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/ Our Company15 day self drive holiday New Zealand
South Island (NZ15S)
Introduction:
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 Overview:
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
Itinerary details:
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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: Options Activities: Options |
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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. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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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 Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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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. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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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. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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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: Options Activities: Options |
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Full day in the Abel Tasman National Park.
From Kaiteriteri walk, sea kayak or sail north along the
picturesque Kaiteriteri coastline, including the famous
"Split Apple Rock". Beach stops for a swim, visit
Tonga Island Seal Colony. A range of options are available
incl 1, 3 -or 5 day guided trips staying in beachfront lodges. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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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: Options Activities: Options |
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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. Or continue through to Lake Moeraki for an eco-lodge experience at the Moeraki Wilderness Lodge. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Fox Glacier based stays can include a
guided walk or guided HeliHike onto the glacier for an exhilarating
and memorable experience. Or from Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki wilderness experiences in the South Westland World Heritage temperate rainforest and isolated beaches on the rugged coastline. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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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: Options Activities: Options |
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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. Scenic flight options to Milford
Sound or both ways are also available. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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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! Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |