The magnificent scenery of Dart River near Queenstown

Here's an itinerary that covers Lakes, National Parks, Fjords, Glaciers and high adventure in South Island in a 16 day rush of  pure adrenaline! Idyllic golden sandy beaches, secluded bays, gentle beech forests, captivating granite cliffs, wetlands, estuaries, world famous coastal walking track and never-ending sunshine. Whether you are looking for an active holiday of nature walks, tramping, kayaking or just a romantic lazy holiday 'Abel Tasman' park is a perfect destination.  Add Queenstown, Mt. Cook, Christchurch and you will be left with a pleasant hangover that refuses to go away for life.  

Day 1: Arrive at Christchurch
On arrival  at  “The Garden City” transfer to your hotel. Day at leisure. Christchurch is a stylish and contemporary city, full of unrivalled natural and architectural beauty - 19th century buildings, majestic trees, extensive gardens, interesting bridges and meandering paths all providing a striking backdrop for the vibrant scene of ever-changing arts, cultural and heritage activities. Overnight at Christchurch. 

Day 2: Explore Chritchurch on own
Rental car will be delivered at your hotel in the morning.  Wander through the central city lanes and alleyways of South of Lichfield, Poplar Lane and High Street where you”ll uncover some of Christchurch”s best shopping from high-end fashion to eclectic boutique stores. Take in the variety of rich architecture while you indulge over a cup of espresso and sample delectable cuisine at one of Christchurch's many restaurants, cafes and bars located in these unique alley precincts.  When the sun sets, the lanes are transformed into the newest, hippest places to be seen in Christchurch. Stay out late and sample stylish cocktail bars, laid-back pubs, and excellent cuisine then dance the night away till your feet ache. Overnight at Christchurch.

What can you do in Christchurch City?
* Explore the cultural heritage in the Christchurch”s Cultural Precinct
 * View the fine art at The Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu that exhibit's New Zealand and international art
 * Experience the Canterbury Museum with its excellent cultural and natural collections.
 * Enjoy the bustling weekend art and craft market stalls at the Christchurch Art Centre with live street entertainment, music and a multitude of food stalls.
 * Spend the afternoon relaxing with a gentle stroll through the wide open space and woodlands of Hagley Park.
 * Take a leisurely punt ride along the gentle meandering Avon River and experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Christchurch botanic gardens.

Day 3: Drive to Kaikoura (3 hrs)
Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds. The environment is truly spectacular - the village is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean. In winter the mountains are covered with snow, adding to the drama of the landscape. Kaikoura”s special talent is marine mammal encounters - whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. Whale watching trips leave the town several times a day and the local seal colony is always entertaining. There are plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops. Overnight at Kaikoura.

Day 4: Kaikoura whale watch ocean cruise
Share in the most breathtaking adventure of a lifetime. Enter the world of one of nature's most magnificent mammals - the giant sperm whale. 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. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrels and 7 types of Shearwater.
Post cruise check out of your hotel and drive to Abel Tasman - either Motueka or Marahau.  Overnight at Abel Tasman. 

