Day 1 : Arrival Nelson
You would arrive at the Nelson airport where a luxury car would be
waiting for you. If it is day you can see beautiful sites on your way.
Nelson is a popular arts and crafts town, and can be very intriguing for the
connoiseurs of arts. It would be nice to visit 'live art galleries' where
you can watch glass being blown, pottery being spun, carvings come alive and
paintings created right in front of you. Nearby beaches also put forth a
nice way to get over jet lag and commence the vacation.
Day 2 : Nelson
You would revel in a relaxed morning with optional activities in and around
Nelson. After having lunch you can entertain yourself with dventure. The
equipment would be Four Wheel Motorbike safari (ATV Bikes). After a full
lesson, a mini test course will remove any doubts about them. They really
are easy and fun to drive! You will journey through fertile farmland, thick
forest then up the mountain for amazing views of the region and a refreshing
beverage.
Day 3 : Nelson
- Abel
Tasman National Park
You are required to be on road early morning at 7am for your one hour drive
to Marahau, the Gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. There you will
begin your guided sea kayaking and hiking trip. First, you will explore the
Astrolabe Coast and offshore islands. You stop for morning tea/coffee and a
delicious lunch. There is ample time for relaxing, exploring, snorkelling,
swimming and sunbathing. In the afternoon, you paddle on to Anchorage Bay.
Hidden away in the bush and overlooking Anchorage Bay is a special Lodge.
This is a small lodge and one of only two private dwellings in the bay.
Day 4 :
Abel Tasman
National Park - Blenheim
At 11:45am you will depart the Lodge via water taxi back to Marahau to
re-unite with your car. You will travel back then through the Tuscany-like
landscape of the Marlborough region. Depending on your time of arrival into
Blenheim, you may have time for a bit of wine tasting, garden visit or
sample New Zealand's top olive oil.
Day 5 : Blenheim - Kaikoura
A leisurely morning with further exploration of the Blenheim / Marlborough
Area or head off right away for Kaikoura. Kaikoura was once a whaling
station, now it is the centre for wildlife conservation with the highest
population in the country for whales, dolphins and seals. You have the rest
of the afternoon to enjoy one, none or some of the various activities in
Kaikoura.
Day 6 : Kaikoura -
Christchurch
This morning you would entertain yourself with either a whale watch,
dolphin watch or dolphin swim adventure. Once back on dry land, you will
head down the eastern coast to the garden city of Christchurch.
Day 7 : Christchurch
Full day to enjoy the various Christchurch activities and views.
Day 8 : Christchurch
- Arthur's Pass
Time to head out of the city and into the Southern Alps and the Arthur's
Pass National Park. Your lodge accommodation offers an insight into the
wilderness area and is located on a high country sheep station (ranch). Two
guided activities are offered each day at the lodge or you may choose to
enjoy the wilderness on your own, kayaking, hiking or stargazing.
Day 9 : Arthur's Pass - Franz Josef - Fox Glacier
From the Southern Alps to the Tasman Sea! The Wild West coast offers a
completely diverse contrast in scenery from the stark Alps. Thick World
Heritage Rain Forests, rivers of ice and many hidden lakes dress this remote
coastline. Upon arrival at Franz Josef Glacier, you will enjoy a spectacular
glacier encounter. A forty minute helicopter flight includes viewing two of
NZ's finest National Parks, the Tasman Glacier, flying amongst NZ's highest
mountains (including Mt Cook) and glaciers, a snow or glacier landing, and
the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. After your flight, it is a further 30
minutes from Franz Josef to Fox Glacier.
Day 10 : Fox Glacier - Wanaka / Lake Hawea
After breakfast, a walk around Lake Matheson offers one of the most amazing
photo opportunities in New Zealand. The lake in the morning is so still that
it perfectly reflects the nearby Alps. In a photo, it is difficult to
determine which way is up and which is down! Then it is down the coast and
over the Haast Pass. This Pass offers amazing opportunities for short hikes
to waterfalls, over swing bridges and to crystal blue swimming pools. Mid
afternoon, you will arrive at Makarora for a wilderness experience. Your
next adventure begins with a 30 minute scenic flight deep into the Siberian
Valley. Land on the valley floor where you head out for a three hour hike
through thick Beech forest. When you reach the Wilken River, there will be a
jet boat waiting offering the fast way home! Enjoy a 30-minute scenic and
thrilling jet boat ride down the river back to the starting point.
Day 11 : Lake Hawea / Wanaka -
Queenstown
The
short drive to Queenstown offers many opportunities for sightseeing
including Kawarau Bridge (first sight of bungy jumping), wine tours,
historic gold mining village, Arrowtown and the famous Shotover River. Here
at the Shotover River lies your only scheduled Queenstown activity; The
Shotover River Jet Boat. This fast and thrilling jet boat ride surges up the
river narrowly missing the rock cliffs of the gorge, then at high-speed
races back down the river. Beautiful, fast and fun! The balance of the day
can be enjoyed exploring this lakeside resort town.
Day 12 : Queenstown
Exploration
Full day to do one, none or some of the optional activities the region has
to offer.
Day 13 : Departure Day
Today your tour ends.
Optional extra days in Queenstown are suggested in order to enjoy more of
the various activities including a Milford Sound excursion as well as some
of the finest scenery the region has to offer.
Other
New Zealand Tour Packages...
