Tour Type: Premium Self Drive Tour
Duration: 16 Days
Tour Starts In: Christchurch
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $5432 pp
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16 Day Untouched South Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
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Day
1 |
Arrive Christchurch
“Haere Mai” Welcome to Christchurch – the Garden City. You will be personally met by our representative at the airport and transferred in an executive sedan to your choice of accommodation. Christchurch is the hub of the Canterbury region and has had 2 earthquakes in the last year, and as a result the central CBD district has been damaged. However many of the activites in and around Christchurch are still operating as normal, and there is plenty to experience and see. This afternoon, relax and explore this most English of New Zealand cities.
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Day
2 |
Christchurch - Kaikoura
This morning you rental car will be delivered to your accommodation. Today you head north out of Christchurch to Kaikoura, a small township located in a narrow strip of stunning coastline that lies between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean. It’s two hours direct to Kaikoura.
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Day
3 |
Kaikoura - Blenheim
This morning you have the choice of a three-hour Whalewatching experience by boat or a Swim with the Dolphins excursion. Every Whalewatch tour 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 tour may also 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.
After lunch, head further north to Blenheim. The road north is dominated by the awesome beauty of the Pacific Coast. Quinnat salmon are known to run in the Clarence River and just north of the Ure River is a road that leads to the walking trails of the Sawcut Gorge. After the small town of Ward you’ll come to the Lake Grassmere saltworks - an interesting stop, particularly in late summer when the ponds turn coral pink. While in the township of Seddon you’ll find authentic New Zealand crafts. Blenheim is the main town in the Marlborough region. Its lovely sunny climate makes Blenheim an ideal wine growing region. (B)
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Day
4 |
Marlborough Wine Tour
This morning is at leisure to explore the surrounding area. Early this afternoon you will be collected from your accommodation and taken on a tour through Marlborough wine country. Visit approximately 4 vineyards: sample the best that the wineries have to offer and learn some of the secrets of fine wine appreciation. (B) |
Day
5 |
Blenheim to Hanmer Springs
Follow the Wairau River this morning as you travel inland to St Arnaud. Sitting on the edge of Lake Rotoiti against a stunning backdrop of mountains, this alpine village is the perfect base for exploring the Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand’s second-largest national park. From St Arnaud you follow the Buller River further inland to Murchison and Maruia Springs before travelling across the Lewis Pass to Hanmer Springs, an exciting & picturesque alpine thermal resort surrounded by tall mountains. The village is renowned for its relaxing and therapeutic thermal springs. (B)
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Day
6 |
Hanmer Springs to Christchurch
The route to Christchurch initially follows the beautiful Waiau River. Then it leads you through the Balmoral Forest and across the Hurunui River. Farmland, vineyards and olive groves characterise the Waipara region, which is known for its wine and food – an excellent place to pause for refreshment. The last leg of your journey takes you past the surf beaches of Amberley, Leithfield, Waikuku and Woodend.
The South Island’s largest city, Christchurch is an entertaining mixture of refined lifestyle and cultural excitement. The tranquil Avon River meanders through the city, historic buildings house a lively arts community and restored trams make it easy to get around. Visit heritage sites, museums and art galleries, and enjoy the highly developed restaurant scene. (B)
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Day
7 |
Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook
Drive through the MacKenzie Country to Lake Tekapo, where you stop view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built of local stone and oak in 1935. Then it’s on to the Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage listed site. Mt Cook is Australasia's highest mountain at 3764 metres. The park covers over 70,000 hectares of breathtaking alpine scenery and is also home to the Tasman Glacier; the longest in the Southern hemisphere (optional Ski-plane & helicopter flights are available subject to weather conditions). (B)
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Day
8 |
Tasman Glacier Explorer, Lake Wanaka
Experience the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest, in the most unique way possible. This morning, an experienced guide will whisk you away in a stable MAC Boat to explore the melting ice-face of the Tasman Glacier where you will also get to touch & taste 400-year old icebergs that have been carved into the murky waters of the lake. Skirting the western shores of Lake Pukaki, continue your journey to the popular resort Lake Wanaka. (B)
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Day
9 |
Arrowtown, Shotover Jet, Queenstown
