Mt Cook Lily 14 Day South Island Coach Tour

Welcome to New Zealand!

Your journey begins in Wellington, the country's vibrant capital. Enjoy the day at leisure exploring the waterfront along Oriental Parade, discovering the cafés and boutiques of Cuba Street, or visiting Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum. Take time to settle into your hotel before your South Island adventure begins.

Board the Interislander ferry for a scenic journey across Cook Strait and through the sheltered waterways of Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton. Continue into Marlborough, renowned for its vineyards and Sauvignon Blanc, where you will enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery. Travel onwards through the South Island's picturesque countryside to Nelson, your base for the next two nights.

Discover the golden beaches and sheltered bays of Abel Tasman National Park on a scenic coastal cruise. Pass the famous Split Apple Rock and explore the coastline around Anchorage, Bark Bay, Tonga Quarry, Awaroa and Tōtaranui, keeping watch for New Zealand fur seals and seabirds. Afterwards, return to Nelson for a short city orientation tour, with the remainder of the afternoon free to explore or relax.

Travel through the Rai Valley and Marlborough's wine country before following the Pacific coastline south to Kaikōura, where mountains meet the sea. This afternoon, choose between two wildlife experiences showcasing the region's remarkable marine environment.

Option 1: Kaikōura Whale Watch Cruise. Join a purpose-built catamaran for an approximately two-hour cruise in search of Kaikōura's resident sperm whales. Keep watch for dolphins, fur seals and seabirds while learning about the region's rich marine ecosystem. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions.

Option 2: Wings Over Whales Scenic Flight. Take to the skies on an approximately 30-minute fixed-wing scenic flight above Kaikōura's coastline. Enjoy aerial views of the mountains and Pacific Ocean while looking for whales and dolphins in the waters below. Flight operation and wildlife sightings depend on conditions.

Follow the Pacific coastline south from Kaikōura before travelling through the Hundalee Ranges and North Canterbury countryside to Christchurch. Enjoy a traditional punting experience along the Avon River, gliding past the leafy surroundings of the Botanic Gardens. Afterwards, discover the city's heritage and evolving centre aboard a beautifully restored Christchurch Tram before settling into your hotel.

Board the TranzAlpine train for a spectacular journey across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps, passing the Waimakariri River's dramatic gorges and mountain scenery. Rejoin your coach at Arthur's Pass and continue to the West Coast. Stop in Hokitika, renowned for its pounamu (greenstone) craftsmanship, before travelling south through Franz Josef to Fox Glacier village.

Begin the day with a walk through native forest to Lake Matheson, famous for its reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman on clear, calm days. Continue south along the West Coast before travelling inland through Haast Pass and Mount Aspiring National Park. Follow forested valleys, rivers and alpine landscapes to the lakeside town of Wānaka, where you will spend the next two nights.

Discover Wānaka's remarkable natural landscapes with a choice of two included morning excursions, followed by an afternoon at leisure.

Option 1: Mou Waho Island Nature Walk and Lake Cruise. Cruise across Lake Wānaka to Mou Waho Island, a protected wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy a guided 3 km return walk to Arethusa Pool, a hidden lake above Lake Wānaka, with an optional climb towards the summit. Learn about local conservation efforts, participate in native tree planting and look for the island's resident buff weka.

Option 2: High Country Off-Road Adventure. Explore a working High Country farm on a guided off-road adventure. Travel along remote farm tracks through rugged mountain landscapes, discovering the region's farming history, historic sites and rural traditions. Enjoy views across alpine valleys and lakes, with opportunities for optional short walks.

Depart Wānaka and stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel before crossing the scenic Crown Range to Arrowtown, a charming former gold-mining settlement. Continue past Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables towards Te Anau.

On arrival, enjoy a jet boat journey along the Waiau River towards Lake Manapouri, followed by a working farm visit featuring sheep-shearing and dog-mustering demonstrations.

Journey through Fiordland National Park along the spectacular Milford Road, passing glacial valleys, native forests and towering mountains.

At Milford Sound, board a scenic cruise beneath the dramatic cliffs and iconic Mitre Peak, with opportunities to spot waterfalls, seals and dolphins. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your cruise before travelling back through Fiordland and continuing along Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown for a two-night stay.

Enjoy a full day to discover Queenstown at your own pace.

Take in panoramic views from the Skyline Gondola, cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw or visit nearby wineries. For something more adventurous, consider a Shotover Jet ride, ziplining or white-water rafting. Alternatively, relax by the lake, explore the town's shops and cafés, or enjoy the surrounding alpine scenery.

Travel north through the rugged Kawarau Gorge and Central Otago before crossing Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Basin. Follow the shores of turquoise Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain. Enjoy time in Mount Cook Village, surrounded by dramatic alpine peaks and glacial landscapes, before continuing to Twizel for your overnight stay.

Begin the day with a visit to a local home overlooking Lake Tekapo, where you will learn the art of making traditional New Zealand pavlova and enjoy morning tea. Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd before travelling through the Mackenzie Country and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating your New Zealand journey.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.

Your 14-day Mt Cook Lily journey concludes, leaving you with memories of New Zealand's remarkable coastlines, alpine scenery, scenic rail journeys and beautiful lakes. Let us know if you plan to stay longer in New Zealand and would like us to arrange an additional accommodation or onward travel arrangements. We can organise it separately from the scheduled 14-Day itinerary.