Depart from picturesque Wanaka, located on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka, by a shuttle service which will take you to the small town of Tarras. Here you will connect with the coach service to Mount Cook and Christchurch. Travel north through the historical gold mining region of Central Otago before beginning the ascent over the Lindis Pass to the small farming community of Omarama. Continue through the rugged high country landscape of the Mackenzie Basin with its hydroelectric system of lakes and canals, before entering the Mount Cook National Park. The coach will travel up the western side of Lake Pukaki at the foot of New Zealand's tallest mountain, Mount Cook. As you arrive at the Mount Cook village, you will be mesmerized by the alpine surroundings of this truly unique region. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding walking tracks or experience an ultimate scenic flight by helicopter or skiplane (scenic flights not included). Leaving the Mount Cook National Park, the coach continues onto Tekapo. The views are breathtaking as you head towards the stunning, glacial fed Lake Tekapo. Visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd standing in picturesque solitude on the foreshores of the lake. Continue across the historic Burkes Pass and onto the small farming township of Geraldine for an afternoon tea break. Leaving Geraldine and its rolling green valleys, travel through the rich pastoral farmland of the Canterbury Plains before arriving in "The Garden City", Christchurch, in the evening. |