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 Rail Trail in Central Otago. If you're not out of breath just from reading all that, then it's time to start packing.
Day 1 Wellington
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park
Travel by ferry to the South Island and then transfer by bus and water taxi into Abel Tasman National Park.
Day 3 Abel Tasman National Park/Marahau
Sea kayak in Abel Tasman out to the edge of the park.
Day 4 Marahau/Westland District
Enjoy the scenery of the mountainous coastal Westland region, and stop en route to see the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
Day 5 Westland District/Franz 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 6 Franz Josef
A free day for optional activities. Options include various hikes, horseback riding, kayaking as well as the unique and stunning Franz Josef Glacier.
Day 7 Franz Josef/Wanaka
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 8 Wanaka/Queenstown
Continue onto the “adventure capital of the world,” Queenstown.
Day 9 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 10 Queenstown
Enjoy a free day for optional activities in Queenstown.
Day 11 Queenstown/Te Anau
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 Te Anau for the night.
Day 12 Te Anau/Central Otago District
Morning departure to Central Otago to spend the afternoon cycling 42km (26 mi) along the historic Otago Rail Trail.
Day 13 Central Otago District/Christchurch
Walk around Christchurch this afternoon and learn about how the city was rebuilt following an earthquake in 2011. Enjoy some free time this evening.
Day 14 Christchurch/Kaikoura
Transfer to Kaikoura, with optional whale- or dolphin-watching in the afternoon.
Day 15 Kaikoura/Wellington
Transfer to Picton and take the ferry back to Wellington where the tour ends upon arrival.
- Your G for Good Moment: Resourceful Ōtautahi Walking Tour, Christchurch Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef Your Discover Moment: Queenstown
- Ferry crossing to South Island
- Sea kayaking in Abel Tasman NP
- Full-day Routeburn Track hiking excursion
- Fiordland NP visit
- Cruise through Milford Sound
- Otago Rail Trail cycling excursion
- Free time in Franz Josef and Queenstown
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- 11 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 2 dinners
Reference : GAH