New Zealand is a country of glacial mountains, native forests, deserted beaches and crystal clear lakes. Our South Island family adventure begins in Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, where we visit the Antarctic Centre and Orana Wildlife Park. The world famous TranzAlpine train then takes us from one coast of New Zealand to the other, through spectacular scenery of gorges, river valleys, the Southern Alps and rainforest. We try our hand at gold panning in Shantytown, before continuing to the Franz Josef Glacier with options such as glacier walks, a helihike, and ice-climbing. Next stop Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, where we visit the original bungy site, take the gondola and luge on Bob’s Peak, and cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Sheep Station, still leaving some free time for other activities. We continue to Fiordland, exploring the Te Anau Glow-worm caves, with a free day for options such as the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise, Milford Sound Cruise, day walk or kayaking. A night is spent with a host family on a farm stay in Canterbury, before we regroup for a visit to a Maori Village, with haka lessons and a night wildlife viewing tour before spending our last night back in Christchurch.

Christchurch - Antarctic Centre and Orana Wildlife Park.  This morning you will meet your driver who will take you to the Antarctic Centre for the Antarctic Ride Combo - Indoor Attraction & Hagglund Ride. The Antarctic Attraction recreates the atmosphere of the Antarctic providing visitors with a fun, interactive and exciting experience. Christchurch is the world's aerial gateway to Antarctica, & The Antarctic Attraction showcases the activities happening down on 'the Ice'. Experience the four dramatic seasons which make up a year in Antarctica. Feel the chill of winter and watch daylight return as the Antarctic summer approaches after four months of darkness. Use interactive technology to find out about the people who live and work in Antarctica today. Handle the polar survival clothes they wear, explore Scott Base, home of Antarctica New Zealand, and view the delightful and zany "Penguin Capers" video. Experience Antarctic conditions first-hand; even on a hot summers day! Slide down a snow slope, explore a snow cave, feel icy wind-chills, or just let your body tingle with the exhilaration of being in Antarctica temperatures.

From the cold & ice to warmer climates, this afternoon we have a very special experience for you -Orana Wildlife Park. There is plenty for visitors to enjoy at the Park with fifteen daily animal feeds, one feed approximately every 40 minutes whilst the Park is open! Orana Wildlife Park specialises in getting visitors “up close and personal with the animals”. Some animal encounters are not offered anywhere else in the world! Hand feed a Giraffe! Meet White Rhinoceros in a face-to-face encounter! Watch a Cheetah sprint! Pat a Llama! An extensive collection of New Zealand native species is of particular appeal for visitors. Observe New Zealand Kiwi, Tuatara and a range of endangered, endemic birds such as Kea, the only alpine parrot in the world. Stroll through the walk-through aviary whilst native birds fly past and listen to their calls. A farmyard area enables visitors to pet a range of domestic animals.

Optional Extra: You can also experience the Lion Encounter Ride a wonderful experience, unique to the Park. Ride on board our specially designed feeding wagon which travels with the Animal Keepers through the African Lion Reserve for close up views of these magnificent creatures feeding - a truly memorable experience! Please note: Subject to availability as there are ticket restrictions. Also participants have to be a minimum height of 1.40m.

Franz Josef Glacier – Queenstown. This morning is free and there are various options to choose from. We suggest a walk up to the glacier with younger children. For older children and/or adults we recommend a scenic helicopter flight or the helihike.

Please note that the following options should be booked in advance to ensure availablity, especially during peak seasons. Please contact Kumuka or your agent for prices and to make a reservation.

Helihike - Minimum age 8. The Helihike includes an exciting scenic flight over all three icefalls of the Franz Josef Glacier. You are landed high up on the glacier between two icefalls, to undertake a two hour guided trip. Your guide is 'free guiding', picking a route as you go and looking for the most spectacular ice formations to show you. Information about glacier processes is offered by the guide, but the panoramic views of the glacier and surrounding mountains are supreme. The superb step-cutting skill of the guides ensures our trips get into the most spectacular terrain, in comfort and at ease.

The excursion includes boots and socks, return helicopter flight to the glacier, and guided walk on the ice. Highlights include a 10 minute flight over the Franz Josef icefall, glacier landing and pickup, 2 hour hike amongst glacial ice formations with a professional guide. Return helicopter flight to base - all equipment provided, suitable for people of moderate fitness levels. The trip away is approximately 2.5 hours. Should inclement weather prevent a flight at the booked location, the same pre-paid voucher will be accepted at any of the Helicopter Line bases for a flight of similar duration and price.  

Twin Glacier Heli Flight. Fly over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers and land at the head of either the Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier. View the incredible natural phenomenon of the glacier as it winds slowly down the carved valleys from its origin in the mountains high above you. The excursion includes a 30 minute flight (approx.) with snow landing. Should inclement weather prevent a flight at the booked location, the same pre-paid voucher will be accepted at any of the Helicopter Line bases for a flight of similar duration and price.

At the Hukawai Interpretive Centre there are two other options (non-weather dependent!).

