Scenic Southern (Start Wellington)

Experience the best of New Zealand’s South Island - it's an adventure you won't want to end. Kick off this tour in the land of "The Lord of the Rings", Wellington & quad bike in the bush! Hike a glacier, then it's on to Queenstown. Go bungy jumping, canyon swinging & quad biking - the aactivities endless (& the nightlife is legendary!) Choose to cruise through Milford Sound & take an amazing scenic flight over Mt. Cook!

Itinerary

1. Day Depart for New Zealand

   Fly over the international date line on your way to New Zealand.

2. Day Arrive Wellington

   Check into the Abel Tasman Hotel, spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore Wellington.

3. Day Wellington to Christchurch

   Jump on the Inter-Island ferry and leave the North Island behind. The South Island means a complete change of scenery with loads of wild nature. Cruise through the gorgeous Marlborough Sounds, where thick forested peaks rise straight up from the sea. It’s a camera-friendly spot with picturesque inlets, remote coves and tiny beaches that dot the islands. You’ll also see some old wooden baches (New Zealand holiday houses) and boat jetties. After the cruise, it’s another jaw-dropping drive to Kaikoura, via Marlborough’s wine country. We travel on to the wild, rugged east coast and stop at a seal colony, before passing through Kaikoura. This seaside settlement is known for whales, dolphins and delicious, fresh crayfish sold from roadside vans. The coach cuts across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Please note: Due to the devastating earthquake that hit Christchurch on the 22nd February 2011, the central city is closed as many buildings are set to be demolished. There are changes to our regular itinerary in Christchurch, for the foreseeable future, so expect things to be different. One thing that hasn’t changed is the warm Canterbury hospitality extended to visitors. Contiki remains committed to supporting the people and businesses in this region as the rebuilding of Christchurch begins.

4. Day Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier

   After a leisurely start to the day we begin our journey west through stunning Arthur’s Pass, following an old trade route. The dense native forest, alpine atmosphere and crystal clear rivers give the area its pioneer feel. We’ll stop in at the former gold rush town of Hokitika on the West Coast. It’s great for a look into a traditional Maori art. Watch authentic carvers work with New Zealand greenstone (jade) and learn about the importance of this stone. You could even pick up a piece to take home. Sticking to the untamed coastline, we arrive in the Westland National Park. Franz Josef is our stop for the night, a town where lush bush land and glaciers almost reach the sea.

5. Day Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown

   This morning, get physical and pull on your crampons, grab an ice-pick and head out onto the ice of either the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. On this optional activity, you’ll learn about how these glaciers came about with our professional Local Guides. Otherwise, you can get a bird’s eye view over these icy formations and sweeping vistas in an optional helicopter ride. Relax on the coach, chat with friends and take in the stunning scenery as we head down to Queenstown. Cruise past remote beaches and the coastal dunes of the west coast before hitting Haast Pass. Ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls give this area its unique atmosphere. There’s even more scenery changes when we cross the Southern Alps and enter the region of Otago, with its golden grasslands, cliffs and hills. Next up: Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. This is one high-energy destination that has something for everyone. From jet boat rides to fantastic local food, gorgeous countryside and the world’s most southern wineries, the list really is endless.

