Day 1

You will be met on arrival from your flight and a private driver will deliver you to your Christchurch accommodation.

Welcome to Christchurch, the the Garden City and gateway to the South Island and its vast and diverse range of scenery, activities and wonderful experiences.
Christchurch City boasts one of the largest public parks in the country and the city centre is full of impressive stone buildings reminiscent of the English university towns. The focal point of the city is Cathedral Square and from here you can explore the museums and art galleries and of course the shops and restaurants. One of the best ways to see some of the city centre sights and attractions though is by the famous historic trams. A 30 minute loop allows hop-on, hop-off at museums, art galleries, gardens and shops.

Day 2

The Banks Peninsula offers a great contrast to the South Island's largest city. Just around a 1 1/2 hours drive from the city centre are rolling green hills, streams, golden sand beaches and small settlements that offer a unique insight into New Zealand's history and development.
Just on the other side of the Port Hills is Lyttelton, a busy port town that was crucial to the development of Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains. Following the road around the beautiful natural harbour the names, such as Magazine Bay, Battery Point, Corsair Point and Governers Bay, remind of the importance the navy placed on this harbour.
The Banks Peninsula itself is actually the remains of a long extinct volcano, the rim of which collapsed some time ago allowing the sea to flood into and create what is now the Akaroa Harbour. In 1840 French colonists settled in Akaroa in a bid to stake a claim for the South Island. Unbeknown the British had already declared sovereignty and a long drawn out dispute ensued with the British eventually being given government. However the French stayed and made this stunning part of the South Pacific their home and still to this day the town boasts French street names and every year a French Festival is held.
The Harbour itself is teeming with wildlife and a nature cruise is a must do activity. One of the world's smallest and rarest dolphins, hectors dolphin, are often seen and cruises also offer excursions with the chance to swim amongst them.

A leisurely 2 hour cruise in the sheltered Akaroa Harbour. Cruising aboard a modern catamaran, the 60 feet / 20 meter Black Cat is perfect for viewing the natural wonders of the harbour. The vessel is the largest and most luxurious on the harbour. There's lots of space on the 2 decks for unimpeded viewing and inside you will find a bar and toilets. The vessel offers comfortable, safe and stable comfort. The highlight of this trip is undoubtedly the sighting of one of the world's smallest and rarest dolphins, the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphin. These friendly and inquisitive mammals meet the boat most days throughout the year and their calves can be seen between October and March. Also on the trip you will catch glimpses of the White Flippered Blue Penguin, the smallest penguin in the world. There are many different bird species in the harbour, including five different cormorant species and the chance of sighting the endangered yellow-eyed penguin. You'll also see the New Zealand Fur Seal sunning themselves on the harbours rocks near the entrance at Seal Bay and you also get to stop at Lucas Bay to see at a salmon farm where thousands of salmon from fingerlings to adult fish are farmed in a series of cages. This is where the world-famous 'Akaroa Salmon' are raised. 

Day 3

Today you head into the heart of the South Island. Crossing the vast Canterbury Plains along the inland scenic route the first township of Geraldine offers an ideal refreshment stop before you head into Mackenzie country.

Passing through places such as Beautiful Valley it's not hard to understand where the names originate. Ascending Burkes Pass and onto the high country plateau and the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo, the first of the large Southern Lakes. It's a great place to take a scenic flight, enjoy a guided horse trek, a boat trip on the pristine lake or just enjoy the magnificent views.

Lake Pukaki is just another 30 minutes from Lake Tekapo and its from here you can be rewarded with spectacular views the full length of the lake and into Mt. Cook National Park. In Mt. Cook Village a myriad of activities are available from glacier landings by ski plane or helicopter, kayaking on a glacial lake and a host of walks to suit all abilities and time frames. At The Hermitage Hotel the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is a must see.

Day 4

Twizel, just south of Mt. Cook was the location of many Lord of the Rings movie scenes and a little further on is Omarama, the gliding capital of New Zealand. Wrinkly Rams is a local café and also offers an informative sheep shearing demonstration. Heading down the Waitaki valley you follow the hydro power generating system towards the east coast.
The town of Oamaru is most famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. Explore the old quarter or if you don't mind a late arrival into Dunedin then stay around to see the blue penguins come ashore at dusk. Further south the Moeraki Boulders are a unique geological feature and worth the short detour to the beach to view.
Arriving into Dunedin you can appreciate the city's Edwardian and Scottish heritage through its fine buildings particularly around the Octagon and city centre.

