16 Days All Of South Island
Highlights
- Abel Tasman National Park (scenic boat trip, walks)
- Central Otago Historic Gold Mining Area
- Doubtful Sound (exclusive cruise)
- Franz Josef Glacier hike
- Hanmer Springs Hot Pools
- Kaikoura (seals, dolphin and whale spotting)
- Makarora wilderness area
- Marlborough Winery Visit
- Mount Aspiring National Park
- Otago Rail Trail (mountain biking)
Departures
Departure Dates
From Christchurch (tourcode: ASI15)
Apr01 -Apr04: Wed Sat
Apr05 -Nov27: Sat
Nov28 -Mar31: Wed Sat
From Picton (tourcode: ASI15P)
Please note: Tour is 14 days if departing from Picton
Apr01 -Apr05: Thu Sun
Apr06-Nov28: Sun
Nov29 -Mar31: Thu Sun
Itinerary: day by day
Day 1 - Christchurch to Picton
We leave Christchurch at 9am from the Antarctic Centre for a scenic drive to the port town of Picton with a stop to view a seal colony on the way. We arrive in the afternoon with time to take a walk with some stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds.
Day 2 - Picton to Abel Tasman
You have the morning at leisure to just relax or explore Picton further before we head through to Marahau. We stop for a wine tasting in NZ's premier wine region, world-famous for its Sauvignon Blanc then head across to Nelson and out to the Tasman region for the picturesque beaches and bays of the Abel Tasman National Park. We stay in our exclusive campsite located adjacent to the national park where your group gets the chance to plant a native tree or seedling to leave a legacy of your stay! Dinner tonight includes a taste of local seafood. (BD)
Day 3- Abel Tasman
An entire day to explore the Abel Tasman National Park. We have included a boat transfer out of the park so you can walk this famous coastal track, incorporating some of the NZ's best beaches. Numerous activities are available including sea kayaking or sailing (additional cost). We self-cater tonight with BBQ facilities available and stay again in cabins at our campsite right beside the national park. (B)
Day 4 -Abel Tasman to Hanmer Springs
Today we set off early passing through two more national parks en route to the tranquillity of Hanmer Springs. The Kahurangi and Nelson national parks boast fabulous scenery and some great small hikes with craggy mountain ranges draped with forest to the lake's edge. We arrive at Hanmer Springs in the afternoon and have a relaxing soak in the hot pools. Tonight we enjoy dinner (included) at a local restaurant (BD).
Day 5 - Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura
The day begins with a short, leisurely drive to the coast heading to Kaikoura, a stop that offers a sanctuary of marine life. Regardless of what you choose to do you will encounter marine life in many forms. There are seals, dolphins, whales or the king of the skies, the Royal Albatross. There is a fantastic walk starting from the seal colony around the cliff tops where you will get amazing views. Tonight we stay overnight at this quaint seaside village. (B)
Day 6 – Kaikoura via Christchurch to Franz Josef
We start early for a stunning journey across the Canterbury Plains, with a quick stop at Christchurch before heading over Arthur's Pass and down 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 7 – 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 take a guided trip (additional expense) which includes the use of specialised equipment which allows you to get further onto the glacier. We self-cater tonight in the lodge kitchen, or there are great local cafés. (B) *Note: During May-Aug a half day glacier tour is included at no additional cost.
Day 8 - 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 (additional expense). Our accommodation tonight is in chalets (BD).
Day 9 - 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 (additional expense.) 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 night spots in the evening. (B).
Days 10 & 11 – Queenstown
Enjoy 2 FREE days to explore Queenstown. Optional activities and meals are at own expense. Overnight accommodation included.
Day 12 - Queenstown to Doubtful Sound
This morning we head into the awe-inspiring Fiordland National Park by bus and boat transfer. 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, which includes a dedicated nature guide and sea kayaks. We overnight in a secluded bay in the fiord (D).
Note: In winter we do the Doubtful Sound day cruise and stay overnight in Te Anau.
Day 13 - 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 exclusive 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 (BD).
Day 14 - 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)
Day 15 - Rangitata to Picton/Wellington via Christchurch
We leave Rangitata this morning for an express trip via Christchurch to Picton and Wellington. Enjoy the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and some great harbour shots of our capital as we take a flight over the Cook Strait.
Day 16 - Wellington to Auckland
Today is an express journey from Wellington to Auckland. We stop along the way for photos and to have lunch in Taupo with the chance for you to check out New Zealand's largest lake (B).
B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner
Valid: 01 April 2012 - 31 March 2013
Travel Insurance is compulsory for all travellers on all tours and details must be presented to tour guide before departure. Please refer to terms and conditions for more details.
Tour upgrades
14 nights budget ensuite, 1 night dorm-share
Notes
Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted for any cause including seasonal conditions, weather extremes, Traditional Owner and national park requirements. Please see terms and conditions of travel for full details.
The overnight Doubtful Sound cruise operates April and September to March. During the winter months of May to September this trip will be substituted with a Doubtful Sound day cruise, a night in Te Anau and a half day glacier hike in Franz Josef
Adventure Tours New Zealand is operated by Stray Ltd.
A STRICT luggage limit of 15KG applies
.Accommodation whilst on the Doubtful Sound Cruise is quad-share. Upgrades are limited and so are not included. If available you can upgrade on arrival and pay direct.
Safaris must be reconfirmed 48 hours prior to departure by phone
Included
- Experienced guide
- accommodation transfers
- meals as indicated
- wildlife cruise
- Abel Tasman boat transfer
- soak in hot Springs of Hanmer
- Doubtful Sound overnight cruise (In winter the overnight cruise does not operate and is substituted with a Doubtful Sound day cruise, a night in Te Anau and a half day glacier hike in Franz Josef)
- mountain bike riding on the Otago rail trail
What to bring
Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), swimming gear, hat & sunscreen, motion sickness tablets, water bottle, towel, toiletries, warm clothing, and waterproof jacket, insect repellent and camera.
