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South Island In-Depth by Coach

Duration
13 Days
Prices From:
AU$ 2,957

FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Travel the South Island experiencing all it has to offer. Enjoy whale watching in Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, the West Coast Glacier Region as well as Queenstown and Scottish influenced Dunedin.


From whale watching in Kaikoura to spectacular Milford Sound, explore the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s South Island on this 12 day journey, available as either a self-drive or coach tour.

Christchurch has become synonymous with tragedy in recent years. Four large earthquakes devastated the city between September 2010 and December 2011. While some areas and attractions remain closed for repairs, there is still plenty for early arrivals to do and see. The Air Force Museum will thrill military history buffs, while the Canterbury Museum provides a fascinating look at New Zealand history. Or take a tour of sites affected by the quakes for a glimpse of a resilient, rebuilding Christchurch.

Journey to Kaikoura for your included whale-watching cruise, then stay overnight before the scenic drive to Nelson. The South Island’s oldest settled city is famed for its arts and crafts, along with its 23 local wineries and nearby Abel Tasman National Park. The park is closed off to vehicles, allowing you to enjoy a full day exploring on foot, by boat or by kayak. Intrepid travelers will be rewarded with sights such as Cleopatra’s Pool and beautiful Cascade Falls.

Head for the West Coast to see Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, distinctive geological formations formed over tens of thousands of years of pummeling from the Tasman Sea. Spend the night before continuing on to the Glacier Region, where you can base your exploration in either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.

A Mecca for skiers, Queenstown puts you in the heart of the South Island’s mountain landscape. A highlight of your journey is a day trip to Milford Sound, a breathtaking, 16km long fjord carved by glaciers out to the Tasman Sea. You’ll also have a full day at leisure to explore Queenstown.

Journey back east to Dunedin, which, thanks to the discovery of nearby gold in 1861, was New Zealand’s most populated city until 1900. It’s now a university town proud of its strong Scots heritage. You’ll have free time to explore this ‘Edinburgh of the South’ before your Wildlife Cruise beneath the Albatross Colony.


 

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Duration
13 Days
Prices From:
AU$ 2,957

Itinerary View Trip Map

Day 1

Christchurch Airport to Christchurch City Hotel

Duration30 Minutes

Distinction Hotel Christchurch

The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. Distinction Christchurch offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms, including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites out-fitted with the latest technology including flat screen Smart TVs and free unlimited WiFi. Designed to suit everyone from business travellers requiring spacious, contemporary accommodation to those travellers seeking a place to relax and unwind after a day exploring Canterbury's vibrant attractions

Meal Plan Room Only - Flexible
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Distinction Hotel Christchurch

More Info

Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    Distinction Hotel Christchurch



    The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from …

    The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. Distinction Christchurch offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms, including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites out-fitted with the latest technology including flat screen Smart TVs and free unlimited WiFi. Designed to suit everyone from business travellers requiring spacious, contemporary accommodation to those travellers seeking a place to relax and unwind after a day exploring Canterbury's vibrant attractions

    Facilities

    • Bar
    • Dining Area
    • Disabled Friendly
    • Family Room
    • Fitness Centre
    • Room Service
    • WiFi

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 2

Christchurch to Kaikoura

Duration2 Hours

White Morph Inn Kaikoura

White Morph Motor Inn is an ideal place to stay for both leisure and business travellers. This waterfront accommodation is close to shops, the cinema, and various marine activities. The rooms are fully equipped to meet your every need.

Meal Plan Room Only
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

White Morph Inn Kaikoura

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Location View map
  • starstarstar

    White Morph Inn Kaikoura



    White Morph Motor Inn is an ideal place to stay for both leisure and business travellers. This waterfront accommodation is close to shops, the cinema, and various marine activities. The rooms are fully equipped to meet your every need.

    White Morph Motor Inn is an ideal place to stay for both leisure and business travellers. This waterfront accommodation is close to shops, the cinema, and various marine activities. The rooms are fully equipped to meet your every need.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Conference Facilities
    • Internet Access
    • Laundry facilities
    • Lounge(s)
    • Parking
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Wheelchair Accessible Rooms

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel

Whale Watch Tour

Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kaikoura often hosts the world's largest dolphin - the Orca - and is home to the world's smallest and rarest - the Hector's.