The interactive glacier experience will provide people with comprehensive information on the Franz Josef glacier and its environment as well as West Coast history and Maori culture. The experience will enable people to walk through an entire glacier experience – they will start in a native garden before walking into a man-made rainforest and up a winding bush path into a glacial room designed to look exactly like Franz Josef Glacier complete with ice caves and a crevasse. (suitable for all ages). This does not need to be pre-booked.

Ice-climbing “Taster” session” - The 10-metre high indoor ice-climbing wall is the only one in the Southern Hemisphere enabling both amateur and experienced climbers to experience an ice climb. This unique glacial sport is brought indoors to an environment where anyone can give it a go.  The 1 ½ hour taster session with a professional ice climbing guide provides a great introduction to ice-climbing and belaying. (Minimum age 10 years). The ice chamber provides over 15 different climbing routes. These range from an easy angle (for beginners) through to a monster overhang (for the adventurous or experienced). A guide instructs the session to ensure everyone has a safe and fun experience

Please note that all activities need to be pre-booked during high season.

We depart Franz Josef to Fox Glacier and southwards through the Paringa forest, beside Lakes Paringa and Moeraki to the Tasman Coast at Bruce Bay, then from the great lookout from Knight's Point along the coast to Haast. The road over the Haast Pass was not completed until 1965. Once the pass summit is reached we descend through the Makarora River valley to the northern reaches of Lake Wanaka, then drive alongside this lake before crossing a saddle to neighbouring Lake Hawea. The road follows the shore of Lake Hawea to the township at the southern end from which it is a short distance to the resort town of Wanaka. From Wanaka we climb over the spectacular Crown Range road past the historic Cardrona Hotel and the winter ski fields, then drop down into the Wakatipu basin with magnificent views to the Remarkables Mountains and Lake Wakatipu. We pass by pretty Lake Hayes or via historic Arrowtown enroute to Queenstown.

Queenstown is an exhilarating, year round, alpine resort, perfect for adventurers and leisure seekers alike. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, overlooked by the majestic Southern Alps, Queenstown's reputation as the adventure capital of the world is well earned. Here you can bungy jump, "fly-by-wire" in your own "rocket", whitewater raft or surf, jet boat down canyons, tandem hanglide or parapente...! More sedately enjoy long walks, a four wheel drive trek, or cruise on a majestic steamboat; try your hand with a gold pan or a fishing rod, visit the Arrowtown Museum, and explore the Wakatipu Art Trail. Join the Queenstown Wine Trail and sample the delights on offer in the many shops, cafes and restaurants. There is plenty for everyone.

Queenstown - Walter Peak High Country Farm Cruise & Tour.  We cruise across the lake on the TSS Earnslaw to the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak Station (sheep ranch). The cruise allows you plenty of time to explore the TSS Earnslaw's decks and bridge, view the engine room and historic displays in the Fo'c'sle Gallery. Enjoy high country hospitality over typical morning or afternoon tea, and an entertaining tour, which provides a glimpse into farming life. Sheep dogs working and a sheep shearing display are included.

On our return to Queenstown, the rest of the day is free.

Te Anau - Free day.  Today is a free day for your to relax or enjoy some of the many optional activities available.

Optional activities: Please note that advance reservations are essential, so please advise us at the time of booking if you are interested in any of these, so that we can check availability, and make bookings where necessary. Prepayment will be required for advance reservations.

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise. This morning transfer to nearby Lake Manapouri’s Pearl Harbour. Cruise across picturesque Lake Manapouri to West Arm, with coach tour to the underground power station. Then reboard the coach and travel over the Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound. During the journey there is time to examine plant life and to view the spectacular scenery. Once at Doubtful Sound, visitors join a three hour cruise of Doubtful Sound, along the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea. On board there is excellent viewing of water falls, rain forest, mountains and wildlife. Of particular interest is a resident pod of Bottle nose dolphins and a colony of fur seals which reside on the Nee Islets at the mouth of the Sound. Understanding of the area is greatly enhanced by an interesting commentary provided by a nature guide. On the return journey the vessel calls into spectacular Hall Arm. Here the engines are turned off and visitors are treated to the "Sound of Silence". Afterwards the vessel returns to Deep Cove and visitors travel via the Wilmot Pass and Lake Manapouri to Pearl Harbour. Picnic lunch box included. 

