Spectacular views on the Taste of NZ Tour

Get ready for a relaxed tour of the highlights of New Zealand - at SUPER SAVER rates during New Zealand's winter months. A hot and delicious buffet lunch will be provided while on a scenic cruise of Milford Sound.

Located in three million acres of the Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a must-see for any traveler. It features magnificent untouched native forest and bush, pristine waterways and lakes, glaciers and high peaks. Fiordland National Park is truly breath-taking! Whether sunny or raining, the waterfalls flow like nowhere else.

See an area of New Zealand that is famous for its dramatic scenery. Hear stories and myths of this exciting area, from the gold rushes of Otago through to the farming life of Southland and the wilderness of the Fiordland area.

Sit back, relax and take in the experience. The beauty of this trip to Milford Sound is that around every corner there is something new to discover.

Tour Includes:

• Pick up and drop offs from most accommodation outlets in Queenstown or the "Kiwi Country" in Te Anau
• Travel in a modern, fully air-conditioned 22-seat coach
• Full commentary by a friendly and experienced driver/guide
• Optional short bush or alpine walks at breaks
• Cruise departs in Milford Sound at 1:00 pm aboard a large deck catamaran
• Hot International Buffet Lunch provided on the boat

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Warm jacket
• Gloves
• Hat
• Rain Gear

Itinerary:

Departing from Queenstown, you will be picked up from your accommodation at 6:50 am. As you head out of town, you will travel south along the side of the amazing Remarkables mountain range and New Zealand's longest lake, Lake Wakatipu.

The early history of the area, which was dominated by gold mining, will be explained to you. Then, the drife heads toward Te Anau where you will see some of the most intensive sheep farming areas in New Zealand. Deer farming will be explained as you travel through the small township of Mossburn, "The Deer Capital."

The tour will stop in Te Anau for approximately 30 minutes to give you time to wake up properly and to pick up any passengers joining the tour there. Have the breakfast that may have eluded you earlier, or take a brief walk by the lake. From Te Anau, the scenery really begins as you head north along the lake. Lake Te Anau is the largest lake on the South Island.

The Department of Conservation center in Te Anau is where efforts are currently being made to save one of the world's rarest birds, the takahe. The takahe was thought to be extinct but was rediscovered in the mountains above Lake Te Anau in 1948. You will also hear about New Zealand's unique natural wildlife and an even rarer bird, the kakapo.

You will also be introduced to some of the early adventurers, such as Quinton Mackinnon - who established the world famous Milford Track - and Donald Sutherland, who established the city of Milford.

Upon entering the Fiordland National Park, the largest National Park in New Zealand, you will travel up along side the Eglinton River to three mountain lakes at the head of the Eglinton Valley. During this part of the journey you will make the fist of many sightseeing stops that allow for great photo opportunities.

The tour will stop at the serene Cascade Creek or the spectacular Gertrude Valley. There are some fantastic walks in the area and this is a great opportunity to experience the beautiful alpine beech forest up close.

After your walk, you will head toward the Homer Tunnel, taking in some incredible mountain views while driving alongside the crystal clear waters of the Hollyford River. More great scenic stops await along this stretch of the road; and, at this time of day, there are few other buses on the road. Once through the Homer Tunnel, you wind your way down Cleddau Valley. At this time you will see why you are in an area called Fiordland but you will be visiting a Sound, so the difference will be explained to you.

You will arrive at Milford Sound in time for the 1:00 pm scenic cruise. This is an off-peak period of the day; therefore the boat is much less crowded. The large boat allows for plenty of space to move about and enjoy the spectacular landscape and wilderness of Milford Sound. Lunch will be provided on the boat. Enjoy the views while you dine. The duration of the cruise is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. There is also complimentary tea and coffee on the boat...or experience the local fresh mountain water, which is also available. Don't forget to keep a look-out for seals and dolphins!

Following the cruise, the tour heads back to Te Anau and then Queenstown.

48 HOURS MINIMUM ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED. Tour includes Queenstown or Te Anau hotel pick-up. Rates are per person in US dollars. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 800-719-8190.