Day 5: Abel Tasman National Park
Named for Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who first visited the region in 1642, this national park is New Zealand's smallest - but it's perfectly formed for relaxation and adventure. Visitors love the way the Abel Tasman National Park mixes physical exertion with beach life. Bursts of hiking or kayaking are punctuated by sun bathing, swimming and sedate snorkelling around the characteristic granite outcrops. Inviting sandy beaches fill the spaces between trees and tide line. Crystal clear streams tumble down mossy valleys to join the ocean. Overnight stay near Abel Tasman Park.
Suggested day walks and kayaking trips at Abel Tasman at extra cost:
a) Great Day Out walk: Cruise the length of the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline to Totaranui, viewing the fascinating Seal Colony at Tonga Island Marine Reserve along the way. Return to the golden expanse of Anchorage Beach to walk 3hrs 30mins (11.5kms, 7 miles) along the easiest section of the coast track, with spectacular views over Tasman Bay. The track winds through sunny Kanuka forest with hidden fern grottos and crystal mountain streams. 8.30am to 5.30pm. Recommended!
b) Dine and stride walk: If you want more than a picnic, cruise to Awaroa Bay. A short walk takes you to the Lodge & Cafe for lunch. (Lunch at own cost). Afterwards, enjoy a 1hr 30min walk to Tonga Beach (check times for tidal crossing at Onetahuti) or take a stroll along the Awaroa beach front.
c) Bark Bay Falls walk: Choose optional walking or laze on the golden sands, swim, sunbath or relax in the shade of native forest. Cruise to Medlands drop off and walk 10 minutes to Bark Bay beach. Walk around the stunning estuary to Bark Bay Falls (approx 1 hour) and return for your pick up at Medlands Beach. Walking time: optional up to 1hr 15mins (4 kms); Time ashore: 1hr 45mins to 6hrs 45mins.
d) Seals and Beach walk: View the fascinating Tonga Island seal colony and walk through native forest from Tonga Beach to Bark Bay. Walking time: 2hrs 15mins (5 kms), Tonga Beach (Onetahuti) to Medlands - Bark Bay. Time ashore: from 3 hrs 40 mins to 5hrs 45 mins.
e) Pitt Head Walk: Cruise to the golden expanse of Anchorage Bay then take a walk on the sand, swim in the calm azure waters or take a stroll to picturesque Te Pukatea Bay (approx 30 min) and return. A walk to Te Pukatea via the Pitt Head track with spectacular coastal views will take approx 1hr 15mins return. Walking time: optional up to 1hr 15mins (4 kms); Time ashore: 2hrs to 7hrs 30mins.
f) Beaches, Bays and Seals day kayaking trip: Cruise the forest-fringed bays and granite archways of the unique coastline into to the best sea kayaking territory in Abel Tasman National Park. 4 hours paddling on the water with guide to enjoy exploring the wondrous headlands, coves and islands of the granite coast. Pause at a sheltered cove for lunch (supplied by us). Take time out to relax on the beach, swim or sunbathe on the golden sand, or explore the native forest. On your return journey, if conditions allow, visit the seal colony at Pinnacle Island. Watch out for resident Blue Penguins and other sea birds along the coast.



g) Split apple paddle half day trip: If you are short on time or breath, this trip is ideal for you! Kayak the spectacular granite coast in only 3 hours with up to 2 hours 30minutes paddling.  Your Guide knows all the best, secret spots taking into account the tides, weather and your interests and abilities. Enjoy the features of the stunning Kaiteriteri coastline, including the famous "Split Apple Rock". Pause at a sheltered cove for a break before returning to Kaiteriteri by 12 midday in time to catch an afternoon boat cruise into the Park if you wish.

Day 6: Abel Tasman: Walk, relax or kayak in the park
Choose any one of the above options for another fascinating day at the park. Overnight stay near  Abel Tasman Park.

Day 7: Queenstown- the mecca of adventure sports!
Fly Nelson airport to Queenstown (not included in cost).  Day at leisure.
The first people to discover Queenstown's rare beauty were Maori pounamu (jade) hunters. Then came the gold miners, in search of another kind of treasure. Today Queenstown is treasured for its magnificent scenery, adventure opportunities and luxury lifestyle.
Optional activities for the day at extra cost:
a) Ride the Skyline Gondola for the classic picture postcard shot across Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown to The Remarkables mountain range. Try your driving skills on the luge track. Exhilarating stuff. Have dinner at the restaurant that has stunning views of the Lake and town below.
b) What better way to view the magnificent scenery than by taking a cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, the elegant turn-of-the-century vintage steamship. It is the only coal fired passenger carrying vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere. Cruises depart regularly throughout the day. You can choose to complete a cruise only, or a cruise, combined with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour, horse trek, heritage excursion, barbecue lunch or evening buffet dining. Cruise Duration 1hr 30mins. If you do the activities, set aside extra time eg cruise with guided farm tour is 3hr30mins and is highly recommended for all ages. Guided farm tour: Experience rural New Zealand as we take you on a walking tour of the farmyard.  You can help feed the sheep and get close to the red deer and Scottish Highland cattle. Watch the sheep dogs in action rounding up a mob of ewes, watch a sheep being shorn and maybe try your hand at spinning wool. Then stroll through the lakeside gardens to the charming Colonel”s Homestead for a traditional high country morning or afternoon tea.
c) Spend a afternoon shopping for new clothes in Queenstown's stylish retail precinct. Follow it up with a pub hopping tour of Queenstown's fabulous pub district. Dont miss out on Minus 5!, the mecca of vodka drinkers.
Overnight at Queenstown.

