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A luxury break to see the Fiordlands from the air and by road

If you and your family are well-seasoned New Zealand travellers you may have already visited many of the places our country is best known for, but that really doesn’t mean you’ve seen it all. A small silver lining of Covid is the fact that companies are coming up with creative ways to see top beauty spots from a totally different viewpoint, providing access never experienced before. If you’re looking for something new to do, this four-day tour of Fiordland will take you places only a handful of kiwis will ever see, even better with a glass of bubbles in hand!

This part of New Zealand needs no introduction. People have come from all over the world for years to marvel at its striking summits, remote fiords and sensational mountain-top views. But this tour takes it one step further with a gourmet picnic in a stunning spot only accessible by helicopter, and luxury accomodation - taking it from an amazing experience to a once in a lifetime experience.

What to expect

• Cruise the Milford Sound after a scenic drive

• Dusky Sound & Mt Pender Heli Flight with gourmet picnic

• Indulge in Queenstown with a range of activities

DAY 1: QUEENSTOWN

After landing at Queenstown airport, you’ll pick up your car and drive to your hotel to check in. And

what a hotel - the Heritage Queenstown is crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, and is sophisticated yet somehow cosy at the same time. And don’t even get us started on those views of the Remarkables, truly breathtaking. If you can tear yourself away, your evening is free to explore the bars and restaurants of this bustling resort town surrounded by snow-capped mountains rising out of deep glacial lakes. You’ll be spoiled for choice.

DAY 2: QUEENSTOWN TO MILFORD SOUND TO TE ANAU

Wake up in your beautiful bed and grab an early breakfast before heading to glorious Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most famous sights. The drive to the Sound is regarded as one of the world’s most scenic drives and you’ll very soon see why. Stop and see the mesmerising Mirror Lakes for stunning photos and then drive through the famous Homer Tunnel - 1270 metres long with a gradient of 1 to 10! Then it’s time for the boat ride of your life - no matter what weather. On a clear day the towering peaks and lush rainforest reflect in the pristine waters and provide a truly unforgettable experience, but on a wilder rainy day thundering waterfalls and the sight of misty and dramatic Mitre Peak amidst the low clouds is equally as impressive - you basically can’t lose. When you’ve picked your jaw up off the ground head back to picturesque Te Anau before settling in at the Distinction Hotel for a luxurious -and well deserved - nights’ sleep.

DAY 3: DUSKY SOUND & MT PENDER HELICOPTER FLIGHT

Your instagram-obsessed family members (or other social-media crazy travelling companions) might think they got their most envy-inducing shots at Milford Sound, but today is definitely the day for pictures of sights few will ever have seen. You’ll experience one of the most remote locations in New Zealand, only accessible by helicopter. Mount Pender overlooks one of the largest fiords in Aotearoa: Dusky Sound.

You’ll see a glacier-carved harbour surrounded by mountains and spectacular rainforest. And if you didn’t think it could get any better, the helicopter will land at the most picturesque place for you to indulge in a gourmet picnic - think delicious cheeses, cured meats and other fine New Zealand produce - all washed down with a gorgeous glass of bubbles, of course. After that you’ll venture over the impressive Doubtful Sound and then through a spectacular hanging valley known as Campbell’s Kingdom, with its own gorgeous lake and waterfall. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve landed right in a movie set.

After you’ve finished, make your way back to Te Anau for a relaxing evening at the Distinction while you process what you’ve just experienced.

DAY 4: TE ANAU TO QUEENSTOWN

Today is all about getting back to Queenstown from gorgeous Te Anau. Take your time and make sure you explore at least some part of the largest lake in the South Island. Queenstown has so much to offer when you return - adventure activities, pampering, great eating, lots of shopping. The perfect end to a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

SUMMARY

• Four days total

• Suitable for individual adults as well as families of four with kids aged from 5-12 (adult prices for children 13 plus)

• Blockout dates are the 23 December 2021 - 9 January 2022 (no trips on these dates)

• Accomodation is at Heritage Hotel Queenstown and Distinction Luxmore Te Anau Hotel

• Inclusions are: 4-day Toyota RAV4 SUV 2WD or similar, Milford Sound Day Cruise, and Heli Tour to Mt Pender, Dusky & Doubtful Sound.

• Meals: $100 Ballarat food & beverage voucher, accommodation breakfast, gourmet picnic

To plan your trip or to make a booking, visit travel.stuff.co.nz/fiordland or call 0800 767 021.

News

en-nz

2021-09-25T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-25T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/281754157469271

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