Day 5

Dunedin City Centre is full of grand and fascinating buildings and none more so that Dunedin Railway Station, recently listed as one of top 100 buildings in the world. From the station you can take a scenic train journey along the Taieri Gorge.
The Otago Peninsular is just a short drive from the city centre and offers some unique wildlife experiences. Here you can visit the only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world. The beaches and hillsides are also home to the yellow eyed penguin, the world's rarest penguin and seals, sea lions and a host of other bird life can be seen. Monarch Wildlife Cruises offer a choice of guided tours to explore the peninsular. New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle, has spectacular views from its extensive gardens and also a fascinating history.

This premier package includes the full Otago Harbour and Taiaroa Head wildlife cruise, scenic Otago Peninsula bus tour, and guided tours of the Royal Albatross Colony, the Yellow Eyed Penguin Reserve and a visit to wading bird habitats. Also includes either a tour of Larnach Castle, one of Dunedin’s great landmarks or a visit to the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre with its absorbing display of local sealife.

Day 6

The scenic route from Dunedin to Invercargill takes you via the Southern Scenic Route. Well signposted from Dunedin the route takes you along the rugged Otago coastline and its many secluded beaches and bays and many are great places to spot New Zealand fur seals and sea lions. At Nugget Point, penguins and elephant seals can also be spotted. Curio Bay is home to a 160 million year old fossilised forest. Get an early start for this drive as you can easily pass the whole day exploring the many attractions along the Southern Scenic Route.

Day 7

Take a scenic flight across Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island

Stewart Island is New Zealand's third largest Island, approx. 65 kms long and 45 kms wide - it is separated from the South Island by the Foveaux Straits. The Island is relatively low lying and undulating with the highest point, Mt Anglem/Hananui, rising to 981 mtrs. Largely unihabited and unmodified - it is mainly covered in native bush, with wetlands, sand dunes and a varied coastline from sandy beaches to sheer cliffs. The coastline is fringed with vegetation and boardered by crystal clear waters hosting an abundance of marine life - a real paradise for nature lovers.
Named "Rakiura" by Maori - which means "Glowing Sky", Stewart Island enjoys spectacular sunrises, sunsets and aurora. New Zealand's southernmost populated area, Stewart Island has less than 400 residents, most of whom live in and around Halfmoon Bay, in the north east. There is only 28 kms of roads servicing the populated area.
Ulva Island is an idyllic, predator-free bird sanctuary for rare and endangered bird and plant species, a paradise for birds and bird lovers... only 266 hectares with great walking tracks, located in the southern-most island of New Zealand, Stewart Island.
The real attraction to Stewart island is the isolation and the untouched unspoilt wildlife and native bush. An overnight adventure here is highly recommended.

Day 8

Ulva Island is a predator free sanctuary just 12 minutes by water taxi from Golden Bay on Stewart Island. Sitting in Paterson Inlet the island is just 269 hectares and has no permanent human inhabitants. Some great well signposted and easy paths allow you to spend as little time as you wish or the whole day. Some of the best golden sand beaches in the South Island can be found here but the real attraction is the flora and fauna. Following some great conservation work Ulva Island is now predator free which means it's a safe place for many rare and endangered native species including kiwi, the rare South Island saddleback, Stewart Island robin, the inquisitive weak, yellowhead, rifleman, bellbirds and kaka to name a few. Here you will also find some of the best examples of native podacarp forest anywhere and the hugely varied flora is worth the visit alone. Access is easy, just arrange a water taxi to take you from Golden Bay and arrange a collection time to be picked up. About 4 hours allows you to comfortable explore all the tracks on the island.

