Glaciers, Beaches, Rainforests & Fiords From $3,099 per person (land only) 11 Days South Island Share
The following package is ideal for those interested in the outdoors, nature and adventure showcasing what we believe, are some of the true highlights of our beautiful country. Experience New Zealand's stunning South Island. Get ready to kayak and hike in the Abel Tasman National Park, walk on a glacier, experience high adrenalin jetboating and white water rafting, horse trek amongst some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery, hike on the famous Routeburn or Milford Track, see glow worms, indulge in fantastic food and wine and enjoy the friendly New Zealand people. And, if you have more time, add our North Island package and try two more truly unique adventures, black water rafting and New Zealand's best one day walk, the Tongariro Crossing!
Price Includes:
10 nights 4 star hotel & B&B accommodation (based on double occupancy)
11 Days Compact size auto rental car, including unlimited km's and daily insurance
Breakfast daily
Choice of three of the following activities:
Kayaking & Hiking in Abel Tasman National Park Half Day Guided Walk on Fox or Franz Josef Glacier White Water Rafting and Jetboating in Queenstown Routeburn Track Guided Day Hike in Queenstown Horse Trekking in Queenstown Kayaking on Milford Sound Milford Sound Nature Cruise & 2.5 hrs unguided walking
Not included
Meals (unless specified)
International Airfares
Domestic Airfares within NZ
Travel Insurance
"This was our best vacation ever! We felt it was just the right pace. We had great accommodations and itinerary. We feel we experienced all the highlights of The South Island, and we will use Active Downunder again and recommend to friends." Leyendecker Family of 4, NC - March 2011
I T I N E R A R Y
Day 1: Nelson
Today you will arrive in Nelson. After collecting your rental car, you have a short 10 minute drive to your centrally located accommodaton. You will have the afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: 2 nights
Day 2: Nelson / Abel Tasman National Park
This morning you will drive via the orchards, vineyards and tidal beaches of Tasman Bays to Kaiteriteri, the gateway to the stunning Abel Tasman National Park. Your trip today may include guided Kayaking, a Boat Cruise including Tonga Island Seal Colony and a walk amongst native bush along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Explore the spectacular granite formations and protected coves of the Kaiteriteri coastline, including famous Split Apple Rock. Visit the fascinating seal colony at Tonga Island and relax on a golden sand beach.
Day 3: Nelson - Punakaiki
Today you will depart Nelson and begin your travel down the West Coast - Lonely Planet Blue List says, "A drive along the West Coast of the South Island rates in the top 10 best road trips in the world". The West Coast is a stretch of wild and rugged coastline with crashing waves and smooth, sandy shores. Where the curving road hugs the sea you will find Punakaiki, set between exquisite beaches and the lush rainforest of Paparoa National Park. Punakaiki offers beach and forest walks galore, crafts, horse trekking, and the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes which are columns of limestone carved by the ocean to resemble giant stacks of pancakes. Walk the short Truman Track at sunset to watch the sun descend in a honey-glow over the dramatic and untouched West Coast sea.
Accommodation: 1 night
Day 4: Punakaiki - Fox or Franz Josef Glacier
Today is another scenic travel day to reach the glaciers of Franz and Fox Josef. Along the way you may like to take a side-trip to visit the peaceful seaside village of Okarito, with New Zealand's largest natural lagoon and home to over 70 species of birds. Eco-enthusiasts can enjoy tremendous diversity of wild Tasman Sea beaches and the bird paradise of the lagoon and surrounding rainforest. Walk, kayak or take an open boat tour to explore this amazing sanctuary of wildlife.
Accommodation: 2 nights
Day 5: Fox or Franz Josef Glacier
Today enjoy a half day guided walk on Fox or Franz Josef Glacier - a fantastic introduction to the enthralling world of ice, traversing spectacular tracks of only moderate difficulty. A walk through regenerating rainforest and impressive terrain continues through the glacier valley. After strapping on crampons, you will make your way up the terminal face of the glacier where pre-formed tracks make exploring the lower reaches of the glacier possible. You will learn from guides about the glaciology, geology and botany of this area. This afternoon you may like to soak in the glacier hot pools at Franz Josef or visit Lake Matheson (NZ's most photographed lake) for it's famous reflections.
Day 6: Fox or Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown
Today you will travel further down the West Coast to the Southern Lakes region. There are many wonderful short bush and beach walks along the way with photo op's galore! As you climb the Crown Range you will be rewarded with views of Arrowtown, Kawarau Gorge and in the distance, the majestic alpine resort town of Queenstown, also known as the 'adventure capital of New Zealand'.
