13 Day Ultimate South Island
A tour of the South Island beginning in Wellington and concluding in Christchurch. See some of the worlds most beautiful scenery, and experience the unique culture, only found in New Zealand’s South Island. Available options include a 3 day Greenstone Valley guided walk, and 1 day at the world-renowned Abel Tasman National Park.
Day 1 - Wellington / Blenheim / Nelson
Your tour departs from the Bay Plaza Hotel, 40 Oriental Parade at 8.00am.
Join the Interislander Ferry for the scenic cruise to Picton, enjoy spectacular views of Wellington
and the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Welcomed by your Coach Captain then on to Montana
Winery for a tasting and winery tour. From this renowned wine region it’s a fascinating drive to
Nelson noted for its arts and crafts.
Leisure Lodge. (2 nights)
Day 2 - Nelson or Abel Tasman National Park
Nelson or Abel Tasman National Park We recommend an optional day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park
, inclusive of all transfers and a picnic lunch. By coach to Kaiteriteri then board a comfortable launch
to cruise along the parks coastline. Either go ashore at Torrent Bay and walk 2 hours to Bark Bay or
come ashore at Bark Bay and explore that area. From Bark Bay by launch, retrace your journey arriving
in Nelson at 5.00pm. Alternatively, explore Nelson, follow the art trail, galleries and coffee shops
featuring art, pottery, jewellery, wood and more or visit Tahunanui with its broad beaches and coastal
panoramas.
Day 3 - Nelson / Greymouth
Lush farmlands then forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge – a spectacular scenic drive.
Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind, possibly lunch at the award winning Beach House
Cafe and south to explore the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki. At Greymouth visit Jade Boulder Gallery
to see native jade, mined in remote alpine valleys crafted into fine jewellery.
Hotel Ashley (1 night)
Day 4 - Greymouth / Fox Glacier
Greymouth / Fox Glacier Remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes with dense native bush and forest,
all dominated by the towering Southern Alps, highlight your journey to Fox Glacier. Plenty of time
to enjoy a guided walk to the glaciers terminal face, a helicopter flight and snow landing or walk
to nearby Lake Matheson.
Fox Glacier Hotel. (1 night)
Day 5 - Fox Glacier / Wanaka
Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive
bushlands of the Aspiring National Park. At Wanaka you'll have a choice of two afternoon activities:
a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island nature reserve, for a bush walk followed by
refreshments. Look for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird whose curiosity is likely
to attract them close to you.
Alternatively enjoy a thrilling jet boat excursion on the lake – full on exciting, leisurely scenic
cruising or somewhere in between.
Mt Aspiring Hotel. (1 night)
Option: Greenstone
Day 6 - Wanaka / Queenstown
Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and gold
mining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight
is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant (entire group). You have 2 choices for the next three
days and Kirra Tours enthusiastically recommends.
OPTION 1:
The Greenstone Valley Guided Walk. Today enjoy the sights, sounds and activities of Queenstown plus
attend a pre-walk briefing.
Rydges Hotel. (1 night)
Day 7 - Queenstown / Steel Creek
By coach to Glenorchy then onto the track, stately beech forests, rocky gorges and silent river
pools with Robins and Tom Tits for company. Its 18km to Steel Creek Lodge nestled on broad river
flats.
Day 8 - Steel Creek / Lake McKellar
Red tussock land, ancient bog pines and cottonwoods with sheer mountainsides above and possibly
deer on the forests edge. 14km to Lake McKellar Lodge.
Day 9 - Lake McKellar / Milford Sound
To the Greenstone Saddle, through lush forests to Lake Howden, then ascend Key Summit (919m)
an area of alpine swamp with incredible 360 degree views, so spectacular, then down to rejoin
your Tour on the Milford Road at The Divide and travel through the Hollyford Valley and Homer
Tunnel to Milford Sound.
Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight. (1 night)
Or...
Day 6 - Wanaka / Queenstown
Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and
goldmining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner
tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant. (entire group).