6. Day Queenstown

   With two days here, you’ve got time to try out adrenaline-pumping activities, to take it easy with a glass of local wine or beer and of course, to party – something Queenstown in known for. There’s also the option to take advantage of our explore more highlight optional – your chance to experience the stunning Milford Sound. Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s gems. This slice of paradise has been voted one of the world’s top destinations & is known around the world for its gorgeous waters & stunning scenery. Set in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site so get ready for the epic scenery - high mountains rise straight out of the sea and waterfalls pour down sheer cliffs into the deep, dark waters of the fiord. You’ll get the ultimate angle on this natural wonder from the water when we cruise – you’ll learn about this jaw-droppingly beautiful region from the on-board nature specialist. You’ll get a really good look around the area and up close to its more hidden spots. You can chill out and enjoy the scenery on deck & hopefully you’ll get a chance to spot seals, dolphins, whales and penguins. Choose to take a coach over, then jump on a boat & cruise this stunning spot then head back to Queenstown on the coach. Or, if you’re feeling up for it, there’s the option to fly back to Queenstown too. Back in Queenstown, if the season’s right, get into the alpine action and hit the slopes of some of New Zealand’s best ski resorts over the next two days. Ski and board for 2 full days and explore what the Southern Hemisphere has to offer. Take off at your own pace or carve up the mountain with some friends. We can even organise ski equipment and lessons for you, so you don’t need to worry about a thing. Walk around the quaint town, hit the shops or head down to the lake for beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges, fittingly called The Remarkables. Board the old steam boat, the TSS Earnslaw, for a lake cruise and see it all from the water. For adrenaline junkies, there’s bungy jumpy, sky diving, jet boating, canyon swinging and quad biking. In fact there are so many adventure activities in Queenstown that you couldn’t do them all in the 2 days if you tried. For those who like to keep their feet planted firmly on the ground, take an easy-going hike or push yourself with a tougher trail. Pumping at night, Queenstown is the place to hit some of New Zealand’s best bars and clubs. With cool cocktail bars, old-style pubs and plenty of clubs, there is so much to choose from.

7. Day Queenstown to Dunedin

   On the way out of Queenstown, you’ll get some thrills as you ride on the iconic New Zealand Shotover Jet – known as the World’ most exciting jetboat ride! Set on the Shotover River, we’ll jump onboard the boat & get ready to get the adrenalin pumping. As you speed down the river past sheer canyon cliffs – this is guaranteed to thrill & with stunning scenery to complete the experience – it’s something you’ll never forget. Make sure you hold on tight – there’s 360° spins which will get the heart pounding! Why not keep the adrenalin pumping – afterwards we’ll make a stop at the famous bungy-jumping bridge in the gorgeous Kawarau gorge. Home to the original AJ Hackett bungy, this is the ground breaking site where the now famous bungy all started. There’s time to have a go yourself, if you’re keen. Later, it’s time to jump on the coach as we head to New Zealand’s student hub, Dunedin. This really is the city that looks old, but definitely thinks young! Originally a Scottish settlement, you’ll see references to the city’s past dotted throughout the city. This afternoon arrival we’ll visit the iconic Speight’s Brewery for a look at how this iconic Kiwi brew is made. As you tour the brewery with our guide, learn about the brewing process of this much loved Southern Ale. You’ll finish up with a few tasters so you’ll discover for yourself why the locals love it so much! Dunedin night life goes off, so later, why not take it up a level & head to some of the local night spots for a taste of how partying is really done! Ask your Tour Manager for some tips on where’s hot to head, or make your way to one of the local favourites around the Octagon – there’s a huge variety of places to head for a fun night out.

8. Day Dunedin to Lake Ohau

   This morning it’s time for a sweet taste of New Zealand, literally! We’ll take a tour of the Cadburyworld – Cadbury New Zealand’s very own chocolate factory. As you make your way around with a guide you’ll learn about the chocolate making process & the history of chocolate as you see it being made right before your eyes. This truly lives up to its name as Dunedin’s tastiest attraction & there’s you’re chance to taste some of the delicious freshly made chocolate for yourself. Delicious. Before we farewell Dunedin we’ll head to the base of Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest street, for a look at the sheer angle. It’s time to hit the road, via Moeraki for a look at these massive boulders located right on the beach. It’s hard to believe these impressive structures really are natural & they make for some pretty cool pics to show off to your mates. We jump back on the coach & head to historic Oamaru, with it’s cute old buildings, many of which are made out of it’s own stunning white Oamaru stone. 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 cool sport. Later we reach our overnight stop – a lodge by one of the South Islands stunning lakes, Lake Ohau.

9. Day Lake Ohau to Christchurch

   Kick start the day with a spectacular optional glacier flight over Mt Cook. Later, we’ll stop off to see the intense milky blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo, before travelling back through the MacKenzie country to Christchurch. Make your last night on tour one to remember and join our optional dinner before enjoying a fun night out with your friends.

10. Day Finish Christchurch

    Say a final farewell to your new friends as your trip ends this morning after breakfast.

Tour Map

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