Superb South Island

9 Days/ 8 Nights from $2,169 (Tour Code : T34)

A complete circuit of the South Island in 9 days, including golden Nelson beaches, the wild West Coast, majestic mountains and more...

Day 1: Christchurch - Kaikoura
The Tranz Coastal train makes an early start through dry North Canterbury sheep country. Next it edges along the narrow coastal strip between the ocean and the rugged mountains to arrive in Kaikora. Conditions permitting, you may like to take a cruise to see the whales and other marine life which feeds in this area. Overnight Kaikoura.

Day 2: Kaikoura - Blenheim - Nelson
Rejoin the Tranz Coastal train and turn inland to Blenheim. Joining your coach, you pass vineyards and orchards to Nelson. Stay two nights in Nelson.

Day 3: At Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park Tour
Your full-day excursion begins with a drive through orchard country to Motueka, then on to Kaiteriteri Beach to board your launch. You may choose to remain on board your launch for the duration of the cruise, or to disembark to walk part of the track, before meeting your launch again in a different bay.

Day 4: Nelson - Greymouth
Travel through the Buller Gorge to Westport and down the coast to the unique formations known as the Pancake Rocks. From here you will travel through to your overnight destination Greymouth.

Day 5: Greymouth - Glaciers
Enjoy a guided tour from Greymouth to the glaciers, visiting the jade carvers in Hokitika, places of historical interest, a giant Matai tree and several picturesque lakes. Take a short guided walk to the terminal face of a glacier before overnighting at either Fox or Franz Josef Glacier.

Day 6: Glaciers - Queenstown
Dense rainforest contrasts with rugged coastal vistas as you plunge deeper into South Westland. Cross the pass to reach the southern lakes district and the alpine playground of Queenstown. Stay in Queenstown for three nights.

Day 7: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
An early start takes you alongside the lake to Kingston, then on to Mossburn and Lake Te Anau. Travel through the Fiorland National Park, passing the Mirror Lakes, the Chasm, the Homer Tunnel and the Cleddau Chasm. A cruise on Milford Sound beneath lofty Mitre Peak, waterfalls and out to the mouth of the Tasman Sea is included. Then you climb out of Milford Sound to return to Queenstown by evening.

Day 8: At Queenstown
Today is completely at your leisure in this alpine playground - we have included the Skyline gondola in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities as well, from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris, bungy jumping.

Day 9: Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch
Travel through the rocky Kawarau Gorge and past Cromwell to climb up over the Lindis Pass. The tussocky plains of the Mackenzie Country lie before you as you head towards Mt Cook village in the heart of the Southern Alps. You have a brief stop here for optional flight seeing or lunch(not included) before travelling on to Tekapo to see the Church of the Good Shepperd. Cross Burkes Pass to Fairlie before returning to Christchurch.

Tour Inclusions:

*All tours are flexible. Extra nights and pre and post tour accommodation available.