Ship will stop in Milford Sound only to drop-off guests participating on this Mid-Voyage Land Adventure. No other shore excursions will be offered and no other landings or disembarkations will be allowed.
Experience New Zealand's most breathtaking scenery on this tour across the South Island, from Milford Sound to Queenstown, nestled in the spectacular Southern Alps. Experience one of New Zealand's 'Great Walks' on the world-famous Routeburn Track. Your 3-day tour ends in Dunedin where you will re-join your ship.
Southern Wonders
Duration: 3 Days/2 Nights
Departs from: Milford Sound
Re-join ship: Port Chalmers (Dunedin)
Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing
This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis, and the program price is subject to change. Payment-in-full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. Booking made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable for any reason within 90 days of sailing. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this program. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the program fare per person is due.
Visa Information:
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for New Zealand. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.
DAY ONE - Milford / Queenstown
Upon disembarking the ship, you will tender over to Milford Wharf. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and depart for a drive south from Milford Sound, passing through the magnificent Fiordland National Park. Weather permitting, you'll stop for photos at the Chasm. Pass through the legendary Homer Tunnel and south along the forest-clad Eglington Valley to Te Anau where lunch is served at a local hotel.
After lunch in Te Anau, your drive will continue on to Queenstown. Along the way, you will cross the Northland Southland Plain, then drive north along the eastern shoreline of stunning Lake Wakatipu. Arrive in Queenstown staying at either Hilton Queenstown or Millbrook Resort.
Born as a 1860s gold mining camp, 140 years later Queenstown has a compact and sophisticated downtown area tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Dwarfed by the surrounding mountains, there are amazing views from everywhere. There is also a permanent buzz in the downtown area where you will find a lively café & bar scene and excellent shopping. This area has captured hearts and imaginations since the first Maori came in search of pounamu (greenstone) and the giant Moa bird. More recently, gold miners, adventurers, filmmakers, wine enthusiasts, Hollywood stars and US Presidents have been drawn to this magical region and its intense alpine energy.
In the early evening, transfer to the steamer wharf and board the 1913 historic steamship TSS Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Sheep Station. Walter Peak is the perfect place to enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner of New Zealand local produce. A glass of New Zealand wine or beer will accompany the meal. After dinner, watch a sheepdog demonstration and a sheep being shorn before you return on the TSS Earnslaw to Queenstown and transfer back to the hotel.
Please note: Shopping is possible at Walter Peak. Items available may include wool products, possum/merino blended clothing such as gloves, hats, scarves.
DAY TWO - Queenstown
Enjoy a full cooked buffet style breakfast at the hotel.
Early this morning, travel from your hotel and pass the town of Glenorchy, continuing through Paradise before entering Mount Aspiring National Park, and the start of the renowned Routeburn Track. Here, you will embark on a two-hour guided walk which commences by crossing a swing bridge and entering a spectacular red beech/tawhero dominated forest.
Since the 1880s the Routeburn Track has proved to be one of the most accessible and popular journeys into New Zealand's forests and mountains. The Routeburn Track passes through two national parks, Fiordland and Mount Aspiring, and is part of Te Wahipounamu, UNESCO South-West New Zealand World Heritage Area. After sampling this short section of the Routeburn Track, you will be transferred to Kinloch Lodge on the edge of Lake Wakatipu for lunch.
At Kinloch Lodge, enjoy a lovely lunch in a beautiful, peaceful setting at the head of the lake. After lunch, a short drive will take you to Glenorchy, where you will have free time to explore this picturesque town.
Board your coach and enjoy the scenic drive alongside Lake Wakatipu, and back to your hotel. Arrive back at your hotel late afternoon. Dinner is at leisure.
Please note: The hike on the Routeburn Track represents a 2-hour leisurely walk covering approximately 4 km (2.5 miles). The track has a gentle rise, with well-formed surface of gravel, rock or dirt. The track may get slippery in wet weather. There are rest rooms at the shelter at the start of the track and at about one hour into the walk. Bring along a light rain jacket or poncho. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
DAY THREE - Queenstown / Dunedin
After your breakfast and check-out, depart from your hotel for the journey past the Shotover Gorge to Coronet Peak for a photo stop at Skippers canyon, then onto Arrowtown, formerly a bustling gold-mining town in the 1860s. Upon arrival, you will have an opportunity to stroll along its quaint, tree-lined streets filled with galleries, cafes and shops.
Continue onto the Kawarau Gorge where a photo stop will be made at the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge where commercial Bungy-jumping began.
Leave the Kawarau Gorge, and the road crosses the Clutha River to Cromwell. From Cromwell, the road passes through the Central Otago township of Alexandra; it is but a short distance to the lunch venue.
After lunch continue through the valley, which was formed by the construction of the Roxburgh Hydro Dam, and then re-cross the Clutha River for the final time. The route is now by way of Beaumont and Lawrence into historical gold-mining country. Continue by way of Clarkesville Junction and Lake Waihola before crossing pastoral countryside north to Dunedin.
On arrival in Dunedin, a brief sightseeing tour will be undertaken which will allow you to see the principal features of the city including the Railway Station, the Octagon, the Town Hall and the University of Otago. Dunedin is a bustling university city, located at the head of the long, narrow and wonderfully picturesque Otago Harbour. Grand 19th century public buildings and private homes hark back to the days of the 1860s when wealth from the goldfields of Central Otago poured into Dunedin, the then provincial capital. The Otago Peninsula that protects the harbour is a haven for wildlife seldom seen so close to a major city.
At the end of the city tour, you will be transferred to the port to embark aboard your ship.
Programme Includes:
· Two-night stay at Hilton Queenstown for Dec 2019 and January 2020 (twin standard room)
· Two-night stay at Millbrook Resort on March 2020 (twin standard room)
· Two Breakfasts
· Three Lunches and One Dinner with drinks included
· All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary by private vehicle with the services of a driver and an experienced English-Speaking guide.
Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 4.7 kilometres (2.9 miles), at times over uneven, cobblestone, rocky, grassy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the boat. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to bring a raincoat and dress in layers as weather is subject to change quickly. Guests are advised to wear flat, closed-toe comfortable walking shoes, and bring medication, camera, charger and adapter from the ship. Make sure hiking boots/shoes are totally clean and free of dirt on souls before leaving the ship. Customs officers may check and could issue fine. No food may be taken ashore. The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program details are subject to change. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
The local currency is New Zealand Dollar; credit cards are accepted; local ATMs are available in most locations visited.
Not Included:
Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities 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 program 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. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this program. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.
