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 drive north to the Kaikoura region (2H) via the Waipara Valley, one of New Zealand’s premier wine growing regions, producing wines that have won international awards. 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.

Few places in the world can boast of such natural wonders as those offered by land and sea in Kaikoura. The mountains are very close to the sea and covered by snow 10 months per year.

Drive even further north to a farming community on the Kaikoura coast and the small settlement of Ngaroma. This track was developed by three farming families who owned the land and wanted to share a piece of heaven with the rest of the world. Tonight stay in a homely cottage with your convivial and gracious local hosts and really get to know the kiwi farming way of life in this immersive experience.

A van transfer to Buntings Gully (20 minutes) brings you to the beginning of today's walk. Enjoy the ancient remnants of the beech forest and view the Inland Kaikoura Ranges, usually covered in snow at the beginning and end of the walking season.

Upon reaching Skull Peak Shelter you can have a hot drink, fill up your water bottle and rest before the last trek up to the top of Skull Peak, where you have 360 degree panoramic views of the Kaikoura coastline. Now walk down to the coast and back to the farm.

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.

Today embark on a full day’s walk on the Queen Charlotte Track, located in Marlborough Sounds. Take an early morning Beachcomber Cruise Boat to Torea Bay and begin walking amongst the stunning scenery of the area with panoramic views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. Around 4pm catch the Tiri Cat vessel at Punga Cove back to Picton. If you have time, enjoy a drink or a meal at Punga Cove's Boatshed Bar.

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.

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, (5km) 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 (11km) which climbs up to just over a 1000m for  spectacular views. In late spring and early summer, colourful alpine flowers will be on display.

Drive over to Arthur's Pass this morning (3H20),  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.

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.

Drive to the spectacular glaciers region of the South Island (3H). The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers cut through dramatic glacial valleys to flow into temperate rainforest.  We recommend taking a day trip with a guide on the Franz Josef as you are not allowed to go onto the glacier by yourself. Booking in advance essential.

Alex Knob Track is only for experienced walkers. You will zig-zag your way up to Rata Lookout for your first views over the Franz Josef Glacier through lowland forest, sub-alpine scrub, alpine meadows and herb fields and to the Alex Knob summit. Forest birds, such as tui, bellbird, kereru (New Zealand wood pigeon), are heard regularly along the track.

An easier walking choice today (but good fitness is still required) is the Roberts Point Track (9km), which again has great views over the surrounding landscapes.

After breakfast, make your way south to Wanaka (3H30),  which is in the heart of the Otago region. Central Otago is an area of matchless beauty with cold, glacier-carved lakes, barren hills and clear skies. The hub is Queenstown, with a legendary setting looking across Lake Wakatipu to the craggy heights of the Remarkables range. Near neighbour Wanaka is Queenstown’s more restrained cousin, draped around the placid waters of its eponymous lake. The scenery here is particularly wonderful, as acknowledged by film-makers who have flocked here over the years to shoot major feature films: several scenes from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the highest concentration of locations from the Lord of the Rings trilogy and, more recently, large sections of The Hobbit.

Spend a couple of nights in Wanaka where you can appreciate this areas beauty and great walking.

On the Roy’s Peak Track you can take in breath-taking views over Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring/Tititea and surrounding peaks after a steep climb through alpine meadows and tussock grasslands to the summit. This is a popular track and one of the best day hikes. Closed between October 1st and approximately November 10th due to lambing, other options are Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Walk, which is shorter with an option to do a low level walk. Wanaka is a walker's paradise and there are plenty of hikes here to choose from.

Today will be an amazing drive through the central Otago region and through Fiordland to Te Anau (3H), gateway to some marvellous Great Walks. It is worth visiting Arrowtown en route which is located just north of Queenstown. There is something to delay most folk here amidst quaint streets, intimate restaurants, cool bars, and historic Chinese gold settlements.

Ringed by snow-capped peaks, Te Anau stretches along New Zealand’s deepest and grandest lake of the same name.

Drive up to Milford Sound from Te Anau (1H45), then sit back and relax as your cruise departs from Milford Sound Wharf, and makes its way out past the iconic Mitre Peak. Be sure to keep an eye out for seals basking in the sun, pods of dolphins or rare Fiordland Crested Penguins that can be found seasonally within the region.

On your way back down the Milford Highway you will pass the car park for the Divide, the beginning of the Routeburn Track. Park here and walk up to Key Summit. Immediately panoramic views of snow-capped peaks begin to unfold. Take the turn off to Key Summit and see the unforgettable panorama from the top.

Today drive even further south to the town of Invercargill, (1H55) from where you will catch a domestic flight to Oban (20 mins), located on Stewart Island, New Zealand’s third biggest and one that gives you a glimpse into a simpler, slower lifestyle, in rhythm with the sea and the tides, and attuned to the natural world of bush and beach.

Nature lovers are in for a treat. In the evenings spot the famous yellow-eyed-penguin in search of a place to hide! However the icing on the cake comes in the form of the Kiwi which can be spotted here even during the day!

The Port William coastal track, part of the Rakiura Great Walk, is one of the island’s most popular half day walks. Take a water taxi to Port William so that you can enjoy the track in one direction. Cruise along the stunning coastline (20 mins) and enjoy the historical commentary, before being dropped off at the Port William wharf. Discover the former Maori Beach saw mill settlement on the 3 hour hike through the varied Rakiura National Park forest to Lee Bay.

Walk the rest of the way back to Halfmoon Bay/Oban along the small local roads.

Once you have taken the short flight back to Invercargill you can retrieve your car and then drive to the Catlins coast en route to Dunedin. This is a place where time has stood still and visitors can enjoy the forests and wildlife as well as the life-style of a bygone era. As it is close to the rich Sub-Antarctic feeding grounds, some of the world's rarest marine animals are found here - the three penguin species (including Hoiho and the Yellow-Eyed Penguin), Hooker's Sea Lions, Hector's Dolphins, Elephant Seals, and New Zealand Fur Seals. Notable also are the seabirds, Mollymawks, Shags, Gannets and millions of Titi (Sooty Shearwaters).

If you wish to stretch your legs you can take a short walk to the Cathedral Caves, which are on the Catlins Coast. The track passes through the podocarp and kamahi forest of the Waipati Beach Scenic Reserve. On reaching the beach, it’s 10 minutes to the impressive Cathedral Caves. After your exploration of this amazing coastline head north to Dunedin, the capital of the Otago region.

We recommend spending the morning in harbourside Dunedin. Nicknamed the “Edinburgh of the South”, it is incredibly proud of its Scottish heritage and given the chance locals will bring our their bagpipes and eat haggis at the drop of a hat! And the city even has it’s own tartan!

There is lots to explore and this could be the chance for you to buy some souvenirs before heading home.  It has New Zealand’s oldest university, bluestone Victorian buildings and there is also a strong arts scene.

Drive north to Christchurch for your final overnight in New Zealand’s incredible South Island.

Drop your car off at Christchurch Airport (free shuttle from rental car office to the airport) before flying home or onto your next destination.