Relaxed Adventure in the Scenic South Tour Itinerary

Welcome to Christchurch an Exciting City to Visit ... Now!

The city itself has bounced back after a series of major earthquakes, and has shown its resiliency with a number of new and exciting developments popping up everywhere. It’s an exciting time to visit Christchurch, the blank canvas that was the CBD is starting to fill and inspiring architects from all over the world. Visit the ‘Cardboard Transitional Cathedral’ in Latimer Square, designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. The earthquake also exerted a revitalising influence over Christchurch’s arts scene with work being installed on outside walls, billboards, in windows and temporary spaces, sharing street space with a proliferation of temporary installations and outdoor exhibitions – truly worth taking time to explore.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night

Your New Zealand Relaxed Adventure starts now, collect your rental vehicle and head south on a the scenic drive to Oamaru.

Quirky Oamaru
While its façade is strictly of the Victorian era with ornately decorated grand white stone buildings that once housed upstanding banks, hotels and restaurants, the ‘Oamaruivans’ are certainly not. In fact, they are quite the contrary, unlike the Victorians they (the locals) are bohemian artisans, creatives and antiquarians who run ‘out-there’ galleries, museums, shops and venues – it has to be seen to be believed and you'll love it.

The Art of Victorian Futurism
One of these quirky manifestations is the Steam Punk Museum and workshop, housed in a beautiful but imposing free-standing Oamaru stone building. Outside the infamous Steampunk Engine SP001 greets visitors, belching flames, smoke and odd sounds. Inside the museum presents a theme of a dark post-apocalyptic vision of a future "as it might have been".

Blog Article: The Art of Victorian Futurism in Oamaru

Meet the Smallest Penguins in the World
This evening you will have the opportunity to watch the nightly return to land of the Little Blue Penguin that nest under the local wharf. Hear all about the knowledge from the guides who know all about these little birds. 

Approximate Distance: 250 km | 155 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Oamaru - 1 night

The Famous Moeraki Boulders
Visit the Moeraki Boulders 40 km (24 Miles) south of Oamaru. These other worldly boulders are steeped in Maori Legend. Scientists explain the boulders as septarian concretions formed about 65 million years ago. Crystallization of calcium and carbonates around charged particles in muddy undersea sediments gradually formed the boulders in a process taking as long as four million years. The soft mud-stone containing the boulders was raised from the seabed around 15 million years ago and sea erosion is exposing the erosion-resistant boulders.

Dunedin
Dunedin is now the second largest city in the South Island and positively thriving - a bustling university town that is packed with interesting sights from the wonderful cultural attractions to the thriving marine life and spectacular ocean front geography. Dunedin was founded by Scottish immigrants, who built the impressive buildings the city is now famed for. These buildings incorporate a diverse array of styles from Tudor, Jacobean, Georgian, Carpenter, Gothic and Arts and Crafts styles also feature - to some very fine examples of Neo-Gothic. Dunedin is regarded as one of the best preserved Victorian cities in the Commonwealth.

Approximate Distance: 115 km | 71 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 30 mins

Accommodation: Otago Peninsula - 2 nights

Join the highly rated Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise, a voyage of discovery among a unique diversity and abundance of wildlife (10-20 species), great beauty, dramatic views and significant geological features Passengers can see what cannot be seen from land, to greet the mighty Northern Royal Albatross as it sweeps in from the open Pacific Ocean and soars above the spectacular inaccessible cliffs of Taiaroa. These escarpments are alive with eight other species of birds nesting above families of Fur Seals. Close offshore, huge flocks of Sooty Shearwaters feed among other Shearwaters, Petrels and other species of Albatross. The abundance and diversity of wildlife makes a cruise different - a truly multi-species tour on a sheltered harbour that sparkles with scenic beauty, gems of geology and a colourful heritage.

Set amongst a skyline of great mountains and beside the gorgeous Lake Te Anau, Te Anau is one of the great scenic towns of the South Island. It's location in Fiordland puts Te Anau Township squarely on the doorstep to adventure - some of the most spectacular wilderness landscapes in New Zealand are accessed from here, including the incredible Milford Road, Doubtful Sound, Te Anau Glow Worm Caves and Milford Sound. The name Te Anau translates in Maori to 'Caves of Swirling Water' and until a relatively recent discovery, the origin of the swirling waters remained lost in old Maori legend. The town is surrounded by beauty and brimming with great accommodation options, dining and unique attractions. 

