Southern Explorer 2012
A 12-Day Trafalgar Tours tour starting from $3,540
Brochure Rates?
Tour Overview
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| Tour Operator: | Trafalgar Tours | ||
| Tour Code: | TT-QSOEA-2012 |
- Dates & Prices
- Highlights
- Itinerary
- What's Included/Accommodations
- Details & Specials
- Reviews & Ratings
Countries Visited
New ZealandCities Visited
See DescriptionTranzAlpine Journey through the Southern Alps.Punakaiki See the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.Franz Josef View the magnificent glacier.Queenstown Spend time in New Zealand's adventure capital.Walter Peak Station Cruise to the station on the TSS Earnslaw.Milford Sound Cruise on this spectacular wonder of nature.Dunedin Tour this 'Scottish city' including Larnach Castle.Mount Cook See mighty Mount Cook.Lake Tekapo View the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Visit New Zealand's southern island and take the TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps. See the pancake Rocks and Blowholes in Punakaiki and be in awe at the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier! Visit New Zealand's adventure capital Queenstown and cruise scenic Milford Sound before heading to Mount Cook and witnessing New Zealand’s highest peak. Experience the highlights of historic Christchurch aboard one of the city’s famous trams.
- Book 6,10 or 12 months in advance save up to 10%
- Young Travelers ages 5-17 save 10% off tours
- Groups of 5 or more save 5%, 9+ one goes for free
- Triple Room Discount available
| Start Date | End Date | Brochure price | Our Price | Quote |
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9/28/2012 |
10/9/2012 |
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator. |
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You will fly over the international date line on your way to Christchurch, New Zealand.
Day 3: ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH
On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to Darfield and your exclusive alpine resort (flights to arrive prior to 4pm). After check-in, you may wish to play a round of golf or visit the Spa. Or simply relax and enjoy the alpine scenery. Tonight meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a Welcome Drink and dinner.(Dinner)
Day 4: TRANZALPINE - PUNAKAIKI
Start the day with a spectacular train journey on the TranzAlpine from Darfield, crossing the colorful patchwork of the Canterbury Plains and through the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. Later, see the West Coast rainforest then experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes on arrival in Punakaiki, where you'll spend the night at our resort right on the waterfront. Enjoy dinner while watching the thundering surf at your doorstep!(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 5: PUNAKAIKI - FRANZ JOSEF
Depart Punakaiki via Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast, to Hokitika to visit a New Zealand greenstone (jade) factory for a jewellery demonstration. Your final destination is Franz Josef Glacier, the world’s most accessible, and still advancing, glacier. You’ll have the opportunity to see it from the air on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting).(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 6: FRANZ JOSEF - QUEENSTOWN (2 NIGHTS)
Some spectacular sights are in store for you today. Travel via the Haast Pass, take a short rainforest walk, see Thunder Creek Falls then a trio of lakes - Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. Enjoy the tastes of sumptuous stone fruit at Cromwell, the stone fruit capital. Discover the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown on the Arrow River, previously one of the world’s richest rivers. You'll arrive in Queenstown for an orientation tour. Tonight you have the option to dine out at the Skyline Restaurant at Bob’s Peak via the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest gondola! Plus you can see the Kiwi Haka Maori Show to top off a great night out.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 7: QUEENSTOWN AT LEISURE
