Sensational Southland - SIC

DAY 1

Arrive Christchurch

On arrival, you will be met on arrival and privately transferred to your accommodation.  Christchurch is set between the deep blue ocean and the mighty snow-capped alps.  This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River. Overnight: Christchurch

DAY 2

Christchurch

Today has been left available to add an optional regional tour (extra cost applies).

Apart from being postcard pretty, Kaikoura boasts unique marine geography, whereby you are almost guaranteed to see whales, dolphins, seabirds and seals.   The charming seaside historical French settlement of Akaroa is home to dolphins and penguins.  Arthurs Pass, nestled in the spectacular Southern Alps can be visited on the world famous Tranz Alpine train. Overnight: Christchurch

DAY 3

Christchurch - Dunedin

River crossings provide a feature on the journey today and on a clear day, the Southern Alps provide a majestic scenic backdrop.  A brief stop is made in the white-stone townscape of Oamaru before arriving in Dunedin.  Overnight:  Dunedin

DAY 4

Dunedin

Gateway to the Otago Peninsula, Dunedin is home to a remarkable range of wildlife including penguins, seals and wading birds.  Today you’ll enjoy a trip out to the peninsula to experience a unique wildlife adventure travelling on an all-terrain Argo 8-wheel drive.  Overnight:  Dunedin

DAY 5

Dunedin - Invercargill

Depart along roads less travelled through the Southern Scenic Route. Tucked away, The Catlins is an unspoiled corner of the world - a place where time has stood still, rugged and remote with hidden waterfalls, ancient forests and home to some of the world’s rarest marine animals.  Overnight:  Invercargill

DAY 6

Invercargill - Stewart Island - Invercargill

Shuttle to Bluff for the ferry to Stewart Island, unspoiled, incredibly beautiful, steeped in stories of Maori legend and a haven for birdlife.  New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi is active day and night and is found all around the Island. Enjoy a highlights tour with a local driver guide.

DAY 7

Invercargill - Te Anau

Free time this morning before departing Invercargilll with your driver guide on a journey through small townships and along roads less travelled to Te Anau.  Overnight:  Te Anau

DAY 8

Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown

Journey to spectacular Milford Sound where sheer granite cliffs tower into the sky and plunge into the depths of clear water. Depart Milford on a full length cruise with views of waterfalls, rainforest and wildlife watching out for dolphins, seals and penguins. Continue the journey on to Queenstown.  Overnight:  Queenstown

DAY 9

Queenstown

Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town. Enjoy a morning highlights tour of Queenstown’s “must see” locations including Kawarau Gorge, Gibbston Falley and Arrowtown.  Overnight Queenstown

DAY 10

Queenstown

Queenstown is widely known as the “Adventure Capital of the World”.  Today has been left available to add some of the endless optional activities on offer (extra cost applies).

DAY 11

Queenstown - Twizel or Mt Cook or Tekapo

It’s pleasant, scenic drive past lakes and rivers, through the rugged and beautiful landscape of the Central Otago Region. Continue through the dramatic Lindis Pass to a region dotted with lakes too blue to be true and framed by snow-capped mountains.  Overnight: Twizel, Mt Cook, or Tekapo

DAY 12

Twizel or Mt Cook or Tekapo - Christchurch

Enjoy another day of lovely road-side scenery on the drive over the golden tussock lands and wide braided rivers until the impressive green patchwork of the Canterbury Plaines signals your arrival back into Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch

DAY 13

Depart Christchurch

Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer to Christchurch Airport.