Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: spectacular mount cook - the ‘top’ of new zealand tour at Port Chalmers

Standing high above New Zealand is the majestic, approximately 12,218-foot-high (about 3,724-metre-high) Mount Cook (Aoraki), the tallest mountain in the nation. Mount Cook is the crowned jewel in a treasure trove of beautiful and awe-inspiring natural wonders to be discovered during your unforgettable overnight stay in Pukaki at the elegant Lakestone Lodge. Explore the striking Omarara Cliffs, Tasman Valley, Hochstetter Icefall, Canterbury Plains, turquoise glacier-lakes, Mackenzie High Country, and cloud-piercing Mount Cook via helicopter and ski-plane. Along the way, touch down on the upper snowfields of the Tasman Glacier, and for a whiskey tasting at New Zealand's highest bar. A gourmet repast at the world-renowned Fleur's Place restaurant in Moeraki Boulders caps off your visit to the 'top' of New Zealand in grand style.

Mid-Voyage Land Adventure: Spectacular Mount Cook - The 'Top' of New Zealand

Duration: 2 Days/1 Night

Departs from: Port Chalmers (Dunedin) at approximately 10 a.m.

Re-join ship: Akaroa at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Land Adventure is a small group luxury tour, providing bespoke cultural and sightseeing experiences. We limit the tour to a small group in order to ensure your experience is a high-quality one. Spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. If the program fills up, you'll be accommodated on a space-available basis. Advanced booking is required at least 90 days prior to sailing date via Silversea Reservations. We suggest booking early to secure your spot(s).

Please be advised that a minimum number of participants is required for this program to run as described. In rare cases when the minimum number of participants is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at an increased rate based on private arrangements or to cancel your specific departure for a refund. The self-cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, is 90 days or sooner to initial sailing date at the rate of 100% program fare per person. The payment for your Land Adventure is due in full on the same date as your final payment due for your cruise. Per Silversea's general payment terms, bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner.

All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 120 days of sailing, with the exception of cancellation by Silversea. Our family-friendly land programs require adult accompaniment of any guests under the age of 18. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Silversea and our local operators make every effort to ensure your land program runs as described. Our local operators reserve the right to modify tour sequence, sites visited and venues mentioned due to operational reasons.

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 before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY

The local currency is New Zealand Dollar; credit cards are accepted; local ATMs are available in most locations visited.

Indulge your senses with the stunning natural splendour at the 'top' of New Zealand during this unforgettable overnight excursion to majestic Mount Cook and its surrounds.

DAY ONE - Port Chalmers/Dunedin/Moeraki/Mount Cook/Pukaki

Take a scenic drive north along the picturesque Otago coast

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive north via private coach along the picturesque Otago coast.

Stop at Koekohe Beach to stroll on the beach and marvel at the giant Moeraki Boulders

Your first stop is at Koekohe Beach for an opportunity to marvel at the giant Moeraki Boulders scattered across the beach. Each of these enigmatic, spherical boulders weighs several tonnes, and are up to 6.5 feet (about two metres) in height. Scientists explain the boulders as calcite concretions formed about 65 million years ago. According to Maori legend, the boulders are gourds washed ashore from the great voyaging canoe Araiteuru when it was wrecked upon landfall in New Zealand hundreds of years ago.

Drive to Moeraki for a culinary experience at the Fleur's Place restaurant

Leaving the Moeraki Boulders, re-board your coach and travel to nearby Moeraki Village to discover the region's best-kept secret. When British television chef and restaurateur Rick Stein was told he could choose to go anywhere in the world to write a travel article for the English newspaper the Daily Mail, he chose Fleurs Place in Moeraki, New Zealand. The restaurant, run by the inimitable Fleur Sullivan, was 'Just one of those places that keeps cropping up in conversations' whenever there was a gathering of 'foodies', he said.

Waterfront views, fishing boats in the harbour, the Moeraki Boulders across the bay, and open sea

Nestled on the old jetty in the sleepy little fishing village of Moeraki, Fleur's Place has an unbeatable setting. There's water on three sides, fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, the famous Moeraki Boulders across the bay, and the open sea to the north. Fleur's Place uses only the freshest local ingredients. The superb cuisine here is highlighted by fresh fish and seafood brought in from the southern waters by local fishermen, and fresh produce sourced from regional organic growers. Enjoy a fresh gourmet seafood lunch in this tranquil setting, which was established on the site of an early whaling station, and built from gathered collectables and demolition materials from all over New Zealand.

