12 Day Essence of the South

This morning travel north towards Kaikōura. You will journey through North Canterbury sheep country then follow the stunning coastline bordered on one side by the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Kaikōura Ranges on the other. You will disembark at the renowned whale watching town with its majestic alpine scenery and amazing ocean wildlife. Conditions permitting, you may like to take a cruise to view the whales or perhaps take it one step closer and enjoy a swim with the dolphins. (1 night)

This morning board your coach for your journey north, passing world-class wine producing vineyards in the Marlborough region and into sunny Nelson. Nelson’s diverse geography captures everything from long beaches to untouched forests and jagged mountains. (2 nights)

Travel through Motueka to Kaiteriteri where you board your launch. Relax in style as you cruise the stunning golden inlets of the Abel Tasman coast. Laze on an idyllic beach or choose a walk, exploring the beaches and forests. Rejoin your cruise back to Kaiteriteri and return to your hotel late afternoon. (L)

Travel through Murchison, the scene of a massive earthquake in 1929, and on through the Buller Gorge to Westport on the West Coast. The road to Punakaiki hugs the coast, providing spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea. Overnight at Punakaiki, famous for its pancake rocks and magnificent blowholes. (1 night)

Depart Punakaiki and head south on a spectacular coastal drive, passing through Greymouth and the coastal town of Hokitika before arriving into Franz Josef, known for being home to one of the world’s most accessible glaciers. For the adventurous, there are a variety of guided tours, glacier hikes, heli-hikes and sightseeing trips that can be organised from the township. (2 nights)

Today you have a whole day at leisure. Perhaps enjoy an optional guided walk on the glacier, a heli-hike or a scenic flight, or an unguided walk to the terminal face. Franz Josef Glacier extends 12km from the high snow fields of the Southern Alps, and the terminal face is just 5km from the Franz Josef township.

Treat yourself and upgrade your accommodation in Franz Josef to the 5-star Te Waonui Forest Retreat, a luxury lodge hotel nestled amongst native West Coast rainforest. Our upgrade package includes luxurious accommodation, dinner on the first night – an indulgent 5-course degustation menu in The Canopy Restaurant – and a la carte breakfast both mornings. We’ve also included a stunning Franz Josef heli-hike to help you make the most of your time in the region. Ask us for a price.

Travelling south your journey will take you through coastal forest and windswept sand dunes, crossing the Haast Pass on New Zealand’s longest single lane bridge. Pass through Wanaka at the foot of the Southern Alps and arrive in Queenstown, the Southern Hemisphere’s premier four-season alpine lake resort. (3 nights)

It’s an early start. Head off around the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to Lake Te Anau, then into World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, a region rich with dense rainforest, lakes, and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. Journey through the Southern Alps via the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km tunnel drilled through a solid mountain of rock. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board your vessel for a spectacular cruise where you will see the wonders of Mitre Peak, glacier-scarred rock walls that rise 1,200m vertically from the sea, and waterfalls that tumble from hanging valleys and crash into the sound far below. Board the coach for your return to Queenstown, arriving in the evening. (L)

Return to Queenstown on a scenic flight taking in magnificent views of the alps, glaciers, lakes and forests of Fiordland National Park. (Duration 35 mins.) The flight shaves approximately 4 hours off a return by coach. It is, however, very weather dependent, so if the weather doesn’t play ball you will need to return by coach and we will refund the upgrade price.

Today is completely at leisure to enjoy the many sights of this alpine resort situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown offers something for everyone – you can enjoy the quiet beauty and tranquility on one (or several!) of walking trails in the town area. For sheer excitement there is white-water rafting, helicopter rides, the famous jet boats, bungy jumping to pump your adrenalin, and off-road 4WD tours with plenty of river crossings. There are cruises on the lake and a visit to a high country sheep station, and wine tasting tours. You can visit nearby Arrowtown where the main street has been preserved since the 1860s gold rush days and try your luck panning for gold in the adjacent Shotover River.

Depart Queenstown this morning and travel north through the historic gold mining region of the Kawarau Gorge, crossing the dramatic Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Basin. Hug the shores of Lake Pukaki before arriving at Aoraki Mount Cook Village. This region is breathtaking and full of opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast. Enjoy an optional scenic helicopter or ski-plane flight (own expense), explore the treasures of New Zealand’s mountaineering history at the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre, or relax over a three-course lunch at the famous Hermitage Hotel (not included). This afternoon you will continue north to the glacial-fed, turquoise blue Lake Tekapo where you can take the opportunity to appreciate the majestic scenery of the Southern Alps and view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue your journey north through the vast patchwork of the Canterbury Plains before arriving back in Christchurch.

Sadly your trip has come to an end. We hope that you have thoroughly enjoyed your experiences in New Zealand. Today you will be met at your accommodation and transferred to the airport for your onward journey. Haere rā!