South Island - Natural Wonders (14 nights)

South Island - Natural Wonders (14 nights)

Picton for the Marlborough Sounds (2) - Able Tasman National Park (2) - Hokitika (1) - Franz Josef (1) - Wanaka (1) - Te Anau (2) Queenstown (3) - Tekapo (1) - Christchurch (1)

MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS:

Picton is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds. Easily accessible from either Nelson or Blenheim you will depart from the central wharf by water taxi to your accommodation.

Many of the locations within the Sounds are only accessed by water so it makes for a tranquil destination once you arrive. Enjoy the native bird song that fills the air as you enjoy the great outdoors.

About the Marlborough Sounds

Forested hills rise steeply from the shoreline around an intricate coastline of sheltered inlets and sandy bays
The area has three main bodies of water - Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorous Sounds
Explore the sounds by air, boat or on foot as you choose to swim with dolphins or walk some of the Charlotte Track

ABLE TASMAN NATIONAL PARK :

Today's journey takes you through to the picturesque Able Tasman National Park, a jewel in the crown of New Zealand's great parks.

The Abel Tasman is New Zealand's only coastal national park and its golden sandy beaches and clear turquoise water make it one of the most popular and accessible.

About Able Tasman National Park

Has many pristine sheltered bays to explore with a professional guide or on your own. Tour guides are the best option if you are short on time and wanting to get the most out of your time in this vast area
Great for walking and kayaking or cruising be sure to watch out for playful seals and dolphins who are regularly seen playing in these coastal waters.
For hikers the Able Tasman Coastal Track follows the coastline through lush native bush, over limestone cliffs and along the golden sand beaches.
There are no roads within the Abel Tasman National Park, and access is either on foot or via water taxis

Distance from Picton to Able Tasman National Park - 172 kms / (2 hrs 55)

Recommended Sightseeing:    Sea Kayak - Seal Sanctuary |    Walking Track Tour | Farewell Spit Day Tour  |

Pupu Springs


Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodge -   Eden House

Recommended Accommodation   5* Boutique -    Resurgence Luxury Eco Lodge   |   Split Apple Lodge |

Bronte Country Estate

HOKITIKA :

Today as you drive down the West Coast you'll stop at the famous Pancake Rocks - Punakaiaki. A natural formation of rocks and blow holes that offer spectacular viewing on the easy to navigate walkway.

The drive onward to Greymouth is considered one of the top 10 coastal drives in the world (Lonely Planet). then onward to Hokitika, your final stop on today's journey.

About Hokitika

There are several scenic stops along the way, so you'll have plenty of opportunity to enjoy this wonderfully wild side of the country
Enjoy a canopy treetop walk on arrival before settling into your accommodation for the night.
If you love fresh seafood, tonight is a great opportunity to indulge in today's catch.

Distance from Able Tasman National Park to Hokitika - 343 kms / (4 hrs 40)

Recommended Sightseeing: Punakaiki Pancake Rocks | Tree Top Canopy Walk

Recommended Accommodation 5* - Rimu Lodge

FRANZ JOSEPH:

Franz Joseph Glacier is the most accessible rivers of ice in the world, plunging down through rainforest almost to sea level. This provides a very rare opportunity to experience a dynamic glacier in a temperate environment. The best way to see the iridescent blue ice caves is by helicopter.

An early start today will have you arrive into Franz Joseph in time to take a helicopter flight and snow landing on the glacier.

About Franz Josef

Ten minutes’ drive north of the Franz Josef village is the beautiful Lake Mapourika, a great place for fishing, birdwatching and kayaking.
Ōkārito Lagoon New Zealand’s largest estuarine lagoon is a 20-minute drive north. It is well known for its walks and coastal bird life, including the white heron and is the perfect way to end your day

Distance from Hokitika to Franz Joseph - 133 kms / (1 hr 40)

Recommended Sightseeing: Scenic Flight & Snow Landing | Okarito Lagoon

Recommended Accommodation 5* Hotel - Te Waonui Forest Retreat

WANAKA:

Wanaka first garnered interest when gold was discovered in the 1870's. Today it's the lake (New Zealand's 4th largest), Mt Aspiring National Park , Cardrona ski field, and the bi-annual Wanaka Air Show that attract thousands of visitors.

Wanaka is nestled on the shores of the pristine Lake Wanaka in the South Island’s high country (the region that formed the Middle Earth of the Lord of the Rings). This unforgettable resort town is surrounded by a halo of jagged snow-capped mountain ranges rising dramatically round it.

About Wanaka

Wanaka operates at a slower pace than neighbouring Queenstown, but if it's high energy activities you're looking for it's all here
Wanaka is also the home to some more unusual activities such as Puzzling World and the National Transport & Toy Museum - the largest collection of toys in the Southern Hemisphere
Locally produced wine abounds and seasonally available produce keeps local restaurants busy all year round
Make the most of the hundreds of kilometers of walking tracks without spending a dollar!
A short distance away is the glacial Mount Aspiring National Park – part of the World Heritage Site. This historic alpine world is a must see and a true marvel of nature.

