Ocean to the Alps

FROM PACIFIC OCEAN TO SOUTHERN ALPS (2 days)

Day 1: CHRISTCHURCH - AKAROA
Banks Peninsula was formed by the violent eruptions of two volcanoes. A crater now cradles the picturesque harbour of Akaroa, with many smaller bays indenting the coastline. First sighted by Captain James Cook in 1770, the Peninsula was then inhabited by Maori. In 1840, French settlers arrived at Akaroa, which had just been claimed under the Treaty of Waitangi by the English. To this day, Akaroa remains unique as the site of the only attempted settlement by the French in New Zealand. Many streets have French names and there are descendants of the original French families still living in Akaroa. The charm of this old town, with its incredible scenery, has assured Akaroa's place as a popular tourism destination.

Travel to Akaroa via the high summit route, providing glorious views of Akaroa Harbour, the Canterbury Plains, the distant Southern Alps and the more remote bays and farmsteads. Visit the Barry's Bay Cheese Factory, to sample locally-made cheeses, produced in the only remaining cheese factory on the Peninsula. Enjoy the quaint colonial-style architecture of Akaroa, as you wander around its charming 150 year old streets. Visit its museum of settler's history, art and crafts shops and studios, as well as al fresco cafes and wine bars. Then take an exhilarating nature cruise on the “Canterbury Cat”, looking out for playful Hector’s Dolphins and small penguins. Overnight in Christchurch.

Day 2: SOUTHERN ALPS
In the heart of the Southern Alps, Arthur's Pass National Park has an incredible diversity of flora and landscape. They range from eastern beech-clad hills and tussock valleys, to the luxuriant rainforest in the west. The highest mountains have glaciers and surrounding them are grassland basins, flowering herbs and alpine grasses.

At Christchurch, board the world famous TranzAlpine Train. Sit back and savour the panoramic views as you cross the Canterbury Plains, wind your way through the stunning Waimak Gorge, pass over massive viaducts, through tussock-covered high country, before heading into the Southern Alps. You will be met at Arthur's Pass by your guide, who will take you through the National Park, where short walks can be made to experience forests, rivers and mountain vistas. Following the old stage-coach route, travel down the spectacular Otira Gorge; testament to the road builders of the 1860's and the route taken by the Maori in their quest for greenstone. Departing Arthur's Pass, you will travel through the high country and stop to view Cave Stream, where it burrows underground in an area of limestone cliffs and gorges, craggy outcrops and a setting of surrounding mountains. The incredible Castle Hill Rocks, unique weatherworn and rain-smoothed outcrops of limestone, can be seen from the highway. The more adventurous may wish to walk to the top of the rocks for magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. The return journey to Christchurch will include a visit to the Waimak Gorge, where the Waimakariri River enters the vast Canterbury Plains.

Notes:
• Tour includes: accommodation (1 night), guiding, transport in air-conditioned minicoach, morning tea (Day 1), afternoon tea (Days 1 & 2), specified sightseeing, cafe lunches (Days 1 & 2), nature cruise on Akaroa Harbour, TranzAlpine train journey from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass
• Tour Excludes: Other meals and alcoholic drinks, refreshments or taxis, Christchurch accommodation (before or after tour), NZ Goods & Services Tax (GST, 12.5%).
• These tours are designed to suit any age and fitness. Other options available.