South Island

Day 1
Arrive in Christchurch and take delivery of your car. Visit the Christchurch and Canterbury Visitor Centre to discover the full list of activities, attractions and day trips available.

Day 2
Weather conditions permitting, what better way could there be to see Christchurch from above with an early morning hot air balloon ride. This afternoon follow the self guided walk of the city or take the tram and see the central attractions of the Botanical Gardens, Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum and Mona Vale Homestead and Gardens. Alternatively venture further afield and visit Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch Gondola or Wigram's Airforce World.

Day 3
Depart Christchurch for the day to either Kaikoura for some Whalewatching, Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve for a relaxing soak in the hot pools, or to Akaroa with its unique French history, wines and cuisine.

Day 4
Take the TranzAlpine train, a world famous journey across the Canterbury plains through the Southern Alps to Greymouth on the West Coast. Travel north to Punakaiki - famous for its fascinating "pancake" rock formations and blowholes. Travel further north to Westport and visit the local seal colony.
 
Day 5
This morning before departure why not consider an underworld caving adventure? Travel from Westport to Greymouth via the historic townships of Blackball and Reefton. On arrival in Greymouth shop for some souvenirs, or take a guided walk or a rafting trip.

Day 6
Visit the historic pioneer village of Shantytown before travelling south to Hokitika. Visit Hokitika's many craft galleries and westland's Water World. Enroute to Franz Josef Glacier stop at Whataroa for an eco tour of the unique White Heron bird sanctuary.

Day 7
This morning a guided half day walk on either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier is recommended. Alternatively view the glaciers from above in a scenic helicopter flight. Savour the beauty of South Westland and the Haast Pass as you continue to travel south to Queenstown.
 
Day 8
Travel through rural Southland to Invercargill. On arrival in Invercargill visit the Southland Museum, Art Gallery and the Tuatara Colony. Travel from Invercargill to Bluff for the one hour sailing to New Zealand's third island and best kept secret - Stewart Island. See the pristine forests, crystal water and native birdlife with a local tour or visit Ulva Island Bird sanctuary. This evening a unique experience awaits you when you take a Kiwi spotting tour to try and spot New Zealand's nocturnal national symbol.

Day 9
Depart Stewart Island and once back on the mainland travel this morning to the Scottish city of Dunedin via the intriguing Catlins area.
 
Day 10
This morning travel to the Otago Peninsula and visit Larnach Castle. A highlight of your Dunedin experience is the unique wildlife - visit the Royal Albatross Centre and take a 1 hour albatross cruise on the MV Monarch or see the rare Yellow Eyed Penguin Place.

Day 11
There are many things still to see in Dunedin - visit the historic Olveston House, Otago Museum, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Speights Brewery or take the Taieri Gorge Train journey. Enroute to Christchurch the Moeraki Boulders in Oamaru, Aigantighe Art Gallery in Timaru and Ashfords Craft Village in Ashburton are all worth stopping to visit.