Southern Skies

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14 days Small Group Tours from Christchurch

Christchurch - Kaikoura - Nelson - Punakaiki - Greymouth - Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch

An iconic 14 day trip of the beautiful South Island visiting world heritage listed parks, national maritime parks, spectacular glaciers, an overnight cruise in the stunning Milford Sound and wildlife in abundance. New Zealand South Island Tours guaranteed to please even the most discerning traveller!

Day 1 Arrive Christchurch

On arrival at Christchurch airport, you will be met by our representative & transferred by limousine to your city hotel.

Stay The George Hotel (1 night)

Day 2 Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura (B)

After a leisurely breakfast, travel inland to the naturally picturesque and tranquil alpine village of Hanmer Springs, nestled in a valley surrounded by a superb expanse of mountains and forest clad hills. Relax in the hot thermal pools at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve before continuing on to the township of Kaikoura, nestled in a narrow strip of stunning coastline that lies between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean.

Stay Fairways Resort (1 night)

Day 3 Whale Watch cruise, Nelson (B)

Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience & sightings may vary from day to day. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins & the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Hump Back whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales & Southern Right whales. Later, continue north to Blenheim, gateway to the well-known Marlborough Sounds region before arriving at Nelson, a city of charm based on a harbour that is home to the busiest fishing port in New Zealand.

Stay Grand Mercure Monaco Resort (2 nights)

Day 4 Abel Tasman National Park Bush ‘n' Beach walk (B,L)

Today you can choose from a number of included Cruise & Walk or Cruise only options in the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Cruise into protected bays & view the fur seal colony on Tonga Island. The launch hugs the shore, travelling in close to idyllic beaches fringed by native forest. The Abel Tasman Coastal track is well formed & shaded and comes out onto protected beaches excellent for swimming. Your Tour Host will give you details of the various choices available & will be happy to guide you as to the best tour that suits your own individual needs. Enjoy a great day on the water combining cruising, sightseeing, bush walks & beautiful beaches.

Day 5 Nelson Lakes, Punakaiki Rocks (B)

Travel south through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving on the West Coast. Marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes that are the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes.

Stay Punakaiki Resort (1 night)

Day 6 Greymouth, Franz Josef Glacier (B)

The West Coast is home to towering rainforests, mountains and glaciers, tranquil lakes and rushing rivers. It is steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1860's. Our overnight stay tonight is in the glacial village of Franz Josef. There is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region this afternoon (subject to weather conditions).

Stay Punga Grove Lodge (1 night)

Day 7 Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown (B)

View breath-taking scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. There is time to wander around the popular lakeside townships of Hawea and Wanaka before travelling over the spectacular Crown Range to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. On to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine resort regarded as New Zealand's premier holiday destination.

Stay Heritage Queenstown Hotel (2 nights)

Day 8 Explore Queenstown & its surrounds (B) 

Enjoy a free day today to experience this magnifi cent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure & leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. There are numerous activities from which to choose and your Tour Host will be pleased to offer advice and help you in your selection.

Day 9 Milford Sound Overnight Nature Cruise (B,D)

Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. Continue along the spectacular Milford Road and through the hand-strewn Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound where you board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise. Cruise the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea & view spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains & wildlife. The Milford Mariner is designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand trading scow to reflect Fiordland's heritage and you will be accommodated in private cabins with en-suite bathrooms in this purpose-built vessel. It boasts spacious deck areas for viewing the wilderness, scenery & wildlife of Milford and activities include kayaking and excursions in the tender vessels (stabi craft) to explore the coastline. Stay Overnight in sheltered Harrison Cove.

Day 10 Return to Queenstown, day at leisure (B)

For those wishing to return to Queenstown by air, an optional scenic flight is available (subject to weather conditions). Upon our return, the rest of the day is free to relax & enjoy all that this spectacular resort has to offer.

Stay Heritage Queenstown Hotel (2 nights)

Day 11 Mighty Dart River Jetboat Safari (B)

This morning, we are collected from our hotel & travel to Glenorchy to join our Dart River Jetboat Safari. Here you jet boat on crystal clear waters in a wild and scenic landscape amidst towering peaks, glaciers and the ancient rainforests of the Mt. Aspiring National Park. This is far more than a jet boat ride ... it's a rare journey into the enchanted wilderness of a World Heritage area.

Day 12 Queenstown to Mt Cook (B)

Leaving the main tour party, travel by a regional tour operator to Mt Cook National Park. This world heritage listed site covers over 70,000 hectares of stunning alpine scenery. Optional ski- plane and helicopter scenic flights are available this afternoon subject to weather conditions. Entry to the Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre & Museum is included. After dinner, enjoy stargazing in the southern skies with expert astronomers. Telescopes ensure a close look at stars, planets, moon craters and distant galaxies.

Stay Mt Cook Hermitage Hotel (1 night)

Day 13 Tasman Glacier, Lake Tekapo & Christchurch (B)

This morning you get to experience the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake and icebergs up close on the only tour of its kind in New Zealand. Experienced local guides whisk you away in a stable MAC boat to explore the melting ice face of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's largest, and you'll be able to touch & taste 500 year old ice. Rejoin your coach early afternoon and travel to Lake Tekapo and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd before crossing the vast Canterbury Plains to the ‘Garden City' of Christchurch.

Stay The George Hotel (1 night)

Day 14 Depart Christchurch (B)

Sadly, your holiday is at an end and you will be transferred to Christchurch airport today for your onward flight.

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