SELF DRIVE HOLIDAYS SOUTHERN ADVENTURE

15 days Christchurch to Christchurch

Tour Itinerary

Kaikoura Coastline

PRICE INCLUDES:

» 13 nights’ accommodation in the style of your choice

» Breakfasts daily, 2 lunches and 1 dinner

» Overnight Milford Sound Cruise

» 14 days car rental including full insurance and unlimited kms

» Private airport transfers on arrival

» Spectacular TranzAlpine train journey

» Entry to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

» Whale watching cruise, Kaikoura

» Cruise and walk Abel Tasman National Park

» Punakaiki Rocks and Blowhole

» Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers

» Historic Arrowtown

» Stunning Milford Sound

» Dark River Jet Boat Safari

» Stately Olveston House, Dunedin

» World Heritage Mt Cook National Park

» Southern Skies stargazing experience

» Tasman Glacier Explorer boat expedition

Day 1 – Arrive Christchurch

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

Hotel: Rydges Latimer Christchurch (2 nights)

Luxury: The George Hotel (2 nights)

Day 2 – Christchurch at leisure (B)

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.

Day 3 – Christchurch, Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura (B)

This morning drive inland to the naturally picturesque and tranquil alpine village of Hanmer Springs, nestled in a valet at the foothills of the Southern Alps. Relax in the hot thermal pools of the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve before continuing to Kaikoura, location in a narrow strip of stunning coastline that lies between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean.

Hotel: The White Morph Motor Inn

Luxury: Hapuku Lodge

Day 4 – Whale Watch Cruise, Nelson (B)

Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and sightings may vary from day to day. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter 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. Later today, continue north to Blenheim, gateway to the well-known Marlborough Sounds region before arriving at Nelson.

Hotel: Rutherford Hotel (2 nights)

Luxury: Te Koi - The Lodge at Bronte (2 nights)

Day 5 – Abel Tasman National Park walk (B, L)

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.

Day 6 – Nelson Lakes, Punakaiki Rocks (B)

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.

All categories: Ocean View Retreat

Day 7 – Greymouth, Fox, and Franz Josef Glaciers (B)

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.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Luxury: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Day 8 – Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown (B)

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.

Hotel: Heritage Queenstown (2 nights)

Luxury: The Dairy Private Luxury Hotel (2 nights)

Day 9 – Free day to explore Queenstown and surrounds (B)

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.

Day 10 – Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (B, D)

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.

Overnight in sheltered Harrison Cove

Day 11 – Return to Queenstown, day at leisure (B)

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.

Hotel: Heritage Hotel (2 nights)

Luxury: The Dairy Private Luxury Hotel (2 nights)

Day 12 – Mighty Dart River Safari (B)

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.

Day 13 – Central Otago, Dunedin (B)

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.

Hotel: Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Luxury: Camp Estate Boutique Lodge

Day 14 – Oamaru, Mt Cook National Park (B)

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. All categories: Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook

Day 15 – Tasman Glacier Explorer, Christchurch (B)

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 Christchurch.

Hotel: Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Luxury: The George Hotel

Day 16 – Depart Christchurch

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

Per person from Twin Share Hotel - UKNZ2215DCCSAH $4,414

Luxury - UKNZ2215DCCSAL $9,271

*Glacier Explorers Boat trip does not operate during the winter months (late May – early Sep)

^Overnight cruises do not operate in winter so your stay will be 5 nights in Queenstown with a day trip to Milford Sound instead.

#High Country Experience does not operate in winter.

PRICE INCLUDES:

» 12 nights’ accommodation in the style of your choice

» 10 Breakfasts and 1 lunch

» 11 days car rental including full insurance and unlimited kms

» Scenic Interislander ferry cruise to the South Island

» Water taxi transfers to Queen Charlotte Sound

» Lake Tekapo and Church of the Good Shephard

» World-Heritage listed Mt Cook National Park

» Tasman Glacier Explorer boat expedition (summer only)

» Milford Sound Nature Cruise with scenic flight back to Queenstown

» Historic Arrowtown

» Twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef

» World famous TranzAlpine journey through the Southern Alps

» Private transfers as stated

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Wellington

On arrival at Wellington, collect your car hire and make your way to your chosen accommodation. The rest of today is at leisure to explore the nation’s capital. A visit to Te Papa National Museum is highly recommended.

Hotel: Rydges Hotel

Luxury: QT Wellington

Day 2 – Picton and the Marlborough Sounds (B)

This morning, head to the ferry terminal and enjoy a scenic cruise across Cook Strait by the Interislander to the picturesque fishing village of Picton. Transfer by water taxi to your remote resort located in the stunning Marlborough Sounds.

All categories: Punga Cove Resort

Day 3 – Enjoy Queen Charlotte Sounds (B)

A free day to relax and marvel at the magic that is the Marlborough Sounds. Lodge staff will share their love of the area with you through the wide range of water and nature-based experiences they put at your fingertips. Complimentary fishing tackle, kayaks and mountain bikes are provided at the lodge and there are a number of bush walks to enjoy.

Day 4 –To Kaikoura (B)

After a leisurely breakfast, return to Picton and pick up your car for your journey south to Kaikoura, a coastal town nestled between the Kaikoura mountain range and the Pacific Ocean.

Hotel: White Morph

Luxury: Hapuku Lodge

Day 5 – Continue on to Christchurch (B)

This morning, there is time to enjoy an whale-watching cruise. This icon location is home to many marine species including Sperm and Humpback Whales, Bottle Nosed Dolphins, Royal Albatross and NZ Fur Seals . This afternoon continue south to Christchurch. The gateway to your South Island Adventure

Hotel: Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Boutique: The George Hotel

Day 6 – Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mt Cook (B)

This morning travel south, stopping at beautiful Lake Tekapo to view the tiny Church of the Good Shephard. On to the Mt Cook National