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South Island Explorer

From £2321

Excluding Flights

13 Nights

Year Round

Overview

Explore the dramatic and stunning scenery of South Island on this well-paced self drive following a circular route from Christchurch. Drive scenic coastal routes, encounter wildlife and enjoy a cruise on Milford Sound. Return through the alpine scenery of the Southern Alps via Mt Cook, the highest mountain in the southern hemisphere.

Take in the sweeping West Coast glaciers and majestic lakes of Queenstown. Venture into Fiordland National Park and relax on the golden beaches and idyllic coves of Abel Tasman National Park. Encounter sperm whales, dolphins and fur seals in Kaikoura and explore charming Christchurch city as well as the market town of Nelson with its reputation for sunshine.

This 14-day itinerary focuses solely on South Island to allow more time exploring some of the most dramatically scenic areas in the country. Ideally suited to those short or time or as part of a tailor made itinerary combined with our 14-day North Island Classic.

Itinerary

On arrival you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Christchurch. This delightful city features two rivers, lovely parks and gardens and tree-lined avenues. The award-winning Botanic Gardens has one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand. In February 2011, Christchurch was hit by a huge earthquake and much of its classic neo-gothic architecture was destroyed. Today it is a city in recovery mode but still has much to offer with a wonderful choice of outdoor activities including punting on the River Avon, exploring on foot or by open top bus or tram. A visit to the fascinating International Antarctic Centre is recommended.

Collect your rental car from the airport depot and make your way to the quaint coastal town of Kaikoura, renowned for its Maori cultural experiences and whale watching excursions.

Enjoy an early morning whale watch excursion. Every tour is a unique experience and sightings vary. Giant sperm whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical whale watch tour may encounter New Zealand fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales, and southern right whales. Orcas and Hector’s dolphins are common sightings. In the afternoon continue onto Kaiteriteri, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.

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Whale Watch, Kaikoura

A marvelous place to see a range of cetaceans, Kaikoura is known as the whale watching capital of New Zealand.

Spend the day exploring the national park with an Abel Tasman Cruise & Walk Open Day Pass giving you complete flexibility to explore the coves, beaches and forest trails at your leisure.

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Abel Tasman Cruise & Walk Open Day Pass, Abel Tasman

This Cruise and Walk Open Day Pass allows you complete flexibility to explore Abel Tasman National Park by cruise and also on foot.

From the tranquil golden beaches of the Abel Tasman head out west to the wild and rugged west coast, and its astonishing variety of landscapes, rich history and abundant wildlife. Stop at Punakaiki to view the fantastic blow holes and rock formations.

Make your way to glacier country and to the world’s most accessible temperate-zone glaciers, nestled in valleys lined with rainforest. On arrival you may like to take a heli-hiking trip or guided walk on the glacier (additional cost applies).

Optional Experiences

new zealand west coast franz josef glacier heli hike

Franz Josef Heli-hike, West Coast

Fly over this iconic glacier by helicopter before landing to take a guided walk over the ice seeing glacial pools, crevasses and even blue ice.

Enjoy a magnificent drive through World Heritage rainforests and cross the Haast Pass to reach the stunning alpine resort town of Queenstown, which lies at the heart of the spectacular Southern Lakes region.

Optional Experiences

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Shotover Jet Boat Ride, Queenstown

One of the world's most exciting Jet boat rides.
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Remarkables Discovery Flight, Queenstown

After arriving at the Queenstown Airport (a courtesy transfer is available from your accommodation if you do not have private transportation), you will be introduced to the flight crew before boarding your helicopter to begin this remarkable journey (no pun intended).
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Safari of The Scenes - Glenorchy, Queenstown

This tour is dedicated to re-visiting the captivating scenery of Middle-earth from Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy.
new zealand queenstown jet boat dart river

Dart River Wilderness Safari, Queenstown

A braided and winding river system that is always changing, the Dart River is the perfect waterway to show off the thrilling capabilities of a jet boat.

Enjoy mountain views and farm country on the drive to Te Anau. Situated beside a stunning lake, this small township is the gateway to Fiordland National Park, part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

Travel by coach from Te Anau to Milford Sound along the spectacular Milford Road. Photo stops will be made along the way into Milford. On arrival join a nature cruise for a leisurely journey the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforest, majestic mountains and rare wildlife. A nature guide will also provide you with fascinating interpretation throughout the cruise. Lunch options and complimentary tea and coffee are available on board the vessel. Following the cruise, re-board your coach and return to Te Anau.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound Nature Cruise, Milford

Exploring the length of the fiord you’ll learn about the history of the region and benefit from the knowledge of a specialist nature guide.

Drive to the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka, which has an abundance of outdoor activities in a stunning natural setting. It is a slightly quieter alternative to Queenstown and is in close proximity to Mt Aspiring National Park.

Enjoy a day at leisure in the heart of the Southern Lakes region. Wanaka is an ideal location for keen hikers and those wanting to explore pristine picture-perfect landscapes.

Optional Experiences

new zealand jet boat and wilderness walk lake wanaka

Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk, Lake Wanaka

Come with us on the most exciting half day wilderness jet boating adventure set amongst the spectacular scenery of World Heritage Mount Aspiring National Park.
new zealand wanaka lake cruise and walk

Lake Cruise and Island Nature Walk, Wanaka

Join a half-day adventure cruising over Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island.

Siberia Experience, Lake Wanaka

Departing from Makarora, the half-day Siberia Experience Fly-Walk-Jetboat tour is a thrilling combination tour by air, land and water.
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Mt Aspiring and Glaciers Scenic Helicopter Flight

Discover the spectacular Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand's third largest national park which forms an integral part of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area.

Get up close to the majestic peak of Mount Aspiring and see the spectacular blue glacial fields and surrounding snow covered peaks. With views across the national park, you will have the opportunity to see for yourself why the park is the jewel in the local crown. Also included is a snow and alpine landing.


Duration: 1 hour flying time
Price: {CONVERT 301} per person
Departures: daily, on demand, year round (weather dependent)

Head north through magnificent rural landscapes en route to Mount Cook National Park which lies at the heart of the Southern Alps. The scenery here is breathtaking as you take in mesmerising blue glacial lakes and tussock-clad hills as well as clear skies, perfect for stargazing, before arriving at Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Drive to the city of Christchurch today via scenic Lake Tekapo and the charming town of Geraldine where you may like to stop en route.

Optional Experiences

new zealand lake tekapo dark sky experience

Dark Sky Experience, Lake Tekapo

Embark on a journey 13.8 billion years in the making... with an immersive multi-media introduction to the universe.
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Christchurch Meander: Food and Culture

Savour the amazing tastes and sights of Christchurch on this cultural city and food walking tour

Drop off your rental car at the airport today as you bid farewell to South Island.

Prices & departures

What's Included

  • Accommodation rooms with private bathroom

  • 3 breakfasts

  • Car rental throughout

  • Private transfer on arrival

  • Whale watch excursion in Kaikoura

  • Abel Tasman Cruise & Walk Open Day Pass

  • Milford Sound Nature Cruise (with return coach transfers)

  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday

  • No surcharge guarantee

  • Full financial protection

From £2321 Excluding Flights

13 Nights

Year Round

Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.

Make this trip yours

Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.

Gary
1

Whale shark dived with

8

Great Barrier Reef scuba dives

We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch. 

Experts with real experience