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15 day self drive holiday New Zealand
South Island (NZ15S)
Introduction:
The New Zealand South Island holiday for visitors wanting the get the very most out of their two week visit to the South Island of New Zealand, great scenic diversity from mountains to sea, stunning scenic drives, plus quality time in key city and village locations. Enjoy activities and experiences to really get an appreciation of some of the best of New Zealand South Island.
Itinerary Overview:
Day 1 - Arrive Christchurch travel to Kaikoura
Day 2 - Kaikoura to Blenheim/Marlborough
Day 3 - Blenheim/Marlborough
Day 4 - Blenheim to Nelson
Day 5 - Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park
Day 6 - Nelson to Hokitika
Day 7 - Hokitika to Fox Glacier or Lake Moeraki
Day 8 - Fox Glacier or Lake Moeraki
Day 9 - To Queenstown
Day 10, 11 & 12 - Queenstown
Day 13 - Queenstown to Te Anau Fiordland
Day 14 - Te Anau & Milford Sound
Day 15 - Te Anau and end trip
Itinerary details:
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Following your arrival in
Christchurch, collect your rental car and head north
through the wine growing region of Waipara and the
rolling grazing country of North Canterbury. Travel 2
1/2 hours to Kaikoura, set amongst spectacular coastal
scenery this location is famous for its Whale population
that is present all year round. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Meet the amazing giants of the sea aboard
your Whale Watch Tour this morning, a truly unforgettable
encounter, before continuing your journey north. Enjoy more
of the splendid coast line watching for dolphins and seals
along the way, before heading into Marlborough's renowned
wine growing region. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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A full day escorted tour today to sample
great regional wines, take in the fabulous scenery - including
the picturesque Marlborough Sounds - and taste freshly steamed
mussels straight from the mussel farm. A day designed to
keep the taste buds and the camera busy. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Nelson is renowned for its artisans and
galleries including the highly regarded Hoglund Art Glass
studio. Local produce including wines are also a feature
of the region. White sandy beaches and great food make Nelson
a popular holiday destination. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Full day in the Abel Tasman National Park.
From Kaiteriteri walk, sea kayak or sail north along the
picturesque Kaiteriteri coastline, including the famous
"Split Apple Rock". Beach stops for a swim, visit
Tonga Island Seal Colony. A range of options are available
incl 1, 3 -or 5 day guided trips staying in beachfront lodges. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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From the sheltered haven of Tasman Bay
travel south through the inland Nelson Lakes region before
heading west to the dramatic and rugged scenery of the 'coast
road'. Winding its way between the bush clad slopes, studded
with Nikau Palms and the surf of the Tasman Sea this has
to be one of New Zealand's most beautiful drives.
Along the way visit Punakaiki where you will find the intriguing Pancake
Rocks and blowholes. Your overnight is the historic sea
side town of Hokitika. Evening sunset on the beach
before heading to the town's famous Glow Worm Dell Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Spend the morning in the many
interesting art and craft galleries around Hokitika,
visit the West Coast Historical Museum or stroll the
wild West Coast beach and maybe find a piece of
greenstone. Lunch at one of the cafes before driving
south this afternoon, pass bush
clad pristine lakes, remote farms, wild rivers and
native forests. This region is packed with natural
features, at days end arrive at Westland National Park
including the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Option of
heading a bit further south to the Wilderness Lodge Lake
Moeraki Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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A day at Fox Glacier for a guided walk
onto the glacier, maybe take a Fox Glacier HeliHike for
an exhilarating and memorable experience. Time for a leisurely
walk around Lake Matheson with it's stunning reflections
of Mount Cook, visit the wild west coast beach at Gillespie's
Beach and an evening visit to the Glow Worm forest. From
Lake Moeraki enjoy this pristine temperate rainforest
lake side preserve on guided or self guided nature
experiences, visit the stunning wilderness coast. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Leaving behind the lush vegetation of
South Westland you will travel the hills and valleys of
the Haast Pass where roadside walkways provide easy access
to a number of waterfalls and mountain pools. Emerge into
the tussock country of the Southern Lakes district as you
pass lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. The fruit and wine
growing region around Cromwell leads you to the craggy confines
of the Kawarau Gorge famous for its historic bridge and
some spectacularly located vineyards. Finish this full day
of sightseeing in beautiful Queenstown. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Journey up the Dart River into the stunning
scenery of the Mount Aspiring National Park. Then free time
to enjoy some of the many other Queenstown activities. Ride
the Gondola for spectacular views over the town and across
the lake to the mountains, Bungy jump, take one of the many
hikes including the famous Routeburn Track for a day. Catch
a fish, white water rafting, horse treks, winery visits,
the possibilities are endless! Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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A two and a half hour drive today
means you can spend the morning in Queenstown or the afternoon
in Te Anau, allowing time to visit the amazing glow worm
caves. The journey today begins with a scenic drive beside
Lake Wakatipu before crossing predominantly grazing country,
then to the boundary of the Fiordland National Park. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Drive from Te Anau taking in the sights
of the Milford Road, stop for short walks, before cruising
the wonderful Milford Sound with its soaring peaks and cascading
waterfalls. Watch for seals, dolphins and penguins as you
make your way to where the fiord meets the sea and back.
If you don't want to drive then we recommend a small group
guided trip. Visit the Te Anau glow worm caves, take a cruise
on Doubtful Sound, walk the Milford track or several others
we recommend. Try Milford Sound sea kayaking for a fantastic
day amongst nature. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Flights to return you to all main centres
depart from Queenstown throughout the day . Your departure
time from Te Anau will be subject your onward travel arrangements,
allowing for the return drive back to Queenstown. We can
assist with these connecting flights or build them into
your international ticket arrangements. Remember the above itinerary can be amended to fit your schedule and interests. If you have more days available - there's plenty more to see and do! |