| Duration: | 15 Day(s) - 14 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Nature Tours |
Kia ora - Welcome to New Zealand
15-Day South Island Natural Discovery Tour Self Drive
This 15-day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Christchurch
Personal airport meet and greet, and private transfer to your accommodation
All-inclusive detailed customized tour package prepared by New Zealand-based specialists - so you sit back and relax
An exciting itinerary will be customized to suit you - let us help plan and perfect your dream vacation
We offer Self-drive trips (rental car) we arrange all your accommodations, activities, and attractions (you select) we book your rental car (fun, freedom, independence, flexibility) you set the pace each day, or perhaps you prefer a Private driver trip (fully guided) or, Escorted coach tours (daily commentary).
Explore and enjoy some of New Zealand's unique flora, fauna, and scenery on this 15-day magnificent South Island tour. You begin with an alpine guided walk in Mount Cook National Park (world heritage site) where Sir Edmund Hillary trained for his Everest adventure.
In Dunedin, you'll enjoy a full-day encounter with the unique marine life that inhabits the Otago Peninsula before heading south towards Fiordland National Park. Experience the "Sound of Silence" with an overnight cruise in the remote untouched wilderness of Doubtful Sound.
No South Island trip is complete without time spent in the alpine playground of iconic Queenstown ("adventure capital of the world") - spend some time here before continuing to the beautiful rugged wild remote West Coast.
Here you'll marvel at the ancient rain forests and mighty glaciers during your on-ice adventure, before crossing the mighty Southern Alps on board the world-famous TranzAlpine scenic train back to Christchurch. In the evenings you will relax in tranquil luxury lodges situated in secluded locations for the ultimate wilderness experience.
Quick Summary
15-Day South Island Natural Discovery
Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch City
Accommodation: The George Hotel
Day 2: Mt. Cook National Park
Your rental car is delivered then travel south to Mt Cook National Park, A World Heritage Area.
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium Plus
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3: Mt. Cook National Park
Enjoy a guided exploration of Mt. Cook National Park
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium Plus
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Twizel
Travel to Twizel and visit the very rare Black Stilt visitor hide. Continue to Dunedin, the 'Edinburgh' of the South
Accommodation: Camp Estate at Larnach Castle
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: Dunedin Peninsula
Explore Dunedin Peninsula and visit one of the world's rarest birds, the Yellow Eyed Penguin
Accommodation: Camp Estate at Larnach Castle
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6: Te Anau
Drive through Southland farmland scenery to Te Anau, Gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Accommodation: Fiordland Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Wildlife Tour
Today embark on a 24-hour adventure to Doubtful Sound. Explore the area and spend the night in this pristine wilderness.
Accommodation: Fiordland Navigator Overnight Boat in Doubtful Sound
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Manapouri - Queenstown
You return to Manapouri at midday then head north to Queenstown.
Accommodation: Azur Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9: Queenstown
Explore and enjoy Queenstown at leisure today.
Accommodation: Azur Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10: Queenstown
Queenstown to Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge.
Accommodation: Wilderness Lodge, Lake Moeraki
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: West Coast Lodge
Explore the flora and fauna of this unique West Coast Lodge.
Accommodation: Wilderness Lodge, Lake Moeraki
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Lake Moeraki
Lake Moeraki to the West Coast Glaciers.
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: Franz Josef
Explore Franz Josef and the glaciers with an exciting Ice Explorer tour.
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14: Greymouth
Head north to Greymouth before catching the world-famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.
Accommodation: The George Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 15: Departure
Depart Christchurch today.