Accommodation: 3 nights
Day 7: Queenstown
Today you have a choice of activities from thriling jetboating and whitewater rafting to horse trekking amongst a backdrop of stunning scenery to a guided hike on the famous Routeburn Track in the Mt Aspiring National Park.
Today you may like to enjoy more activities in Queenstown before your drive to the pretty lakeside town of Te Anau, located just 2+hrs drive away in the Fiordland region of New Zealand. Alternatively, you could leave early and spend some of the day hiking on the Kepler Track or visiting the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves. Note: A very early departure from Queenstown would allow you to experience the Milford Track Guided Day Hike (avail. 1 Nov - mid April)
Fiordland has achieved World Heritage status and is renowned as the home of Mitre Peak, Milford and Doubtful Sounds, and for the many Great Walks (the Milford, Routeburn, and Kepler Tracks), within the Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks.
Accommodation: 2 nights
Day 10: Te Anau / Milford Sound
Today you will journey along NZ's most spectacular alpine road, the Milford Road, a World Heritage highway with highlights such as the famous Homer Tunnel wedged into a world of slab-sided mountainous rock faces, icy-clear streams, avalanche scars plus the Cleddau Valley, and the rocky gorge of the chasm.
Your of choice of ways to experience Milford Sound include either kayaking amongst the waterfalls, glacial fiords which are home to dolphins, fur seals and crested penguins or enjoy a 2 1/2 hr unguided walk followed by a Milford Sound Nature Cruise, take in the magnificent scenery and wildlife and learn about the area from your nature guide. Note: kayaking on Milford Sound does not operate during June, July and August.
Day 11: Te Anau - Queenstown
Today your New Zealand adventure ends. You will travel back to Queenstown airport to return your rental car.
I T I N E R A R Y E N D S
NORTH ISLAND ADD-ON PACKAGE
From $1,390 per person (land only)
Price includes:
Auckland International airport meet and greet & transfer to hotel
4 nights 4 star hotel accommodation (based on double occupancy)
Breakfast daily
4 days compact auto rental car including unlimited km's and daily insurance
Black Water Rafting or Ruakuri Cave
Tongariro Crossing Guided Day Walk or Whirinaki Rainforest Guided Walk
Extend your trip by starting on the North Island. Experience unique black water rafting, see glow worms, walk New Zealand's best one day walk - The Tongariro Crossing, visit the geothermal geysers and stunning Lake Taupo. *Note: This is a suggested North Island package for those interested in outdoors and adventure. The Tongariro Crossing Guided Walk is considered a challenging walk and only available Nov - April. This package can be customized to suit your style of travel.
Not included: flight from Taupo to Nelson, Travel Insurance
North Island Add-on Package
Day 1: Auckland Arrive off your international flight and enjoy the day in Auckland. Sail on an America's Cup yacht, hike on volcanic Rangitoto Island and enjoy wonderful views back to Auckland or visit the island paradise of Waiheke Island, enjoy a vineyard lunch and wine tasting, visit Auckland Museum or the quaint seaside town of Devonport.
Accommodation: 1 night
Day 2: Auckland - Waitomo Caves - Taupo
Today you will drive to Waitomo Caves where you will experience a unique high adrenalin adventure, 'Black Water Rafting' in a magical underground world of ancient caves, rivers and waterfalls! For those looking for a less adventurous activity, enjoy a visit to Ruakuri Cave to see glow worms sparkling like stars. Afterwards you will travel further south your accommodation located with views of stunning Lake Taupo.
Accommodation: 3 nights
Day 3: Taupo
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 19.4km (11.6mile) trek and is New Zealand’s best one day walk. The track leads up to the saddle between Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro and then diverts over Mt Tongariro.
Tongariro is a living landscape of different coloured and shaped craters, scoured volcanic rocks, active geothermal areas, mountain springs, and brightly coloured emerald lakes. This beautiful Central North Island Maori guided walk is an experience that cannot be missed! Note: Today is a 6am departure from Taupo, back around 5.30pm. This guided walk is only available Nov - April. For those interested in a more relaxed walk, this trip can be substituted with the 'Whirinaki Rainforest Guided Walk' which is also available year round.
Day 4: Taupo
Today is a free day to explore. Click here to see suggested activities in Taupo (additonal cost) or Rotorua (only 50mins drive away).
Day 5: Taupo - Nelson (By Air)
Today you will drop your rental car at Taupo Airport and fly to Nelson (via Wellington). Once in Nelson you will start your South Island itinerary.
N O R T H I S L A N D I T I N E R A R Y E N D S
Conditions: Itinerary is strictly subject to availability at time of booking. This itinerary can be customized to fit your needs. Activities can be added, accommodations and car hire upgraded (additional cost) etc. Itinerary is subject to our booking conditions.
