Wellington > Nelson > Kaikoura > Christchurch > Fox Glacier > Wanaka > Te Anau > Queenstown > Twizel > Christchurch
This escorted tour squeezes more jaw-dropping scenery into two weeks than any other! The South Island has an unparalleled variety of landscapes from the majestic Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, to the stunning views across Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, to the Remarkable Mountains, plus the wilderness of Fiordland.
Haere mai – welcome! Today you are free to explore. Depending on your interests, we suggest a stroll along Oriental Parade, or a city tour (at own cost) to pack more in!
Enjoy one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world. From the South Island port of Picton it’s a short drive into sauvignon country, so we pause at a Marlborough winery for a tasting session, before arriving in Nelson.
Enjoy a morning cruise exploration of New Zealand’s smallest National Park. View world-famous Split Apple Rock, New Zealand Fur Seals, golden sands, and the turquoise waters of Anchorage, Bark Bay.
Day 4 Nelson to Kaikoura
Depart Nelson and drive through vineyards surrounding Blenheim in the Marlborough Wine Country. From here travel south down the stunning eastern coastline to Kaikōura – where the mountains meet the sea. Today you have the choice of two excursions:
Whale Watch Cruise: Take a 2-hour Whale Watch cruise experience, aboard a modern catamaran for an exciting, close-up encounter with Giant Sperm Whales in their natural environment.
Wings over Whales: Gain an aerial perspective during a “flightseeing” tour on the world of whales and dolphins in Kaikōura’s stunning marine environment, from the comfort of a high fixed-winged aircraft for unobstructed viewing
The road south follows the wild coastline, affording constantly changing seascapes and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Then descend into the rolling farmland of North Canterbury, to Christchurch. This afternoon we join punting boatmen, for a relaxing cruise along the River Avon through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Afterwards, enjoy a journey in style onboard a beautifully restored heritage tram through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre.
From Christchurch, traverse the Southern Alps aboard the famous TranzAlpine rail journey to the West Coast, with a stop at Arthurs Pass National Park. Pass through historic towns reaching Hokitika and its galleries specialising in pounamu (greenstone) jewellery and art works. Continue south to Franz Josef, then on to the small remote village of Fox.
After a photo-opportunity at mirror-like Lake Matheson, we take the Haast Pass River Road deep into the Southern Alps and Mt Aspiring National Park to the lakeside resort of Wanaka.
Nature lovers may take a lake cruise to a conservation island with an eco-guide to discover native birds like the flightless Buff Weka or you can choose to enjoy a scenic 4WD adventure to a high country farm above the lake.
Depart Wānaka, with your first stop to visit historic Arrowtown. Continue your journey to reach Lake Te Anau gateway to Fiordland National Park. On arrival in Te Anau, discover the wild beauty of Fiordland by jet boat and visit a 220-acre working farm and meet a local farmer to gain insight into New Zealand’s agricultural heritage, enjoy a sheep-shearing and dog-mustering demonstration.
The journey there, through rainforest, is as spectacular as the destination: Milford Sound! Top this with a memorable cruise past Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea (picnic lunch on board) before ending the day in Queenstown.
Queenstown is New Zealand’s most famous adventure resort. Try white-water rafting and high wire thrills or relax on a classic steamship cruise (at own cost). The day and evening are yours to do as much or as little as you please.
Today we approach the Southern Alps via the Approach the Southern Alps via the Kawarau Gorge and Central Otago, driving alongside Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook Village, the nearest vehicle access to awesome Aoraki Mt Cook.
Head down the Tasman Valley from Mount Cook and on to Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd, where the window behind the altar frames an astonishing view of the lake.
Then across the high country’s tussock plains, through Fairlie and Geraldine to the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch
Very much enjoyed the superb Gallipoli exhibition at Te Papa Museum, Wellington. Loved the jet boat trip on our day out to Arthur’s Pass and the caves at Charleston.
A wonderful holiday!Chris and Joyce Brill
The Million Dollar cruise on Lake Wakatipu was absolutely brilliant – the guide was very knowledgeable and we would highly recommend this trip.
Our meal on the Mission Estate was one of the best meals of the holiday and the gardens at Hamilton were a real surprise.
But the main highlight has to have been the Milford Mariner overnight cruise – not the best of weather, we couldn’t get out on the kayaks – but a wonderful experience.Colin and Maureen Smith
Choosing a small group tour means you don’t have to worry about organising travel at all. With every one of our small group tours, we’ll arrange all of your transportation. We can even organise your initial flights to New Zealand! If you’d like to find out more about any of our tour packages, please do get in touch.