Explore the action-packed, adventure capital of Queenstown at your leisure. Take it easy with wine and garden tours, or walk on the wild side with jet boat rides and white water rafting. Maybe you would prefer to go sailing or simply relax. This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station for a carvery Highlight Dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. An entertaining after-dinner farm show provides a glimpse into high country farming life.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 8: MILFORD SOUND - TE ANAU
Journey over the Devil's Stair Case and along Lake Wakatipu’s shore to Te Anau. Travel through the rainforest of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, viewing glaciers and mountain ranges. You will drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to abundant photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls before reaching mystical Milford Sound for a cruise. Return to Te Anau this evening. Tonight you have the option to tour the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 9: TE ANAU - DUNEDIN
You'll cross rich fertile farming land of South Otago and on through Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, founded by Scottish settlers. The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps take a wildlife cruise to see penguins and the Royal Albatross, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 10: DUNEDIN - TWIZEL
Start the day with a guided tour of Larnach Castle and its gardens. From here continue our journey through Oamaru with its white limestone buildings then along the Waitaki River past the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam to Twizel.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 11: TWIZEL - MOUNT COOK - CHRISTCHURCH
Be prepared for the sensational alpine landscape of Mount Cook National Park! An optional scenic flight over Mount Cook is available (weather permitting). See Lake Pukaki and discover the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo. Join us at Morelea Farm, a typical working sheep farm, to discover an authentic taste of New Zealand country life. You are welcomed into the home of your hosts Angie and Stan to enjoy a Be My Guest lunch in their 750 acre garden and gain an insight into the day to day operation of farm life. Travel over the patchwork of the Canterbury Plains to Darfield.(Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)
Day 12: CHRISTCHURCH - USA
Time to bid farewell to your Tour Director and new-found friends as we transfer you to Christchurch Airport to connect with your flight home.(Buffet Breakfast)
Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in Christchurch.9 buffet breakfasts.6 dinners in hotels.Highlight Dinner in Queenstown.Be My Guest Lunch in the Mount Cook region.
First Class Travel Highlights
Includes all First Class features.Airport transfers will be provided on Days 3 & 12 in Christchurch, only for passengers who have booked their flights on a Trafalgar recommended airline and advised Trafalgar of their flight details.
SAVE $300 Per Couple On Air-Inclusive Trafalgar 2012 Australia Tours
There's nothing like Australia
Book a 2012 air-inclusive Trafalgar vacation to Australia and save $300 per couple.
Australia is just made for exploring. It's a land of such extraordinary diversity. A wide array of destinations beckon, including some of the southern hemisphere's most exciting cities, breathtaking coastal regions and, of course, the majestic outback.
Offer ends May 31, 2012.
Terms and Conditions: Offer is valid on new 2012 air-inclusive bookings to Australia only, when booked and deposited between 04/01/12 and 05/31/12. Valid for travel between 04/01/12 and 12/31/12. Offer is not valid with any other promotions, but is combinable with other brochure discounts. Other conditions apply. CST#2077132-20
SAVE Up To $300 Per Person On Select Trafalgar USA Tours
Save up to $300 per person* off select vacations with Trafalgar's 2012 USA Sale.
Travel with an insider and discover North America like never before. Save up to an incredible $300 per person* on select North American vacations. Space is limited – so don't delay!
| Vacation Name | Duration |
Departure Date |
Original Price |
New Price |
Savings Amount |
Promotion Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adventures in the Wild Northwest | 9 Days | May 13 & Jun 24 | $2,099 | $1,899 | $200 | 12USSALE1 |
| Best of Canada's West | 11 Days | Jun 5 & Jun 19 | $3,099 | $2,799 | $300 | 12USSALE2 |
