10 Days Southern Highlights

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 - Christchurch to Franz Josef

We depart Christchurch this morning for a stunning journey across the Canterbury Plains and over Arthur's Pass to the West Coast. Along the way the scenery changes constantly so we stop often for walks and photo opportunities. We stop in Hokitika, famous for pounamu (jade) and at the Bushman's Centre to learn about the local history, before heading down to Franz Josef for its majestic glacier. We stay in a lodge in the rainforest at Franz Josef. (D)  

Day 2 – Full day at Franz Josef

Today is free for exploring this World Heritage area. There are many great walks but we highly recommend that you pay to go on one of the guided trips (where they provide you with specialised equipment) so that you can get further onto the glacier. Self-cater tonight – there are great local cafes and a kitchen at the lodge. (B) N.B. in winter a half day guided glacier hike is included.

Day 3 - Franz Josef to Makarora

We follow the coast further south today for even more amazing scenery (including NZ's most photographed lake), some great walks, waterfalls and a breathtaking alpine pass. We arrive at our wilderness accommodation at the foot of Mount Aspiring National Park by mid-afternoon. The locals provide some of the most spectacular activities from scenic flights to wilderness jet boating. Our accommodation tonight is in chalets. (B, D)

Day 4 - Makarora to Queenstown

We journey on to the adventure capital of the world today, Queenstown, the spiritual home of bungy jumping. On the way we stop in the scenic town of Wanaka for a walk and lunch before heading to the bungy bridge. Everyone has the option of observing or jumping themselves. We arrive at our accommodation in the afternoon ready for two days of whatever activities you choose to do from the relaxing to full-on adrenaline. Your guide will take you on an orientation of the resort when we arrive and a tour of the town's nightspots in the evening. (B)

Day 5 and 6 – Full day Queenstown.

Optional activities available (No meals).

Day 7 - Queenstown to Doubtful Sound

This morning we head into the awe-inspiring Fiordland National Park. Doubtful Sound is truly an amazing place; one of the most remote and untouched places on earth where you will see fur seals, Fiordland Crested Penguins and dolphins. We spend the day and night on a purpose-built boat (NB accommodation is quadshare only), which includes a dedicated nature guide and sea kayaks. We overnight in a secluded bay in the fiord. (D)

N.B. In winter we do the Doubtful Sound day cruise and stay overnight in Te Anau.

Day 8 – Doubtful Sound to Central Otago

The morning is spent departing Doubtful Sound. We board our own mini-coach at midday and head through the beautiful Otago region. We explore relics of the gold rush, which was responsible for the European settlement of this area. We stay in our own unique and historic accommodation in the middle of Otago gold country. You have the option of curling tonight (like bowling but with big stones on an ice rink), we challenge you to try and beat your guide. (B, D)

Day 9 – Central Otago to Rangitata

In the morning we grab our mountain bikes and head out to sample part of the old Otago Gold Mining Rail Trail. It is an ideal activity for riders of all abilities and a great way to soak up the incredible scenery and history of the area. We then express along the Canterbury plains to Rangitata, one of the region's original sheep stations surrounded by the Southern Alps. Tonight we build a campfire and exchange stories from the trip. (B) N.B. Due to the Christchurch earthquake this tour now has an extra day, tonight's accommodation is not included in the tour price. Pay on arrival.

Day 10 – Rangitata to Christchurch

This morning we express directly to Christchurch.