Choice As 9 Day South Island Tour

This morning it’s time to leave this stunning area as we head towards New Zealand’s student city and the Edinburgh of the South – Dunedin! We’ll stop at Benmore Dam for a look at this impressive structure & maybe spot some gliders – it’s one of the world’s premier spots for this pretty hair-raising sport. We’ll also stop at historic Oamaru, with it’s cute old buildings, many of which are made out of it’s own stunning white Oamaru stone. We couldn’t head south to Dunedin without taking a quick look at Moeraki – home to massive boulders located right on the beach. When we arrive to Dunedin, we’ll visit the iconic Speight’s Brewery for a look at how Kiwi brew is made.

ACCOMODATION

Hotel

SIGHTS

Moeraki Boulders
Baldwin Street
Speight's Brewery

Today, we’re off to New Zealand’s adventure capital – Queenstown! This place is choice (sweet as). This is one high-energy destination that has something for everyone (and can be as chilled out as you wish). From jet boat rides to fantastic local food and nightlife, awe-inspiring mountains and the world’s best wineries, the list really is endless. 

ACCOMODATION

Hotel

Day Four starts with a ride on a jet boat – a proper New Zealand invention. Hold on tight – speeding down the Shotover River on a jetboat near the canyon walls (so close you could probably touch them) is an epic experience. With two more days here, you’ve got heaps of time to try out adrenaline-inducing activities, to take it easy with a glass of local wine or beer and of course, to party – something Queenstown is known for. You can also opt for a day trip to the rightly famous Milford Sound – this slice of paradise has been voted one of the world’s top destinations & is known around the world for its stunning scenery. Check out the iconic Mitre Peak as it rises straight out of the sea and waterfalls pour down cliffs into the deep waters of the sound. 

ACCOMODATION

Hotel

SIGHTS

Included: Shotover Jet Boat Ride

Optional Paid Activities: Milford Sound Tour, bungy jump, skydive

Today, we’re off to New Zealand’s wild West Coast – home of millions of sand flies and the Franz Josef Glacier. On the way, see ancient rainforests that give this area its unique atmosphere – we also make stop at the majestic Thunder Creek Falls. After that we cruise past remote beaches before arriving in the Westland National Park, where temperate rainforest and glaciers almost reach the Tasman Sea. We overnight in Franz Josef village. 

ACCOMODATION

Lodge

Today you can choose to don your crampons and head out onto the ice of either the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. On these optional activities, you’ll learn about how these glaciers came about with our professional Local Guides. 

ACCOMODATION

Lodge

SIGHTS

Optional Paid Activity: Franz Josef Glacier Hike

Leaving little old Franz today, we follow the untamed coastline and stop in at the former gold rush town of Hokitika on the West Coast. It’s an awesome spot for a look into a traditional Maori art, and we’ll watch authentic carvers work with New Zealand greenstone (jade) and learn about the importance of this stone. We suggest you pick up a piece to take home. We travel east through the stunning Arthur’s Pass over the Southern Alps as we head back to Christchurch!

SIGHTS

Arthur’s Pass