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 head into the city to see RE:Start an outdoor retail space consisting of temporary buildings made from shipping containers.
The shops (27 and rising) are full of lovely premium fashion, shoes, food and Kiwi-icon based products.
The gorgeous retail mix combined with the vibrant exterior colours and the uniformity of shapes makes it not unlike Toytown in a more upmarket dimension.
Alternatively venture further afield and visit Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, the International Antarctic Centre 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.
Itineraries: North Island | Lower North Island/Upper South Island |
South Island | Queenstown/Wanaka/Te Anau