Southern Explorer

Explore the mountainous heart of the South Island. Tour highlights include the rugged West Coast, Franz Josef Glacier, Lake Wanaka and Queenstown.

Day 1 Christchurch to Punakaiki

Travel through the majestic Arthur's Pass National Park and take a walk through the natural forests, rivers and waterfalls. En-route, stop at Cave Stream and see the amazing limestone formations and cave. Continue to Paparoa National Park and see the famous Pancake Rocks and perhaps a sunset over the Tasman Sea. Stay overnight in a rustic house surrounded by rainforest.

Day 2 Punakaiki to Haast

Drive down the wild West Coast to the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier, where you have the option of taking a guided glacier walk, or a scenic helicopter flight. En-route we will visit a greenstone factory and optional gold panning. Continuing past forest-shrouded lakes, we will arrive in Haast for our second night.

Day 3 Haast to Queenstown

A shorter drive through Mount Aspiring National Park takes us to a lunch stop in beautiful Wanaka. Along the way we will take two short forest walks to see waterfalls and a river. In the afternoon we will arive in Queenstown, where you will have time to try some of the adventure activities on offer. Accommodation is within easy walking distance of town and the gondola.

Day 4 Queenstown to Christchurch

We return to Christchurch via the Lindis Pass, and the spectacular lakes Pukaki and Tekapo. Depending on the weather, there are great views of Mount Cook along this route, and many other fantastic photo opportunities.

Combined South Island Tour

Combine the Southern Explorer and Northern Discovery tours for a great 11 day holiday in the South Island. Between the tours you'll have 3 days to relax and enjoy the sights of Christchurch.

 

Details

Departs Christchurch

Every alternate Monday, or groups by arrangement

Duration

Four days and three nights

Cost

NZ$595 per person. Includes guide, transport and standard accommodation.

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Notes

Accommodation is selected for its location and/or facilities. All are unique and interesting. Couples will receive their own room. Singles will share rooms with their own gender. Singles who wish to have their own room may pay a surcharge of $90 for the whole trip.

All accommodation has cooking facilities and the tour will stop at supermarkets en route for those who wish to do their own cooking. The group will share facilities. Restaurants are available at all locations. Breakfast consists of a selection of cereals, yoghurt, fruit, toast and a selection of spreads. All hot and cold drinks covering the whole day are provided with snacks.

Payment is by credit card or cash. No deposit is required.

Your guide will also accompany you on activities in some locations. We also cater for any type of group with experience with families, mature citizens and backpackers of all nationalities.

Tours can be extended on request to include extra locations. This requires a booking of at least four people, and $150 per person for each extra day.