New Zealand Travel New Zealand South Island Tour
Highlights:
- See up-close Albatross, penguins, and
whales
- Luxurious stays in some of the world's best small hotels and lodges
- Overnight cruise on Milford Sound or
Doubtful Sound
- Enjoy and Stay in the wilderness
native Forests of New Zealand
- The Itinerary can be altered to suite your traveling requirements
- South Island Tour seeing the best of this southern Island of New
Zealand
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrive into Christchurch
to begin your New Zealand South Island Tour;
then shuttle transfer to the Christchurch accommodation Hotel
Day 2 – Coach transfer from Christchurch to Mt Cook via Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki; then onward to Dunedin for 2 nights.
Day 3 – Tour the Otago Peninsula just outside Dunedin. Visit Lanarch Castle and the gardens that surround New Zealand’s only castle. Tour the Royal Albatross Visitors Center before seeing the nesting Albatross Colony on the outreach cliff on the Otago Peninsula. Afterwards see the Yellow eyed penguins
up-close in the strategically placed
observations huts for unobtrusive viewing.
Day 4 – Journey on the Tairei Gorge train to Pukerangi before boarding a coach to Queenstown for 3 nights.
Day 5 – Enjoy a full day tour of the Doubtful Sound. Take a relaxing cruise across Lake Manapouri before touring the Manapouri Hydro underground Power Station. Travel over Wilmot pass for a photo stop seeing the length of Doubtful Sound. Cruise on the Sound with a chance to see dolphins and seals. With lunch included, before returning to Queenstown.
Milford Sound full day tour or overnight cruise of either Fjord is an option.
Day 6 – Explore the nature settings seen in The Lord of the Rings. The majestic back country of wilderness outside Queenstown you will find very dramatic scenery. There is a tour also suited for photographers.
Day 7 – Today is a free day in Queenstown to enjoy at leisure; or the following optional tours available to reserve. A cruise on Lake Wakitpu, Queenstown on the MS Earnslaw to Walter Peak high country station; Queenstown wine trail tour, or a gondola to the Skyline restaurant.
Day 8 – Pick-up a Toyota Camry or similar, travel to the Haast Pass. Stay in
a Rainforest Lodge room for 3 nights with
all touring experiences, walking tracks, wildlife tours with Breakfast and Dinner daily.
Day 9, 10 – Experience the wildlife, wilderness, and activities offered at
a lodge in the midst of the New Zealand Wilderness. There is a walking network that covers 6 miles and walks range from an easy 20 minutes to 80 minute walk that take you through giant New Zealand native trees, lagoons and beach walk for a chance to see penguins.
Enjoy a leisurely Canoe around the scenic Lake Moeraki. A daily complimentary naturalist guided to discover the ferns, orchids, New Zealand native song birds such as the Tui, Bellbird, and wood pigeons that live in the rainforests.
Day 11 – On
this South Island tour in New Zealand; travel north to the Franz Josef Glacier, and stay in the Franz Josef for 2 nights with breakfast daily.
Day 12 – Explore the Franz Josef Glacier on a half day guided hike tour. See the remnants of the Glacier grounded surface before traversing over the ice glacier. See the many shapes and formation formed by the Glacier. The remainder of the day and explore Franz Josef.
Day 13 – Traveling north through the West Coast rainforest before arriving into Greymouth. Return the vehicle at Greymouth Train Station then board the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train. Arriving into Christchurch
early evening.
Day 14 – Board the Tranz Coastal Train to Kaikoura.
Stay for 3 nights in a Tree House 30 feet high overlooking dramatic
mountains and the surf washed Pacific Oceans rugged coastline; with Breakfast daily.
Day 15 – Enjoy a cruise for Whale watching to see Sperm Whales year round and subject to weather conditions. Seasonal you can also see Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Pilot whales and Blue Whales as they migrate. There is a chance to see a variety of Albatross, Petrels, and Shearwater birds.
Day 16 – Today enjoy where the Mountains meet the Ocean of this wonderful region. You can go Fishing, Four wheel drive, Hiking, Scenic Flights, Night sky show, and swim with the dolphins or seals.
Day 17 – Board the Tranz Coastal
train north to Picton. It is here the Inter-island ferry departs or arrives from Wellington. Pick-up an Intermediate vehicle and stay in a One Bedroom Chalet overlooking the bay with Breakfast daily.
Day 17,18 – Enjoy the natural wonders in the midst of Abel Tasman National Park. A choice of either a full day or overnight sea kayak tour. A half day wine tour, or a walk along the bays of this region.
Day 19 Return the vehicle to Nelson Airport
but keep all your memories of this New Zealand South Island tour; before returning to the USA.
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Departure Date
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Every day of the Year |
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Type of accommodation |
Hotels, Bed & Breakfast, and Luxury Lodges |
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Can I have a mixture of accommodation |
Yes |
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Touring Options |
Self Drive, Coach, and Helicopter |
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Can the Itinerary be altered |
Yes |
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What is the cost |
Depends on variables, please inquire |
