15 day South Island Natural Discovery
This 15 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Christchurch.
Explore and enjoy some of New Zealand's unique flora, fauna and scenery on this 15 day South Island tour. You begin with an Akaroa Harbour Nature cruise which takes you out to see the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin. 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 Queenstown then you continue to the beautiful West Coast. Here you’ll marvel at the glaciers during your on-ice adventure, before crossing the Southern Alps on board the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch.
Accommodation type on this tour is: Boutique Lodges & Hotels.
Rental car insurance included
Rental car inclusions: Unlimited kilometres,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.
Tour pack: Includes detailed driving instructions, maps, guide books and much more.
This tour can be customised to suit you precisely - just request here.
This tour also features:
Itinerary summary for: 15 day South Island Natural Discovery
Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch
Accommodation:
Orari Apartments
Day 2: Your rental car is delivered then travel over the Port Hills to the French settlement of Akaroa before exploring the wildlife of the harbour
Accommodation:
Beaufort House Akaroa
Day 3: Akaroa to Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage Area. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Accommodation:
Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium
Day 4: Travel to Dunedin, the 'Edinburgh' of the South
Accommodation:
Camp Estate at Larnach Castle
Day 5: Explore Dunedin Peninsula and visit one of the worlds rarest birds, the Yellow Eyed Penguin
Accommodation:
Camp Estate at Larnach Castle
Day 6: Drive through Southland farmland scenery to Te Anau, Gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Accommodation:
Te Anau Lodge
Day 7: 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
Day 8: You return to Manapouri at midday then head north to Queenstown
Accommodation:
The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi
Day 9: The day is yours to discover all the scenic spots and fun activities on offer in Queenstown
Accommodation:
The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi
Day 10: Queenstown to Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge
Accommodation:
Wilderness Lodge, Lake Moeraki
Day 11: Explore the flora and fauna of this unique West Coast Lodge
Accommodation:
Wilderness Lodge, Lake Moeraki
Day 12: Lake Moeraki to the West Coast Glaciers
Accommodation:
Westwood Lodge
Day 13: Explore Franz Josef and the glaciers with a Glacier Valley Walk
Accommodation:
Westwood Lodge
Day 14: Head north to Greymouth before catching the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train across the Southern Alps to Christchurch
Accommodation:
Orari Apartments
Day 15: Depart Christchurch today