Discover Aoraki Mount Cook - home of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. It is alpine in the purest sense - with skyscraping peaks, glaciers, and permanent snow fields, all set under a star-studded sky. This program has a maximum capacity of 12 guests.
Note: This program is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair or walker for aid in movement.
DAY 1
This morning, you will begin the journey from the quaint village of Lyttleton by road to the base of the
High Country wilderness of the Mackenzie Country where your helicopter will be waiting for you.
From the air, it’s quite a sight watching the rolling pastures of the Canterbury plains giving way to the rugged terrain of the Mackenzie high country. Pristine lakes below glow a brilliant turquoise blue. Along the way, the local pilot will provide commentary and history on New Zealand and the local Mackenzie Basin.
As the helicopters begin to descend, you spot a small red hut perched on the mountain – NZ’s highest Whiskey Bar! The group will stop here for a Whiskey tasting before taking off again for the final leg into the Cass Valley.
This scenic 4WD tour will take you deep into Lake Tekapo’s legendary natural landscapes. Discover towering mountains, glaciers, river crossings and incredible scenery, while learning about the unique geology, ecology and history that formed this part of New Zealand’s South Island.
A typical Kiwi BBQ lunch will be served at the musterers hut, on an Iconic New Zealand High Country Sheep Station In the heart of the South Island’s Mackenzie Country. This breath-taking High Country Station has been recognised for supplying the World with some of the finest Merino Wool on offer, including the supply to the famous “Icebreaker” Brand, and plenty of the station’s four-legged inhabitants will be spotted during the tour – including Merino sheep, Big Horn rams, Angus cattle, and Red deer.
After a day of backcountry exploring, you will arrive at your evening’s accommodation. You will have time to mingle and enjoy some pre-dinner drinks and canapes in front of the spectacular view. This will be followed by dinner, featuring local produce from Mackenzie Country.
This part of the world is spectacular for many reasons, one of those reasons being its place at the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. The Dark Sky Reserve is world-renowned for its lack of light pollution, creating a spectacular and immense night sky brimming with stars. After dinner, you will be able to walk outside and marvel at the spectacular Southern stars.
DAY 2
You will have time for breakfast before being whisked off into the air again – this time heading for Aoraki/Mount Cook!
Today, you will fly in a ski plane and a helicopter on the same day for an unforgettable experience of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Enjoy a scenic adventure that includes a glacier snow landing on the Tasman Glacier.
From take-off to landing, you will enjoy spectacular views! Fly up the Tasman Valley over the breath-taking blue glacier lake. See the Hochstetter Icefall and the cloud piercing Aoraki/Mount Cook before landing on the upper snowfields of the Tasman Glacier.
Take time to enjoy this unique alpine environment before swapping aircraft and returning to Mount Cook Airport. These mountains are covered in snow and ice all year round, and the aircraft fully shuts down on landing so you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. You’ll also see Tasman Terminal Lake, Grand Plateau, Plateau Hut, as well as the full length of the Tasman Glacier.
After this morning’s adventure, it’s back to the air again to begin your journey back to the ship by helicopter.
The hour-long flight will provide plenty of spectacular scenery, including the Omarama Cliffs - a spectacular formation of weathered pillars built from layered silt and gravel that was deposited by rivers a scant million years ago! Visiting the cliffs by helicopter means you will get to see this sight from a different perspective to most tourists to the area.
The helicopters will land in Moeraki just in time for lunch at Moeraki Boulders Café.
After lunch, there will be time to stroll on the beach - famous for its perfectly rounded boulders, millions of years old - The Moeraki boulders.
The last leg of the trip back to the ship will be road, which means you can enjoy the sights from a different perspective. Tucked into a sheltered harbour on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, Port Chalmers is where your ship will be waiting for you. The Harbour is rich in heritage and renowned for its wildlife.
NOTE: Should the weather be inclement, and flights cannot operate, Whiskey Hut and Glacier portions of this program cannot be accessed by road. All modes of transport have either a driver/guide or pilot, otherwise this tour is unguided.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. The Destination Services Team with present you with a final, updated itinerary once you board the ship. Please carefully review the final itinerary for any amendments.
DAY 1
8:30am Meet on the pier and join a road transfer to Ashburton.
10:30am Helicopters lift off
11:00am Land at Whisky Hut for tasting
Helicopter transfer to Waterfall Hut for lunch
Rustic station for BBQ lunch
4WD tour
5:00pm Arrive at evening’s accommodation
7:00pm Group Dinner on site
Overnight at Lakestone Lodge
DAY 2
8:00am Breakfast at leisure
9:35-9:45am Helicopter pick up from the Lakestone Lodge
10:00am Ultimate Alpine Combo Experience
11:30am Heli transfer to Moeraki Boulders Cafe
12:30pm Lunch at Moeraki Boulders Cafe
2:00pm Time to wander the beach and see the Moeraki Boulders up close
3:00pm Begin the transfer by road to Port Chalmers
4:00pm Back onboard the ship
Expected Weather:
New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are December, January, and February, while the coldest are in June, July and August. The mean daily temperature during January and February is 23 degrees Celsius (74 degrees Fahrenheit).
What to Bring:
As it will be summer light clothing is suggested. However, you will need to have a warm jacket for the elevation and environment at the Whiskey Hut. Sunscreen is essential. Comfortable closed toe walking shoes are recommended.
Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots. Men are not expected to wear suits and ties.
Local Currency:
New Zealand Dollars.
US dollars are generally accepted only in establishments such as souvenir stores. However, credit cards are widely accepted. For small purchases it is strongly suggested that local currency be used. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centers. All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand.
Electricity
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. Please note that power outlets only accept angled two or three pin Type plugs (as also used in Australia) depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.
Luggage information
The helicopters have very strict luggage capacity, so only a small, light overnight bag will be allowed.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A valid passport is required
Only Australian citizens do not require a visa to visit New Zealand.
The United States is visa waiver country and citizens must get an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before they travel. An NZeTA is not a visa; you will apply for this visa when you arrive in New Zealand.
Hotel address:
Lakestone Lodge
4589 Tekapo-Twizel Road, Lake Pukaki, Twizel 7944
Phone: 03-971 1871
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
• 1 night at Lakestone Lodge – Super King Lodge Rooms
• 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner (dinner to include 2 drinks per person - NZ wine, beer, juice or soft drink)
• All land transfers and travel within New Zealand as shown in the itinerary with the services of an experienced English-speaking driver and guide.
• All sightseeing and flight tours as per itinerary with the services of an experienced English-speaking driver-guide/pilots
Program Excludes for guests:
• Any meals and beverages not mentioned in itinerary above
• Any optional sightseeing and not listed in the itinerary
• Gratuities for drivers and guides
• Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar
Please note
Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces, which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