| Best of Eastern Canada | 10 Days | Jun 1 | $2,175 | $1,975 | $200 | 12USSALE3 |
| Best of the Canyonlands | 7 Days | May 30 & Jun 21 | $1,375 | $1,175 | $200 | 12USSALE4 |
| California Dreamin' | 8 Days | Jun 22 | $1,999 | $1,799 | $200 | 12USSALE5 |
| Canada's Rockies | 7 Days | Jun 4 | $1,925 | $1,725 | $200 | 12USSALE6 |
| Canada's Rockies & Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf | 8 Days | Jun 4 | $4,205 | $3,905 | $300 | 12USSALE7 |
| Canada's Rockies & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf | 8 Days | Jun 4 | $3,250 | $2,950 | $300 | 12USSALE8 |
| Colorful Trails of the Southwest | 9 Days | May 17 & May 31 | $2,199 | $1,999 | $200 | 12USSALE9 |
| East Coast USA & Canada | 14 Days | May 3 & Jun 1 | $3,175 | $2,875 | $300 | 12USSALE10 |
| Enchanting Maritimes | 12 Days | Jun 9 & Jun 23 | $2,850 | $2,550 | $300 | 12USSALE11 |
| Golden West Contrasts | 8 Days | Jun 10 | $1,725 | $1,525 | $200 | 12USSALE12 |
| Golden West Contrasts with Disneyland Extension | 10 Days | Jun 10 | $2,050 | $1,850 | $200 | 12USSALE13 |
| Historic Highlights | 8 Days | May 26 | $1,799 | $1,599 | $200 | 12USSALE14 |
| National Park Wonders | 8 Days | May 20 | $1,850 | $1,650 | $200 | 12USSALE15 |
| Northern California | 8 Days |
May 25, Jun 8 & Jun 22 |
$1,875 | $1,675 | $200 | 12USSALE16 |
| Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island | 8 Days | Jun 11 & Jun 25 | $2,125 | $1,925 | $200 | 12USSALE17 |
| Pioneer Adventures of the Old West | 8 Days | Jun 24 | $1,799 | $1,599 | $200 | 12USSALE18 |
| Rockies Panorama GoldLeaf | 11 Days | Jun 3 | $5,180 | $4,880 | $300 | 12USSALE19 |
| Rockies Panorama RedLeaf | 11 Days | Jun 3 | $4,225 | $3,925 | $300 | 12USSALE20 |
| Rockies Thrills & Glacier Chills | 8 Days | Jun 23 | $2,275 | $2,075 | $200 | 12USSALE21 |
| San Francisco & Wine Country Delights | 8 Days | May 18 & Jun 1 | $1,975 | $1,775 | $200 | 12USSALE22 |
| Scenic Parks Explorer | 14 Days | May 21 | $2,999 | $2,699 | $300 | 12USSALE23 |
| Scenic Parks Explorer | 14 Days | Jun 12 & Jun 26 | $3,050 | $2,750 | $300 | 12USSALE24 |
| The Californian | 10 Days | May 4 & May 25 | $2,275 | $2,075 | $200 | 12USSALE25 |
| The Trailblazer | 8 Days | May 6 & Jun 10 | $1,675 | $1,475 | $200 | 12USSALE26 |
| Western Frontiers | 14 Days | Jun 12 | $2,250 | $2,050 | $200 | 12USSALE27 |
| Wild West, Cowboys & Buffalos | 8 Days | May 13 | $1,775 | $1,575 | $200 | 12USSALE28 |
| Wild West, Cowboys & Buffalos | 8 Days | May 27 & Jun 4 | $1,799 | $1,599 | $200 | 12USSALE29 |
| Wild West, Cowboys & Buffalos | 8 Days | Jun 24 | $1,825 | $1,625 | $200 | 12USSALE30 |
Terms and Conditions: Price is in American dollars and is per person, land only, based on double occupancy. For new bookings only made after March 22, 2012 on departures listed above for 2012 travel. Subject to availability. Excludes Early Payment Discount and any other promotional offer. Full payment due at time of booking (within 45 days of departure). Other conditions apply. CST#2077132-20
SAVE $300 Per Couple On Trafalgar 2012 Europe Tours
Save $300 per couple on 2012 Europe vacations!
Limited-time Europe Savings!
As summer quickly approaches, so does your last chance for incredible savings on our award-winning vacations. Save $300 per couple on land-only guided vacations to Europe!
Book now before space becomes limited! Offer ends June 28, 2012.
Terms & Conditions: $300 per couple ($150 per person) on land-only (code: 12EUR150) 2012 First Class Europe and At Leisure vacations. Valid on new bookings made and paid in full (land and airfare if applicable) 03/31/12 – 06/28/12 only. Valid for travel starting between 04/15/12 and 10/25/12. Offer is not combinable with other promotions (including Last Minute Deals), but is combinable with show coupons and brochure discounts (except Early Payment Discount). Not valid on itineraries with cruises, City Breaks, Train Vacations, itineraries in Turkey, Israel, Jordan and Egypt, and is not valid on CostSaver or Family Experiences. Once payment is received, air tickets are non-refundable. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Subject to availability. Other conditions may apply. ˚In Europe. Conditions apply. CST#2077132-20
SAVE $500 Per Couple On Trafalgar 2012 First Class and At Leisure Air-Inclusive Europe Tours
Save $500 per couple on Trafalgar 2012 First Class and At Leisure Air-Inclusive Europe vacations!
