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South to North - 16 day Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Christchurch to Picton:  Accommodation 


You leave Christchurch this morning for a scenic drive to the port town of Picton with a stop to view a seal colony on the way. In the afternoon you do a guided walk with views to the stunning Marlborough Sounds.

Day 2: Picton to Abel Tasman: Accommodation 


You have the morning at leisure to just relax or explore Picton further before we head through to Marahau. Stop for a wine tasting in New Zealand's premier wine region world-famous for its Sauvignon Blanc then head across to Nelson and out to the Tasman region for the picturesque beaches and bays of the Abel Tasman National Park.  Stay in your exclusive campsite located adjacent to the National Park where your group gets the chance to plant a native tree or seedling to leave a legacy of your stay.  Dinner tonight includes a taste of local seafood (B,D).

Day 3: Full day in Abel Tasman: Accommodation 


An entire day to explore the Abel Tasman National Park.  You have an  included boat transfer out of the park so you can walk the famous coastal track, incorporating some of the New Zealand's best beaches. You can upgrade to one of the other great options including sea kayaking or sailing. You self-cater tonight with BBQ facilities available and stay again at your campsite right beside the National Park(B).

Day 4: Abel Tasman to Hanmer Springs:  Accommodation  motel_icon


Today you set off early passing through two more National Parks en route to the tranquility of Hanmer Springs. The Kahurangi and Nelson National Parks boast fabulous scenery and some great small hikes with craggy mountain ranges draped with forest to the lake's edge. You will have a picnic on the lake edge today. Arrive at Hanmer Springs in the afternoon and have a relaxing soak in the hot pools. You go out for a group meal tonight (B,D).

Day 5: Hanmer Springs to Christchurch: Accommodation   motel_icon    


The day begins with a small drive to the coast heading to Kaikoura, a stop that offers a sanctuary of marine life. Regardless of what you choose to do you will encounter marine life in many forms. There are seals, dolphins, whales or the king of the skies, the Royal Albatross. There is a fantastic walk starting from the seal colony around the cliff tops where you will get amazing views.  You have plenty of time to do even the longest of options here then you express south to the South Island's largest city, Christchurch (B).

Day 6: Christchurch to Franz Josef: Accommodation   motel_icon


You start early for a stunning journey across the Canterbury Plains, over Arthur's Pass and down to the West Coast.  Along the way the scenery changes constantly so you stop often for walks and photo opportunities. Stop in Hokitika, famous for pounamu (jade) and at the Bushman's Centre to learn about the local history, before heading down to Franz Josef for its majestic glacier.  Stay in a lodge in the rainforest at Franz Josef  (D).

Day 7: Franz Josef: Accommodation 


Today is free for exploring this World Heritage area. There are many great walks but we highly recommend that you pay to go on one of the guided trips (where they provide you with specialised equipment) so that you can get further onto the glacier.  Self-cater tonight - there are great local cafes and a kitchen at the lodge (B).

N.B. in winter a half day guided glacier hike is included.

Day 8: Franz Josef to Makarora:  Accommodation 


You follow the coast further south today for even more amazing scenery (including New Zealand's most photographed lake), some great walks, waterfalls and a breathtaking alpine pass. Arrive at your wilderness accommodation at the foot of Mount Aspiring National Park by mid-afternoon. The locals provide some of the most spectacular activities from scenic flights to wilderness jet boating. Your accommodation tonight is in chalets
(B, D)..

Day 9: Makarora to Queenstown:  Accommodation  motel_icon


You journey on to the adventure capital of the world; Queenstown, the spiritual home of bungy jumping.  On the way you stop in the scenic town of Wanaka for a walk and lunch before heading to the bungy bridge. Everyone has the option of observing or jumping themselves. Arrive at your accommodation in the afternoon ready for two days of whatever activities you choose to do from the relaxing to full-on adrenaline. Your guide will take you on an orientation of the resort when you arrive and a tour of the town's night spots in the evening. (B).

Days 10 and 11: Queenstown:  Accommodation  motel_icon


Enjoy Queenstown.... Optional activities and meals at your own expense.You have two days to explore this adventure town or just relax in the array of coffee shops on and around the lakes edge; the surrounding view will see your day pass very easily.Queenstown is one of the top, and most scenic adventure venues in the world. Within the stunning setting of mountains and lake, you can do almost anything here. There are a number of wineraries here that offer very good wines - especially Pinot Noir - and claim to be the most southerly wineraries in the world. So instead of jetboating on the Shotover, perhaps a relaxing wine trail is more to your liking.

Day 12: Queenstown to Doubtful Sound:  Accommodation  motel_icon


This morning you head into the awe-inspiring Fiordland National Park.  Doubtful Sound is truly an amazing place; one of the most remote and untouched places on earth where you will see fur seals, Fiordland Crested Penguins and dolphins. You spend the day and night on a purpose-built boat, which includes a dedicated nature guide and sea kayaks.  Overnight in a secluded bay in the fiord (D). ** See Note at bottom of Itinerary.

N.B. In winter we do the Doubtful Sound day cruise and stay overnight in Te Anau.

Day 13: Doubtful Sound to Central Otago:  Accommodation 


The morning is spent departing Doubtful Sound. You board your own mini-coach at midday and head through the beautiful Otago region.  You explore relics of the gold rush, which was responsible for the European settlement of this area.  Stay in your own exclusive accommodation in the middle of Otago gold country. You have the option of curling tonight (like bowling but with big stones on an ice rink). We challenge you to try and beat your guide (B, D).

Day 14: Central Otago to Rangitata:  Accommodation 


In the morning you grab your mountain bikes and head out to sample part of the old Otago Gold Mining Rail Trail.  It is an ideal activity for riders of all abilities and a great way to soak up the incredible scenery and history of the area. We then express along the Canterbury plains to Rangitata, one of the region's original sheep stations surrounded by the Southern Alps. Tonight we build a campfire and exchange stories from the trip. N.B. Due to the Christchurch earthquake this tour now has an extra day.  (B)

Day 15: Rangitata - via Christchurch to Picton to Wellington:  Accommodation 

You leave Rangitata this morning for Christchurch and an express trip to Picton and Wellington. Enjoy the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and some great harbour shots of the capital as you take a flight over the Cook Strait.

Day 16: Wellington to Auckland: Express Journey

Today is an express journey from Wellington to Auckland. You will leave Wellington approximately 06.00am and you will stop along the way for photos and to have lunch in Taupo with the chance for you to check out New Zealand's largest lake. Head North and over the Bombay Hills before arriving in Auckland where this tour comes to an end. (B)

 


NOTE:

The night in the Coromandel has multi-share accommodation only. Most cabins on the Doubtful Sound are multi-share and therefore private accommodation is limited. We will confirm at time of booking if twin/double/ single is available.

 

Overland NZ - New Zealand Overland Adventure Tours and Holidays.