Set beneath the rugged & spectacular Crown Range is the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, with its fascinating collection of mining cottages in an atmosphere straight out of last century. Take time to wander through its tree-lined streets before making your way to the Shotover River. Nothing you have experienced will have prepared you for the excitement of this Shotover Jet boat ride as you speed through the towering rocky canyons of the South Island’s river of gold. Fifteen minutes away is the spectacular alpine resort village of Queenstown, your base for the next 2 nights. (B)
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Day
10 |
Explore Queenstown
Enjoy a full day to experience this magnificent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. Here you can experience the Ultimate bungy jump, pan for gold, raft the white water rapids, follow a wine trail, fish for trout, play golf - your options are endless. (B) |
Day
11 |
Milford Sound Nature Cruise, Te Anau
Depart Queenstown today and follow the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden & Te Anau. Join the Milford Road & drive through the beautiful Eglinton Valley & the famous hand-strewn Homer Tunnel to the Sound itself. Here you board a purpose-built vessel, designed along the lines of a traditional trading scow, for an extended 2 ½ hour nature cruise the full length Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. This magnificent glacier-carved fjord is home to the famous, mile-high Mitre Peak and you will view spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife whilst enjoying an extensive commentary from the on-board nature guide. At the completion of your cruise, return to Te Anau for your overnight stay. (B/L)
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Day
12 |
Doubtful Sound Excursion
You will be collected from your hotel this morning & travel by coach to Manapouri. Your Doubtful Sound Wilderness Excursion begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri, a stunning lake renowned for its numerous islands and deserted beaches. Then it’s over Wilmot Pass, on one of New Zealand’s remotest and prettiest sub-alpine roads, stopping along the way to experience some of Fiordland’s densest rainforest and to view Doubtful Sound glistening far below. On reaching Deep Cove, you will board the Patea Explorer, for a three hour cruise that takes in the most dramatic scenery of Doubtful Sound. Nture guides provide an engaging commentary and point out ll theghts. Keep a look out for wildlife as bottlenose dolphins frequently swim alongside the vessel, fur seals bask on the rocks around the fiord and rare penguins can at times be observed. After your cruise, reboard your coach and travel back to Te Anau. (B/L) |
Day
13 |
Te Anau to Dunedin
Make your way to Dunedin, the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ today. (B)
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Day
14 |
Half day Peninsula Tour and Harbour Cruise
Cruise the length of the beautiful Otago Harbour. Experience unrivalled viewing of the exciting diversity of wildlife which abounds on spectacular Taiaroa Head; the only mainland nesting place for Northern Royal Albatross in the world, and home to NZ fur seals, and eight other nesting bird species. You may also see, dolphins, sea lions and a fascinating array of rarely seen ocean birds including other species of albatross, penguins and marine mammals in their natural environment. Enjoy a scenic Peninsula tour by coach before returning to the city. The rest of today is at leisure. (B) |
Day
15 |
Moeraki Boulders, Oamaru, Christchurch
Head north along the coastal highway to Moeraki Beach, stopping to view its mysterious, spherical, 60 million year old boulders. On to the town of Oamaru, famous for its white limestone buildings. Continue your journey north through the towns of Timaru, Geraldine & Ashburton as you make you way back to Christchurch. (B)
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Day
16 |
Depart Christchurch
Sadly your holiday is at an end. At leisure today until you return your rental car to the airport in time to connect with your onward flight. (B) |
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Note: The Glacier Explorer Tour at Mt Cook, does not operate between May-September so replaced with a Wilderness Safari Tour on the Dart River in Queenstown. This replaces the Shotover Jet ride in Queenstown as well.
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 |
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Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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| Intermediate Car |
NZ $5,547 |
NZ $5,432 |
NZ $7,840 |
| Full Size Car |
NZ $5,639 |
NZ $5,524 |
NZ $7,932 |
| Mid Size 4WD |
NZ $5,800 |
NZ $5,685 |
NZ $8,093 |
| Full Size 4WD |
NZ $5,891 |
NZ $5,776 |
NZ $8,184 |
| People Mover (MPV) |
NZ $5,947 |
NZ $5,832 |
NZ $8,240 |
| Premium Full Size 4WD |
NZ $6,036 |
NZ $5,921 |
NZ $8,328 |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
2012/13 Season Sale! Save 10% off the prices shown on our website, for 01 May to 31 Aug 2012 departures. Save 5% on all other departures. Deposit this month to qualify! |
*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 2013. |
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- Frequently Asked Questions.
- International flights to & from New Zealand are not included.
- Single, Triple & Quad prices are available on request.
- If you would prefer a mix of the accommodation listed we can arrange this.
- For families we can also price our premium self drive tours using self catering apartments.
- Our premium B&B's do not cater for children.
- 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 last amended 5 April 2012.
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