SOUTH ISLAND ADVENTURE

Itinerary

Day 1, Christchurch - Punakaiki

Going west from Christchurch we head over the fertile Canterbury plains heading for the mountains. We leave the dry East Coast and cross the dividing range to go down to the lush, green and moist West Coast. The countryside changes radically as great deep blue rivers spring from the steep mountainsides. Accommodation: Budget lodging included

Day 2, Punakaiki - Franz Joseph Glacier

The drive down the coast today is beautiful. We have several cultural activity options before leaving for Franz Joseph Glacier along the coast of forests, lakes and hidden beaches. We then pull in to Franz Joseph Glacier for a view of the glacier before night falls. Accommodation: Budget lodging included

Day 3, Franz Joseph Glacier

Today we have many options. There are spectacular flights available in both helicopters and ski planes. The flights offer unequalled views of the mountains, valleys and glaciers and there is the option of a snow landing depending on the trip you pick. There are also guided walks onto the glacier and excellent light hikes available in the valley. Accommodation: Budget lodging included

Day 4, Franz Joseph Glacier - Queenstown

We drive the remainder of the west coast and climb up through the Haast pass into the Southern Alps. This is a stunning drive with fantastic views of the mountains, rivers and lakes. Lots of great stops to take photos today. Tonight we arrive in Queenstown for three full days of fun and activities. Accommodation: Budget lodging included

Day 5-7, Queenstown

Over these three days you have the chance to see and experience the extreme activity capital of the world. There is simply no end to the fantastic line up of activities including, bungy, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, helicopter rides, jet boats and paragliding. There is also a huge variety of shops, restaurants and fun things to see in town. On day one in Queenstown we will do a tour of the area in the bus to orientate you on Queenstown and to show you the outer areas like Arrowtown which is a quaint old gold mining town with lots of history. After that you have two days free to enjoy the area and do your own thing. An unforgettable place. Accommodation: Budget lodging included

Day 8, Queenstown - Milford Sound

We drive through to Milford Sound to go aboard the Milford Wanderer floating hotel fjord cruiser for your overnight cruise through the fjords. This place is stunning with tall mountain peaks, waterfalls and crystal clear water. You get to paddle a kayak over the tranquil waters and to see fantastic marine life. During the winter months of May to September this is a day trip only without kayaking. We also offer the awe-inspiring Dart River Jet Safari as an alternative to Milford for those who would prefer this in winter. Accommodation: Cruise boat included

Day 9, Milford Sound - Omarama / Mount Cook Nat'l Park

After returning to dry land we drive up to Omarama near the foot of New Zealand's highest peak, Mt Cook. The drive is over expansive high country farmland with views of the Alps, rivers and lakes. Here we have a last night with all the gang before returning to Christchurch. Whenever possible, this night's accommodation will be in Mt Cook National Park itself. Accommodation: Budget lodging included

Day 10, Omarama/Mt Cook- Christchurch

We swing into Mt Cook and hope to catch a view of this spectacular mountain. There are wonderful lake views and photo opportunities galore. From there we continue on to Christchurch and say our goodbyes. Tour ends at approx 17:00 - 18:00 hrs in Christchurch on day 10.