
Day 1 Arrive Christchurch Airport.
Transfer by private car and driver from Christchurch Airport to your hotel. Located in Central Christchurch just minutes from CBD dining, shopping and entertainment, Crowne Plaza Christchurch offers modern accommodation and dining options for the business or leisure traveller. Overlooking historic Victoria Square and the iconic Avon River, you’ll be in the perfect spot to connect with the Christchurch, or meet with colleagues, clients or friends in Market Place Restaurant and Bar, Café 1851 or The Social Cafe & Bar. |
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Christchurch (2 nights) Superior Room Includes: Full Breakfast |
Day 2 Christchurch
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Included today is an all-day pass on the restored heritage Christchurch Tram so you can enjoy a journey in style through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre. Knowledgeable drivers will inform you about the city, its landmarks and local sights. Your day-long ticket allows you to get on and off the tram as often as you please! The journey takes you to the appropriate stops for Punting on the Avon and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour. Cathedral Junction, the Avon River, Gothic-style Arts Centre, the Canterbury Museum and New Regent Street are just some of sights to be seen from the comfort of your tram, or accessed from the 17 stops en route. Board at any of the 17 Tram stops and get on and off with your ticket throughout the day.
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Day 3 Christchurch / Greymouth / Franz Joseph
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Breakfast at your accommodation. Transfer from the hotel to the Christchurch Railway Station by private car and driver. Travel from Christchurch to Greymouth by TranzAlpine – Enjoy one of the worlds great train journeys On arrival, Collect a Toyota Corolla Sedan or similar intermediate automatic from Budget Rent A Car. Includes hire, unlimited kilometres and standard motor vehicle insurance and GST. Airport Collection/Drop / Interislander Ferry Collection/Drop Fee applies (NZ$51.75 – pay direct). One-way hire applies (NZ$57.50 – pay direct). Late ferry fee will apply for vehicle collection from a ferry location after 1830 hours (NZ$57.50 - pay direct). Please discuss insurance buy-down options with Budget staff at time of collection and pay direct for excess reduction should you choose this option. Rental vehicle hirers will be required to put down a security deposit by credit card issued in their name (minimum NZ$100 + credit card fee). This will not be activated if the vehicle is returned undamaged, on time, to the pre-arranged depot with a full tank of gas. Travel down the coastline with the Tasman Sea to the west and the Southern Alps rising in the east. Along the coast the attractions include Shantytown, a reconstructed gold mining town (extra cost), the Pounamu (greenstone jade) studios of Hokitika and beautiful Okarito Lagoon, nesting area of the Kotuku White Heron. Continuing south the landscape is dominated by the national park's two largest glaciers, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, the only glaciers in the world that descend into lowland rainforest.
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The Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is situated in the village of Franz Josef on the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, making its location just moments from one of New Zealand’s most visited natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier. Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier offers quality accommodation in well-presented guest rooms, located in two separate hotel ‘wings’ within Franz Josef village. The hotel is close to all visitor amenities in the village and close to local attractions. Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (2 Nights) Run of House Includes Breakfast
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Day 4 Franz Joseph Breakfast at your accommodation. Day at leisure – there are guided walks to the glacier (reasonable level of fitness required), scenic helicopter flights over the glaciers with snow landings, walks around the shores of Lake Matheson (known for its near perfect reflections of the mountains) or enjoy a lagoon cruise to see the White Heron Colony at nearby Whataroa. Alternatively there are boat cruises and kayaking trips on Lake Mapourika, hot pools surrounded by bush to soak in and 4 wheel quad bike trips which drive across stony braided riverbeds then though dense rain forest. Activities available at extra cost.
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Day 5 Franz Joseph / Greymouth / Christchurch
Breakfast at your accommodation.
Return your vehicle to Greymouth Railway Station.
Travel by Tranz Alpine train from Greymouth to Churchchurch
Enjoy one of the worlds great train journeys
Arrive Christchurch at 6.21 pm
End of Arrangements.
Travel reservations made within 4 days of departure time cannot be guaranteed. Price and itinerary are subject to change and availability. Please refer to your booking confirmation for final details. Package fares are NZD, per person, share twin, based on current promotional fares which are subject to change without notice. Package fare is made up of individual components from multiple suppliers and each component is subject to availability at the time of booking. Reservation, payment and cancellation conditions apply.
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Single pricing available on application. Please email info@newzealandtravelteam.com
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