15 Day Southern Adventure | Hotel

Welcome to Christchurch. Having cleared customs and immigration formalities, you collect your car rental and make your way to you chosen accommodation

Today is yours to explore this garden city. The regeneration of Christchurch has opened up different pockets to discover. Take in the new Riverside Farmers markets or venture out to the Port Hills, Sunmer and Lyttleton. A punting ride on the Avon River or stroll through the botanic gardens are a lovely way to spend the afternoon.

Start your morning in Kaikōura, where the mountains dramatically meet the Pacific Ocean. Embark on an unforgettable Whale Watch tour, where giant sperm whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. Depending on the season, you may also encounter fur seals, playful pods of Dusky dolphins, the Wandering Albatross, and migrating Humpback, Pilot, Blue, or Southern Right whales.

After your marine adventure, head inland to the picturesque alpine village of Hanmer Springs, nestled in a tranquil valley at the foothills of the Southern Alps. Take time to relax and rejuvenate in the soothing thermal waters of the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve, surrounded by natural beauty.

Later in the afternoon, continue north through the renowned Marlborough region, passing through Blenheim, before arriving in Nelson for the evening.

Experience for yourself the legendary Abel Tasman Maritime Park. Cruise into protected bays and view the fur seal colony on Tonga Island. The Launch hugs the shore, travelling in close to idyllic beaches fringed by native forest. The Abel Tasman Coastal track is well formed and shaded and comes out onto protected beaches which are excellent for swimming at. Enjoy a great day on the water combining cruising, sightseeing bush walks and beautiful beaches.

Travel south through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving on the West Coast. Marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes that is the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowhole.

The West Coast is home to towering rainforests, mountains and glaciers, tranquil lakes and rushing rivers. It is steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1860’s. There is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region this afternoon, weather permitting. Your overnight stay tonight is in the glacier village of Franz Josef.

View incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. There is time to wander around the popular lakeside townships of Hawea and Wanaka before travelling over the spectacular Crown Range to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. On to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine report regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination.

Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure and leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. Jet boating, river rafting, wine tours, lake cruises, 4WD Lord of the Rings tours and bush walks are just some of the numerous activities available.

Travel by coach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. Continue along the spectacular Milford Road and through the hand-strewn Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound where you board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise along the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea where you will view spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, and wildlife. The Milford Mariner is designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand trading scow to reflect Fordland’s heritage, and you will be accommodated in private cabins with ensuite bathrooms in this purpose-built vessel. It boasts spacious deck areas for viewing the wilderness, scenery and wildlife of Milford and activities include kayaking and excursions in the tender vessels (stabi craft) to explore the coastline.

An optional scenic flight back to Queenstown this morning is available subject to weather conditions (own expense). Upon your return to Queenstown, the rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy all that this spectacular resort has to offer.

This morning, you will be collected from your hotel and taken to Glenorchy to join your Dart River Jetboat Safari. Here you jet boat on crystal clear waters in a wild and scenic landscape amidst towering peaks, glaciers, and the ancient rainforests of the Mt. Aspiring National Park. This is far more than a jet boat ride; it’s a rare journey into the enchanted wilderness of a World Heritage area. This afternoon is free for further sightseeing.

Today you will journey through the historic gold rush routes of Central Otago, passing through the townships of Cromwell, Clyde, and Alexandra enroute to Dunedin, the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. It is a city of rare charm set amidst a magical landscape edged by the sea and boasts many activities for lovers of nature and wildlife.

Begin your day with a visit to Olveston House, Dunedin’s splendid historic home where you will get a glimpse into the lifestyle of a privileged New Zealand family in the early 1900’s. Travel north, stopping to view the unusual spherical Moeraki Boulders, before driving into Mt Cook National Park, a world heritage listed site that covers over 70,000 hectares of stunning alpine scenery. Optional flightseeing excursions by ski-plane and helicopter are available subject to weather conditions.

This morning you get to experience the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake and icebergs up close on the only tour of its kind in New Zealand. Experienced local guides whisk you away in a stable MAC boat to explore the melting ice face of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest, and you’ll be able to touch and taste 400-year-old ice. At Lake Tekapo, stop to view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd before crossing the vast Canterbury Plains to the ‘Garden City’ of Chris church.

Free time this morning for some last-minute sightseeing, shopping or relaxing before returning your vehicle at Christchurch airport for your onward flight.