Day 8: High adventure in Queenstown.
Set aside this day to fulfil one of your crazy wishes attempting high adventure. There are many options that you can do at extra cost. But here's a list of our top 4 Queenstown favourites:
a) Bungy: You have 3 options to choose from. Kawarau, the world's first bungy site (43m), The ledge bungy (47m), the only night bungy in NZ & the mind numbing Nevis highwire (134m). Go for it!
b) Skydive from 15000ft: It takes a certain kind of person to jump from an aircraft into thin air. It takes courage. Harnessed to an experienced jumpmaster, expect sensory overload as you step out that aircraft door at 15000ft and for some 60 seconds plummet towards the ground @200kph. Game?
c) Want to Swing 400 metres above Queenstown? Then come to the Ledge Sky Swing based right in the heart of Queenstown. Find yourself hanging over Queenstown, before pulling the quick release cord and setting the action in motion. Just as your brain convinces you the fall will never stop, you begin arching out 400 metres over Queenstown. The Ledge Sky Swing is the only swing in New Zealand operating at night but it might pay to leave dinner to afterwards.
d) The Wilderness Safari takes you on a spectacular 1 1⁄2 hour Jet Boat journey through the Dart”s ever-changing braided river system, where you”ll be thrilled by the Jet Boat's capabilities including jet spins and awed by your surroundings of breathtaking snow-capped mountains, ancient native forest, waterfalls and glacial valleys frozen in time. It includes an easy guided 30 - 40 minute walk through the “Heritage Trail” at Paradise, where your knowledgeable guide will enliven your walk with an informative and entertaining commentary about the ancient native beech forest, the unique flora and fauna, as well as the fascinating Maori and colonial history of the area. You“ll also journey by 4WD coach via a scenic back-road route, while hearing stories about the surrounding countryside and stopping to view scenery that has formed the epic backdrop for many international films, including “The Lord of the Rings”.

During the Dart river safari

The Wanderers can organise one or all the above tours and help you choose from many other possible options as well.
Overnight at Queenstown.

Day 9:  Doubtful Sound cruise experience
Self drive early in the morning for Manapouri. Board your overnight Doubtful sound cruise at 12.30 pm (please confirm the timing).
Doubtful Sound, located in a World Heritage Area, is an overwhelming place. You can feel the power of nature here - the remoteness, the wildness and the peace. Known for its wilderness and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and it is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound. In Maori legend, the godly figure Tu Te Raki Whanoa created this incredibly beautiful fiord with the assistance of four young sea gods who carved out its sheltered arms. Today Doubtful Sound remains an unspoilt wilderness of many moods; one minute clear blue and sun-drenched, the next mysterious and mist-cloaked.
Overnight on board the cruise.  

Day 10: Doubtful Sound.
Alight from the overnight cruise and self-drive to Queenstown. Overnight at Queenstown.

Day 11 & 12: Optional adventure activities in Queenstown
All the 'left over' activities listed in Day 8 can be done in the 2 remaining days. You can also drive down to scenic towns of Glenorchy, Arrowtown and Lake Wanaka. Overnight at Queenstown for 2nights.

Day 13: Mt.Cook and the Tasman Glacier.
Drive to Mt. Cook (approx 5 hrs). This is an extremely scenic drive passing through the quaint towns of Cromwell, Omarama and Twizel. The last hours drive is spectacular as you drive past Lake Pukaki with Mt.Cook and the ranges looming in the foreground. Overnight stay at Mt.Cook.

Day 14: At Mt. Cook
The Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is alpine in the purest sense -with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields. Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest mountain, helped Sir Edmund Hillary to develop his climbing skills in preparation for the conquest of Everest.
Optional activities at Mt.Cook at extra cost:

