ShoreTrips says...

Most travelers into New Zealand by cruise ship hug the coast for their tours but to really soak in the magnificence of Arthur's Pass National Park you have to get inland. The mountains are breathtaking!

Sometimes great things come to those looking to go the extra distance and a journey into the Southern Alps provides a very fruitful endeavor. This full day tour provides access to magnificent scenery within the heart of New Zealand. Sure the coastal roads are stunning but the rulers of the land can be found inland with massive mountains splitting the east and west of the south island. That's a lot of cardinal directions to consider.

With a guide on hand bringing you to the best spots around, you will traverse the two high mountain passes en route to the mountain village of Arthur's Pass. Here you will be witness to a remarkable engineering achievement of a high roadway viaduct that splits through the mountains. You will cover the highest pass over the Southern Alps, providing breathtaking views of Arthur's Pass National Park and rural Canterbury. If you have come to New Zealand for the views, then this is the place to be.

On the return, we will include the highlights of Christchurch city, the "Garden city" of New Zealand.

Maori hunting parties used this same round as they journeyed between the east and west sides of the island.