South Island Big Loop

Day 1:

Christchurch to Picton: Today we explore our way north from Christchurch with stops in such stunning places as Motunau Beach, the Hurunui River Mouth, Gore Bay, and the Kaikoura Coast until finally arriving in Picton mid-afternoon. Naturally, this leaves us plenty of time to explore the immediate surrounds and parts of the inner Marlborough Sounds before we settle in for the night

Day 2:

Picton to Punakaiki: Travelling via Linkwater initially, we traverse the coastline of the inner Queen Charlotte Sound for some amazingly spectacular scenery before working our way inland to Nelson. Leaving Nelson behind us we work our way down through Kawatiri and Owen River before following the Buller River out to the coast. Following the coast south we eventually arrive at Punakaiki in the late afternoon in time to explore and perhaps photograph the ever intriguing “Pancake Rocks” and maybe watch the sunset

Day 3:

Punakaiki to Haast: A big but spectacular day, as we head south down the coast, exploring such features as the Hokitika Gorge, Okarito, Lake Mapourika, the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, and soak up the reflections at Lake Matheson. The road works its way in and out from the coastline, sometimes taking us through lush forests, and sometimes over bluffs high above the road before we arrive in Haast. If time permits we explore the area including down to Jacksons Bay

Day 4:

Haast to Te Anau: From Haast, we head east via the spectacular Haast Pass, taking in scenic, and very picturesque water falls and stunning blue-green pools before sidling around the edge of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, to arrive in Wanaka for a bit of local exploring. Post Wanaka we make our way to Queenstown arriving in time for lunch on the lakeside. After lunch we continue south alongside Lake Wakatipu, via the Devils Staircase and Kingston before arriving at our destination of Lake Te Anau

Day 5:

Te Anau to Invercargill: No trip to Te Anau is complete without a foray into Milford Sound, and our tour is no exception. Heading into Milford Sound for a scenic cruise on the Fiord, you better have your cameras at the ready because after the spectacle of the West Coast on day three, this might very well be the icing on the cake, the crown of our tour. Finally leaving Milford Sound behind us we back track through Te Anau and make our way south to Invercargill arriving mid-late afternoon. Naturally leaving time to explore Bluff.

Day 6:

Invercargill to Oamaru: Naturally, we do this the long way round, taking in the sights of the coastal settlements, and the delights of the Catlins Conservation Park, with such photogenic sites as Slope Pt, Papatowai, and Nugget Point before rejoining the main road at Balclutha. Working our way, into Dunedin we sneak in a quick visit to the shores of the Otago Harbour before continuing north past Blueskin Bay and Shag Point to finally arrive at our destination, the steam-punk town of Oamaru

Day 7:

Oamaru to Christchurch: From Oamaru we have a brief foray inland to visit the lower Waitaki Valley area including the scenic hydro-lake of Lake Aviemore, before tracking back through Kurow and across the river to Waimate before rejoining the main road north. Additional scenic locations and stops include a relaxed lunch break at Caroline Bay in Timaru, before, regrettably, returning to our starting point in Christchurch City

• Pickup from some of the main hotels within Christchurch, or alternately from the Canterbury Museum
• Expert, knowledgeable guide
• Activities and Permits
• Photography tuition (if required)
• Late model, air conditioned transport
• All meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation
• Milford Sound scenic cruise
• Snacks, beverages, and drinks
• Scenic stops