South Island Experience

An unforgettable South Island adventure including a cruise on spectacular Milford Sound and a visit to remote Stewart Island.

Day 1 – 2 - Christchurch to Dunedin via Oamaru (220km/110km)
Drive from Christchurch through the expanse of the Canterbury Plains before arriving in Oamaru, famous for its colonial white stone architecture and Blue Penguin colony. After an overnight stay continue south to Dunedin nestled in the Otago Peninsula, teaming with unique and diverse wildlife.
STANDARD:
Day 1 - Kingsgate Hotel Brydone Oamaru.
Day 2 - Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
DELUXE:
Day 1 - Pen Y Bryn Lodge Oamaru, B&B basis.
Day 2 - Larnach Lodge, B&B basis

Day 3 to 4 - Dunedin to Invercargill (210km)
Meander from the East Coast to the South Coast via the Southern Scenic Route taking you to Invercargill for a two night stay. A full day excursion to Stewart Island is included where you may be lucky enough to spot the rare and elusive Kiwi.
STANDARD: - Ascot Park Hotel
DELUXE: - Beersheba, B&B basis

Day 5 to 6 - Invercargill to Te Anau (160km)
Continue North to the gateway to the Fiorldlands. With two nights in Te Anau we have included a full 2 hour nature cruise around Milford Sound to allow you to fully experience the wonder of this serine landscape.
STANDARD: - Distinction Luxmore Hotel
DELUXE: - Fiordland Lodge, dinner & breakfast

Day 7 to 8 - Te Anau to Queenstown (170km)
Drive north towards the scenic beauty of Queenstown, encased by the Remarkables Mountain Range. Enjoy a two night stay with time to take the Skyline Gondola, enjoy the thrills of any number of activities or cruise the still waters of Lake Wakatipu.
STANDARD: Mercure Resort Queenstown
DELUXE: Browns Boutique Hotel, B&B basis

Day 9 to 10 - Queenstown to Greymouth via Franz Josef (180km/180km)
Travel further still to the icy wonder of the Franz Josef glacier, one of the world’s most accessible advancing ice flows and one which you can take full advantage of by embarking on a hike or scenic flight over.
STANDARD:
Day 9 Scenic Circle Franz Josef, B&B basis
Day 10 Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth
DELUXE
Day 9 Westwood Lodge, B&B basis
Day 10 Hotel Hokitikia, B&B basis


Day 11 - Greymouth to Christchurch
After a night in Greymouth, return your vehicle and embark on the TranzAlpine train which leads you through the Southern Alps towards your final destination of Christchurch.

11 day self drive tour from £898 or Deluxe from £1530

Standard tours include accommodation in comfortable touring hotels. Deluxe tours include more intimate accommodation in lodges, country houses and small hotels offering a warm welcome and personal service. With Deluxe hotels breakfast is included.

Accommodation is subject to availability and may be changed for one of a similar standard if necessary.