15 Days All of South Island

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. (B, D)

Day 3 – Full day in 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. You can upgrade to one of the other great options including sea kayaking or sailing. We self-cater tonight with BBQ facilities available and stay again 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 will have a picnic on the lake edge today. We arrive at Hanmer Springs in the afternoon and have a relaxing soak in the hot pools. We go out for a group meal tonight. (B, D)

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 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 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. Our accommodation tonight is in chalets. (B, D)

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. 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 10 and 11 – Full day Queenstown.

Optional activities available (No meals).

Day 12 - 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 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 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 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) 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 15 – Rangitata to Christchurch

This morning we express directly to Christchurch.