Excursion 3nt pre-cruise: south island glaciers tour at Port Chalmers

Acquaint yourself with Christchurch where building continues apace following the devastating earthquake of 2011. Then, take off on a thrilling flightseeing excursion to the Tasman Glacier, where your plane lands and you walk out on the glacier itself. Your final adventure provides the opportunity to see the glacier from a completely different perspective. Finish your adventure in Queenstown, a city with a distinctive alpine atmosphere.

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for New Zealand. It is the responsibility of the guest to obtain appropriate visa documents before your cruise.

Please note this program begins in Christchurch, New Zealand.

DAY 1 - CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND

A Silversea representative meets you at the Christchurch airport and assists with the transfer to the hotel. Located in the heart of town, overlooking the picturesque Hagley Park and Avon River, the George Hotel is Christchurch's top address for visitors. Please note that if your flight arrives much earlier than 2:00 pm, you might wish to reserve an additional night to insure immediate check-in upon arrival.

Overnight at the The George, Christchurch, NZ

DAY 2 - CHRISTCHURCH / MT. COOK

Following breakfast this morning, check-out of the hotel. Meet your driver and begin the drive through the pastoral New Zealand countryside on the way to Mt. Cook. Stop for lunch at beautiful Lake Tekapo.

Arriving in Mt. Cook, head directly to the airport for a spectacular flightseeing experience. You can leave your zoom lens behind as you soar past the highest peak in New Zealand, Aoraki/Mount Cook and you ski plane lands on the Tasman Glacier. Step out onto the snow and breathe the fresh, clean air. Listen carefully to the 'silence'. Reboard your plane and continue on to the town of Mt. Cook. Check-in to the hotel and take a few minutes to freshen up before gathering for dinner.

Overnight at The Hermitage, Mt. Cook

DAY 3 - MT. COOK / QUEENSTOWN

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before checking out. Then set out for a cruise on the Tasman Glacier terminal lake. Due to climatic changes, the glacier is retreating and the lake is increasing in size. Spectacular icebergs are separating from the glacier. With luck, you can approach one of the 'bergs where the incredible variety of different shades of blue will astound you.

Return to the dock at the end of the cruise and continue your journey south to Queenstown. Along the way, stop at one of the boutique wineries in the Gibbston Valley and enjoy lunch. Continue on and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

An outdoor-lovers paradise, from Queenstown you can visit Milford Sound, take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River, even go Bungy Jumping or river rafting at your own expense. You're visiting at the height of summer, so you'll have plenty of light until 9:00 pm or so. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at the Sofitel Hotel (or similar), Queenstown, NZ

DAY 4 - QUEENSTOWN / DUNEDIN / EMBARKATION

Breakfast is served once again at the restaurant. Enjoy some additional leisure time before you check-out and transfer to the pier in Dunedin where the staff and crew of the Silver Discoverer are waiting to welcome you aboard. Bon Voyage!

For rates and availability please contact Silversea Cruises

Program Inclusions:

One night stay at the George Hotel, Christchurch - Premium Room

One night stay at the Hermitage, Mt. Cook - Premium Room

One night stay at the Sofitel (or similar), Queenstown - Superior Room

Daily breakfast, three lunches and two dinners (lunches & dinners include local beer, wine and soft drinks)

All tours and admission fees as per itinerary

Transfers between airport, hotel and pier in air-conditioned vehicles (where appropriate)

Luggage Information:

All luggage will travel with you throughout this program. Guests are advised to bring lightweight, comfortable clothing, sturdy, flat, closed-toe walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera.

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 on a timely basis before cruising.

Accessibility:

The sights visited on this program are not well equipped for mobility-impaired guests; therefore we do not recommend this tour to those guests with limited mobility or those who rely upon a wheelchair.

Vaccinations:

Consult your physician for information regarding vaccinations or medications that may be appropriate for your state of health.

Please note:

All Land Programs require a minimum number of participants in order to operate as described. If this minimum number is not obtained, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel a specific departure.

This description is a general overview of the highlights of this program. The local Silversea representative will do everything possible to insure that all of the sites described here are visited, though the tour sequence and specific sites mentioned is subject to change. Closure of some sites due to local or national holiday observances, flight schedules, weather or other factors may affect the program, and the local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if necessary.

Gratuities to guides/drivers, meals and alcoholic drinks other than those noted in itinerary, and other personal expenses are not included in the price of this tour. This program is subject to a 100% penalty for any cancellation notices received 90 days or less prior to sailing.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable for any reason, within 90 days of sailing and are recommended to guests 18 years or age and older. Our local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if local situations, including holidays and weather, require. Silversea shall have no obligation or liability of any kind to guests for the business practices, acts or omissions in connection with or arising out of arrangements with independent contractors, including but not limited to airline carriers, ground-tour operators, and hotels since they are neither agents for nor employees of Silversea Cruises. Silversea's liability does not extend beyond the vessel.