Queenstown - The Millennium - (Breakfast, Dinner)

Flight from Sydney, Australia to Queenstown, New Zealand. Queenstown sits beside a glacial lake beneath the mountain range, the Remarkables. This evening, after checking into the Millennium Hotel, a five star hotel overlooking the city and mountains, we will be transported to the famous Queenstown Gondola for a cable car ride to the summit of Bob's Peak, 790 meters above sea level. After experiencing the unparalleled view of the city and scenery of Queenstown, we will dine at "Taste of New Zealand" six course buffet. The floor to ceiling windows offer a magnificent view of Lake Wakitipu and the Remarkables.

After breakfast at our hotel, we depart by coach for Milford Sound in the Fiordland region and our Overnight Cruise on the Milford Mariner. Prior to departure, your picnic lunch will be delivered to your hotel room.

The drive from Queenstown to Milford via Te Anau is one of the most beautiful drives in New Zealand. From Te Anau to Milford sound we will be traveling on The Milford Road, perhaps most magnificent drive in all of New Zealand. Heading north, we will have our first view of the majestic Mitre Peak as we near Milford Sound. En route to the Sound, we will enjoy our picnic lunch, provided by the Millennium.

Milford Sound is perhaps the most famous site in all of New Zealand. The Sound, a nine mile long fiord, leads to the Tasman Sea. Enclosed by rock walls and guarded by Mitre Peak, Milford Sound is breathtaking. The best way to see this magnificent natural wonder is by boat, Stirling Falls, the most spectacular of all of the waterfalls can be seen only by boat. All of the falls are at their most magnificent in the rain!

We will cruise the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea and return under sail, weather permitting. We anchor for the night in the shelter of Harrison Cove.

A hearty dinner is served buffet style. Enjoy an after-dinner drink in the cash bar before retiring to your private cabin for the night.

Luggage will be left at the Millennium, take an overnight bag for our cruise.

Our day begins with breakfast on board the Milford Mariner. Watch the sun rise over Milford sound. Our boat is equipped with kayaks and tender craft, go exploring with the nature guide or relax on deck with hot coffee or tea. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you have plenty of film.

This morning we return to Queenstown. You may drive back by coach, arrival in Queenstown approximately 3:30 p.m. or take an optional flight, weather permitting, arrival in Queenstown approximately 11:30 a.m. Optional flight is $94.00 per person. If you choose the optional flight, please reserve at time of booking.

Afternoon at leisure in Queenstown. Autumn is the most scenic of seasons. The trees turn to red and gold, the new wines are in and the days are warm and sunny. Spend the afternoon in the Mall in the center of Queenstown, a pedestrian only walkway. Shop, have lunch, enjoy the new wines. Rent a car for the afternoon and drive to Arrowtown for the last day of the Arrowtown Autumn Festival, the annual celebration of Arrowtown's history, art and culture. Or drive to Glenorchy to see filming sites of The Lord of the Rings. Stretch your legs on one of the beautiful Queenstown area tracks such as the One Mile Creek Walkway or the Queenstown Hill Track. If you are looking for adventure, check out the bungy jumping!

Tonight have dinner in one of the wonderful restaurants of the area. You might try The Boardwalk Seafood Restaurant, visited by President Bill Clinton on his visit to Queenstown.

We will arrive at the Portage Resort, which features contemporary New Zealand architecture and design, in the afternoon. Relax in the spa, or if you are looking for adventure go sea kayaking before dinner, perhaps you will happen on dolphins!

Tonight, your three course dinner will be served overlooking the beautiful Kenepuru Sound.

Making the decision of which adventure to take today will be the hardest thing you have to do. Your choice of one of the following activities is included in your tour. The activities on offer today are :

Arts & Crafts Tour - visit the studios of some of Marlborough's top artists, jewelry designers and potters. Enjoy tea, wine tasting, and lunch at the famous Mussel Boys restaurant while on your tour.
One Day Guided Kayaking Tour - An introduction to sea kayaking and the Marlborough Sounds. Experience the beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound. Morning tea and lunch are included.
Eco Tour Cruise - Cruise the sounds and spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Keep your eye out for Penguins, seals and Dolphins. Light refreshments served on board
Walking - Take one of the well known walks with a guided tour company or walk alone.
Golf - Play nine holes at Noopera Golf Course, look out for the sheep in the fairway!
Or just relax. Paddle in the water around the resort. Visit the spa or take a swim in the pool.

After breakfast we will depart for The Roses and Wine Tour. Marlborough has established itself as one of the world's premier garden areas and wine producing regions of the world. We will be transported across the sound to begin our tour to some of finest Rose Gardens and most acclaimed winemakers of the area. The tour includes morning tea.

Wines of the region include Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and the new rising stars, Pinot Noir and the finest Pinot Gris.