New Zealand Australia Holidays
Because not everybody wants the same holiday

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New Zealand South Island holiday 15 day self drive holiday (NZ15S)

The New Zealand South Island holiday for visitors wanting the get the very most out of their two week visit to the South Island of New Zealand, great scenic diversity from mountains to sea, stunning scenic drives, plus quality time in key city and village locations. Enjoy activities and experiences to really get an appreciation of some of the best of New Zealand South Island.



Itinerary O
verview:
 
Day 1 - Arrive Christchurch
Day 2 - Christchurch
Day 3 - Christchurch to Kaikoura
Day 4 - Kaikoura to Blenheim/Marlborough
Day 5 - Blenheim/Marlborough
Day 6 - Blenheim to Nelson
Day 7 - Nelson
Day 8 - Punakaiki
Day 9 - Punakaiki to Fox Glacier
Day 10 - Fox Glacier
Day 11 - Fox Glacier to Queenstown
Day 12 - Queenstown day trip to Milford Sound
Days 13, 14 & 15 - Queenstown and end trip

Please Note: this itinerary and its inclusions can be customised to suit your particular requirements including your interests, accommodation, route variations, lengths of stay, transportation and activities.


Prices and Inclusions:

You have four choices to select from, Hotel Silver Gold or Platinum More >


Itinerary Details:

Day 1 - Arrive Christchurch

Christchurch is an eclectic mix of colonial heritage and new world modernism. The Avon River, with its cascading willows, cuts through the city and provides the setting for parks and gardens. Bounded by hills, river plains and the sea the city and its greater area has an abundance of activities and points of scenic interest.

Accommodation:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
2 nights
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
Day 2 - Christchurch

Consider an early morning balloon flight the ideal way to experience stunning views across the plains to the Southern Alps and Pegasus Bay. Spend the day visiting galleries and gardens or take a nature cruise on nearby Lyttelton Harbour. Beyond the harbour you will find the intriguing volcanic land form of Banks Peninsula with its many sheltered bays and settlements including picturesque Akaroa where you can enjoy lunch in the village and swim with dolphins in the sheltered waters.

 
Day 3 - Christchurch to Kaikoura

Head north through the wine growing region of Waipara and the rolling grazing country of North Canterbury. Travel 2 1/2 hours to Kaikoura, set amongst spectacular coastal scenery this location is  famous for its Whale population that is present all year round. With an early start this morning it is possible to join an afternoon swim with dolphins (not included).

Accommodation:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
1 night
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
Day 4 - Kaikoura to Blenheim/Marlborough

Meet the amazing giants of the sea aboard your Whale Watch Tour this morning, a truly unforgettable encounter, before continuing your journey north. Enjoy more of the splendid coast line watching for dolphins and seals along the way, before heading into Marlborough's renowned wine growing region.

Activity included:
Hotel -
Morning Whale Watching Trip More >
Silver
-
Morning Whale Watching Trip More >
Gold - Morning Whale Watching Trip More >
Platinum - Morning Whale Watching Trip More >
Accommodation:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
2 nights
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
Day 5 - Blenheim/Marlborough

A full day escorted tour today to sample great regional wines, take in the fabulous scenery - including the picturesque Marlborough Sounds - and taste freshly steamed mussels straight from the mussel farm. A day designed to keep the taste buds and the camera busy.

Activity included:
Hotel -
Marlborough Travel Icons day trip More >
Silver
-
Marlborough Travel Icons day trip More >
Gold - Marlborough Travel Icons day trip More >
Platinum - Marlborough Travel guided wine trip More >

Day 6 - Blenheim to Nelson

Nelson is renowned for its artisans and galleries including the highly regarded Hoglund Art Glass studio. Local  produce including wines are also a feature of the region. White sandy beaches and great food make Nelson a popular holiday destination.

Accommodation:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >

2 nights
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
 
Day 7 - Nelson

Full day Kayak, Seals and Walk trip in the Abel Tasman National Park. From Kaiteriteri paddle north along the picturesque Kaiteriteri coastline, including the famous "Split Apple Rock".  Brief beach stop before heading back to catch the water taxi to Onetahuti, visit Tonga Island Seal Colony on the way. Then a scenic  1 1/2 hour walk on the Abel Tasman Walking Track to Bark Bay where a water taxi will pick you up and return your to Kaiteriteri.

