Nature Lovers New Zealand 14 Days - South Island *From $6,299 per person (land only) Share
"We had a glorious time in New Zealand. We loved Huntley House and swimming with the dolphins at Akaroa was amazing. The Wilderness Lodges were great. The high country sheep muster was a thrill to experience. The day we spent with Gerry McSweeney was so memorable. He is a fountain of information and enthusiasm. We loved the overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. The crew members were all so pleasant and genuine. The Stewart Island and Ulva Island experience was amazing. The guides we had throughout the trip really enhanced our appreciation and sense of wonder. Thank you so much." Read full testimonial. Florence and Phil Ernzen, MI - Mar 07
Day 1: Arrive Auckland, transfer to Christchurch You will arrive in the delightful city of Christchurch – also known as the ‘Garden City’ and met by your car rental representative who will transfer you to your car rental (or we can have your car delivered to your accommodation). Hagley Park and the Botanical Gardens are lovely areas to walk and begin to acclimate, or sit back and enjoy punting along the Avon River, visit the Christchurch Arts Center and Art Gallery, Canterbury Museum or simply soak up the ‘most English city outside of England’. You may like to return to your accommodation this afternoon to experience an elegant high tea – part of the colonial hospitality and traditions of Huntley House.
Day 2: Akaroa – Swimming with Dolphins (or watching) Start the day with a hearty, homestead-style breakfast. Leaving Christchurch you quickly find yourself in a countryside of paddocks stocked with sheep and cattle and even deer. For those interested in birdlife, you will pass ‘Te Waihora’ – an area of outstanding importance for wildlife. Over the years, 161 bird species have been recorded in the Te Waihora environment. Passing through Little River you may like to visit the local Art Gallery. As you climb the Old Coach Road you will wonder how the horse and coaches ever got to the top! You will be rewarded with a stunning view of Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula area. Arriving in the small quaint town of Akaroa, you will immediately feel the French influence by the buildings and street names. Akaroa is also home to the world’s smallest and rarest Dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin – it is here you will experience swimming with these wild and wonderful dolphins - truly an incredible experience to savour for the rest of your life.
Day 3: Christchurch – Arthur’s Pass Today is a lovely drive across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps. Over the next two days you will discover wild nature in the New Zealand mountains and experience life on a 2,400 hectare nature reserve and high country merino sheep station. Arrive in time to participate in the High Country Discovery tour which offers guests the chance to watch as the lean and very fast working sheep dogs muster sheep and then watch as the farmer demonstrates sheep shearing. Of interest is discussion about the economics of running a high country sheep station. Then it’s back to the lodge for a fine high country dinner and New Zealand wine. After dinner, join the lodge guide for a short walk to see the brilliant stars of the Southern Sky. Your accommodation at Wilderness Lodge Arthurs Pass is nestled in mountain beech forest, midway between Christchurch and Greymouth. Offering comfort and warm hospitality in a spectacular mountain setting, the lodge has only 24 rooms, an intimate restaurant, lounge, library and theatre for evening nature talks.
Day 4: Arthur’s Pass Awaken to mountain views, clean air and birdsong. Walk from your room into a natural paradise of beech forest, tussock clearings, moss-lined streams and lakes on a network of nature walks. After a fabulous breakfast, it's time to discover this natural paradise. The highlight of the Lodge is a daily program of nature discovery activities which include a beech forest and native bird life guided walk, tussock grassland and unique thorn forest, canoeing, guided hikes, historical evenings and more. Join a naturalist guides who will help you explore nature and learn about high country life. Some activities are complimentary while others incur a fee.
Day 5: Arthur’s Pass – Hokitika Your drive takes you through Arthur’s Pass, over the Otira Viaduct, and out towards the rugged West Coast of New Zealand. The contrast in scenery from one side of the Southern Alps to the other is immediately evident as you pass through lowland rainforest, wild beaches and the unspoilt nature. Discover Hokitika, small town New Zealand where you can watch artisans working with the much prized ‘Pounamu’ (Greenstone) which is found in the nearby rivers.
Day 6: Hokitika – Whataroa - Lake Moeraki After breakfast it’s off to Whataroa to view the magnificent Kotuku (White Heron), the Kotuku Ngutu Papa (Royal Spoonbill), the Kawapaka (Little Black Shag) and other Bird life - all in their natural environment. The 3 hour tour (offered Oct - March) involves a short minibus ride to the river to connect with a gentle 20 minute jet boat ride each way. From the jetty, it is just a short boardwalk through native bush to view the birds. Kotuku disperse from colony end of Feb/early March.
