11D CLASSIC NEW ZEALAND SOUTH ISLAND JAUNT

Upon arrival in Christchurch, collect your rental vehicle and drive to your hotel (approx. 10km, 15min). The rest of the day is free to recover from your journey and to explore the city.

After breakfast, drive up to Kaikoura (approx. 180km, 2.5hrs drive). Here, you will have a choice of one nature’s most marvellous experiences:

Option 1: Swim with Dolphins Encounter (3.5hrs)

Join a small group boat tour that offers up close and intimate experiences with wild dusky dolphins in their natural environment. These are known as some of the most interactive dolphin species and you will have the opportunity to snorkel with a pod. Boats usually take a maximum of 16 swimmers, with a maximum of 25 spectators.

Option 2: VIP Whale Watching Experience (3hrs)

Embark on an exciting up-close encounter with the world’s largest toothed predator, the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment, with the opportunity to spot other whale and dolphin species that migrate along the coast. You will be seated in the VIP section alongside with the captain, with just 12 passengers and large windows to maximize views.

Today, you will drive Arthur’s Pass with some scenic stops (approx. 300km, 4hrs). You will first traverse the expansive Canterbury Plains, stretching from north to south as far as the eye can see. The road slowly begins to wind its way up into the foothills of the Southern Alps. The scenery changes constantly as you drive around a hill, over a mountain pass, across a river, past lakes, ski fields and unique geological features. Arrive in Arthur’s Pass – nestled in alpine grandeur! This afternoon, check into your lodge and take a hiking or walking trail.

A myriad of nature activities await in Arthur’s Pass National Park. Your lodge includes two complimentary from discovering a high country sheep farm, to a relaxing walk through the surrounding forests and a stargazing experience to learn about constellations, satellites and the planets – the clean air and lack of light pollution makes for brilliant clear skies. Alternatively, you could join in other paid activities that take you further on a challenging hike into a glacial basin with splendid mountain panoramas, a kayaking expedition in a mountain lake or a drive along the waterfalls and cascades of the national park.

Today you will travel from Arthur’s Pass to the glaciers of the west coast (approx. 250km, 3hr 15min). Visit the excellent information centre where you get a view of the glacier, and settle into your alpine accommodation for the evening.

Glacier Heli Hike – Join-in Basis (4hrs)

This unique combination of an exhilarating helicopter ride, jaw-dropping scenery and a 2.5hrs hike through spectacular glacier features makes this a highlight of many guests in South Island.

Soar through the air in a helicopter over jaw dropping landscapes, taking in the full panoramic majesty of Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. You will land high up on the main ice fall of the glacier, where your guide will help you make the final preparations for your adventure. Slide through narrow crevasses, navigate between staggering ice towers and squeeze through ice caves. As the fastest commercially guided glacier in the world, Franz Josef Glacier’s features are constantly changing, and if you are lucky, you could see the glacier calving around you.

In the afternoon, take it easy, perhaps enjoy a stroll around a nearby kettle lake created by retreating glaciers long ago, but now rimmed by lush forest.

Note: from 8 years and up, and moderate fitness/agility is required.

After breakfast, drive to Wanaka (approx. 285km, 3hrs 50min). You will drive through the Haast Pass, traversing dense rainforests that soon give way to the mountains of Mt Aspiring National Park as you enter the Otago region to the serene Lake Wanaka where you will spend a night.

Wild Hills 4WD Safari – Join-in Basis (4hrs)

Experience the rugged beauty and solitude of the spectacular high country, with this exclusive 4WD journey exploring an historic New Zealand sheep, cattle and deer farm. Explore historic ruins of pioneering European settler cottages, enjoy pure mountain air and breathtaking scenery as you take a stroll in alpine meadows. This journey offers a unique insight into Wanaka’s rich history, heritage and modern-day farming life.

In the afternoon, drive down to Queenstown on the shores of lovely Lake Wakatipu (approx. 70km, 1hr). This is New Zealand’s premier adventure centre, with a broad range of activities available from jetboating, white-water rafting, sky diving, four wheel drive adventures, horse-trekking, quad biking, bungy jumping or more leisurely pursuits such as walking, fishing and wine trails.

We have included a Shotover Jet experience – a thrilling jet boat ride through the scenic Shotover River Canyon. (approx. 1.5hrs, suitable for all fitness levels).

Routeburn Track Private Guided Walk (9hrs)

This great walk, the Routeburn Track, in Mount Aspiring National Park starts with a gradual climb through a 130 million-year-old magical world of ferns, mosses, lichens and beech forest. Enjoy lunch surrounded by the grandeur of alpine meadows, meandering streams and majestic snow-capped mountains. On your return explore the old forgotten paths of the Maori as you travel along the old Greenstone trails, finding new enchantment around each corner, where native birds abound.

Milford Sound Drive/Cruise/Fly Adventure – Join-in Basis (9hrs)

Start the tour off with a hotel pick up from your Queenstown accommodation and travel in comfort in a premium Mercedes van equipped with complimentary water, Wi-Fi and videos onboard, and panoramic windows on board so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. This small group tour stays away from the big crowds and allows additional stop offs at scenic locations the buses don’t visit.

You will board a scenic boat cruise on the fjord and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch.

Finish your day to Milford Sound with an unforgettable scenic flight (approx. 40min, using a fixed wing aircraft) back to Queenstown. What a truly awe-inspiring way to complete your trip with a view that is not possibly from land.

Drive to Queenstown Airport and return your rental car, before catching your departure flight.