Activity included:
Hotel -
Kayak, Seals and Walk day trip More >
Silver
-
Kayak, Seals and Walk day trip More >
Gold - Kayak, Seals and Walk day trip More >
Platinum - Kayak, Seals and Walk day trip More >

Day 8 - Nelson to Punakaiki

From the sheltered haven of Tasman Bay travel south through the inland Nelson Lakes region before heading west to the dramatic and rugged scenery of the 'coast road'. Winding its way between the bush clad slopes, studded with Nikau Palms and the surf of the Tasman Sea this has to be one of New Zealand's most beautiful drives. Your overnight stop is Punakaiki where you will find the intriguing Pancake Rocks and blowholes.

Accommodation:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
1 night
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
Day 9 - Punakaiki to Fox Glacier (Lake Moeraki for Platinum)

A day packed with features today as you travel south through historic 'gold rush' towns and settlements, past bush clad lakes, wild beaches and onwards to the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
Platinum package continues through to Lake Moeraki for an eco-lodge experience.

Accommodation:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
2 nights
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
 
Day 10 - Fox Glacier (Lake Moeraki for Platinum)

Fox Glacier based stays include a guided walk onto the glacier for an exhilarating and memorable experience.
Platinum package includes wilderness experiences from the temperate rainforest/coastal location near Lake Moeraki.

Activity included:
Hotel -
Half day guided glacier walk More >
Silver
-
Half day guided glacier walk More >
Gold
- Half day guided glacier walk More >
 
 
Day 11 - Fox Glacier to Queenstown

Leaving behind the lush vegetation of South Westland you will travel the hills and valleys of the Haast Pass where roadside walkways provide easy access to a number of waterfalls and mountain pools. Emerge into the tussock country of the Southern Lakes district as you pass lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. The fruit and wine growing region around Cromwell leads you to the craggy confines of the Kawarau Gorge famous for its historic bridge and some spectacularly located vineyards. Finish this full day of sightseeing in beautiful Queenstown.

Accommodation:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
4 nights
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
Day 12 - Queenstown day trip to Milford Sound

Travel by luxury coach from Queenstown taking in views of Lake Wakatipu, the lakeside town of Te Anau and the sights of the Milford Road, stop for short walks, before cruising the wonderful Milford Sound with its soaring peaks and cascading waterfalls. Watch for seals, dolphins and penguins as you make your way to where the fiord meets the sea and back.

Activity included: Milford Sound Day Trip
Hotel -
coach / cruise / coach More >
Silver
-
coach / cruise / coach More >
Gold - coach / cruise / coach More >
Platinum - coach / cruise / fly More >
Day 13, 14 & 15 - Queenstown and end trip

Journey up the Dart River into the stunning scenery of the Mount Aspiring National Park. Then free time to enjoy some of the many other Queenstown activities. Ride the Gondola for spectacular views over the town and across the lake to the mountains, Bungee jump,  take one of the many hikes including the famous Routeburn Track for a day. Catch a fish, white water rafting, horse treks, winery visits, the possibilities are endless!

Activity included:
Hotel -
Dart River Safari More >
Silver
-
Dart River Safari More >
Gold
-
Dart River Safari More >
Platinum - Ultimate Nature Experience Incl Dart River Safari More >


 

 



Regions
(Click on names to go there or click here for map)

 

Bay of Islands/Northland - Auckland/Waiheke/Great Barrier - Waitomo Caves - Coromandel Peninsula - Rotorua
Taupo/Tongariro - Napier/Hawkes Bay - Wellington - Picton/Blenheim/Marlborough Sounds - Kaikoura
Christchurch/Akaroa/Arthurs Pass - Mount Cook/Tekapo - Nelson/Abel Tasman/Golden Bay - West Coast/Glaciers - Wanaka - Queenstown - Dunedin/Oamaru/Catlins - Te Anau/Fiordland/Milford Sound/Doubtful Sound - Stewart Island

 

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