Discover the beauty and natural wonders of majestic Fiordland National Park on New Zealand's South Island. Its most scenic stretch is the 75-mile Milford Road from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Your Mid-Voyage Land Adventure culminates as you re-join the ship in Milford Sound, often touted as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

01MIDDUD-B Fiordland National Park  

Departure: January 29, 2013

Duration: 2 Days/1 Night

Re-join Ship: January 30, 2013 in Milford Sound

Reserve by: November 15, 2012    Extended to December 31, 2012

This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations by December 31, 2012. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis and the programme price is subject to change. Payment in full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. This programme is non-refundable if cancelled within 90 days of sailing.

A rare treat awaits guests on this two-day overland adventure as they venture into New Zealand's largest National Park and discover the beauty and natural wonders of the remote and rugged Fiordland. The park encompasses a large part of South Island's south west, extending along a coast indented with many sounds that resemble fjords and areas of virtually unexplored wilderness. An overnight at charming Queenstown, hub of the Southern Lakes District, and scenic drives past small villages full of weathered timber buildings will provide additional highlights to your journey. At Milford wharf, a chartered launch awaits to carry you to the ship anchored in Milford Sound.

DAY ONE - Tuesday, 29 January 2013 - Port Chalmers (Dunedin) /Queenstown

Departing from Port Chalmers, begin your South Island adventure driving down the Otago Harbour coastline to the Scottish influenced city of Dunedin, often called the 'Edinburgh of the South'.  A brief orientation tour will acquaint you with its iconic Victorian stone buildings, including the Dunedin Railway Station, Law Courts and First Church.

Then, heading out of Dunedin, you will travel south to Milton before turning inland toward Alexandra. Your route traverses the scenic Central Otago region renowned for its weathered rock landscape and Pinot Noir vineyards.  Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Alexandra.  

After lunch, continue with your drive toward Queenstown following the Kawarau River and stopping at the first commercial bungee jumping bridge.  If lucky, you may see someone making the 120-feet (36-metre) jump off the bridge toward the river below.

At mid-afternoon you will arrive at the popular alpine resort of Queenstown. The premier holiday destination of South Island lies nestled in a curve of Lake Wakatipu with a backdrop of steep mountains providing a dramatic setting. A ride on the chairlift or gondola will carry you up to Bob's Peak, from where stunning panoramic views across Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkable Ranges are enjoyed.

                             

Next, proceed to the St. Moritz Hotel for check-in. Situated in the heart of Queenstown, the hotel features classic lodge facilities usually found in an upscale modern mountain lodge. There will be time to freshen up before setting out for dinner at a leading local restaurant within walking distance.

Overnight at the St. Moritz Hotel - Queenstown.

DAY TWO - Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -

Queenstown/Arrowtown/Te Anau/Fiordland/Milford Sound

After breakfast and check-out, depart the hotel for nearby quaint Arrowtown, a former gold mining town and living historic settlement dating from the 1860s. Surrounded by breath taking scenery, Arrowtown retains its historic character and boasts numerous restored buildings from the 19^th century. Take time to wander its narrow streets, walk along the banks of the Arrow River or browse in shops offering a wide range of high quality New Zealand made merchandise.

From Arrowtown, travel about two hours to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Stop for a buffet lunch at the Kingsgate Hotel (or similar) set amongst manicured gardens on the tranquil shores of Lake Te Anau.  After lunch, travel north for approximately 2.5 hours through the scenic wonders of the World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. The park's rugged wilderness and splendid mountain views will delight even the most jaded traveller. Weather permitting, several photo stops are made before arriving at Milford Sound. Here you are tendered to the ship by privately chartered launch.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires a minimal amount of walking with some steps to climb. It involves fairly long drives (200 miles/302 kilometres) from Dunedin to Queenstown and about the same distance Queenstown/Milford Sound. A driver/guide provides some commentary. This excursion is suitable for guests with limited mobility. We recommend packing overnight essentials into carry-on size luggage and bringing a sweater or windbreaker and your camera. The operation and enjoyment of the tour are largely dependent on weather conditions.

Programme Includes:

·        One-night stay at the St. Moritz Hotel (or similar) - Queenstown  

·        One breakfast, two lunches and one dinner (lunch and dinner include choice of two local beers, or house wines, juice or soft drinks, tea/coffee)

·        All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, tips to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.

All Land Adventures require a minimum number of participants in order to operate as described.  If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure.  Silversea's published cruise cancellation policy will remain in effect.  All Land Adventure fares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea.   All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable for any reason, within 90 days of sailing.  This description is a general overview of this programme.  Our local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if local situations, including holidays and weather, require.  The programme described in this brochure is provided by independent contractors. Silversea acts solely as ticketing agent. Silversea shall have no obligation or liability of any kind to guests for the business practices, acts or omissions in connection with or arising out of arrangements with independent contractors, including but not limited to airline carriers, ground-tour operators, and hotels since they are neither agents for nor employees of Silversea Cruises. Silversea's liability does not extend beyond the vessel.