Mackinnon Tour

Kaikoura is known for its huge array of wildlife such as whales, dolphins, seals and albatross. We get to Kaikoura early so you can choose from the many optional activities such as walking around the cliff tops to see the seals and amazing views to joining a whale-watching cruise (additional cost). We spend the night in this charming coastal village. Includes breakfast.

ACCOMODATION

The Lazy Shag

SIGHTS

Whale watching, dolphin swimming, scenic flights (extra costs). 

Leaving Kaikoura in the morning, we wind our way up the rugged coastal roads with stops for photos and a seal colony. Tonight we stay in the port town of Picton.

ACCOMODATION

Cosy villa (Picton).

SIGHTS

Free Activities: Seal colony; Queen Charlotte Sound view walk, mountain biking, fishing or relax in the spa at our accommodation (Picton).

Paid Activities: Vineyard tour (Picton). 

You’ll be picked up from your hostel at 11.45am. We cruise through the famous Marlborough vineyard area and coastal town of Nelson before heading onto Motueka and our amazing night stop Marahau on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park.

ACCOMODATION

Accommodation on the edge of National Park.

SIGHTS

Free Activities: Swim, walk, mussel tasting around the fire.

Paid Activities: Wine tasting, skydiving, pilot your own stunt plane!

Today is a free day to experience the incredible Abel Tasman National Park. Explore this stunning, coastal area famous for being one of the sunniest spots in New Zealand. Walk the coastal track and discover some of New Zealand’s best natural golden beaches or choose an optional activity like sailing or sea kayaking (own expense). Tonight you can self-cater and use the BBQ facilities at our accommodation on the edge of the national park. 

ACCOMODATION

Beach accommodation in the national park

SIGHTS

Abel Tasman Track and Aqua Taxi or paddle board hire

We start early to head south along the ‘wild’ West Coast, travelling on the rugged rocky coastline that makes this stretch of road one of the country’s top drives. We’ll stop at Cape Foulwind to view a wild seal colony that’s active year round, and then make our way further down the coast to visit the spectacular limestone Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes. From there, we carry on to our next overnight stop in the quaint little West Coast town of Franz Josef, home to the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. Includes dinner.

ACCOMODATION

Hostel close to all attractions

SIGHTS

Cape Foulwind seal colony, Punakaiki pancake rocks

The day is spent in Franz Josef, a World Heritage area. As well as the glacier, the area is famous for its excellent walking trails (and lots of rain!). There are many great options for activities but a highly recommended guided trip (own expense - Franz Josef Glacier Hike) will enable you to get a hike ON the glacier, with a helicopter trip from the village nonetheless. Tonight is self-catering; there are plenty of local cafes and restaurants to enjoy or make use of the self-catering kitchen. Includes breakfast.

ACCOMODATION

Hostel close to all attractions

SIGHTS

Franz Josef Glacier Hike (extra expense) or loads of other activities. 

We head down the coast towards Mount Aspiring National Park and along the way see some breathtaking scenery including Lake Matheson, NZ’s most photographed lake. We also visit a waterfall and travel over a spectacular alpine pass. Once we arrive at the National Park there’s plenty of time to enjoy some of its activities including walking, scenic flights or jet boating (own expense). We spend the night in Chalets. Includes breakfast and dinner.

ACCOMODATION

Unique mountain chalets

SIGHTS

Walk around Lake Matheson - Mirror Lake, walk through beech forest to the Blue Pools

Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful locations, with stunning ice-carved fiords, valleys, lakes and mountain scenery; it is our first port of call today. Within Fiordland we visit Doubtful Sound, the deepest of all the fiords, surrounded by towering peaks and huge waterfalls.

We will board a purpose built boat and enjoy complimentary afternoon tea while cruising past fur seals, penguins and dolphins. There are also sea kayaks to explore the fiord. (B,D)

ACCOMODATION

Overnight on the boat, anchored within a secluded bay in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

SIGHTS

 Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise, sea kayaking, wildlife spotting.

We depart Doubtful Sound around midday, leaving behind the stunning Fiordland to head for the ‘adventure capital of the world’ Queenstown. Includes Breakfast.

ACCOMODATION

Lodge located close to town with awesome views.

The world's your oyster in Queenstown. Head out on a Day Tour to Milford Sound, take advantage of loads of walks or choose from a whole range of adventure activities. Adventure not your thing? How about a day sampling wine in Gibbston Valley. Either way you have two FREE days to explore Queenstown. Optional activities and meals are at own expense. Overnight accommodation included. Breakfast included. 

ACCOMODATION

Lodge located close to town with awesome views

SIGHTS

Milford Sound Day Tour, Wine Tasting, adventure activities, relax, go for hike (activities at extra expense) 

We’ll jump back on the bus for a short drive to Wanaka, where we’ll spend the morning biking some of New Zealand’s most scenic lakeside trails. After lunch, we head over the Lindis Pass through the picturesque Mackenzie region to the base of the country’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. There is time for a hike through the Hooker Valley for breathtaking views of the dramatic mountain landscape, or opt to take an alpine scenic flight (own expense). This is also one of the best places in New Zealand to join an evening stargazing tour. Includes breakfast and dinner.

ACCOMODATION

Stunning alpine lodge

SIGHTS

Included: scenic bike ride in Wanaka, scenic walk along the Hooker Valley track

Optional paid activity: Big Sky Stargazing or scenic heli-flight

Today we make our way through a landscape made famous in the 'Lord of the Rings' films. We’ll take a break for a stroll around Lake Tekapo, iconic for its historic church and turquoise waters. Between Tekapo and Christchurch there is an option for thrill seekers to hop-off and join a top-notch Grade 5 white water adventure on the Rangitata River (own expense). Those not rafting will continue on to Christchurch, where your driver guide will point out the highlights of the South Island’s largest city. The rafters will rejoin the group in Christchurch this evening. This is where your tour comes to an end – we hope you had a blast on your New Zealand journey! Includes breakfast.

SIGHTS

Optional paid activity: Rangitata white water rafting