Duration3 Hours
Day 3

Kaikoura to Nelson

Duration0 Minutes

Cambria House Nelson

An inner city haven, built in the 1880s, on a quiet street within easy walking distance of the town center. This B and B mixes old and new, from the original fireplaces and timber paneling to the freely available high-speed Internet access, including wireless, and from antiques to up-to-date fabrics and modern conveniences. You can relax with a drink on the sunny garden deck or by the wood-burning fireplace in the guest lounge.

Meal Plan Full Breakfast
Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

Cambria House Nelson

More Info

Location View map
  • starstarstar

    Cambria House Nelson



    An inner city haven, built in the 1880s, on a quiet street within easy walking distance of the town center. This B and B mixes old and new, from the original fireplaces and timber paneling to the freely available high-speed Internet access, including wireless, and …

    An inner city haven, built in the 1880s, on a quiet street within easy walking distance of the town center. This B and B mixes old and new, from the original fireplaces and timber paneling to the freely available high-speed Internet access, including wireless, and from antiques to up-to-date fabrics and modern conveniences. You can relax with a drink on the sunny garden deck or by the wood-burning fireplace in the guest lounge.

    Facilities

    • Internet Access
    • Laundry facilities
    • Parking

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 4

Day at Leisure

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Day 5

Nelson to Punakaiki

Duration4 Hours

Punakaiki Resort

The Punakaiki Resort is an eco-tourism hotel located in the Buller district between Greymouth, 30 minutes to the south and Westport which is 45 minutes to the north. Carefully designed to complement the stunning natural setting, it is situated close to Pancake Rocks and Blowhole at Punakaiki and adjacent to Paparoa National Park. This hotel is a perfect choice for a leisure stay.

Meal Plan Room Only
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Punakaiki Resort

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Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    Punakaiki Resort



    The Punakaiki Resort is an eco-tourism hotel located in the Buller district between Greymouth, 30 minutes to the south and Westport which is 45 minutes to the north. Carefully designed to complement the stunning natural setting, it is situated close to Pancake Rocks and Blowhole …

    The Punakaiki Resort is an eco-tourism hotel located in the Buller district between Greymouth, 30 minutes to the south and Westport which is 45 minutes to the north. Carefully designed to complement the stunning natural setting, it is situated close to Pancake Rocks and Blowhole at Punakaiki and adjacent to Paparoa National Park. This hotel is a perfect choice for a leisure stay.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Daycare/Babysitting Service
    • Laundry facilities
    • Parking
    • Reception (24 hrs)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Room Service
    • Wheelchair Accessible Rooms

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 6

Punakaiki to Franz Josef

Duration4 Hours

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park and it is just moments from one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier. The hotel is in a premium location, making it the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the magnificent Westland region.

Meal Plan Room Only - Goway DW RO
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

More Info

Location View map
  • starstarstar

    Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier



    Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park and it is just moments from one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier. The hotel is in a premium location, making it the perfect place …

    Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park and it is just moments from one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier. The hotel is in a premium location, making it the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the magnificent Westland region.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Conference Facilities
    • Internet Access
    • Laundry facilities
    • Parking (for Self Park)
    • Reception (24 hrs)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Spa

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 7

Franz Josef to Queenstown

Duration7 Hours

Heritage Queenstown

The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and cedar, The Heritage Queenstown is the perfect place to relax in comfortable yet sophisticated surroundings. The Heritage offers a choice of 178 luxury rooms, including traditional deluxe hotel accommodation and spacious 1 or 2 bedroom Suites. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, featuring individual touches which reflect unique high country origins.

Meal Plan Room Only
Duration3 Nights
Accommodation

Heritage Queenstown

More Info

Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    Heritage Queenstown



    The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and …

    The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and cedar, The Heritage Queenstown is the perfect place to relax in comfortable yet sophisticated surroundings. The Heritage offers a choice of 178 luxury rooms, including traditional deluxe hotel accommodation and spacious 1 or 2 bedroom Suites. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, featuring individual touches which reflect unique high country origins.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Concierge
    • Conference Facilities
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Internet Access
    • Parking
    • Pool (s)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Room Service
    • Sauna
    • Spa
    • Wheelchair Accessible Rooms

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 8

Discover Milford Sound Coach Cruise Coach incl Lunch

Travel by luxury coach on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound. Located within the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, this region is rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. Journey through the Southern Alps via the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km tunnel drilled through a solid mountain of rock. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board your luxury catamaran vessel for a spectacular cruise where you will see the wonders of Mitre Peak, glacier scarred rock walls that rise 1,200m vertically from the sea, and waterfalls that tumble from hanging valleys and crash into the sound far below. Return by coach to Queenstown.