Stewart Island is a magical place, best savoured in peace and at a relaxed pace and guided tours with Peter Tait offer exactly this and never have more then 6 guests. 35 years as Forest Ranger, commercial fisher and now as Dept of Conservation concession granted guides, Peter explains the history, flora and fauna, and what Island life is like and how it all melds into the magic that is Rakiura – Stewart Island.
Peter’s duties as Forest Ranger many years ago included overseeing and managing Ulva Island. He was involved with some projects that are now an integral part of Ulva Island management. His guided walks and commentary explains these and also subsequent projects that have resulted in the Ulva Island of today. Iris is Peter’s wife and her long involvement was recognised when she was appointed a foundation Trustee of Ulva Island.
There are lots of opportunities for photographs of both birds and the forest. Using their own boat for access allows time for your visit to take advantage of weather windows when conditions are boisterous. It also gives you the flexibility to avoid times when the Island may be busy with other visitors.

Day 9

Take a scenic flight across Foveaux Strait to the mainland.

Taking the Southern Scenic Route the drive from Invercargill to Te Anau passes through some wonderful and often overlooked regions of Southland. Riverton is Southland's oldest community established by whalers in the 1830's and many of the original cottages have survived throughout the town. The Riverton Early Settlers Museum tells the story well. Orepuki on the coast was once 'almost' a gold town but the fine dust proved too hard to extract commercially. You can still sometimes see gold dust in the beach sand at Monkey Bay. The early sawmilling settlelement of Tautapere is next. Known as the 'hole in the bush' the town features an attractive domain.  A little further north is the Clifden suspension bridge which dates back to 1899. The Blackmount Road offers some great side trips if you have the time and one in particular is the 50 kilometre round trip to Lake Haruoko, New Zealand's deepest lake. The Blackmount Road continues to the small township of Manapouri, the departure point for cruises to Doubtful Sound. Te Anau. the gateway to Milford Sound is just a further 20 kilometres north.

Day 10

The Milford Road

Countless photo opportunities and short walks mean this drive should not be rushed. The Mirror Lakes create perfectly clear reflections of the surrounding mountains and glacier formed meadows and ancient native beech forest create a unique and fascinating landscape. The Homer Tunnel is an incredible engineering feat at 1219 metres long. The road slopes towards Milford at a rate of 1 in 10. The chasm (a short 15 minute walk) demonstrates the incredible power water has as it continues to shape and carve the valley. Most stops and points of interest are well signposted on the 121 kilometre road but don't underestimate how long this drive will take you with scenic stops.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is the best known of the sounds that lie throughout Fiordland National Park and is also the only fiord accessible by road. Sheer cliffs starting hundreds of metres below the waters surface rise spectacularly to the sky. It is 16 kilometres from the head of the fiord to the open sea and Real Journeys cruise vessels will take you there and back comfortably in around 2 hours. Dolphins and seals can often be seen, and following a large downpour the waterfalls that line the fiords are magnificent, particularly the 146 metre high Stirling Falls.

An extended and leisurely 2½ hour cruise of Milford Sound on board the Milford Mariner, MV Sinbad or Milford Wanderer. These modern vessels, purpose built for operating in a fiord environment, have been designed along the lines of a traditional trading scow, and have real character. These relaxing cruises have special appeal for the independent traveler and an on board nature guide provides detailed interpretation and commentary.. There is plenty of time available to explore points of interest and to view the stunning scenery, including waterfalls, rainforest and the towering peaks. Keep a lookout for dolphins, seals and penguins.

Day 11

Crossing the rolling tussock lands you pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of New Zealand. On the southern shore of Lake Wakatipu sits Kingston, home to classic steam train, The Kingston Flyer. Following the lake north the Remarkable mountain range towers over you as you approach the adventure capital of Queenstown.

Day 12

Queenstown offers adventure for all tastes and abilities. From some of the more well know adrenalin sports such as bungy jumping and skydiving to the more sedate such as sampling the local wines or exploring the historic Chinese settlement at Arrowtown, there is something for everyone.
Sitting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu there are many water based activities to enjoy. The TSS Earnslaw is a rare working example of a steamship still operating and cruises take you to Walter Peak Station to enjoy a farm tour, lunch or a farmhouse dinner. The Kawarua Jet offers a slightly faster experience with thrilling one hour jet boat rides. Fishing and sailing are also possible here.
The Gibbston Vallley is a short drive from Queenstown and it's here you will find the vineyards producing some of the finest wines in New Zealand, particularly the Pinot Noir. Appellation Wine Tours have a choice of tour options to ensure you get to experience the best and of course have the chance to sample the vintages.
Arrowtown is a popular destination for many visitors to Queenstown. This historic gold mining town features many original buildings and now also boasts some great shopping. The Lakes District Museum is also here and ranks as one of the best in the country.
Nomad Safaris offer 4WD excursions in and around Queenstown to otherwise difficult locations such as Skippers Canyon and Mace Town. Informative guides share theirs and other locals stories of the region.
At the Head of the Lake sits Glenorchy. The 40 kilometre drive along the lake edge is worth the trip alone however arriving into this peaceful township you could easily rest the day away sitting on the shores of the lake. A great trip from here is the Dart River Wilderness Safari, by far the most scenic jet boat excursion in the country. A short walk amongst native beech forest plus a 4WD bus journey is capped off with over 1 1/2 hours and around 35 kilometres of exhilarating jet boat action as you head deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park.
See here for many more ideas and activities in and around Queenstown.

