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8-Day South Island Active Nature Experience

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Overview

Renowned for its mountains, lakes and glaciers, the South Island of New Zealand is an adventurer's paradise packed full of activities and breathtaking beauty at every turn.

Embark on an eight-day adventure which leads you on a journey from Christchurch to Queenstown across the Canterbury Plains, through Arthur's Pass to the iconic West Coast. You'll then head down to the Mount Aspiring National Park, Lake Wanaka and the fascinating Franz Josef Glacier. You'll complete your trip in the Fiordland National Park soaking up the beauty and taking advantage of the abundance of activities on offer in and around Queenstown!

En route, you'll swim with rare dolphins, trek through a cave looking for glowworms, take a scenic helicopter tour over the Franz Josef Glacier, experience a jet boating adventure on a Waiatoto River, hike through the wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park, embark on a Gibbston Valley cycling wine tour, kayak to Milford Sounds and so much more!

This eight-day journey around the South Island is perfect for those that love the great outdoors and want to experience the best of New Zealand in all its beauty
Outdoors & Nature
Hiking & Trekking
Sightseeing
Cycling
Food & Drink
Cruising

Itinerary

Day 1

Begin your Journey to the South Island of New Zealand!

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Begin your Journey to the South Island of New Zealand!

Today, you'll pick up the rental SUV, take some time to explore Christchurch and then make your way to Akaroa. Located on the south-east side of the deep, sheltered Akaroa Harbour, the charming township of Akaroa is best explored on foot. In the afternoon, you'll embark on the ultimate dolphin experience as you will be swimming with the endangered Hector's Dolphin, the world's rarest and smallest oceanic dolphin.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Merivale Manor4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    ChristchurchOptional Activity

    Akaroa HarbourOptional Activity

    Dolphin Swimming Adventure with Black Cat Cruises

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Christchurch to Akaroa

    Rental Car from Akaroa to Christchurch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Christchurch

    Akaroa

Day 2

Christchurch to West Coast via Arthur's Pass

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Christchurch to West Coast via Arthur's Pass

Like a patchwork quilt made with every shade of green, the Canterbury Plains lie serenely between the mountains and the sea. Today, you'll make your way across them as you travel from Christchurch to Punakaiki via Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill. At Castle Hill, you'll take in the magnificent limestone rock formations on an easy hike. You can also stop to walk to the impressive Devil's Punchbowl Falls. In the afternoon, you'll arrive in Punakaiki, a town on the West Coast.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Punakaiki Resort4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Castle Hill WalkOptional Activity

    Arthur's PassOptional Activity

    Devil's Punchbowl Falls WalkOptional Activity

    PunakaikiOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Christchurch to Castle Hill

    Rental Car from Castle Hill to Arthur's Pass

    Rental Car from Arthur's Pass to Punakaiki Resort

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Christchurch

    Castle Hill

    Arthur's Pass

    Punakaiki

Day 3

Glowworm Tour, Hokitika & Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Tour

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Glowworm Tour, Hokitika & Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Tour

Continuing your journey in the South Island of New Zealand, today you'll begin the day with a glowworm cave tour, observing this wonderful natural phenomenon in Charleston before jumping in your car to journey to the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, two of New Zealand largest glaciers. En route, you'll stop off at the Hokitika Gorge to do a nice walk. Upon arrival at Franz Josef, you'll view & appreciate the incredible natural phenomenon, towering ice formations and vastness the glaciers from above

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Rainforest Retreat Franz Josef4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Charleston Glowworm Cave Eco-Tour

    HokitikaOptional Activity

    Franz Josef Helicopter Ride - Mountain Scenic Spectacular

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Punakaiki to Franz Josef Glacier

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Punakaiki

    Charleston

    Hokitika

    Franz Josef Glacier

Day 4

A Day of Adventures on a Journey to Lake Wanaka

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A Day of Adventures on a Journey to Lake Wanaka

Today, you'll travel to Haast for a jet boating adventure on a Waiatoto River and a short wilderness walk. Then, you'll travel to the Mount Aspiring National Park for an optional 3-hour Sibera experience hike including a flight, hike and Jetboat experience. Mount Aspiring is one of New Zealand's highest peaks, this park is a dreamland of mountains, glaciers, river valleys and alpine lakes. As you exit Mount Aspiring National Park, you will travel to the great South Island lake, Wanaka.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Edgewater Hotel Lake Wanaka4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Waiatoto River Safari

    Mount Aspiring Siberia Experience - Scenic Flight, Three-Hour Hike & Jet BoatOptional Activity

    Lake WanakaOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Franz Josef Glacier to Mount Aspiring National Park

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Jackson Bay

    Makarora

    Wanaka

    Otago

Day 5

Lake Wanaka Cruise & Island Nature Walk

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Lake Wanaka Cruise & Island Nature Walk

Today will be a day to remember. Take a boat cruise to the remote and magical Mou Waho Island nature reserve. In the reserve, you will go on a one-hour guided bush walk. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare flightless Buff Weka, which has long been extinct on the mainland. You will make your way to the top of the island to a beautiful hidden lake.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Edgewater Hotel Lake Wanaka4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Lake Wanaka Cruise & Island Nature Walk

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wanaka

Day 6

Wanaka to Queenstown & Gibbston Valley Cycling Wine Tour

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Wanaka to Queenstown & Gibbston Valley Cycling Wine Tour

Today, you'll make the short journey to Queenstown from Lake Wanaka via Central Otago, New Zealand’s fastest-growing wine region and also its most scenic. From the beautiful scenic centre of Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu to the beautiful scenic centre of Wanaka on Lake Wanaka by way of the Crown Range, the highest main road in New Zealand which offers some fascinating views. Upon arrival, you'll be picked up ready for your cycling wine tour around the Gibbston Valley wineries.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Novotel Queenstown Lakeside4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Around The Basin Bike Tours - Cycling Wine Tour in Gibbston Valley

    Gibbston Valley Wineries

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Wanaka to Queenstown

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wanaka

    Queenstown

    Gibbston

Day 7

Glenorchy Scenic Flight & Kayak to Milford Sounds or Routeburn Track

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Glenorchy Scenic Flight & Kayak to Milford Sounds or Routeburn Track

Milford Sound is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand for visitors to travel to and your guides can't wait to show you why! This fly-kayak-fly option is great for those who want to explore the peaceful Milford Sound. You'll depart Queenstown Airport for a 35-minute flight over the Southern Alps to Milford Sound. Then, you'll meet your guide for a two-hour loop paddling through Milford Sound, taking in all the breathtaking waterfalls. Alternatively, you can do the Routeburn Track.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Novotel Queenstown Lakeside4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Glenorchy Air - Scenic Flight & Kayak to Milford Sound

    Routeburn TrackOptional Activity

    Fiordland National ParkOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

    Fiordland National Park

    Southland

Day 8

Last day in the South Island of New Zealand!

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Last day in the South Island of New Zealand!

Today is the last day in the South Island of New Zealand. Queenstown is one of New Zealand's top visitor destinations and spending the day here, you'll understand why. Queenstown sits on the shore of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu amidst dramatic mountain ranges; this stunning location will blow you away. Queenstown is suited to all kinds of adventures - especially throughout summer; paragliding, Zip lining, 4WD Driving, and kayaking are the perfect way to enjoy Queenstown’s beautiful outdoors.

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    Activities

    QueenstownOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

Included in Price

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 8 activities
  • 7 breakfasts
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Airport transfer
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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