a) Mount Cook Ski Planes offer the most spectacular alpine scenic flight in the world. The aircraft takes you from Aoraki Mount Cook Airport directly into the heart of the Tasman Glacier, one of the longest glaciers in the world. After an awe inspiring flight through breathtaking scenery your ski equipped aircraft lands on one of the glaciers in the Mount Cook, the engine is stopped, and you alight onto the glacier where climbers would take hours or days to reach. With the engine shut down you are able to experience the "natural quiet" of the mountains, broken only by the occasional avalanche or sounds from the glacier as it makes its way down the mountain. Upon re-embarking an even more spectacular takeoff from the snow covered glacier is followed by the return flight to base following the other side of the valley with your pilot identifying points of interest including climber huts, icefalls, peaks, and occasional ski tourers and climbers, before your landing back at your point of departure. Highly recommended by The Wanderers!
b) Glacier exploration: An up close amazing encounter with icebergs, on a glacial terminal lake. Depart from Mount Cook Village outside The Hermitage Hotel. The bus will take you on a pleasant trip to the Tasman Valley, followed by an easy 1/2hr stroll through the National Park. Then board your MAC boat, and enjoy the ever changing ice face of theTasman Glacier icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. 3hrs trip duration.
c) Star-gazing at the Mt.Cook airport. A trip of 1hr duration post dinner, its quite a heavenly sight as the guide shows you the star formations using a powerful telescope.
d) Walks around the resort: If you would like to stretch your legs what better place to do so than the Mt. Cook region. Try one of the following 3 easy options or all of them.
Governors Bush Walk (1 hour return): This delightful bush walk begins at the public shelter and explores one of the last stands of silver beech forest in the Park.  A gradual climb leads to a lookout point before the track descends and returns to the village.  This popular walk offers birdlife, a good viewpoint of the mountains and shelter in poor weather.
Bowen Bush Walk (10 minutes return): This easy forest walk begins across the road from Alpine Guides.  The loop tracks wanders through totara and celery pine forest and has an alternative exit or entry towards Glencoe Lodge.
Glencoe Walk (30 minutes return): Start from behind the Hermitage.  The walk zigzags through totara trees with a ferny understorey, emerging at a lookout near the prominent water tanks above the Hermitage.  Walkers are rewarded with a birdseye view of the village and beyond to the white ice of the Hooker Glacier and Aoraki/Mount Cook.  Sunrise and sunset are good times to catch light-play on the mountains.
Overnight at Mt. Cook.

Day 15: Mt. Cook to Christchurch on the inland Scenic route 72 (5hrs).

Canterbury Plains

Another excellent drive through the Canterbury Plains , past rolling pastures and spectacular lakes including Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo.  Past Mt.Somers, Glentunnel and into Christchurch. On one side, serene pastures and fields; on the other side, the rock solid beauty of New Zealand's longest, highest mountain range. Overnight at Christchurch.

Day 16: Depart for Christchurch airport. 

Tour Cost (per person on twin Sharing):
Option 1 (with Marahau Lodge):    NZ$3,429 - Per Person x 2 persons = NZD 6858
Option 2 (with Avalon Manor Motel): NZ$3,368 -Per Person x 2 persons = NZD 6736
Valid till 31st March 2009
(except for the period 20 Dec to 10 Jan 2009). For the NY period, pls enquire with us with specific dates as hotels may levy a surcharge.

Cost includes:
•    Accommodation with daily breakfast on Twin Sharing basis as per below hotel list
•    Doubtful Sound overnight cruise (Double room not Quad room) with breakfast and dinner ex Manapouri
•    14 days rental car  (ICAR -Toyota Camry equivalent) with basic insurance and unlimited kilometres
•    Private return airport transfers in Christchurch (Day 1 & Day 16)
•    Whale Watch Cruise in Kaikoura

Hotel/Motel and Room Type:
•    Christchurch:  Scenic Circle Cotswold Hotel - Standard Room
•    Kaikoura: White Morph Motor Inn- Studio
•    Abel Tasman: Avalon Manor - Executive Spa-bath Studio
Or Marahau Lodge - Studio Ensuite
•    Queenstown: Crown Plaza Hotel -  Lake View Room
•    Doubtful Sound over night cruise - Double Cabin
•    Mt Cook: Hermitage Hotel - Motel Studio

Double Sound Overnight cruise ex Manapouri:
Departs: 12.30pm Day 1 from Manapouri
Returns: 12.00pm Day 2 at Manapouri

Optional Tour Cost: will be advised at the time of enquiry.

Please note that above rates are quote only and subject to availability at the time of booking.

Visa fees for Indian Nationals: Rs.5100 per passport x 2 = Rs.10,200

Cost excludes:
a) New Zealand Visas, Taxes on International airfares. Domestic airfares within New Zealand
b) Airport departure tax of NZ$25.00 per person to be paid directly at Christchurch airport upon departure
c) Any items or services not specified in itinerary Items of a personal nature such as laundry, beverages, telephone calls, etc.
d) Optional sightseeing and entrance fees.
e) Pre-registration and late check-out of rooms. 
f) Comprehensive travel insurance
g) Any meals which are not specified as being included.  Any sightseeing or entrance fees not specifically mentioned in the "Cost Includes".  Any other items that are not specifically mentioned as being included. 
h) Optional Insurance for rental car  - access insurance. Security Bond for rental vehicle NZD 100.00 - to be paid directly to Budget upon pick-up. A charge of NZD 17.00 + GST will apply for hires commencing at all
i) Petrol for rental car. Makes and model of rental car is not guaranteed and may vary.