South Island Wonders: A Grand Loop of the Mainland

Guided: Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport, a private shuttle driver will take you to your accommodation in the city. The day and night are free to spend at your leisure and your guide will meet you tomorrow morning.

Self Drive: Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal. Make your way to your inner city accommodation where the day and night are free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Today you will head north through the wine growing area of Waipara to Kaikōura. Kaikōura is a sea life paradise which boasts whales, seals, albatross and dolphins. There are over 17 species of whale to be found in Kaikōura all within 8 km of the coastline. Early afternoon you will take a whale watching boat tour. Keep a look out for Sperm Whales, Humpback Whales and Orcas as well as many species of Dolphin. Spend the night in the seaside village of Kaikōura.

This morning further up the coast, stop North of Kaikōura to see some New Zealand fur seals in their natural environment. From here, your tour then heads through Marlborough wine growing country where you may wish to explore some of the area’s fantastic wineries (we will note some of our favourites in your travel guides). From here you will be driving through the Whangamoa Ranges and Nelson. En route from Nelson to Abel Tasman National Park you may wish to stop at some orchards and a chance to try fresh seasonal fruit. From here you will reach your destination of Abel Tasman National Park.

Today you’ll board a cruise to Medlands Beach where you can relax, swim and explore then cruise back to Kaiteriteri to kayak in the shelter of one of of New Zealand’s most popular bays. You’ll also walk a section of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track – NZ’s most popular. this trip includes 1 hour kayaking, up to 1.5 hours walking + a 2 hour cruise. Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s smallest National Park and is famous for its golden beaches, turquoise waters, native bush and spectacular scenery. Observe Abel Tasman’s playful inhabitants – dolphins, fur seals, penguins and sea birds.

The rest of the afternoon is free to spend at leisure.

This morning you farewell the sunny North Coast and head southwest to the lush rainforest of the West Coast. En route you can explore Westport and Mangatini Falls on the Charming Creek Walkway (small detour). Next perhaps check out Cape Foulwind. Upon arrival in Punakaiki, you can explore the pancake rocks and blowholes situated right next to the village; a bizarre, rugged, rocky landscape which impresses thousands of visitors each year with its powerful forces of nature!

This morning you will detour 30 minutes North to Underworld Adventures in Charleston. Here they will kit you up for the trip of a lifetime through their glowworm caves. The journey starts with a trip on their rainforest train, a walk through the rainforest and a journey into their large limestone cave. Following this you will lie on a tube and drift under the light of thousands upon thousands of glow worms on the cave ceiling. This particular cave has more glowworms than any other cave in NZ and the experience is truly cathartic. Driving South down the coast from Punakaiki, check out the stunning Hokitika Gorge with its beautiful bright blue waters and surrounding native forest. Arrive in Franz Josef Glacier this afternoon/evening, a beautiful village nestled at the base of the mighty Southern Alps.

Please note there is the option to do a glow worm cave tour (without any rafting or getting wet!) if you would prefer.

This morning you will have the opportunity to enjoy a short scenic helicopter flight with snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier, or a 3 hour guided heli-hike on the ice of glacier itself (optional). Franz Josef Glacier is one of only three glaciers in the world that is surrounded by rainforest! Alternatively, walk along the Waiho River into the colossal Franz Josef Glacier valley and get closer to the base of the glacier.

One of the most dramatic journeys in the country is what you can experience on your drive over the Haast Pass through to Wānaka. En route you will visit Lake Matheson, otherwise known as ‘Mirror Lakes’ where on a clear day it is possible to see the reflection of New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mt Cook (3754m/12,316ft). The walking possibilities are endless today around Haast and Haast Pass and you can choose from several nature walks, some of which feature spectacular waterfalls and deep blue coloured pools where it is possible to see trout swimming. One of our favourite spots at The Road Trip is Ship Creek, an isolated beach featuring native totara trees hugging rugged coastline. Tonight you stay in the pictiresque lakeside town of Wānaka.

This morning your South Island tour takes you to the beautiful town of Arrowtown via The Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest highway. Arrowtown was an important location in the gold rush of Central Otago in the 1860s and is now a historic town with a very special vibe. Perhaps browse the preserved Chinese gold mining village or wander the boutique shops the town has on offer.

Following this, perhaps enjoy a wine tasting at Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door, overlooking the stunning Lake Hayes.

This afternoon you will drive a further 2 hours to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Be prepared for one of the jewels of the New Zealand landscape! The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular in the world and certainly a highlight on any New Zealand tour. En route you will see spectacular valleys, breath taking mountains and hopefully spot the cheeky Kea (New Zealand’s mountain parrot).

Upon arrival in Milford Sound you will experience all that the fiord has to offer with a 1.5 hour boat cruise featuring pristine waterfalls and towering mountains plunging into the Tasman Sea. Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and the Fiordland crested Penguin.

On your trip back to Te Anau there is the opportunity to enjoy several short walks in the Fiordland National Park.

This morning you will head to Queenstown, ‘New Zealand’s adventure capital of the world’. Skirting your way around Lake Wakatipu makes for some stunning photography and you will be amazed by the Remarkables Mountain Range, one of the most famous back drops for Lord of the Rings.

The afternoon is free to spend as you wish in Queenstown, and there is plenty to see and do! Perhaps enjoy a walk around the botanic gardens on the lake, enjoy a drop of Central Otago pinot noir at a nearby winery, or sample some fresh local cuisine on offer on the lakefront.

Today is free to explore Queenstown at leisure and take part in some of the fantastic activities that this ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ has to offer. Options for the adventurous include: Skydiving, Bungy Jumping, Jet Boating, Canyon Swings, White Water Rafting, Flyboarding and Paragliding. If you feel like taking a more relaxed approach to the day, a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw 100 year old steam ship or a walk through Queenstown’s Botanic Gardens are not to be missed. Perhaps drive out to the head of Lake Wakatipu and experience the breath-taking scenery of the Glenorchy area.

You leave Central Otago today through the Kawarau Gorge and Cromwell where you can make a stop en route at a local fruit shop to try real fruit ice cream and perhaps sample New Zealand famous manuka honey products.

From there, cross the Lindis Pass to the Mackenzie Country and travel alongside the stunning turquoise Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mt Cook Village. Weather permitting you can take a short walk at the foot of Mt Cook – New Zealand’s highest mountain. Our favourite walk ventures into the Hooker Valley and takes in some of the most impressive views in the country.

En route to Lake Tekapo, perhaps take a trip to the top of Mt John to experience the feeling of being on top of the world. The cafe at the top boasts stunning 360 degree views of the Mountains and turquoise coloured lakes in the area.

Tonight you will enjoy a stargazing tour atop Mt John with Dark Sky Project. At 1,029m high, Mt John offers unrivalled 360-degree views across the largest accredited International Dark Sky Reserve in the world. Their expert astronomy guides bring the night sky to life, sharing the science and the stories of our Southern skies. Take in the incredible Milky Way, far off planets, star clusters, solar systems, and even distant galaxies; every night sky beholds something different.

This morning you depart Lake Tekapo and continue on to Christchurch. The afternoon is free to explore The Garden City of Christchurch. You could enjoy a stroll in the botanic gardens and a drive around the bays of Banks Peninsula, taking in Lyttelton which was the gateway for many of Christchurch and the Canterbury region’s first European settlers. Cathedral Square and the remains of the Christchurch Cathedral are well worth a visit, as well as the revitalised central shopping area and Riverside Market.

Today you will transfer to your onward travel arrangements. We trust you have had a fantastic time in our beautiful country and wish you safe travels to your next destination.

Onward flight is not included.