South Island Wanderer

Touring Highlights in New Zealand

• Six National Parks – Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mt Aspiring, Fiordland, Westland Tai Poutini, Paparoa, Abel Tasman
• Scenic flight across the Southern Alps from Milford Sound to Queenstown (weather permitting)
• Included Activities – hosted homestead lunch, Milford Sound cruise, Milford Sound scenic flight, Abel Tasman cruise, picnic and guided walk, Lunch and Wine tasting in Marlborough, Welcome & Farewell dinners

Sample Itinerary (Subject to Change)

Day 1: Christchurch to Aoraki/Mt Cook

Meet your group in Christchurch and head south for a special lunch at a 117-year-old country home. Continue through the spectacular Mackenzie Country for sweeping vistas of tussock lands, glacial lakes and the Southern Alps. Stop at the Church at Lake Tekapo and the stunning backdrop of the turquoise Lake Pukaki before arriving at Aoraki/Mt Cook village. Enjoy a welcome dinner at The Hermitage.

Day 2: Aoraki/Mt Cook to Queenstown

Aoraki/Mt Cook is our highest mountain and “home ground” of the most famous Kiwi of all, Sir Edmund Hillary. After a morning free to explore, travel over the Lindis Pass through the rugged Kawarau Gorge and Gibbston Valley to Queenstown.

Day 3: Queenstown to Milford Sound – Queenstown

Follow the shores of the great lakes Wakatipu and Te Anau into the mountains and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park. Take a small boat cruise on Milford Sound that is home to seal colonies, dolphins and the dramatic Mitre Peak. Enjoy a highlight memorable scenic flight over the Southern Alps to Queenstown.

Day 4: Queenstown

Today is free to spend at your leisure exploring Queenstown and the surrounding region. There is almost an infinite number of activities to choose from. Popular experiences include a jet boat ride on the Dart River through ‘Lord of the Rings’ backdrop scenery, wine tasting at vineyards, e-biking or cruising on the heritage steamship TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu, bungy jumping or offroad back country adventures. (Optional activities not included, additional expense).

Day 5: Queenstown to Wanaka

Leave Queenstown and travel via picturesque Arrowtown where gold mining history comes alive beside the Arrow River through the Crown Range with the last views of the Wakatipu basin. Stop for refreshments at the small historic Cardrona Hotel before arriving your lakeside hotel in Wanaka where you will overnight.

Day 6: Wanaka to Franz Josef

Today is a quintessential New Zealand… where else in the world can you visit the seaside, a rainforest and a glacier all in the same day? From Lakes Hawea and Wanaka over the Haast Pass and out to the West Coast before ending our day in Franz Josef Glacier, your camera will be working overtime today!

Day 7: Franz Josef to Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks)

The morning is free to walk to Franz Josef Glacier lookout, take an optional helihike or flight onto the Glacier, or cruise out on Okarito Lagoon in search of the rare Kotuku, White Heron (activities optional, additional expense). Travelling north to Paparoa National Park and Punakaiki.

Day 8: Punakaiki

Paparoa National Park is very different to any other area on the trip, towering limestone cliffs and karst rock formations with beautiful river valleys draped in subtropical forest. .

Day 9: Punakaiki to Nelson

Travelling north up the West Coast we call into Tauranga Bay and Cape Foulwind. Turning inland, we continue through the rugged Buller Gorge to  Nelson, known for its arts and crafts scene.

Day 10: Nelson to Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman is a highlight of the tour for many. A picnic lunch is included so you can take your pick from a full scenic cruise or a cruise/walk combo to explore a section of the coastal track, one of New Zealand’s great walks, with time to relax on the beach or even jump in for a swim.

Day 11: Nelson – Kaikoura

Stop at Havelock at the head of Pelorus Sound to appreciate the spectacular views. In Marlborough region, enjoy a private lunch and wine tasting at FROMM Winery in this renowned wine area.

Day 12: Kaikoura – Christchurch

This morning you are free to see Kaikoura’s bountiful marine life, the result of an ocean canyon close offshore. Stroll along the Kaikoura coast walkway, take an optional whale watching flight (additional expense). Depart in the afternoon for Waipara, the Canterbury Plains and your final night farewell in Christchurch.

Flights from Canada to New Zealand and pre/post accommodation in Christchurch are not included.  Ask our team about adding these to your trip for you.