The South Island of New Zealand is a land of immense natural beauty: high alpine ranges, glacial lakes, golden beaches, primeval rainforest and deep fiords all combine to reflect a raw beauty and sense of freedom in the great outdoors. It’s through these unique landscapes that we journey from the garden city of Christchurch for a marine adventure to view whales and dolphins off the Kaikoura coastline, walk through the Hooker Valley, Mount Cook, trek on the famous Routeburn Track and explore the deep fiord waters of Milford Sound. A superb holiday!
What's Included
- Minibus transport
- 14 nights' accommodation in twin-bedded en-suite rooms in guest houses; 2 nights accommodation in track lodges
- Services of a courier / driver
- Services of local guides
What's Not Included
- New Zealand international air fare
- Meals (optional breakfast, lunch and dinner packages can be pre-booked)
Itinerary Highlights
Christchurch (2 nights)
- Explore the Garden City
- ‘Find your feet’ on a coastal trail to Godley Head
Kaikoura (1 night)
- Travel north to Kaikoura for whale-watching or enjoy a swim with the dolphins
Mount Cook (2 nights)
- Cross the Canterbury Plains into ‘Mackenzie country’ for a walk through the Hooker Valley and a close-up view of Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain
Wanaka, Mount Aspiring National Park (2 nights)
- Follow a trail along the west branch of the Matukituki River, walking across open river terraces for superb views of Rob Roy Glacier, Mount Tyndale and the Shotover Saddle.
Te Anau (2 nights)
- Explore Fiordland National Park
- Walk a section of the Kepler Track
- Enjoy a cruise on the magnificent Milford Sound.
Routeburn Track (2 nights)
- Experience a three day independent alpine traverse - one of the highlights of the holiday and, as the late Sir Edmund Hilary rightly claimed, ‘an experience which everyone will always remember.’
Queenstown (2 nights)
- A free day to enjoy any of the many activities which this scenic resort has to offer - from bungy jumping to sky diving.
Fox Glacier (2 nights)
- Take a guided trek on the Glacier.
Christchurch (1 night)
- Cross the Southern Alps through Arthur’s Pass National Park