Extreme South Island Expedition

Christchurch to Hokitika via Kaikoura, the inner Marlborough Sounds, Abel Tasman, and Karamea.

You could try whale watching in Kaikoura, wine tasting in Blenheim, or cruise the Marlborough Sounds on the mail boat. Perhaps even carve a piece of Pounamu (New Zealand Greenstone/Jade), or bone for yourself or a loved one

Along the way we stay at the following locations:

• Blenheim
• Nelson (2 nights)
• Kaiteriteri (Abel Tasman)
• Karamea
• Punakaiki
• Hokitika

Hokitika to Invercargill via Wanaka, Queenstown, and Milford Sound.

Along the way, try the famous Hokitika Gorge Walk, explore the West Coast Treetop Walk. Take an early morning stroll around Lake Matheson and admire the reflections. Visit the famous Blue Pools at Makarora, and Wanaka’s Puzzling World. Explore and shop around Queenstown before heading to Milford Sound, Te Anau and eventually Invercargill

Along the way we stay at the following locations:

• Fox Glacier
• Haast
• Queenstown (2 nights)
• Milford Sound
• Te Anau
• Invercargill

Invercargill to Aoraki-Mt Cook via The Catlins, Central Otago, Dunedin, and the Waitaki Valley.

Along the way we visit the amazing Catlins Nature area with waterfall walks, enjoy the rugged, and sometimes bleak, inland Otago landscapes, and learn of the areas connections with gold mining. Explore Larnach’s Castle and the Taieri Albatross colony. Finish off with the azure lakes of the Waitaki Valley and alpine landscapes of Aoraki Mt Cook

Along the way we stay at the following locations:

• Kaka Point
• St Bathans
• Dunedin (2 nights)
• Oamaru
• Aoraki-Mt Cook NP (2 nights)

Aoraki-Mt Cook to Christchurch via the Rakaia Gorge, Arthurs Pass, Lewis Pass, and Banks Peninsula.

Along the way we visit the spectacular and historic Rakaia Gorge, Lake Coleridge, enjoy the mountainous Arthurs Pass. Stunning Lake Brunner-Moana, historic Reefton, and the fab hot-pools of Hanmer Springs. Cruise on Akaroa Harbour or simply relax and shop in New Zealand’s only French colony. All before returning to Christchurch to conclude our expedition.

Along the way we stay at the following locations:

• Mt Somers
• Arthurs Pass (2 nights)
• Lake Brunner-Moana
• Hanmer Springs
• Akaroa
• Christchurch

• Pickup from some of the main hotels within Christchurch, or alternately from the Canterbury Museum
• Expert, knowledgeable guide
• Most Activities and Permits*
  • *There are also additional activities available for purchase (Optional Extras!)
• Photography tuition (if required)
• Late model, air conditioned transport
• Numerous guided short walks (0.5 hrs up to 3 hrs if desired)
• One full free day each week to explore or shop as desired
• All meals including breakfast, lunch*, dinner
  • *”Full free day” lunch each week is at your own expense
• Accommodation
• Pounamu Carving (Hokitika)
• Queenstown Gondola
• Gibbston Valley Wine Tasting
• Overnight Milford Sound cruise (subject to vessel availability at time of booking)
• Larnach’s Castle in Dunedin
• Oamaru Steampunk Museum
• Hanmer Springs Hotpools
• Snacks, beverages, and drinks
• Scenic stops

These optional extras are available for purchase in addition to the activities already included in the itinerary:

Week 1:

• Whale Watch Kaikoura
• Blenheim Half Day Wine Tour, or;
• Picton Mail Boat / Scenic Cruise
• Oparara Arches Eco Tour

Week 2:

• West Coast Treetop Walk
• Okarito Eco-Boat Tour
• Stewart Landsborough’s Puzzling World in Wanaka
• Lake cruise in Queenstown onboard the TSS Earnslaw
• Evening cruise on Lake Te Anau with “Faith in Fiordland”

Week 3:

• Guided Tour of the Royal Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Heads in Dunedin
• Little Blue Penguin Colony evening visit – Oamaru
• Flightseeing (aircraft or helicopter) with glacier landing at Aoraki-Mt Cook
• Glacier Explorers boat trip on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake

Week 4:

• Black Cat Akaroa Scenic / Nature Cruise