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14 Days NZ South Island Highlights from $4,205pp $2,989pp after Getaway Cash travel credits:
Visit the glaciers, beautiful Wanaka and Dunedin plus a whole lot more. We can tailor this package to suit the number of days you have available. Save up to 27% off full retail value.
FULL RETAIL VALUE: $4,205pp. YOU PAY FROM $2,989, SAVE UP TO $1,116pp.
The South Island of New Zealand is picturesque to say the least. It’s about the many contrasts between oceans, rivers, gorges, mountains, glaciers, towns and lakes. As you drive this trip you’ll be able to indulge just about any area of interest from wineries to fly fishing, hiking to relaxing. You can do as much or as little as you want on this flexible trip that takes in many of the South Island’s favourite places.
Consider the optional twin glaciers helicopter flight.
In the style of most Global Escapes Independent Traveler itineraries, this is a perfect blend of self-guided adventure and forward-planning to ensure that the main elements are organised in advance allowing for plenty of time to relax and take in each place you visit.
We guarantee to beat any competitor accommodation-only quote or travel package price and/or value by a minimum of 15%. Conditions.
We guarantee to beat any competitor accommodation-only quote or travel package price or value by a minimum of 15% ("price-beat") on the following conditions:
Note: By requesting a price-beat you are under no obligation to place a booking with us or proceed with the final travel package as the case may be. A non-refundable deposit is required in the case of a tour/travel package price-beat (see below).
The following terms and conditions apply to travel plans and accommodation quotes requested from and supplied by Travel Directions Pty. Ltd. trading as Global Escapes Travel, Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club (Australian Escapes) and Kiwi Escapes (the company) and are subject to change without notice. These conditions are to be read in conjunction with our standard booking conditions and conditions applicable to Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club membership as defined in website FAQs.
There are two main scenarios:
(1) You request a price-beat on a specific property. Our objective is to provide at least 15% more total value or a price that is 15% lower than a competitor quote supplied to us for the same accommodation property, on the same conditions and with the same inclusions, provided we have access to be able to book the accommodation through our normal supplier channels.
If we do not have access to member rates that property we will offer an alternative that is of the same or higher standard, as per our hotel rating system and that meets the stated requirements, subject to availability, and subject to the following:
(2) We propose a property with member pricing: If the "you pay" price we submit is already discounted using GCash travel credits and the lowest available price at the time it was submitted, it does not qualify. Otherwise our objective is to provide at least 15% more total value or a price that is 15% lower than a competitor quote supplied to us for the same accommodation property, on the same conditions and with the same inclusions.
A price-beat will be deemed successful and this guarantee is therefore met when the applicable objective is achieved.
Inclusions in travel and tour packages assembled by competitor travel agents, tour companies, wholesalers, online travel promoters will all be different in some way. Packages will typically vary by inclusions, validity, suppliers, component type, standard, terms and conditions, travel date, etc ("package components").
Our objective in this type of price-beat situation is to assemble a package containing similar and/or higher value package components to that which you present to us. We guarantee to offer at least 15% more total value (through added value) or a price that is 15% lower than the competitor quote ("successful price-beat") subject to the following:
A price-beat will be deemed successful and this guarantee is therefore met when the above objective is achieved.
The price-beat must be requested before you place a booking with any other travel agent, online booking agent or property direct in relation to the subject accommodation or package.
A price-beat may be requested by providing clear, written evidence of the competitor quote as well as your requirements to an employee of the company who performs a reservations or travel consultant role ("company contact") as follows:
A competitor quote presented under this guarantee must be genuine (not contrived) and must be a final, fixed price, backed by verifiable evidence. A competitor quote that we determine is not genuine or final is excluded. The requested date range(s) for travel/tour commencement as well as for individual package components must be realistic and flexible.
This condition applies to travel/tour packages only. We require up to $900 deposit per person (amount depending on package complexity) as a guarantee that you will proceed with the travel plan after we are successful with the price/value beat. This requirement exists because of the amount of travel consultant time required to price according to a competitor quote.
Your Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club membership must be Gold level or above and active and paid up at the time of requesting the price beat.
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FULL RETAIL VALUE $4,205pp SAVINGS APPLIED -$1,116 YOU PAY FROM* $3,089 |
| SAVING OFF FULL RETAIL VALUE (UP TO): 27% |
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* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. The final price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Full booking terms and conditions are available HERE...
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This is a first-class, self-drive travel itinerary with hand-picked accommodation and activities that will ensure you really enjoy your NZ experience. This is the ultimate South Island self-drive itinerary. Want fewer days or you want to include a special activity? No problem, we’ll price it for you using your membership for the lowest price.
This is a first-class travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special destination or activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.
All packages include:
Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.
This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your requirements. Your personal travel consultant is available to discuss changes and additions that will enhance your travel experience.
Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.
You will receive this guide to help you gain the most out of your holiday. Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave home. Take your Lonely Planet guide with you in your luggage.
* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. If flights are shown as included then a flight cost provision (allowance) applies and is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. All prices shown are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Total price after member discount (using Getaway Cash travel credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers if applicable) is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. Standard price and full retail value comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what we estimate would be payable by a non-member for the same or similar package and may include a value we define for specialty travel agency services. Travel insurance if included is a provision only and may be declined on request. No recommendations or advice are given in regard to travel insurance suitability. Travel Directions Pty Ltd (t/as Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club) standard booking terms and conditions apply to all booking enquiries and bookings and are available here to view (or visit our website and go to either the "Booking Enquiry" or "About Us" menu item.)
There are numerous natural attractions to experience across the South Island and this itinerary immerses you in some of the best. You’ll stay in New Zealand’s versions of a French country village and a Scottish heritage town and on a couple of magnificent lakes. The scenery around Milford Sound as you cruise Fiordland National Park is magnificent. Read on to see more of what we have planned for you...
"We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us." - Anonymous
Arrive in Christchurch and be picked up by the car rental company’s driver who will take you to the depot where you will collect your car. After driving to your accommodation in the city, you'll have the remainder of the day to enjoy as you please.
Cross the Canterbury Plains to Awatuna, just north of Hokatika. For a late lunch, stop off at the Original Sheffield Pie Shop on the road before you get to Arthur’s Pass.
The scenery changes as you cross the plain then constantly as you drive around hills, over mountain passes, across rivers and past lakes and gorges.
Recommended activity: Stop at Arthur’s Pass and take one of the short nature walks.
Your night will be at a B&B where you’ll experience wonderful hospitality and great home cooking.
Day 3: Drive to Franz Josef Glacier, local activities, free time.
Day 4: Optional helicopter flight over Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, local activities, free time.
Today you’ll head off to visit the town of Hokatika, the home of hand-carved jade jewelry. If you like the look and feel of jade, this is the place to get it. Find your way to Hokatika Gorge as well to see the blue pools.
Recommended activity: Visit Hokatika Gorge.
Franz Josef Glacier was first explored in 1865 by geologist Julius von Haast, who named it after the Austrian emperor. The glacier is five kilometres from the town of the same name, and a 1.5 hour walk will take you to within 750m of its face.
There's a range of natural attractions in close proximity to Franz Josef Glacier Village. Lose yourself in the rainforests, waterfalls, and lakes. In the town you’ll find plenty of places to stay and eat, or relax at the Glacier Hot Pools.
Inclusions:
Day 5: Drive to Wanaka taking in the scenery and nature stops along the way; enjoy the scenery; dine out at (recommended) “Trout” restaurant.
Day 6: Optional half-day cruise and nature walk.
Take your time to have a leisurely breakfast at one of the local cafes before heading off towards Wanaka. Visit the town of Fox Glacier on your way and take a detour to Lake Matheson where you might be lucky to see the famous reflection of snow-capped Mount Cook in the dark waters.
There are small towns to visit and the unmissable Southwest salmon farm and cafe is recommended for lunch.
Nestled below towering mountains, Wanaka is the most tranquilly set of the South Island lakes. In winter, skiers flock here from all over the world for superb skiing and snowboarding at Cardrona and Treble Cone. But Wanaka is much more than a winter destination offering year-round activities include fishing and hiking.
Day 7: Drive the short distance to famous Queenstown; check-in to the hotel then drive or walk into town; enjoy the lake-front wharf area and shopping. Enjoy an evening to remember at Queenstown's Stratosfare restaurant.
Day 8: Milford Sound tour and cruise.
Day 9: Flexible time. Refer to your Lonely Planet guide for ideas.
Feel inspired by Queenstown’s stunning scenery, huge range of activities and renowned warm welcome. Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of the region create the perfect backdrop for a holiday full of adventure, discovery and rejuvenation.
There’s so much to see and do here. Simply refer to your Lonely Planet guide for extra ideas.
Inclusions:
Recommended activity: Book a morning lake cruise from the booth located at Queenstown steamer wharf.
Day 10: Drive to Dunedin. Enjoy the scenery and stops along the way. Visit Olveston House and the town.
Day 11: Dunedin town and guided penguin viewing.
Known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand, Dunedin is the country's city of the south, wearing its Scottish heritage with pride. Surrounded by dramatic hills and at the foot of a long, picturesque harbour, Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere.
The nightlife buzzes with funky bars and delicious restaurants and the natural attractions are unique and fascinating.
Inclusions:
Day 12: Drive to Akaroa.
Day 13: Akaroa nature cruise.
Today is a long driving day so an early start is recommended. You ideally want to arrive in Akaroa by mid-afternoon to make the most of this idyllic town.
The most French town in New Zealand, Akaroa will have you entranced with its historic buildings, magnificent harbour and passion for fine food. The best way to explore Akaroa is on foot. Begin at the information centre, which is on the corner of Rue Lavaud and Rue Balguerie.
You'll find brochures and maps that will help you to decide where to walk. Enjoy dinner at one of the best local French-themed restaurants and the wonderful nature cruise.
Inclusions:
It’s time to drive back to Christchurch and say farewell to New Zealand remembering the fun times you’ve had, interesting people you’ve encountered and the beautiful scenery you’ve experienced.
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