New Zealand: South Island Adventure

A private transfer brings you from the airport to Christchurch, where you will spend your first night. This world-famous 'Garden City' has well-established expansive parks and public gardens. The central city area and some eastern suburbs were heavily affected by the earthquake of February 2011 but the rebuild is now in full swing.

Of course you will also be getting over your jetlag (depending on where you have flown in from) so if this is the case an early night may be a good idea, so you can embark on your epic journey through New Zealand’s South Island feeling nice and refreshed.

Today, you’ll be collected from your accommodation and taken to the car rental station to begin your self-drive journey north to the Kaikōura region (approx. 2 hours). Your route takes you through the Waipara Valley, a renowned wine-growing area celebrated for its boutique vineyards and internationally award-winning Pinot Noir and Riesling. This picturesque valley, with its rolling hills and sun-soaked vineyards, offers a glimpse into one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed wine regions before you continue on to the spectacular coastal landscapes of Kaikōura. It is worth stopping for a vineyard visit en route. This area is also home to a range of authentic food producers and farmers, offering everything from lamb and truffles to olives.

This area also has mountains are very close to the sea and covered by snow 10 months per year. Boasting natural wonders on both land and sea, there is a complex marine system that provides an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds and with its black sand beaches, native bush, green farmland that rolls down to the sea and views of distant snow-capped mountains. This is an ideal place for getting ‘close to nature’. Take an included whale watching tour from the little port in Kaikoura town this afternoon. Giant Sperm whales maybe seen all year round.

Drive north to Picton (2H30) and view it’s very attractive seafront in a sheltered harbour. There are a multitude of shops, cafes and restaurants.

This morning catch a water taxi (1H) to Ship Cove, the beginning of the Queen Charlotte Track. This coastline was a favourite anchorage for Captain James Cook in the 1770’s and is also a site of importance to the local Maori. This day is regarded as a premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track due to encountering the finest virgin native forest. Walk up to the Ship Cove platform for great views over to Motuara Island and to its smaller neighbour, Hippa Island. On a good day you will also be able to see views over to Resolution Bay and even to the Kaikoura Ranges. The track then winds upwards to Resolution Bay to the Tawa Bay Saddle. See views towards Endeavour Inlet as you walk through amazing examples of native beech forest. Catch the water taxi back to Picton from Endeavour Inlet.

Elevation Gain and Loss: +479m/467m (+1571ft/-1532ft)

Make sure you take the Queen Charlotte Drive (2H45), a beautiful and winding road which offers stunning views over the sound. You’ll find that the most spectacular views are behind you so don’t hesitate to stop at the lookouts so that you can fully take them in.

Take the afternoon boat to Anchorage Bay and then walk back to Marahau along the Abel Tasman Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Named after the Dutch explorer who actually never set foot on these shores due to an altercation with the local Maori, absorb these scenic surroundings of lush beech forest and stunning sea views.

Drive to the city of Nelson (1H), which is a great place to stay over, as there is lots to explore, including some great restaurants with excellent local produce.

Elevation Gain and Loss: +225m/221m (+738ft/-751ft)

Today leave Nelson city after breakfast and drive into Nelson Lakes National Park (1H15) which was established in 1956. This park protects 102,000 hectares of the northern-most Southern Alps and offers tranquil beech forest, craggy mountains, clear streams and lakes both big and small.

There are 2 walks on offer today. You can either take the Black Valley walk, which starts in Kerr Bay and follows the Black Valley Stream through majestic beech forest, or take the longer, more challenging option, the St Arnaud Range Track which climbs up to just over a 1000m for spectacular views. In late spring and early summer, colourful alpine flowers will be on display.

Black Valley Walk:

5km/3miles, Elevation Gain & Loss: +134m/132m (+440ft/-4332ft)

St Arnaud Range Track:

11km/7miles, Elevation Gain & Loss: +1068m/-1069m (+3504ft/-3504ft)

Drive over to Arthur's Pass this morning (3H45), the highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps of the South Island. On the way we recommend that you to stop at Castle Hill, a beautiful rock formation that provides an incredible view over the valley.

Upon arrival drive slightly further north of Arthur's Pass Village to the beginning of the Bealey Valley Track, a short walk that will take you through mountain beech forest and to the base of Mount Rolleston.

Elevation Gain and Loss: +252m/250m (+827ft/-820ft)

Take the Avalanche Peak Track today which is the only peak in Arthur’s Pass that is marked by a poled route to the summit. The climb is 1100m from the village and, on a fine day, you will be rewarded with fine views of the surrounding peaks, particularly of Mt Rolleston and the Crow Glacier on its southern face. Walk down on Scott’s Track and be sure to take the map and Arthur's Pass: Avalanche Peak route guide, available from the Arthur’s Pass Visitor Centre.

As noted the Avalanche Peak is a climb of about 1,100m, so in order to enjoy this walk you will need to be fit. If you wish to take an easier walk or if the weather is inclement, you can find plenty of other choices in the Arthur’s Pass brochure.

Elevation Gain and Loss: +1058m/1061m (+3471ft/-3481ft)