Arrive Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch you will be met and transferred by shuttle to your accommodation. Christchurch is the hub of the Canterbury region and offers an environment that is both laid-back and action-packed. The city has had 2 earthquakes in the last year, and as a result the central CBD district has been damaged. However possessing a stable sunny climate, the city’s parks and gardens are a key attraction year round and are renowned for their beauty, especially in spring. Centred around the willow-lined River Avon, Christchurch is compact and easy to explore, with a refreshingly friendly buzz. Stay: Antonio's Motor Lodge
Day 2
Christchurch - Franz Josef Glacier
This morning you will be transferred by shuttle from your accommodation to Christchurch rail station where you will join the TranzAlpine train (said to be one of the great train journeys in the world) which journeys across Arthur’s Pass to Greymouth on the West Coast, viewing the alpine scenery en-route. On arrival in Greymouth collect your rental car and make your way down the coast to Franz Josef. The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are without doubt the greatest lure of this region. Nestled on the edge of the rainforest and descending 2500 metres of 13 kilometres, these great cascading frozen rivers are only 6kms from the Tasman Sea and in this respect are unique. They are also amongst the fastest moving glaciers in the world, Franz Josef glacier is known to move up to 5m per day on occasions. Stay: Glacier View Motel (2 nights)
Day 3
The Glaciers
Today is at your leisure to explore the area. Franz Josef Glacier was first explored in 1865 by geologist Julius von Haast, who named it after the Austrian emperor. The glacier is five kilometres from the town of the same name, and a 20 minute walk will take you to its terminal face. From the glacier car park, you can hike to a choice of lookout points for a bigger view of this awesome river of rice. If you want to actually make contact with the glacier, take a guided ice walk or a heli-hike. Aerial sightseeing is another option.
Day 4
Glaciers to Queenstown
Journey today to Queenstown, the resort town of Queenstown is sophisticated and fantastically scenic. Its lake and mountain landscape is suited to almost any kind of adventure; but Queenstown is just as well known as a place for indulgence. The area’s history is intertwined with gold. In 1862, two sheep shearers struck it rich at the edge of the Shotover River. The ensuing gold rush town was named Queenstown because '...it was fit for Queen Victoria'. Stay: Sherwood Manor (3 nights)
Day 5 &
6
Queenstown at leisure
Enjoy two full days to experience this magnificent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure & leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. Here you can take a thrilling jet boat ride, pan for gold, raft the white water rapids, take a wine trail, fish for trout, play golf or 4WD sheer canyons. It is also a great base from which to explore the Fiordland National Park, gateway to the awesome Milford & Doubtful Sounds.
Day 7
Queenstown - Twizel
Depart Queenstown and travel through the rugged and beautiful landscape of Otago. Cross the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country to arrive at Twizel, your overnight stop. This afternoon visit Mt Cook National Park where you will find New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki / Mt Cook which stands at 3754 metres. Awarded 'World Heritage' status in recognition of its qualities and rare beauty, the Park covers an area of nearly 70,000 hectares and contains all but five of the 27 peaks over 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) in New Zealand. Stay: Mountain Chalets, Twizel
Day 8
Twizel - Hanmer Springs
Be sure to visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, on the shores of Lake Tekapo, built of local stone and oak in 1935 before travelling on to Hanmer Springs, an exciting & picturesque alpine thermal resort surrounded by tall mountains. The village is renowned for its relaxing and therapeutic thermal springs. Stay: Greenacres Chalets and Apartments
Day 9
Hanmer Springs - Kaikoura
This morning, bathe in the hot thermal pools of the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve. For 125 years, this reserve has attracted people from all over the globe, seeking the benefits of its natural clean mineral water and the crisp Alpine air. Later, a short drive brings you to Kaikoura, a place of unparalleled wildlife experiences, located in a narrow strip of stunning coastline between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean. Stay: Willowbank Motel (2 nights)
Day 10
Whale watching and Dolphin Encounter
A blend of ocean currents creates a habitat that supports an abundance of ocean species, from fish & birds to marine life. This morning, you have the option to view dolphins up close in their natural environment on a Dolphin Experience (optional extra). Later, board your boat & enjoy the awesome experience of a 3-hour whale-watch excursion. This is a unique experience & sightings may vary from day to day. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins & the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Hump Back whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales & Southern Right whales. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrel & 7 types of Shearwater.
Day 11
Kaikoura - Christchurch
A leisurely drive back brings you back to Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’ regarded as the most ‘English’ of all New Zealand cities. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore what Christchurch has to offer. Stay: Antonio's Motor Lodge
Day 12
Depart Christchurch
Sadly, your holiday is at an end and you deliver your car back to the rental car depot at Christchurch airport today for your onward flight. Here, we bid you a fond farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Note: This self drive tour can be completed in reverse order, the tour cost remains the same.To view tour prices or to make an enquiry, please click on the Tabs at the top of this itinerary.Top
from NZ $2,01512 Day Southern Scene15.05
12 Day Southern Scene Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 12 Day Southern Scene.
We had a fantastic vacation! Everything was planned out nicely. The only constructive feedback that I can offer is that while we were in Queenstown it would have been more fun and easier to have been able to stay within the town where shops and activities are within walking distance. We absolutely love New Zealand and already talking about future plans for another visit. Thank you very much.
Jodie Merrill (United States) Tour Date 23/03/2011
* 1 & 2 Bedroom motel units are all self catering.
** 2 Bedroom motel prices based on 4 adults travelling.
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
2012 Season Sale! Save 5% off the prices shown on our website, for all 2012 departures. Deposit this month to qualify!
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 February 2012 and 29 February 2012
. Subject to availability at time of booking.
*Terms & Conditions apply to any discounts and/or specials above. Your designated tour consultant will apply the appropriate discounts automatically to your quote and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'.
Self Drive Tour Notes
Prices above are per person & valid till September 2012.
2 Bedroom motel prices above are based on 4 adults travelling.
Some motel studios may not have full self catering facilities. If self catering is required then please request a 1 or 2 bedroom room.
If a property listed on our itinerary is unavailable at the time of booking we will replace it with a equivalent accommodation, and let you know, to ensure it is to your satisfaction.
Please note this itinerary was updated 5 July 2011.
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