Approximate Distance: 290 km | 180 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

​Accommodation: Te Anau - 3 nights

Follow the River Deep into the Waitutu Rainforest. BBQ on a Wild West Coast Beach

Today will take you literally beyond the beaten track - this 94 km (58 mile) jet boat adventure provides access to the most remote section of Fiordland National Park. Beginning with a crossing of Lake Haroto, following the mighty Wairaurahiri River down to the rugged southern coast while dodging giant overhanging trees and massive gnarled, moss-covered branches – the rainforest is everywhere. This full Day Adventure includes several nature walks deep into the Waitutu rainforest viewing and identifying indigenous flora and fauna – You will soon realize why this place is considered a national treasure.

Finally on reaching the South Coast, we pull into an idyllic beach location for a delicious kiwi style BBQ is served with typical great Southern hospitality. The adventure continues and the return journey allows you to experience the full force of the Wairaurahiri River's mighty current as we travel upstream to the original departure point.

Milford Sound flights are the best way to reach this isolated gem. Situated on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, it is a world renowned area of extraordinary beauty. Milford Sound is actually named incorrectly a sound, it actually is a true fiord, which measures 12 km long and is up to 320 metres deep. A glacier landing, along with several other remote landings, even a gourmet lunch somewhere in the wilderness – Tell us what you want and we can arrange it! 

Wanaka is a compelling mix of spectacular alpine scenery, fine food, wine, and boutique shopping. The lakeside resort town of Wanaka is surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most wild and beautiful places. On the doorstep of Mount Aspiring National Park, the spectacular walks & hikes, skiing, water sports and boating options available here delight those passionate about the outdoors. Wanaka is a destination that’s charming in all seasons. Staying around town is just as enjoyable; delight in the many delicious eateries and bustling pubs and enjoy a stroll on the lakeside walkway or a swim in the refreshing waters. 

Approximate Distance: 230 km | 143 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

​Accommodation: Wanaka - 2 nights

Just an hour away from Wanaka lies the breathtaking World Heritage site of Mt Aspiring National Park. This park features the Matukituki Valley, home to the impressive Rob Roy Glacier. Starting from the lofty Rob Roy Peak at 2,606 meters, the glacier clings to the steep mountainside, descending into the Rob Roy Valley. The Wanaka Glacier Adventure offers a morning viewing of this stunning glacier, followed by a gourmet lunch and an afternoon hike to a spectacular lookout over Lake Wanaka. The trip is enriched with fascinating history, captivating stories, and stunning landscapes.

The road to Mt Cook is one of the most spectacular drives in New Zealand, it hugs the edge of picture perfect 'Lake Pukaki'. This exquisite opaque turquoise coloured lake is one of the most photographed in New Zealand and for good reason, its astounding colour is caused by fine, glacier-ground rock particles suspended in the waters of the lake and reflected out to you the viewer - The colour needs to be seen to be believed.

The Aoraki Mount Cook National Parks  landscape is a mixture of high country tussock, farmland and snow-capped mountains and includes the highest peak in Australasia - 3755m (12,319 feet). The region attracts mountain climbers, hikers and scenery fanatics. Heli skiing, heli hiking and aerial sightseeing provide visitors with amazing memories. A variety of walking trails begin in or near Mount Cook Village - most take only a couple of hours. In the bar of the local hotel, huge windows provide a perfect view of Mt Cook.

Approximate Distance: 210 km | 130 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

​Accommodation: Mt Cook - 2 nights

Hooker Valley Hike: Approximately 3 Hours Walking, Distance 10 km (6.2 miles)

Start your day with a walk up the beautiful Hooker Valley, providing breathtaking views of some of New Zealand's highest and most enthralling peaks. Enjoy a stunning 11 km (6.8 mile) trek along over mostly flat terrain (there are some rocky bits) to the terminal lake of the Hooker Glacier. The journey encompasses an Alpine Memorial and passes over the turbulent Hooker River by Swing Bridge to unsurpassed vistas of Aoraki Mount Cook's south face and the surrounding glaciers. Take in the unique features of this alpine world in the shadow of New Zealand's and Oceania's highest peak, standing at 3,754 metres (12,316 Feet).

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We are sure you will enjoy your New Zealand Relaxed Adventure and our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand. 

Approximate Distance: 335 km | 208 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Ready to find out more? Talk to us here in New Zealand about the 'New Zealand Relaxed Adventure'  - We Guarantee it will be the Holiday of a Lifetime!