14 Day South Island Wanderer Tour
from NZ$2202.00 per person twin share

A fourteen day tour of the whole South Island incorporating all the major resorts and attractions. Visit six national parks, cross over the Southern Alps via the Haast Pass, see the West Coast glaciers, famed Milford Sound, Queenstown- NZ’s premier resort, Dunedin – Edinburgh of the south,  Mt Cook – NZ’s highest mountain, the popular Abel Tasman National Park and whalewatching in Kaikoura.
Features – Milford Sound day tour and cruise, Franz Josef Glacier guided walk, tour and cruise of the Abel Tasman National Park and the internationally acclaimed Kaikoura Whalewatch.

Trip Duration:      14 Days
Departing From:  Christchurch
Finishing at:        Christchurch
Car Rental Type: Toyota Echo, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry or 4WD Subaru Legacy.

IIncluded in Cost: Complimentary transfers to and from airport, accommodation, day tour to Milford Sound by luxury coach and cruise, gondola ride to Bob’s Peak overlooking Queesntown Bay, tour of Dunedin city, a guided walk of the Franz Josef Glacier, tour to the Abel Tasman National Park, Kaikoura Whalewatch tour and hire of rental car for fourteen days (unlimited kms).

Rates are per person and GST inclusive

ITINERARY

Day 1  Christchurch/Mount Cook – 331 kms
Travel southwest across the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo – view the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd overlooking the lake. Continue on to the Mount Cook National Park with Mount Cook (3754m) towering over the neighbouring peaks at the head of the lake (view subject to weather).  We recommend a scenic flight over Mt Cook and the surrounding peaks and glaciers.

Accommodation: The Hermitage Hotel, (includes dinner & breakfast) Mt Cook Motels (includes breakfast) or similar

Day 2  Mount Cook/Queenstown – 280 kms
Follow the shores of Lake Pukaki to State Highway 79 before heading south across the MacKenzie Country to Omarama. From Omarama you climb Lindis Pass through tussock- clad brown hills to Tarras and onto Cromwell, a major fruit- producing region.  A short drive through the Kawarau Gorge and you are in Queenstown, New Zealand’s premier holiday resort.

Accommodation: Scenic Circle Aurum Hotel, Bella Vista Motel or similar

Day  3  Queenstown/Dunedin – 304 kms
Travel through the Kawarau Gorge to the fruit- growing area of Cromwell to the mighty Clyde Dam, one of New Zealand’s major engineering feats. Explore this fascinating historical gold town before continuing your journey, following the Clutha River past numerous dams to Milton.  From Milton, head north through the Taieri Plain to the Scottish city of Dunedin.

Accommodation: Scenic Circle Southern Cross Hotel, Alexis Motor Lodge or similar

Day  4   Otago Peninsula
This morning we have included a morning tour of the city by double decker coach.  The rest of the day is free for optional sightseeing. We highly recommend a visit to the Royal Albatross Colony and the Yellow Eyed Penguins on the Otago Peninsula.  Contact the Visitor Information Centre for details.

Accommodation: Scenic Circle Southern Cross Hotel, Alexis Motor Lodge or similar

Day  5   Dunedin/Te Anau – 300 kms
Dunedin boasts some beautiful architecture and a quiet stroll around the city can be most rewarding. In the afternoon travel south over the Taeri Plain to Balclutha before heading inland through some of New Zealand’s best farming country.

Accommodation: Te Anau Hotel & Villa, Red Tussock Motel or similar

Day  6   Te Anau/Milford/Te Anau – 240 kms
Today take a break from driving as you travel with Newmans Coach Lines to the Fiordland National Park – a world heritage area. Fiordland is a vast, remote wilderness of snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes and valleys, fiords, waterfalls and dense rainforests.   From Te Anau travel to the forested Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel and The Chasm before arriving at Milford Sound. Enjoy a one and a half hour cruise of Milford Sound viewing spectacular waterfalls and famous Mitre Peak. (view subject to weather)

Accommodation: Te Anau Hotel & Villa, Anchorage Motel or similar

Day  7   Te Anau/ Queenstown – 190 kms
Travel through undulating hill country dotted with sheep for your journey through to Queenstown. We have included the Skyline Gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak for spectacular views of Queenstown. There are dozens of activities available from white water rafting, jetboating, bungy jumping, lake cruises, high country sheep station tours and excellent walking trails. There is something for everyone.

Accommodation: Scenic Circle Aurum Hotel, Bella Vista Motel or similar

Day   8  Queenstown to the Glaciers -  410 kms
The route to the glaciers and the West Coast is via the Haast Pass. Your journey will pass by the southern lakes of Wanaka and Hawea before entering the Mt Aspiring National Park and the Haast Pass. At Fox Glacier we recommend a detour to Lake Matheson –the lake reflections of the surrounding mountains are spectacular. On arrival at Franz Josef, we recommend a scenic flight over the glaciers or alternatively drive up to the glacier carpark for views of the glacier.

Accommodation : Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (includes breakfast), Bella Vista Motels or similar

Day  9   Free in Franz Josef
Today we have included a half day guided walk which accesses the rugged terminal ice face of the Franz Josef glacier. Enjoy a fascinating commentary on the history and geology of the area. The rest of the day is free for optional activities including short walks into native rainforest or for scenic flights up to the glaciers.

Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (includes breakfast), Bella Vista Motels or similar

Day  10   Franz Josef/Punakaiki – 260 kms
Travel north through the West Coast rainforest with the rugged Tasman coastline on one side and the towering Southern Alps ever present to your right. A visit to Shantytown (a gold mining town) is highly recommended. From Greymouth follow the coast north to Punakaiki.

Accommodation: Punakaiki Rocks Hotel or similar

Day  11  Punakaiki/Nelson  - 240 kms
This morning visit the famous Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes, just 400 metres from your accommodation. There are optional horse treks and local tours available.  This afternoon, travel north through Westport and the Buller Gorge to Nelson.  We highly recommend a visit to the Wearable Arts Museum (a world class facility)

Accommodation: Heritage Rutherford Hotel, Kings Gate Motel or similar

Day  12   Abel Tasman National Park
Your full day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park commences with a morning pick up from your accommodation. Drive through horticultural areas to Motueka and on to beautiful Kaiteriteri beach to board your launch. You have various walking options in the National Park during the day before returning to Nelson at approximately 5.00pm

Accommodation: Heritage Rutherford Hotel, Kings Gate Motel or similar

Day  13   Nelson/Kaikoura – 254 kms
Travel through the Nelson State Forests to Blenheim and the Marlborough wine growing district.  From Blenheim travel past the Grassmere saltworks to the rugged Kaikoura Coastline.  Enjoy magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the Seaward Kaikoura mountain range as you follow the coastline southward to the seaside resort of Kaikoura.

Accommodation: Anchor Inn, Norfolk Pine Motel or similar

Day  14    Kaikoura/Christchurch – 200 kms
This morning enjoy a 3 hour cruise with Kaikoura Whalewatch to marvel at the giant sperm whale and the dusky dolphins. Kaikoura Whalewatch has won many international awards for tourism excellence and marine conservation.  In the afternoon return to Christchurch travelling through undulating hill country to the Canterbury Plains.  Your journey will take you past many sheep farms and many vineyards – perhaps try some of the local wines at Waipara.