Distance from Franz Joseph to Wanaka - 258 kms / (3 hrs 40)

Recommended Sightseeing:     Scenic Highlights Tour  | Flight Seeing & Peak Picnic   |    Vintage Bi-Plane

Flight   |   Guided Bike Ride  |  Puzzling World

Recommended Accommodation   5* Luxury Lodge -    Minaret Station | Mahu Whenua Lodge

Recommended Accommodation   5* Hotels / Apartments  -   River Run Lodge   | Lakeside Apartments   |

Tin Tub

TE ANAU :

As one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand, Fiordland has achieved World Heritage status and is often called the Sightseeing and Walking Capital of the world.

The best base for exploring the Fiordland region is the attractive resort town of Te Anau. From here it is an easy two hours drive to Milford Sound and twenty minutes drive to Lake Manapouri and the start of a Doubtful Sound excursion.

About Te Anau

The road from Te Anau to Milford Sound is considered to be one of the world's finest alpine drives.
The township lies at the base of Mt Luxmore and the Murchison mountain range. It boarders Lake Te Anau which is the largest lake in the South Island (depths of over 400m) and the second largest in New Zealand.
Te Anau is the main gateway to the fiords, Fiordland National Park and Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area.

By road it’s a 2 hour drive from Queenstown and about 2 ½ hours from Milford Sound.

Distance from Wanaka to Te Anau - 227 kms / (3 hrs)

Recommended Sightseeing:   Milford Sound Nature Cruise   | MiIlford Sound Overnight Cruise  |

Half Day Kepler Track Guided Walk   | Glow Worm Caves   |   Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Recommended Accommodation: 4* Lodge -    Fiordland Lodge

QUEENSTOWN:

Welcome to Queenstown, the 'Adventure Capital' of New Zealand.

Located in the south-western alpine region of the South Island, Queenstown is the most iconic tourist destination in the country sitting snugly around a pristine inlet on the sparkling Lake Wakatipu. The region around Queenstown is characterised by jagged mountain ranges, deep canyons, wild cascading rivers, crystal-clear lakes, rain forest, tussock grassland and fresh mountain air – in short this region one of nature’s finest marvels.

About Queenstown

Queenstown offers a dizzying array of activities from those that involve throwing yourself off a bridge, airplane or mountain top, to the more gentle excursions that are guaranteed to keep your feet on the ground at all times!
This resort town is a great place to visit throughout the seasons, with spring and autumn becoming more popular as it's a good way to avoid the summer crowds
Be sure to get out in to the regions where the gold mining past remains part of the current landscape.
Wine making is a booming part of the area with Pinot Noir being a favourite drop both locally and internationally. Wine tours are well worth your time as the locations of the vineyards are nothing less than spectacular
Local produce features highly in your culinary experience in and around Queenstown with venison, stone fruits and wild thyme honey being a few of the ingredients you can expect to enjoy

TEKAPO:

Lake Tekapo is approximatley 3 hours north from Queenstown. The landscape is as spectacular as ever with majestic mountains and crystal clear turquoise lakes. In summer the colourful lupins that grown wild complete the idyllic picture.

Lake Tekapo gets its intense milky-turquoise colour from the fine rock-flour (ground by glaciers) which is suspended in the water.

About Lake Tekapo

Picturesque by day and dazzling by night, Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it the perfect spot for star gazing. Best seen between April and September, Lake Tekapo is known for it's clear nights and lack of light pollution, making it a great viewing destination.
Head to Mount John Observatory - perched high in the mountains and south-facing - for your best chance of experiencing this spectacular natural light show

Distance from Queenstown to Tekapo - 250 kms / (3 hrs)

Recommended Sightseeing:   Church of the Good Shepherd | Mt John Observatory (Night Sky)   |

Mt Cook & Surrounds Scenic Flight

Recommended Accommodation 5* Lodge -     Lake Tekapo Lodge

Recommended Accommodation 4* Apartment -   Peppers Blue Water Resort

CHRISTCHURCH:

Described by Lonely Planet as a "vibrant city in transition, coping resiliently and creatively,” Christchurch's energy is evident wherever you go. The city has bounced back after the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 with innovative new attractions, as well as some old favourites.Visit the Re Start container mall, the transitional Cardboard Cathedral, and some of the many pop up restaurants and bars. Contemporary art galleries, boutique shops and open-air markets add to Christchurch’s creative vibe.

About Christchurch

Traditionally known as the Garden City, Christchurch’s award winning Botanic Gardens are over 150 years old and boast an enviable collection of exotic and native plants.
The Avon River flows through the city centre so why not take an Edwardian punt ride while you're there
Vintage trams make their way around the city making it an great way to see the city sights. The tram car restaurant is also a popular way to enjoy a meal onboard the lovingly restored carriages
The city is nice and flat making a leisurely bike ride a great option in the summer months. Biking through the Botanic Gardens and stopping off for an ice cream is the perfect way to spend an afternoon
Banks Peninsula offers sightseeing day trips out to the French township of Akaroa with many interesting stops along the way

Distance from Tekapo to Christchurch - 227 kms / (2 hrs 50)

Recommended Sightseeing:   Botanic Gardens  | Punting on the Avon River  | Tram Car City Tour & Restaurant |

French Akaroa Day Tour   |   4WD High Country Tour     |   Guided City Bike Tour

Recommended Accommodation   5* Luxury Lodge -    Otahuna Lodge | Annadale Lodges

Recommended Accommodation   5* Hotels -   The George |  Heritage Hotel

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