14 day scenic South Island tour - Christchurch to Christchurch
Day one Christchurch
Following your arrival in Christchurch take some time to explore the city. Take in the famous Cathedral Square, visit the historic Arts Centre and Museum, just across the road take a stroll through the Botanic Gardens, or perhaps just relax at one of the cities many cafes.
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Your accommodation in arrange in Christchurch overnight.
Day two Christchurch - Greymouth
This morning catch the TranzAlpine train through the heart of the scenic Southern Alps to the west coast township of Greymouth. This train journey is rated as one of the top five train journeys in the world, make sure you have your camera and loads of film! Following your arrival in Greymouth collect your rental car and explore the local area. The west coast was the scene of a prosperous gold rush in the mid 1800's. Today many of the old relics are still to be seen and the area is rich in history from this area. Stop off at Shantytown for a taste of one of the historic townships, and to try our own hand at gold panning! Or perhaps just explore some of the areas many ghost towns.
Accommodation overnight in Greymouth.
Day three Greymouth - Franz Josef
Depart this morning and drive south along the coast to Franz Josef village. The drive is approximately 2 hours and you will find plenty of places of interest along the way. Franz and Fox Glaciers are both very accessible glaciers and are well worth exploring. As well as the glaciers, Franz Josef also offers excellent mountain and forest views, glowworm dells and plenty of walking opportunities.
Accommodation is overnight in Franz Josef or Fox.
Day four Franz Josef - Queenstown
After exploring the glacier region further head south to Queenstown, the drive takes around 5 hours, and takes in the scenic Haast Pass area. Once in Queenstown take some time to explore the area.
Accommodation overnight in Queenstown
Day five Queenstown
Try to include in your activities for today, a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw over to the Walter Peak farm (optional), the tour included a scenic cruise, morning or afternoon tea, a farm tour and a cruise back across the lake. The rest of the day is at your leisure, the activity options are endless, rafting, jet boating, horse riding, Lord of the Rings tours, gondola rides, the list goes on. Let us know your preference and we can book you in to your pick, to avoid disappointment.
Accommodation overnight again in Queenstown
Day six Milford Sound
This morning, have an optional tour from Queenstown and board a guided tour to take you into Milford Sound and aboard a cruise the length of this majestic fiord.
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Your tour returns you to Queenstown where will stay overnight again
Day seven Queenstown to Dunedin
From Queenstown make your way over to Dunedin, this drive is approximately 3.5 hours.
On arrival in Dunedin take some time to explore this historic city.
Accommodation is arranged overnight
Day eight Dunedin
Take the morning to explore this city, perhaps visit the Speight's Brewery, world famous in New Zealand, or Cadbury World, were you can experience the production of New Zealand's finest chocolates. This afternoon explore on optional tour to Otago Peninsula, exploring some of New Zealand's unique wildlife, including the mighty albatross (in season), yellow-eyed penguin and Hooker's seals.
Accommodation is overnight again in Dunedin
Day nine Dunedin to Mount Cook
This journey of approximately 4 hours take you to the foot of New Zealand's highest mountain, enjoy the afternoon exploring this alpine village and taking in the mountain air. There are many walking tracks in and around the village and plenty of areas to explore.
Accommodation overnight in Mount Cook Region (Omarama or Twizel)
Day ten Mount Cook - Christchurch
This journey of approximately 4 hours takes you from mount Cook out onto the Canterbury Plains and then north to Christchurch city again. Along the way you will pass through many beautiful country towns, if time permits allow at stop in Fairlie and visit The Old Library Café, the fare is divine.
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Accommodation overnight in Christchurch.
Day eleven Christchurch - Kaikoura
From Christchurch head north to Kaikoura. This seaside town is a sleepy farming centre built up by its outstanding year around whale watching opportunities. As well as whales you can also experience swimming with dolphins, swimming with seals and diving with sharks. Another asset in the area are the outstanding seafood restaurants. The area is famous for its crayfish and they are well worth sampling.
Accommodation overnight in Kaikoura
Day twelve Kaikoura - Hanmer Springs
This morning try an optional tour on a whale-watching excursion in the early morning. This whale-watching trip is approximately three hours long and gets you up close to these majestic sea creatures. You may also take this opportunity to swim with the dolphins as well, please indicate if you wish to book this at the time of booking.
From Kaikoura make your way in the afternoon, over to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs for some rest and relaxation to wind down the end of your holiday. Hanmer Springs is famous for its outstanding complex of hot springs. The village is in a alpine setting, surrounded by mountains and forest. If you are feeling particularly energetic then try hiking or mountain biking on some of the many tracks through the surrounding alpine forest.
Accommodation overnight in Hanmer Springs
Day thirteen Hanmer Springs - Christchurch
From Hanmer Springs make your way, at your leisure back to Christchurch city, approximately 1.5 hours drive. Take the remainder of the day to explore the city of Christchurch.
Accommodation is arranged overnight in Christchurch
Day fourteen Christchurch
Explore the city further before returning your rental car as per agreement and depart on your own arrangements.
Price: NZ$3445.00 includes accommodation twin share, rental car, Milford Sound Scenic cruise ex Queenstown tour and Tranzalpine tickets for two adults, price will vary depending on accommodation and rental car.
Click here to enter your request into our enquiry/booking form.
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