This afternoon you will head further along the West Coast and pass through the townships of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. You can take a short drive up to see Fox Glacier, or continue south to Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge in time for a relaxed drink and dinner in the tranquil Moeraki Lounge. The Lodge is a paradise for nature lovers and for a relaxing retreat away from the pressures of the modern world.
Day 7: Lake Moeraki Experience spectacular beaches that are home to fur seals and crested penguins, untouched lowland rainforests spread between pristine lakes and rivers which drain the snow capped Southern Alps. To explore, the lodge provides maps of the nature walks, forest and seacoast trails. Do your own thing - fish for brown trout, canoe the gentle lake waters or walk the network of Lodge and World Heritage rainforest and coastal tracks. Alternatively, ask us to book an 'exclusive' half or full day with a resident guide.Each day, the resident naturalist guides offer two complimentary guided activities each about an hour long. You can learn about the rainforests, discover ferns, orchids, giant native pigeon, bellbird and tui. We take night walks to see glowworms, the Southern Cross and freshwater crayfish. We have historical talks and you can learn easy canoeing… and if you fall out you can help us to feed our giant tame eels!
Day 8: Lake Moeraki – Queenstown Today is a very scenic drive from Lake Moeraki, over the Haast Pass arriving to the Southern Lakes region with many opportunities to stop and take photo's and break for short bush and waterfall walks. You will pass Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka and Queenstown's own Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown is nestled below the majestic mountains, a resort town which offers a wide range of activities, a fabulous wine region, and stunning scenery.
Day 10: Doubtful Sound This morning you have a nice drive to the small lakeside town of Manapouri. Here, you will board a small boat for a short trip across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, before joining a coach to take you over the Wilmot Pass. Climbing through the rainforest, your driver will offer his insight into this incredible and remote wilderness area. Arriving at Deep Cove you will board the Fiordland Navigator for your Overnight Cruise on the fjords. This is truly a very special experience.
Day 11: Stewart Island Arriving back in Manapouri at noon, you have a 2 – 2 ½ hr drive to Invercargill Airport where you will board a small plane for your flight to Stewart Island – another area of absolute wilderness with densely forested hills descending to a coastline of rocky outcrops and creamy golden sand beaches, You will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation by your accommodation hosts. It’s island life here, and the service comes with a huge smile!
Day 12: Stewart Island – Ulva Island Today you will enjoy a guided walk on Ulva Island, a must for anyone interested in New Zealand birds and flora. A picturesque, forested island with easy walks, beautiful beaches and interesting coves it offers a chance to view rare and endangered birds in a wilderness setting. During the 1990's, rats were removed from the Island to create a safe haven for native birds and plants, and now the Island's ecology is thriving. It is managed by the Department of Conservation as an Open Island Sanctuary.
Day 13: Dunedin This morning you will take your return flight to Invercargill, collect you car and spend the day exploring the Southern Scenic Route to Dunedin. The Southern Scenic Route is a pathway through the many secrets of the south of New Zealand. Rugged coastlines, ancient forests, verdant pasture, historic towns and cities, majestic lakes and rivers all await. Tonight Ewa and Keith will welcome you to their stylish Heritage Home, Fletcher Lodge. Click here for highlights of the Southern Scenic Route.
Day 14: Dunedin Overlooking the harbour and rolling green hills Dunedin is New Zealand’s most charming city offering old world charm, stunning architecture, and elegant Larnach Castle. Nearby Otago Peninsula is one of nature’s most blessed eco rich corners with incredible opportunities to see penguins, albatross, sea lions and fur seals. Today you will see it all on a dedicated car tour with your very own chauffeur/guide. Your fully guided tour includes Larnach Castle, Royal Albatross Colony or Monarch Albatross Cruise, and Penguin Place.
Package includes:
14 Nights Qualmark Rated 4 plus and 5 Star accommodation (double occupancy);
14 Days Intermediate Size Rental Car, 4 door, auto, air con, unlimited kms;
All breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners;
Swimming with Dolphins (or watching);
Wilderness Lodge complimentary activities;
White Heron Tour;
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise (incl. kayaking or nature cruise);
Round trip flights to Stewart Island;
Ulva Island Guided Walk;
Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour
Not Included:
Airfares;
Optional sightseeing experiences;
Meals (unless specified);
Travel Insurance
* Advertised pricing - All itineraries are subject to seasonal price variations. Note, travel over the December / January time period will incur high season surcharges.
