13 Day Essence of the South Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ and welcome to New Zealand!

Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand’s Garden City. On arrival you will be transferred from the airport to your Christchurch accommodation. After you check-in, you can head out and explore Christchurch see what remains of the historic architecture and the changes as the city is rebuilt since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.

Suggested activity options if time allows:

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

This morning travel North to Kaikoura on the Coastal Pacific Train. Kaikoura is known as New Zealand’s ‘Serengeti of the Sea’. The natural wonders here are breath taking. Fur seals lounge on the rugged coastline and, just offshore, whales and dolphins thrive in an ocean that teems with life.

Enjoy your free time in Kaikoura, you may like to choose to swim with dolphins or go whale watching.

Suggested Wildlife Encounters in Kaikoura:

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 1 Night

Catch your train and continue North to Blenheim the very heart of Marlborough. From Blenheim your journey continues by coach to Nelson. Nelson has a large creative community of working artists that gives the town a laid-back, bohemian feel. Passionate wine makers and craft beer brewers in the area mean that sitting in the sun with the tipple of your choice is a lovely way to enjoy the town centre.

Receiving some of the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand, the Nelson district it the perfect destination to visit year round. Located in the North-West corner of New Zealand, the Nelson region is surrounded by sheltered mountain ranges, golden beaches, national parks and boutique wineries and breweries. From Nelson, it’s easy to access any of three distinctly different National Parks.

Accommodation: Nelson - 2 Nights

Today you will travel through Motueka to Kaiteriteri where you will board your launch. Enjoy a relaxing cruise in the Abel Tasman National Park and explore this area on foot. Golden beaches border the translucent turquoise sea, and sandy estuaries fringed by natural forests. The walking tracks here, both in land and costal, are world famous for their outstanding beauty. Kickback on one of the many unspoilt beaches you will discover along the way is what its all about. Plus you have the added bonus of face-to-face encounters with marine wildlife and birds. 

Rejoin your cruise back to Kaiteriteri to return to your hotel in the late afternoon. 

Follow the Motueka River Valley and its bounty of hops, grapes and apple trees, before heading over the Spooners saddle in the Golden Downs forest. Follow SH6 to Murchison, although part of the Nelson Region, this will be your first introduction to the glory and green that is the scenic beauty of the West Coast and Buller Region.  Your coach navigate's the awesome Buller Gorge, where at Hawks Crag the road has been hacked out of solid rock – you’ll drive under a dramatic overhang. Continue on to Punakaiki, famous for its ancient Pancake Rocks and booming blowholes. It is the centrepiece of the Paparoa National Park - packed with a variety of stunning landscapes. 
 

Accommodation: Punakaiki - 1 Night

Depart Punakaiki and head south on one of the country's most spectacular drives. Your destination today is Franz Josef township, home to the famous glacier. Here the Franz Josef Glacier tumbles down from the Southern Alps almost to the sea, its ancient icy faces contrasting spectacularly with the surrounding rainforests.

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 Nights

Today is a free day to explore the region around Franz Josef. You are in the heart of the Westland National Park, considered to be the most diverse and beautiful areas in New Zealand and the home of the Kea, a protected native parrot that thrives in the chilly environment and is infamous for its inquisitive and often destructive behaviour! 

If you are feeling adventurous take a Glacier Heli Hike and land on the glacier with an experienced guide to explore the towering peaks and ice formations.

Excursions available in and around the Franz Josef area:

Today we venture across the mountains, driving up and over the Haast Pass and travelling past dramatic rivers, forests and mountains. We stop to stretch our legs on an easy forest track that leads to dazzling blue pools and the amazing Thunder Creek Falls. We journey along the shores of the turquoise-blue lakes of Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan, and make our way through the rugged cliffs of the Kawarau Gorge and onwards to Cromwell. The final stop of today is Queenstown - the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Accommodation Queenstown - 3 Nights

The surrounding area is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards and the natural landscape with wild rivers, high peaks and deep canyons has allowed Queenstown to developed an exciting array of outdoor adventure activities - and there's plenty to choose from. But if you are just want to chill out then Queenstown's compact downtown area is relaxed during the day and huge fun at night. In any season, you can count on stylish designer shops and many trendy restaurants offering a kaleidoscope of dining experiences.

Recommended excursions around Queenstown:

Today promises to be one of the major highlights of your time in New Zealand. We journey to Te Anau, the gateway to the stunning Fiordland National Park, before driving the spectacular Milford Road. Lush forests, glacier-carved valleys, snowy peaks and mirror-like lakes dot this very special driving experience into a renowned World Heritage Site. Continuing through the hand-carved Homer Tunnel and on to Milford Sound itself, the views of this grand fiord are breath taking. We explore its inky waters on a boat cruise, soaking up the surroundings of granite cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and unique wildlife before journeying back to Queenstown for the night. 
 

This morning you will depart Queenstown and travel north through the historic gold mining region of the Kawarau Gorge before arriving at the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook Village. Mt. Cook, highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere, helped Sir Edmund Hillary hone his climbing skills in preparation for his conquest of Everest. After enjoying these amazing sceneries you will continue to your final destination of today, Mount Cook. 

Accommodation Mount Cook - 1 Night

Today continue your journey to Christchurch your final destination. Enjoy the turquoise blue Lake Tekapo. Here you can take the opportunity to enjoy the majestic scenery of the Southern Alps and view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. After enjoying these amazing sceneries you will continue to your final destination of the journey - Christchurch. 

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

Today we say farewell. We take care of your transfer to Christchurch Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.