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| Image Source: Tripadvisor.com |
Arrive in Christchurch, ready to begin your South Island Sun and Snow New Zealand itinerary. Head to your accommodation.
Day 2.
Today you are free to explore Christchurch. Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island, and there is plenty to see and do in this lovely city.
Christchurch has a very "English" feel, which is reflected in the architecture, and the Avon river, which runs through the city centre.
Suggested activities are a punt ride on the Avon, a tram ride through the city, a gondola ride, or perhaps a drive to Akaroa, a French settlement located seaside on Bank's Peninsula.
Day 3.
Time to hit the road on your New Zealand itinerary. Today you are off to the beautiful village of Hanmer Springs, known for its thermal pools and water park. The drive takes around 1.5 hours. On arrival, check into your motel then head to the pools for a relaxing soak. There are a variety of pools of varying temperatures. And for the kids (or the young at heart) there is also the water park, with a variety of slides.
Day 4.
Today your New Zealand itinerary tour takes you to the spectacular seaside township of Kaikoura.
Kaikoura is famous for fresh seafood, whale watching, local seal colonies, and amazing scenery.
Please note-the best time to go whale watching is in the morning before the wind and the seas pick up.
The mountains touch the sea in Kaikoura, and in winter are snow capped, making for wonderful photo opportunities.
There is a wide range of accommodation in Kaikoura, with something for all budgets.
Days 5, 6 & 7.
Today your New Zealand itinerary takes you to the bustling city of Nelson (3 hours drive).
Nelson is located on the shores of Tasman Bay, and is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, one of the South Island's prime attractions. The Abel Tasman is located around 1 hours drive from Nelson and is accessed via the bay side village of Marahau. The Park offers a wide range of walks and activities such as kayak trips, guided tours, and water taxi rides.
Further west from the Abel Tasman is Golden Bay, another idyllic coastal location. Farewell Spit is the north western edge of the South Island and is a popular location for bird and seal watching. Another popular attraction is Pupu Springs, a freshwater spring with water so cold that divers are only permitted to stay submerged for limited periods.
Nelson also has many other attractions such as a selection of vineyards, the World of Wearable Art, and a large arts and cultural community.
Your accommodation options are many and varied.
Day 8.
Today our 3.5 hour drive takes us to Punakaiki on the rugged west coast.
Punakaiki is famous for the unusual limestone rock formations known as the Pancake Rocks. These formations resemble stacks of pancakes, and they are complemented by the famous blowholes, which really blow during a big ocean swell.
Accommodation options in Punakaiki are limited, but don't despair. My favourite is the beautiful Rocks resort. The resort is absolute beachfront offering stunning ocean views. The snow capped alps are also visible across the bay, and the resort restaurant offers the perfect location to sit and watch the sunset over the ocean.
Day 9.
Today is a 2.5 hour drive to the amazing west coast glaciers, Franz Josef and Fox.
There are numerous accommodation options in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. My pick is Franz Josef because the village has more shopping and dining options.
There are several ways to see the glaciers up close. A walk from the car park to the glacier's face at Franz Josef will take around 1.5 to 2 hours return.
Guided glacier walks are also available, but my pick (if your budget allows) is a
helicopter flight and snow landing. You will be stunned by the views and thrill of the ride. A "must do" if funds permit. Please note though that flights are weather dependent. Conditions change quickly on the west coast, so bookings are essential.
Day 10.
Your South Island Sun and Snow New Zealand itinerary now takes you to the beautiful lake side town of Wanaka.
Wanaka is well known as the service town for two world class ski fields, Cardrona and Treble Cone, and in the ski season the town buzzes with activity.
The town centre is located on the lake edge, and offers numerous dining and accommodation options. A lake view motel or apartment is well worth the extra money, as the views year round are stunning.
There is much to see and do in Wanaka, including 4wd tours, scenic flights, winery tours, golf, and the quirky Puzzling World and maze.
Days 11 & 12.
Today on your South Island Sun and Snow New Zealand itinerary, you head to what many consider to be one of the most spectacular locations in the world. Queenstown is known as the "Adventure Capital" of New Zealand, and for good reason. The variety of adventure activities is huge, with everything from bungy jumping (several locations), jet boating, para-sailing, para-gliding, 4wd tours, rafting, luge rides high above the town, and of course skiing and snowboarding at the two nearby ski fields, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.
And if you are looking for something a little more sedate, a winery tour, a game of golf at one of several superb courses, or a trip on Lake Wakatipu on the historis steamship, the TSS Earnslaw may be to your liking.
But if there is one thing that the region is world famous for, it's Milford Sound. Referred to as the Eigth Wonder of the World, Milford Sound is the number one attraction in New Zealand, and with very good reason. Towering peaks and sheer cliffs that seem to disappear into the clouds, waterfalls, and the deep dark waters of Milford Sound all combine to make this one of the most amazing places you will ever visit.
Milford Sound is around 4 hours drive each way from Queenstown, which makes for a very long and tiring day. A better alternative is to take a bus tour and cruise and let someone else worry about the driving.
I have no doubt that you will talk about Milford Sound for many years. Enjoy.
Day 13.
Today your South Island Sun and Snow New Zealand itinerary takes you to the World Heritage area of Mt Cook (3.5 hours drive).
At 3,754 metres, Mt Cook is New Zealand's tallest mountain. The mountain is popular with climbers from around the world, and is home to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, which showcases the region's history, and contains a 3D movie theatre, planetarium, and museum.
Your accommodation options are limited in Mt Cook, but there is no shortage of things to do in this beautiful spot.
Day 14.
Today on your South Island Sun and Snow tour, you take the 4 hour drive from Mt Cook to Christchurch.
Along the way, stop off at Lake Tekapo for a break, and take in the stunning views across the turquoise waters towards the alps. One of the most famous photo opportunities in New Zealand, is through the window of the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Day 15.
Unfortunately all good things must end, and today you fly home.
We hope that you have enjoyed your stay in this amazing country, and that you found this New Zealand itinerary helpful.
