We depart Christchurch and head South through the Canterbury Plains towards McKenzie Country. We stop for views along the way at Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. We have the option of a flight over New Zealand's highest peak, Mt Cook, which is 3764m and produces fantastic aerial views of the mountains and surrounding areas. Tonight we spend the night at one of McKenzie Countries remote farm stations.

Today as we make our way to Dunedin, New Zealand's Scottish and Victorian City, we stop along route to see Moreraki Boulders. Formed some 60 million years ago, these boulders have long been a subject of legend and curiosity. Dunedin is at the heart of one of New Zealand's most renowned eco tourism areas. Not only can one see the world's rarest penguin's, the Royal Albatross, New Zealand's Oldest University, but the world's steepest street, and a 19th Century Castle. And let's not forget an optional tour of the Speight's Brewery, 'The Southern Man's beer'. Tonight we can enjoy a night out in this Scottish City.

We head into Southland on the 'Southern Scenic Route' towards the famous Milford Sound. We make the ascent up towards the Homer Tunnel, which is 1200m long and an experience on its own. As we drive into Hollyford Valley you will soon understand why we have travelled so far off the beaten track to get here. Come rain or shine this is truly New Zealand at its unparalleled and glorious best. Tonight we will relax before we take in the spectacular scenery.
*Possible upgrade available here - historic cabins with coal ranges.

Today we hop aboard our boat for a breathtaking cruise in the heart of Milford Sound. You will see Mitre Peak, which has a dominate presence on the skyline. Milford Sound is 15km long and about 290m at its deepest. You also have the chance to visit the 160m Bowen falls. The fiords are home to a number of different wildlife, with Fur seals commonly being seen lying about on the rocks. We head back to Te Anau, New Zealand's second largest lake. This lovely little lake side town will allow you to appreciate the spacious open areas, beautiful lake views and the amazing contrasts that the South Island has on offer.
*Possible upgrade available here.

Today we head to the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown.  You have more than a few options available to you for the next  48 hours. First, you can take time to relax and get your breath back, or you can fasten your seatbelt and jump in! .With the variety of activities on offer in and around Queenstown, you will be spoilt for choice. Jump off the bungee bridge, go white water rafting and follow that by a jet boat ride. When you think you have had enough, there's always more! It's out of the wet cloths and on with the dry, as we paint the town red by night. (Winter trips have the option of hitting the slopes, to catch up on some skiing).

You have today 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 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.

Today we make our way to the wild and wet West Coast; but first we will stop at Arrowtown, one of the first gold mining settlements in New Zealand. Its tree lined streets and historic buildings lie beautifully nestled at the foothills of the Crown Range. We will then make one more stop before arriving at Fox Glacier, at Wanaka, one of the most desirable places to live in New Zealand. With Lake Wanaka lapping at the shores, the picture postcard Southern Alps as its background and bordering Aspiring National Park, you will soon feel the same way as many others. We now head through the remote area of Haast and the dense rain forests, and make our way to the foot of Fox Glacier.

Covering 13 kilometres and descending 1200 metres, Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are only 6 km from the Tasman Sea and are amongst the fastest moving in the world. Here you have the chance to partake in some optional excursions such as a guided walk on ice, or maybe you would like to experience the thrill of a helicopter flight over this amazing mass of frozen water. After the glaciers have been conquered (or not..) we head up the West Coast to the small settlement of Pukekura, population 2. Pukekura is really known for the Bushman's Centre and Museum, and the adjoining cafe that serves 'road kill soup fo the day'....

We drive further north today stopping at Paporoa National Park where we see the famous Pancake Rocks and blow holes at Dolomite Point  at the small coastal settlement of Punakaiki. The National Park offers an array of outdoor activities: trekking, horse trekking, kayaking and rock climbing. For those that mya have had their fill of adventure in Queenstown, you can always take time to curl up with a good book or perhaps watch for the dolphin pods that vie with the surfers for the best wave.

We continue north and for the next two nights we camp at Marahau, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. Abel Tasman National Park, is New Zealand's smallest National Park, but one of the most beautiful. 23,000 ha of rolling hills, native bush, hidden golden sand beaches and over 91km of coastal scenery and is home to the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. 

Day 11: Abel Tasman National Park:   Accommodation 

The National Park can be enjoyed by walking the coastal track one way and with the return trip by launch or water taxi , or by sea kayaking the Coast and drifting slowly taking in the spectacular sights and watching dolphins, seals and the wildlife. There are numerous water taxi operators that offer day trippers the option of being dropped off at one beach and picked up at another. Or you can walk the length of the Coastal Walkway.. You can go sea kayaking, swim with seals, go sailing, have a microlight flight or  go tandem hang gliding. Options galore.

Before we leave the South Island, we will visit Nelson which is known as the sunniest place in the country. Nelson is a very lively and modern town and is renowned as a vibrant arts, crafts and festival centre. Within 100 kms are some of the best beaches in New Zealand and some of the most diverse National Parks. Nelson has over 300 artists resident in town, so it is obvious the Arts also feature heavily as an attraction. Wineries and local breweries are another big draw card..