Milford Sound Day tour with Nature Cruise. Drive alongside Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island at 344 km². Halfway up the lake at Te Anau Downs, turn inland behind the Earl Mountains for the scenic drive past the Mirror Lakes and through the "Avenue of the Disappearing Mountains" of the Eglinton River valley to Cascade Creek on the shores of Lake Gunn. Climb to The Divide, with views down the Hollyford Valley. The Homer Tunnel is 1,200 m long under the Homer Saddle from the top of the Hollyford Valley through to the Cleddau Canyon, through which you descend to Milford Sound. On boarding the luxury glass roofed coach, drive along the spectacular Milford Road with time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound you will board the Vessel for a 2.5 hour cruise the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea, with excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time to enjoy the waterfalls, rain forest, mountains and wildlife. A comprehensive commentary (in English only) is presented throughout the cruise. Picnic lunch box included. Return by coach to Te Anau in the afternoon

Milford Track Guided Day Walk. A guided day excursion, including a walk on the first section of the world famous Milford Track. Coach transport from Te Anau to Te Anau Downs, where walkers then board a catamaran for a spectacular cruise on Lake Te Anau to the start of the Milford Track. An interesting commentary is provided through the cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available and passengers can purchase snacks and refreshments on board. A friendly, experienced nature guide then escorts visitors for a 5-6 hour leisurely walk of the initial section of the Milford Track. It is easy walking (11km return), with no big hills. There is a maximum of 12 walkers per guide, providing an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about the natural and human heritage of this world famous track. There are plenty of stops for photographs, bird/trout-watching etc along the way and a picnic lunch is included and served at historic Glade House. Following the guided walk, visitors return to Te Anau by catamaran and coach. Please note that this operates only from November to mid-April, and is not recommended for children under 10 years.

Milford Sound Kayaking. Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Te Anau . Relax and enjoy the scenic drive to Milford Sound before joining the sunriser classic sea kayak adventure. Welcome to New Zealand's most spectacular sea kayaking destination! The way to really experience the magnificence of this world famous fiord is at water level from a sea kayak. Become part of the environment you are observing! Paddle beneath towering granite overhangs, waterfalls, the Pembroke Glacier and mile high Mitre Peak. Escape the crowds and explore the grandeur of this area with your guide, interact with nature - friendly fur seals, Fiordland crested penguins and playful dolphins frequent the fiord. After your paddling experience enjoy an optional lunch at Mitre peak cafe or picnic in front of the awe inspring Mitre Peak. Our experienced guides will then take you on a guided tour of this 'Famous road” back to Te Anau. Highlights include 'The Chasm', 'Mirror lakes', 'Hollyford River', 'Eglinton Valley', as well as your guides favorite spots.

Farm stay to Christchurch. After our farm stay, we regroup and from Fairlie pass through a succession of "valley" villages to Geraldine, an area which was always well-endowed with superb native forests. Our journey continues over the Orari River to Rangitata and heads north up the main highway across the Canterbury Plains, through Ashburton to Christchurch.

We drive to Willowbank where you are accorded the traditional welcome (Powhiri). You are welcomed onto the Pa (village) with a powerful challenge by our fearsome warrior and a haka powhiri of welcome. Hear the Maori chief welcome you in our native language. Relax and enjoy an informative interactive and joy-filled evening as our Maori people entertain you with unforgettable traditional dancing. Learn the haka or poi dance. Feel the emotions of our Waiata Aroha (love songs). Learn and see how the Maori People existed before the arrival of European technology. See and learn the ancient arts of the Maori Hunter. Come face to face with some of the oldest animals and reptiles on the planet and the importance that they had on an ancient people. At night, you'll be enchanted by the guided wildlife viewing tour through the 'New Zealand Experience' and delighted by the extensive display of native and introduced birds and animals that make up New Zealand's wildlife. As you wander through the native bush like setting, guides will explain the unique stories of our fauna and flora. Be captivated by the ponds of giant trout and salmon, a walk through the massive 'alpine' aviaries, which house the world's only 'mountain parrot' - the Kea, while tunnels and caves make this an area of constant surprise. Of course the highlight of your trip will be New Zealand's elusive national symbol - the Kiwi bird. At Willowbank, we don't hide our Kiwis away behind a glass wall. Instead, they are in an open and natural enclosure. Enjoy the "Taste of New Zealand" dinner in Willowbank's award winning Restaurant. (B,D)

Christchurch Motel

252 Riccarton Road

Christchurch

New Zealand

Tel: +64 3 348 9493

Fax: +64 3 348 2679

The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY of the scheduled departure date. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers.

In each departure city we have named a joining hotel from where the tour will leave. It is your responsibility to make your way to this hotel. 

PLEASE ADVISE KUMUKA OR YOUR AGENT IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING.

In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting.

All passengers MUST bring:

1. Passport.

2. Vaccination Certificate.

3. Travel Voucher.

4. Travel Insurance Policy.

Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.

Vaccinations:

No vaccinations are compulsory in New Zealand, however you may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information.

We also recommend:

A dental check-up prior to travelling.

That you know your blood group in case of emergency.

That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.

You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details.

Medical Supplies: 

We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit.

Below is a list of some recommended items:

Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills.

A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.

- Do not take unnecessary valuables with you.

- A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.

- DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at the individuals’ risk.

- Pickpockets operate worldwide, you must always exercise care.

- Be aware that anything left lying around could also be liable to theft.

How much should I take?

- Please bring lightweight walking shoes or sandals, and a day sac. 

- Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s. A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.

- A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions.

- We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers checks etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!

Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Although Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by a third party.

Details and prices of optional activities will be advised by your tour leader.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com