A tour of the South Island beginning in Wellington and concluding in Christchurch. See some of the worlds most beautiful scenery, and experience the unique culture, only found in New Zealand's South Island.
Day 1 Wellington - Blenheim - Nelson
Your tour departs from the Bay Plaza Hotel, 40 Oriental Parade at 8.00am. Join the Interislander Ferry for the scenic cruise to Picton, enjoy spectacular views of Wellington and the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Welcomed by your Coach Captain then on to Montana Winery for a tasting and winery tour. From this renowned wine region it's a fascinating drive to Nelson noted for its arts and crafts. Leisure Lodge (2 nights)
Day 2 Nelson or Abel Tasman National Park
We recommend an optional day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park, inclusive of all transfers and a picnic lunch. By coach to Kaiteriteri then board a comfortable launch to cruise along the parks coastline. Either go ashore at Torrent Bay and walk 2 hours to Bark Bay or come ashore at Bark Bay and explore that area. From Bark Bay by launch, retrace your journey arriving in Nelson at 5.00pm. Alternatively, explore Nelson, follow the art trail, galleries and coffee shops featuring art, pottery, jewellery, wood and more or visit Tahunahui with its broad beaches and coastal panoramas.
Day 3 Nelson - Greymouth
Lush farmlands then forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge - a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind, possibly lunch at the award winning Beach House Cafe and south to explore the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki. At Greymouth visit Jade Boulder Gallery to see native jade, mined in remote alpine valleys crafted into fine jewellery. Hotel Ashley (1 night)
Day 4 Greymouth - Fox Glacier
Remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes with dense native bush and forest, all dominated by the towering Southern Alps, highlight your journey to Fox Glacier. Plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glaciers terminal face, a helicopter flight and snow landing or walk to nearby Lake Matheson. Fox Glacier Country Hotel (1 night)
Day 5 Fox Glacier - Wanaka
Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Aspiring National Park. At Wanaka a choice of two afternoon activities. Either a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island, a nature reserve, for a bush walk followed by refreshments. Look for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird whose curiosity is likely to attract them close to you. Alternatively a very picturesque walk along a track beside the Clutha River as it flows from Lake Wanaka to a picnic spot. Enjoy light refreshments and a thrilling jet boat excursion on the river tailored to suit - full on exciting, leisurely scenic cruising or somewhere in between. Mt Aspiring Hotel (1 night)
Day 6 Wanaka - Queenstown
Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and goldmining for a late morning arrival into the ever -popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant (entire group) You have 2 choices for the next three days and Kirra Tours enthusiastically recommend.
OPTION 1: The Greenstone Valley Guided Walk
Today enjoy the sights, sounds and activities of Queenstown plus attend a pre-walk briefing. Rydges Hotel (1 night)
Day 7 Queenstown - Steel Creek
By coach to Glenorchy then onto the track, stately beech forests, rocky gorges and silent river pools with Robins and Tom Tits for company. Its 18km to Steel Creek Lodge nestled on broad river flats.
Day 8 Steel Creek - Lake McKellar
Red tussock land, ancient bog pines and cottonwoods with sheer mountainsides above and possibly deer on the forests edge. 14km to Lake McKellar Lodge.
Day 9 Lake McKellar - Milford Sound
To the Greenstone Saddle, through lush forests to Lake Howden, then ascend Key Summit (919m) an area of alpine swamp with incredible 360 degree views, so spectacular, then down to rejoin your Tour on the Milford Road at The Divide then travel through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise - an undoubted highlight. (1 night)
OPTION 2: At leisure in Queenstown
Jet boating, lake cruises, a day on the Routeburn Track, Lord of the Rings Tours, rafting and more shops, galleries and boutiques than you can count - enjoy. Dinner day 8 is not included allowing the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice. Rydges Hotel (3 nights)
Day 7 & Day 8 Also at leisure
Day 9 Queenstown - Milford Sound
Follow the lake to Kingston, across fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri then Lake Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley, native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains. At The Divide collect the Greenstone Trek group and travel through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise - an undoubted highlight. (1 night)
Day 10 Milford Sound - Dunedin
Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world. Rugged and remote mountains change to lush green countryside, which in turn gives way to rolling hills as you approach Dunedin, the 'Edinburgh of the South'. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift. Cargills Hotel (2 nights)
Day 11 Dunedin
A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude of optional activities available. A Monarch Wildlife Cruise, Natures Wonders Tour (both featuring penguins, seals and birdlife), the Taieri Gorge Railway, a Citibus Newtons Tour, fascinating Larnach Castle or Tour the Cadbury Factory or Speights Brewery. Have fun!
Day 12 Dunedin - Omarama
Visit Olveston, Dunedin's majestic historic home with its original furnishings. See bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and a rocky coastline, view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes to Omarama. Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night)
Day 13 Omarama - Mt Cook - Christchurch
Pass the milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook National Park and village, amidst New Zealand's highest mountains. At Lake Tekapo view the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial with time for a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air Safaris. Descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch. Your tour concludes at approximately 5.00pm after a brief city tour.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sightseeing tours of Nelson, Dunedin and Christchurch
- Montana winery visit and tasting
- Visit Greenstone (Jade) factory
- West Coast Glaciers
- Remote National Parks of Fiordland and Westland
- Nature Cruise or Jet-Boating on Lake Wanaka
- Dinner at the Skyline Restaurant
- Awe inspiring Milford Sound overnight Cruise
- Spectacular Southern Lakes
- Olveston House
- Traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony
- World renowned Mt Cook Region
OPTIONAL
- 3 Day Greenstone Valley guided walk
- 1 Day Abel Tasman National Park
ScenicPacific Tours, based in Christchurch and Auckland, offer the combined experience with two of New Zealand's leading coach and tour operators, with affiliations to the New Zealand Bus & Coach Association, the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand, the Overseas Tour Operators Association and the Inbound Tour Operators Council.
Visitors are assured of a wonderful New Zealand experience with:
- The knowledge of traveling with an experienced tour operator
- Wide choice of tours and timetabled services every day
- Daily guaranteed departures on our Independent tours
- Centrally located hotels and motels for all overnight tours
- Train and national park inclusions where possible
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