Duration12 Hours
Day 9

Day at Leisure

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Day 10

Queenstown to Dunedin

Duration5 Hours

Distinction Dunedin

One of Dunedin's oldest heritage buildings has been lovingly transformed into Dunedin's newest hotel. This iconic 121 room property is the ideal base for business or leisure. It is conveniently located in the rejuvenated and vibrant exchange area in the heart of Dunedin city. Each elegant studio and suite boasts stylish contemporary design and functionality.

Meal Plan Room Only
Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

Distinction Dunedin

More Info

Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    Distinction Dunedin



    One of Dunedin's oldest heritage buildings has been lovingly transformed into Dunedin's newest hotel. This iconic 121 room property is the ideal base for business or leisure. It is conveniently located in the rejuvenated and vibrant exchange area in the heart of Dunedin city. Each …

    One of Dunedin's oldest heritage buildings has been lovingly transformed into Dunedin's newest hotel. This iconic 121 room property is the ideal base for business or leisure. It is conveniently located in the rejuvenated and vibrant exchange area in the heart of Dunedin city. Each elegant studio and suite boasts stylish contemporary design and functionality.

    Facilities

    • Bar
    • Conference Facilities
    • Free WiFi
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Laundry facilities
    • Restaurant
    • Room Service
    • Tour Desk

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 11

Half Day Peninsula Cruise Tour

Cruise the length of the beautiful Otago Harbour, passing by the historic fishing village of Careys Bay and the working port of Port Chalmers. Continue your tour to the tip of the Otago Peninsula for the One Hour Wildlife Cruise. Enjoy unrivalled wildlife viewing. See what cannot be seen from land: Albatross, New Zealand Fur Seals and up to 20 species of bird and marine life in their undisturbed and otherwise inaccessible environment. Learn the fascinating history and geology of the area. Take a scenic drive along the Otago Peninsula, enjoying spectacular harbour and ocean views.

Duration4 Hours
Day 12

Dunedin to Christchurch

Duration6 Hours

Distinction Hotel Christchurch

The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. Distinction Christchurch offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms, including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites out-fitted with the latest technology including flat screen Smart TVs and free unlimited WiFi. Designed to suit everyone from business travellers requiring spacious, contemporary accommodation to those travellers seeking a place to relax and unwind after a day exploring Canterbury's vibrant attractions

Meal Plan Room Only - Flexible
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Distinction Hotel Christchurch

More Info

Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    Distinction Hotel Christchurch



    The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from …

    The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. Distinction Christchurch offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms, including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites out-fitted with the latest technology including flat screen Smart TVs and free unlimited WiFi. Designed to suit everyone from business travellers requiring spacious, contemporary accommodation to those travellers seeking a place to relax and unwind after a day exploring Canterbury's vibrant attractions

    Facilities

    • Bar
    • Dining Area
    • Disabled Friendly
    • Family Room
    • Fitness Centre
    • Room Service
    • WiFi

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 13

Christchurch City Hotel to Christchurch Airport

Duration30 Minutes

Other Information

DEPARTURES:

Daily

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Shared arrival and departure transfers
  • 1 night first-class accommodation in Christchurch
  • 1 night moderate accommodation in Kaikoura
  • 2 nights first-class accommodation in Nelson
  • 1 night first-class accommodation in Punakaiki
  • 1 night moderate accommodation in Franz Joseph
  • 3 nights first-class accommodation in Queenstown
  • 2 nights first-class accommodation in Dunedin
  • 1 night first-class accommodation in Christchurch
  • Shared coach transfer from Christchurch to Kaikoura
  • Shared Whale Watching tour in Kaikoura
  • Shared coach transfer from Kaikoura to Nelson
  • Shared coach transfer from Nelson to Punakaiki
  • Shared coach transfer from Punakaiki to Franz Joseph
  • Shared coach transfer from Franz Joseph to Queenstown
  • Shared full day Milford Sound excursion including coach and cruise
  • Shared coach transfer from Queenstown to Dunedin
  • Shared half day Peninsula Cruise tour in Dunedin
  • Shared coach transfer from Dunedin to Christchurch
  • 1 lunch

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Travel insurance
  • International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned
  • Gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.

DP CHRCLA12DDUNNZ2
3 Jul 2022
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