Over View
New Zealand is the perfect place for adrenaline and activity, and there’s nowhere in the country more suited to that than the South Island. On this two week trip, cover the ground (or water) by sea kayak, boat, bike, and on foot. Explore Abel Tasman National Park, cruise along the waters of Milford Sound, and take two wheels through the trails around Mt Cook. If you’re not out of breath just from reading all that, then it’s time to start packing.
Itineraries
Day 1
Christchurch
Arrive at any time.
Day 2
ChristchurchKaikoura
Transfer to Kaikoura, with a free afternoon to explore the area or take in an optional activity.
Day 3
KaikouraAbel Tasman National Park
Take in the scenery of the South Island while travelling to Abel Tasman National Park.
Day 4
Abel Tasman National ParkNelson
Start the day with a short hike before setting off from the beach to kayak along the Abel Tasman coastline towards Marahau. Later, travel to Nelson.
Day 5
NelsonLake Brunner
Enjoy the scenery of the mountainous coastal Westland region, and stop en route to see the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
Day 6
Lake BrunnerFranz Josef
Transfer to Franz Josef, stopping for a walk at the wildlife mecca of Okarito Lagoon en route. Enjoy free time for optional activities such as hiking and checking out the stunning Franz Josef Glacier.
Day 7
Franz Josef
A free day for optional activities. Options include a helicopter hike, a glacier valley walk, kayaking as well as the unique and stunning Franz Josef Glacier.
Day 8
Franz JosefWanaka
Transfer to Wanaka, where there are a variety of optional activities available. Opt to go mountain biking, skydiving, or check out the giant maze and optical illusions of Puzzling World.
Day 9
WanakaQueenstown
Drive the winding route between Wanaka and Queenstown passing through picturesque wine country, the towering Crown Range Mountains, and the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River. Watch as the scenery shifts from vast open valleys to the hustle and bustle of the city, and get ready to enjoy a free afternoon in the adventure capital of the world.
Day 10
Queenstown
Enjoy a full-day hiking excursion along the world renowned Routeburn Track, taking in the gorgeous mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and lakes surrounding the track.
Day 11
Queenstown
Travel to the fiords of the South Island. Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from the deck of a boat, then return to Queenstown for the night.
Day 12
QueenstownTwizel
Enjoy free time in Queenstown, before travelling on to the AorakiMt Cook region.
Day 13
Twizel
Prepare for an action packed day! Start on two-wheels on a mountain biking excursion around the AorakiMt Cook region. In the afternoon, discover stunning landscapes on foot.
Day 14
TwizelChristchurch
Travel back to Christchurch. Join a guided tour this afternoon and learn about how the city was rebuilt following an earthquake in 2011. Enjoy some free time this evening and opt for a final dinner with the group.
Day 15
Christchurch
Depart at any time.