Day 13

Crossing the Crown Range, the highest sealed road in the country, you arrive into the alpine town of Wanaka. The route follows the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea before you enter the township of Makarora, the gateway to Mt. Aspiring National Park and the Blue Pools here are a wonderful 30 minute walk through pristine native beech forest. Descending into Mt. Aspiring National Park and towards the Haast Pass, crashing rivers and waterfalls are around every corner. Crossing the Haast River you are now truly on the wild West Coast, a 600 kilometre stretch of bush, rainforest and podocarp forest. First Fox Glacier welcomes you to the glacier region and Franz Josef township is just a further 45 minutes.
A great way to experience the glaciers is with The Helicopter Line or Mt. Cook ski planes.

Day 14

The main attraction in Franz Josef is of course the glacier. Very few places in the world have such large glaciers almost at sea level and even more unusually is that the lower slopes are amongst rain forest.
Franz Josef Glacier Guides have a great choice of guided interpretive walks to and on the glacier. While you can walk without a guide along the valley floor you must take a licensed tour to get any closer than 100 metres of the glacier. The tours offered are an interpretive Valley Walk (3 hours), a Half Day (4 1/2 hours) hike including around 1 1/2 hours on the lower glacier, a Full Day (7-8 hours) adventure onto the ice and for the very adventurous a full day of Ice Climbing. All equipment is provided for these tours.
One of the most popular ways to experience the glaciers though is on a Helihike. A Scenic helicopter flight delivers you to the upper slopes where a guide then accompanies you for around 2 hours over the ice flows, caves and crevasses.
Other scenic flights with short lacier landings are available with The Helicopter Line and Mt. Cook Ski Planes offer unique ski equipped fixed wing aircraft landings.
The township, although small, has a lively atmosphere during its busy seasons and there is plenty of choice to dine out and reflect on your days adventure.

An exciting scenic flight over all three icefalls of the Franz Josef Glacier is taken with The Helicopter Line. Landing high up on the glacier, you undertake a two hour guided trip amongst some of the most beautiful terrain available.
Your guide chooses the route as you go and with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations you'll soon be making your way through a wonderland of towering pinnacles and brilliantly blue ice.
The panoramic views of the glacier and surrounding mountains are supreme. With plenty of opportunities for the perfect photograph and the chance to learn more about glaciers, this will almost certainly be the most memorable experience you will have while in New Zealand.

Day 15

The drive north from Franz Josef takes you through the historic gold mining region of Ross and the town of Hokitika, a great place to explore the craft stores, in particular the jade or greenstone. The largest town on the West Coast, Greymouth is also the starting point for the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train. Drop your rental car at the depot (located at the train station before checking in for your train journey.

Considered one of the worlds great train journeys, the Tranz Alpine scenic train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch, from the West Coast and the Tasman Sea to the east coast and the Pacific Ocean. From your carriage you'll see the spectacular Otira Valley and mountains of Arthur's Pass National Park and the Southern Alps. Rivers, waterfalls and lush beech forest followed by high country farmland whisk by before your journey follows the Waimakariri River and then onto the Canterbury Plains before arriving into Christchurch just after 6pm.
On arrival into Christchurch train station a private transfer will deliver you to your accommodation.

A private transfer will meet you on arrival into Christchurch train station and drive you to your Christchurch accommodation.

Day 16

You will be collected from your accommodation and a private transfer will deliver you to Christchurch airport in time for your departing flight.