What better location to enjoy a midwinter celebration than in the alpine surroundings of Mount Cook.
Our ninth tour to this beautiful destination. Including two nights at The Hermitage Hotel at Mount Cook, situated at the head of Lake Pukaki - a major highlight. Enjoy the pristine alpine environment with several exciting optional activities and a sumptuous Mid-Winter Christmas Dinner. Previous year’s group woke to fresh snow and a winter wonderland – no guarantee’s – but a memory to last a life time if nature provides.
The journey down the Waitaki Valley past Benmore Dam and Lake Aviemore to the Otago city of Dunedin will be a first for many.
We include lunch and a guided tour of Larnach Castle in Dunedin with free time to explore and fly home the next day.
Depart late morning from Auckland on Air New Zealand to arrive Christchurch early afternoon.
This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of rebuilt Christchurch, with the balance of the day free. Welcome Dinner tonight.
After breakfast we travel across the Canterbury plains to Geraldine for a refreshment stop and time to explore as Geraldine has much to offer. Onto Fairlie and into the Mountain setting around Tekapo and drive along the shore of Lake Pukaki with the Ben Ohau ranges on the other side. Arrive at Mount Cook and The Hermitage. Time to orientate yourself before dinner.
A day to participate in optional activities and / or simply enjoy the area at your leisure. Tonight’s highlight will be a sumptuous Mid-Winter Christmas Dinner served in traditional winter surroundings.
After breakfast, leave the national park for our scenic journey down the Waitaki Valley passing through Omarama, the gliding capital of New Zealand, Benmore Dam, Kurow and onto Duntroon. With time in Oamaru to wander the Victorian precinct. We continue along the coastline to Dunedin.
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ including Signal Hill, the world’s steepest street, Botanical Gardens, University and the Forsyth Barr sports stadium. We then continue to the spectacular Larnach Castle for lunch and a guided tour.
After breakfast visit Olveston House, a step back in time to a wealthy merchant’s home and lifestyle of the early 20th century. Free time for lunch before we fly home this afternoon.
• Return economy flights Auckland – Christchurch // Dunedin – Auckland ( seat and bag )
• Five nights, 4 star hotels accommodation (Christchurch – Mt Cook – Dunedin)
• Daily cooked breakfast
• Five dinners and one lunch included
• Mid-Winter Christmas Dinner at Mt Cook Hermitage
• Larnach Castle lunch and guided tour included
• Explorer Pass to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at Mount Cook
• Guided walking tour of Christchurch CBD
• Olveston House entry and guided tour
• Comfortable air-conditioned coaches with panoramic windows
• All transfers as specified
• Pukekohe Travel Escort subject to minimum numbers
Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland | Twin Share | Single |
---|---|---|
$2,795 |
$3,495 |
*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment
• Cancellation insurance
• Items of a personal nature
• Items not specified
• A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person will secure a place on the tour.
• FULL PAYMENT is due no later than 09 June 2025
• Bookings made after 09 June 2025 will require full payment.
• Deposit – non refundable
• After 09June 2025 – no refund
We strongly advise all participants to take out suitable travel insurance to cover cancellation costs. Please ask us for a quote.
• At times, entering and exiting the coach can be very demanding for those with limited mobility.
• To ensure the tour is enjoyable for the whole group, a good standard of fitness is required and clients should be independently mobile with the ability to comfortably walk 500 metres
• Mobility frames or scooters are not practical or permitted
For full terms and conditions please visit our website www.pukekohetravel.co.nz/termsandconditions or ask our tour consultant for a copy
Indoor Stargazing
Where science meets entertainment for an unrivalled 360 degree cinematic experience in New Zealand’s first full dome, digital Planetarium. Leave Earth, fly to the edge of our galaxy and far beyond to the reaches of our known universe.You will be given an introduction and orientation in the Planetarium, a guided tour through our solar system and beyond.
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Your Explorer pass will enable you to visit the centre which features a 3D movie theatre, planetarium and museum – valid for the duration of your stay. You’ll find the museum showcasing the history of the Mount Cook region through transport, climbing, and pioneer extraordinaire, Sir Edmund Hillary himself.
Mt Cook Day Walks
For the more energetic, walks are available, taking in some of the breath-taking views of the mountains and valleys. The Hooker Valley walk is the best.
Note:
Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change