Limited-time Europe Savings!
As summer quickly approaches, so does your last chance for incredible savings on our award-winning vacations. Save $500 per couple on 2012 First Class and At Leisure air-inclusive vacations to Europe!
Book now before space becomes limited! Offer ends June 28, 2012.
Terms & Conditions: Save $500 per couple ($250 per person) on air-inclusive (code: 12EUR250) 2012 First Class Europe and At Leisure vacations. Valid on new bookings made and paid in full (land and airfare if applicable) 03/31/12 – 06/28/12 only. Valid for travel starting between 04/15/12 and 10/25/12. Offer is not combinable with other promotions (including Last Minute Deals), but is combinable with show coupons and brochure discounts (except Early Payment Discount). Not valid on itineraries with cruises, City Breaks, Train Vacations, itineraries in Turkey, Israel, Jordan and Egypt, and is not valid on CostSaver or Family Experiences. Once payment is received, air tickets are non-refundable. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Subject to availability. Other conditions may apply. ˚In Europe. Conditions apply. CST#2077132-20
SAVE Up To 15% Per Person Off Select Trafalgar 2012 Europe Tours
Save up to 15% per person off select vacations with Trafalgar's 2012 Europe Sale.
We're opening the door to a world of opportunities by reducing prices up to 15% per person on your favorite Trafalgar vacations to Europe. Space is limited – so don't delay!
| Vacation Name | Duration |
Departure Date |
Original Price |
New Price |
Savings Amount |
Promotion Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best of Spain | 16 Days | May 17 | $3,475 | $2,950 | $525 | 12EBSALE1 |
| European Spotlight | 15 Days | Apr 29 | $3,899 | $3,315 | $584 | 12EBSALE2 |
| European Dream | 11 Days | Jun 14 | $2,985 | $2,535 | $450 | 12EBSALE3 |
| Great Italian Cities | 11 Days | May 3 | $3,335 | $2,835 | $500 | 12EBSALE4 |
| Italy Bellissimo | 12 Days | May 9 | $3,450 | $2,930 | $520 | 12EBSALE5 |
| Best of Germany | 11 Days | May 10 | $2,599 | $2,199 | $400 | 12EBSALE6 |
| Best of Switzerland | 9 Days | May 11 | $2,850 | $2,199 | $651 | 12EBSALE7 |
| European Highlights | 10 Days | May 18 | $2,725 | $2,325 | $400 | 12EBSALE8 |
| Best of Italy | 14 Days | May 8 | $3,899 | $3,314 | $585 | 12EBSALE9 |
| Best of Ireland | 11 Days | May 25 | $2,299 | $1,949 | $350 | 12EBSALE10 |
| Bohemian Highlights | 15 Days | May 26 | $3,275 | $2,775 | $500 | 12EBSALE11 |
| Highlights of Austria, Slovenia & Croatia | 15 Days | May 31 | $3,850 | $3,300 | $550 | 12EBSALE12 |
| The Britannia | 19 Days | Jun 5 | $3,850 | $3,300 | $550 | 12EBSALE13 |
| Treasures of France | 9 Days | Jun 24 | $2,275 | $1,925 | $350 | 12EBSALE14 |
| Prague, Vienna & Budapest | 11 Days | Jul 12 | $2,525 | $2,145 | $380 | 12EBSALE15 |
Terms and Conditions: Price is in American dollars and is per person, land only, based on double occupancy. For new bookings only made after March 16, 2012 on departures listed above for 2012 travel. Subject to availability. Excludes Early Payment Discount and any other promotional offer. Full payment due at time of booking (within 45 days of departure). Other conditions apply. CST#2077132-20
SAVE $250 Per Couple On Trafalgars Winter Tours
Limited-time savings on Trafalgars Autumn, Winter & Spring Europe trips
With Trafalgar's impressive collection of First Class guided vacations throughout Europe during the Autumn, Winter and Spring, you'll discover seasonal festivities, unique insider experiences and exceptional value - travel starts at just $99 per day.
