Itinerary

Day 1

Christchurch

Upon your arrival in Christchurch, your rental car will be waiting at the airport terminal for you. Christchurch (the Garden City) is New Zealand's second largest city. Spend the day recovering from your flight or check out some of the many sights, shopping and activities that Christchurch has to offer. There are some great City tours available in Christchurch, if you would like options for today please ask your consultant.

Day 2

Christchurch - Kaikoura - 2.5 hours

Begin your journey with a coastal drive up the East Coast of New Zealand. Kaikoura is an enchanting place where the mountains meet Ocean. The sea food here is as good as it gets and well worth taking advantage of. Check in to your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day and evening.

Day 3

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is famous for its Whale watching, and swimming with Dolphins as it is one of the most consistent locations on the planet for having an encounter with these amazing mammals. This is due to the unique sea bed off this coast line and the migratory path of these magnificent creatures. You have the choice of one of these activities today (included).

Day 4

Kaikoura - Able Tasman National Park - 4 hours

Journey today through Marlborough's wine country, the Arts Mecca of Nelson city and on to Able Tasman National Park. Able Tasman National Parks stunning beaches and bush landscapes make this area one of New Zealand's favorite tramping and coastal destinations. Although you wouldn't know it when basking on one of its secluded beaches. Upon your arrival to the Park, catch a water taxi to your beach side accommodation at Awaroa Lodge. Native bush cascades down the hill sides to golden sand beaches and turquoise waters. Situated in the middle of the park, Awaroa Lodge offers fantastic opportunities to explore in many directions or just relax and lap up paradise.

Day 5

Able Tasman National Park

Much of Able Tasman National Park is marine reserve and attracts a multitude of sea life including Orcas dolphins and seals. Sea kayaking, boat journeys, tramping, relaxing on the beach, heli tours and fine dinning at the lodge are but some of the options available while in the park.

Day 6

Able Tasman National Park - Punakaiki - 3 hours

Today return to your car by water taxi and drive to the wild West Coast of the South Island. There are many optional stop off points along the way to Punakaiki. Allow enough time to take a walk out to view the magnificent Pancake Rocks and blow holes. Punakaiki offers many tranquil areas to discover including caves, native bush and spectacular beaches.

Day 7

Punakaiki - Franz Josef - 3 hours

Today drive down the West Coast to Franz Joseph Glacier. Few sights equal the grandeur of Franz Josef Glaciers as it grinds down through temperate rainforest to just 250 meters above sea level. This is the only place outside of Argentina where this occurs.

Day 8

Franz Josef Glacier

Today with an early start to the day you have multiple activities on offer. Walk to viewpoints at the terminal face or, for a close-up view of the spectacular ice formations, take a guided glacier walk, heli-hike or scenic flight. Spend time at the beach or explore rain forests and lakes. Mt Cook (New Zealand's biggest mountain) is also accessable from Franz Josef, Scenic flights are available.

Day 9

Franz Josef Glacier- Queenstown - 5 hours

The drive today is one of the highlights of your travel time. Drive along coastlines, through temperate rainforests, past raging water falls and over the Haast Pass. Emerge to the scenic splendor of the Southern Lakes districts. Wanaka is a great stop off point for lunch. Arrive this afternoon in Queenstown.

Day 10

Queenstown - Milford Sound - Overnight cruise - 5 hours by coach

Today will most certainly be a huge highlight of your trip. Milford Sound is without a doubt one of the most Heavenly places on the face of the Earth and often referred to as the eighth wonder of the World. The drive to get to Milford Sound is simply stunning and well worth the distance. Take a round trip, which involves a guided tour, overnight cruise on Milford Sound and a return journey to Queenstown.

Day 11

Milford Sound - Queenstown - 5 hours by coach

Return to Queenstown this morning via coach. Alternatively there is an option for a spectacular 45 minute scenic flight for your return. The remainder of the Day is free for you to discover why Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world. Activities include: Bungy jumping, White Water Rafting, Jet Boat Trips, Skydiving, Sailing..the list goes on and on. For the not so adventurous there are many optional activities available. The local wineries are excellent and well worth a visit for wine lovers.

Day 12

Queenstown - Lake Tekapo - 5 hours

Pick up your Rental Car and head in the direction of Lake Tekapo. Again this is an unforgettable road trip that will take you through landscapes featured in Lord of the Rings to the magical township of Lake Tekapo. Boasting some of the clearest sky's on the planet Lake Tekapo is world renowned for it's Star watching. Observatory tours available.

Day 13

Lake Tekapo - Christchurch - 3 hours

Wake up to the surreal turquoise colour of the LakeTekapo. On a clear day the lake is a picture perfect Alpine scene, the glacial run off from the Southern Alps gives the Lake its unusual colour. This afternoon continue your journey and return across the Cantebury Plains to Christchurch.

Day 14

Christchurch

Christchurch, the South Islands largest City has much to offer. Your central location gives you plenty of options for today and tonight. For an unforgettable end to your trip a Hot Air Balloon ride can be added to this itinerary.

Extra Information

Extras -

Tour Includes

Compact 4-Door Auto Transmission Air Conditioned Rental Car (Includes basic insurance and NZ Tax) - All accommodation including: Able Tasman National Park coastline luxury accommodation - Two nights accommodation in a private rainforest cabin - Secluded Beach front accommodation - Lake side accommodation at stunning Lake Tekapo - A choice of whale watching or swimming with dolphins - Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blow holes - Franz Josef Glacier - The Haast Mountain Pass - Milford Sound excursion including and over night cruise on the "Milford Maliner" and much much more.