At leisure in Queenstown, jet boating, lake cruises, a day on the Routeburn Track, Lord of the
Rings Tours, rafting and more shops, galleries and boutiques than you can count – enjoy. Dinner
day 16 is not included allowing the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice.
Rydges Hotel. (3 nights)
Day 7 - Queenstown
Jet Boating, lake cruises, a day on the Routeburn Track, Lord of the Rings Tours, rafting
and more shops, galleries and boutiques than you can count - enjoy! Dinner day 7 is not
included allowing the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice. Rydges Hotel (3 nights)
At leisure in Queenstown.
Day 8 - Queenstown
At leisure in Queenstown.
Day 9 - Queenstown / Milford Sound
Follow the lake to Kingston, across fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake
Manapouri then Lake Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley, native forests, lakes, waterfalls and
towering mountains. At The Divide collect the Greenstone Trek group and travel through the Hollyford
Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound.
Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight. (1 night)
10 - Milford Sound / Dunedin
Milford Sound / Dunedin Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world. Rugged and
remote mountains change to lush green countryside, which in turn gives way to rolling hills as
you approach Dunedin, the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated
to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift.
Cargills Hotel. (2 nights)
11 - Dunedin
A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude of optional activities available. A Monarch Wildlife
Cruise, Natures Wonders Tour (both featuring penguins, seals and birdlife), the Taieri Gorge Railway
, a Citibus Newtons Tour, fascinating Larnach Castle or Tour the Cadbury Factory or Speights Brewery.
Have fun!
12 - Dunedin / Omarama
Dunedin / Omarama Visit Olveston, Dunedin’s majestic historic home with its original furnishings.
See bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and a rocky coastline, view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then
explore Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes to Omarama.
Heritage Gateway Hotel. (1 night)
13 - Omarama / Mt Cook / Christchurch
Omarama / Mt Cook / Christchurch Pass the milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook National
Park and village, amidst New Zealand’s highest mountains. At Lake Tekapo view the Church of the Good
Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial with time for a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air Safaris.
Descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch. Your tour concludes at approximately 5.00pm
after a brief city tour.
Pavilions Hotel (1 night)
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The scenic and cultural icons of the South Island combined in one superb 13-day itinerary. This outstanding holiday has been designed to offer a range of activities not generally found on a typical New Zealand tour. Includes and an overnight cruise on Milford Sound with options to join complete the 3-day Greenstone Valley Guided Walk and a full day to explore Abel Tasman National Park.
- Sightseeing tours of Nelson, Dunedin and Christchurch
- Montana winery visit and tasting
- Visit Greenstone (Jade) factory
- West Coast Glaciers
- Remote National Parks of Fiordland & Westland
- Dinner at the Skyline Restaurant
- Awe inspiring Milford Sound
- Spectacular Southern Lakes
- Olveston House
- Traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony
- World renowned Mt Cook Region
-
(Twin Share)
- Kirra’s Recommended Tour Price from
NZ $2695.00per person - Acrossnz Tour price from
NZ $2560.00 per person
(Twin Share)
To check the tour departure dates for this tour please
click here.
If you would like to confirm this tour please click on the enquire button
(Hover mouse over map
see a larger map)
- A warm welcome at the Airport on arrival to begin your tour (see ‘Airport Transfers’ note).
- Transfers Airport-Hotel-Airport at the beginning and end of your tour (see ‘Airport Transfers’ note).
- Quality, twin share or double accommodation.
- A hearty cooked breakfast each morning (Optional).
- A 3 course multi-choice dinner each evening (Optional).
- Travel in luxurious, well appointed and fully air-conditioned tour coaches.
- Escorted by a professional Coach Captain.
- An informative commentary as you travel.
- Comprehensive sightseeing admission fees as detailed with each itinerary.
- Cook Strait ferry crossing where applicable.
- Baggage handling / porterage
- Travel kit including travel bag, ticket wallet, maps and itinerary.