Book your 2012-2013 Autumn, Winter & Spring Europe vacation with this limited-time offer, and when you deposit by July 12, 2012 you'll save $250 per couple!
Book Early & Save Up to 10%
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Book Early & Save 10% |
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The early bird catches the worm, so book now - pay early - and save money! |
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Please note: See individual itinerary pages for the exact value of how much you will save. All trips must be booked and paid for in full for this discount to apply. This discount does not apply to our City Breaks, train vacations, any products in our Eastern Mediterranean section and extra night accommodation. For 2013 pre-registration bookings, payments are to be made according to 2012 brochure prices. For further details, please call 800-942-3301. |
Save 5% When Traveling with 5 to 8 People
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TRAVEL WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS, AND SAVE MONEY! |
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5 or more – Save 5%: If a group of 5-8 people travels together, a discount of 5% per person applies to the LAND-only portion of your vacation. So it pays to get together with your family |
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Please note: Space is limited to one group per motorcoach. These discounts are not combinable with our Travel Club Discount, any other rooming, young traveler or triple room discounts, and do not apply to our City Breaks, Greek itineraries with Mediterranean cruises, Egypt, Israel, and extra night accommodations. All travelling passengers’ names must be advised to Trafalgar at the time of booking in order to qualify. |
Save 10% on Children (Ages 5-17)
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YOUNG TRAVELERS (5-17) SAVE 10% |
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Share your vacation with your family. |
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Please note: Children under 5 years old are NOT accepted on any guided vacation. The young traveler must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our Travel with Friends Discount, and is limited to one young traveler discount per room. It also does not apply to our City Breaks, vacations with Mediterranean cruises, Egypt, Israel, and extra night accommodations. |
Three is Not a Crowd - Triple Discount!
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THREE ISN'T A CROWD! |
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...with Trafalgar's triple room reduction! |
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Please note: Triple room discounts are based on sharing a twin-bedded room with an extra bed which may be a ‘rollaway’. This discount only applies to itineraries featuring the Triple Room Discount offer. |
Repeat Travelers Save 5%
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JOIN THE CLUB AND SAVE 5% |
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The Trafalgar Travel Club |
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Please note: Trafalgar's Travel Club is not available retroactively. Only one credit is available per person per year, and only one credit can be redeemed against each further vacation booking. The Trafalgar Travel Club discount does not apply to our City Breaks and extra night accommodations. |
Avoid the Single Supplement
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When traveling alone, we understand that some travelers do not want to incur the expense of an additional single room supplement. With this in mind, on the majority of their itineraries, Trafalgar offers you the opportunity to purchase these trips on a room-sharing basis. They will accommodate you with a fellow passenger of the same gender on a ‘two-bedded’ basis (non-smoking rooms only). Please note that, regrettably, they cannot guarantee that roommates will be of a similar age group. Even so, it is an enjoyable way to travel and get to make new friends, and a positive way to stretch your vacation budget. If Trafalgar is unable to match you with someone, they will provide a single room at no extra cost. |
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Please note: This service does not apply to Trafalgar City Breaks, Greek Island Hopper and Best of Greece vacations, Greek itineraries with Mediterranean cruises, train tours, Egypt, Israel and extra night (pre or post,) accommodations. |
Save 5% on 2 Tours
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SAVE 5% AND GET TWICE THE FUN! |
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...when you book a second Trafalgar vacation! |
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Please note: Vacations are combinable with second and subsequent additional trips. Vacations must be booked at the same time. The discount is per person only and does not apply to City Breaks, Greek vacations with Mediterranean cruises, Egypt, Israel and extra night accommodations. |
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