South Island Explorer
South Island Explorer
from £2,204 excluding flights
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Highlights
Encounter whales and other marine wildlife in Kaikoura
Enjoy a Milford Sound Cruise in Fiordland National Park
Explore stunning beaches and forested coves in Abel Tasman National Park
View the breathtaking West Coast glaciers
Experience Mount Cook with its breathtaking views
Marvel at the great lakes of Wanaka and Wakatipu
Why this trip...
Tailor made
This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe
Explore at leisure
With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore
Activities included
This itinerary features a range of included activities
Overview
Explore the dramatic and stunning scenery of South Island on this well-paced self drive following a circular route from Christchurch. Drive scenic coastal routes, encounter wildlife and enjoy a cruise on Milford Sound. Return through the alpine scenery of the Southern Alps via Mt Cook, the highest mountain in the southern hemisphere.
Take in the sweeping West Coast glaciers and majestic lakes of Queenstown. Venture into Fiordland National Park and relax on the golden beaches and idyllic coves of Abel Tasman National Park. Encounter sperm whales, dolphins and fur seals in Kaikoura and explore charming Christchurch city as well as the market town of Nelson with its reputation for sunshine.
This 14-day itinerary focuses solely on South Island to allow more time exploring some of the most dramatically scenic areas in the country. Ideally suited to those short or time or as part of a tailor made itinerary combined with our 14-day North Island Classic.
Itinerary
The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have a wide choice of hotels and a variety of route recommendations which can be tailored to your requirements. Please discuss with our Travel Specialists who can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.
Day 1 arrive in Christchurch
On arrival you'll be transferred to your hotel in Christchurch. This delightful city features two rivers, lovely parks and gardens and tree-lined avenues. The award-winning Botanic Gardens has one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand. In February 2011, Christchurch was hit by a huge earthquake and much of its classic neo-gothic architecture was destroyed. Today it is a city in recovery mode but still has much to offer with a wonderful choice of outdoor activities including punting on the River Avon, exploring on foot or by open top bus or tram. A visit to the fascinating International Antarctic Centre is recommended.
On arrival you'll be transferred to your hotel in Christchurch. This delightful city features two rivers, lovely parks and gardens and tree-lined avenues. The award-winning Botanic Gardens has one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand. In February 2011, Christchurch was hit by a huge earthquake and much of its classic neo-gothic architecture was destroyed. Today it is a city in recovery mode but still has much to offer with a wonderful choice of outdoor activities including punting on the River Avon, exploring on foot or by open top bus or tram. A visit to the fascinating International Antarctic Centre is recommended.
Day 2 Christchurch - Kaikoura (180 km)
Collect your rental car from the airport depot and make your way to the quaint coastal town of Kaikoura, renowned for its Maori cultural experiences and whale watching excursions.
Collect your rental car from the airport depot and make your way to the quaint coastal town of Kaikoura, renowned for its Maori cultural experiences and whale watching excursions.
Day 3 Kaikoura - Kaiteriteri (305 km)
Enjoy an early morning whale watch excursion. Every tour is a unique experience and sightings vary. Giant sperm whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical whale watch tour may encounter New Zealand fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales, and southern right whales. Orcas and Hector's dolphins are common sightings. In the afternoon continue onto Kaiteriteri, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.
Enjoy an early morning whale watch excursion. Every tour is a unique experience and sightings vary. Giant sperm whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical whale watch tour may encounter New Zealand fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales, and southern right whales. Orcas and Hector's dolphins are common sightings. In the afternoon continue onto Kaiteriteri, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.
Day 4 exploring Abel Tasman National Park
Spend the day exploring the national park with an Abel Tasman Cruise & Walk Open Day Pass giving you complete flexibility to explore the coves, beaches and forest trails at your leisure.
Spend the day exploring the national park with an Abel Tasman Cruise & Walk Open Day Pass giving you complete flexibility to explore the coves, beaches and forest trails at your leisure.
Day 5 Kaiteriteri - Punakaiki (278 km)
From the tranquil golden beaches of the Abel Tasman head out west to the wild and rugged west coast, and its astonishing variety of landscapes, rich history and abundant wildlife. Stop at Punakaiki to view the fantastic blow holes and rock formations.
From the tranquil golden beaches of the Abel Tasman head out west to the wild and rugged west coast, and its astonishing variety of landscapes, rich history and abundant wildlife. Stop at Punakaiki to view the fantastic blow holes and rock formations.
Excursions
Prices and Departures
Price from £2,204 excluding flights
Airfares start from around £825 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price.
When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.
What's Included
- Accommodation rooms with private bathroom
- 3 breakfasts
- Car rental throughout
- Private transfer on arrival
- Whale watch excursion in Kaikoura
- Abel Tasman Cruise & Walk Open Day Pass
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise (with return coach transfers)
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
This itinerary starts from £2,204 per person, based on 2 sharing a room in standard accommodation, and vehicle rental with GPS.
- Prices may vary depending on departure date, or should you prefer alternative categories of accommodation or vehicle size.
- Contact us for a detailed quote based on your preferred travel dates, vehicle category and style of accommodation, or to tailor this itinerary.
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Tailor made trips
As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.
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We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.
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