Begin your exhilarating helicopter flight-seeing adventure exploring the striking Omarara Cliffs

After this delightful repast, re-board your coach and transfer to the helipad at Mount Cook Airport. Upon arrival, receive your safety and tour instructions, and board your awaiting helicopter for an exhilarating, approximately one-hour helicopter flight-seeing adventure. Soar past a cavalcade of awe-inspiring scenery, including the Omarama Cliffs, a spectacular formation of weathered pillars built from layered silt and gravel that was deposited by rivers a million years ago. Exploring the Omarama Cliffs by helicopter offers an opportunity to view them from a uniquely different perspective than most visitors to the area.

Experience the beauty of the Tasman Valley and blue glacier-lake, and land on the Tasman Glacier

Next, your helicopter flight-seeing route continues on towards the approximately 12,218-foot-high (about 3,724-metre-high) Aoraki (Mount Cook), the highest mountain in New Zealand. Take in spectacular panoramic vistas of exquisitely beautiful scenery whilst flying up the Tasman Valley and over the breath-taking blue glacier-lake. See the Hochstetter Icefall and cloud-piercing Mount Cook before landing on the upper snowfields of the Tasman Glacier. 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 of this unique alpine environment.

Switch to a ski-plane and soar past the Tasman Glacier and Terminal Lake, and Grand Plateau

Following your visit, switch to a ski-plane for the flight back to Mount Cook Airport. En route, pass by a panorama that includes mesmerising views of the Tasman Terminal Lake, Grand Plateau, Plateau Hut, and the full length of the Tasman Glacier.

Transfer to the Lakestone Lodge for check-in, free time, pre-dinner drinks and canapes

Upon arrival back at Mount Cook Airport, re-board your private coach for the transfer to the Lakestone Lodge in Pukaki. After check-in and some free time to freshen-up before dinner, proceed for pre-dinner drinks and canapes whilst regaling in the stunning views of Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki.

A gastronomic feast featuring local produce from the South Island's Mackenzie Country is served at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a King Double-Room at the Lakestone Lodge - Pukaki

DAY TWO - Pukaki/Lake Tekapo/Mackenzie Country/Ashburton/ Akaroa

After breakfast and check-out, take a scenic 4WD tour deep into Lake Tekapo's natural landscape

After breakfast and check-out, meet your guide and depart for a scenic 4WD tour that takes you deep into the legendary natural landscapes of Lake Tekapo. Discover towering mountains, glaciers, river crossings, and incredible scenery whilst learning about the unique geology, ecology, and history that comprises this part of New Zealand's South Island.

Stop for a Kiwi barbecue lunch in the Musterer's Hut at the iconic High Country Sheep Station

A stop is made for a typical Kiwi barbecue lunch served in the Musterer's Hut at the iconic New Zealand High Country Sheep Station. Located in the heart of the South Island's Mackenzie Country and home to exquisite views, the High Country Sheep Station has been recognised for supplying the world with some of the finest Merino wool available, including the supply for the famous 'Icebreaker' brand. During your visit, see plenty of the station's four-legged inhabitants, including Merino sheep, big horn rams, Angus cattle, and red deer.

Helicopter flight-seeing tour, Canterbury Plains, turquoise lakes, and the Mackenzie High Country

After lunch, board a helicopter for another helicopter flight-seeing adventure. Watch in amazement as the rolling pastures of the Canterbury Plains give way to the rugged terrain of the Mackenzie High Country, and pristine lakes below glow a brilliant turquoise blue. Along the way, the local pilot will provide commentary about the history on New Zealand and the local Mackenzie Basin.

Touch down for a whiskey tasting at New Zealand's highest bar, then fly on to Ashburton

As your helicopter begins its descent, spot a small red hut perched on the mountain; New Zealand's highest whiskey bar. Touch down at Glenmore Station for a whiskey tasting at this legendary bar before re-boarding your helicopter and taking off again for the final leg of your helicopter flight-seeing journey to Ashburton.

Drive to Akaroa Harbour, then transfer to the pier and your ship

Upon arrival at the helipad, re-board your private coach for the approximately two-hour drive to Akaroa Harbour. Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure involves a moderate amount of off-road driving and a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1.08 miles (about 1.75 kilometres), at times over uneven, natural, and snowy surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate. This tour is not suitable for guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes, and bring sun protection, a weatherproof jacket, insect repellent, any necessary medication from the ship. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Due to prevailing weather conditions, the tour sequence, timings, and itinerary are subject to change without prior notice. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

• Overnight stay in a King Double Room at the Lakestone Lodge - Pukaki
• One breakfasts, two lunches and one dinner, with drinks included
• All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.