Southern Secrets & Seascapes 15 Days - South Island *From $4,799 per person (land only) Share
Experience the road less traveled in Central Otago (a region that many travelers miss) and get close to nature in an inspiring, timeless land. First time visitors are silenced and energized by the tumble of mountain, river, rock and tussock. Take in the grandeur of breathtaking vistas and a star-studded Southern night sky. This is a place of extraordinary contrasts, our middle earth.
This 15-day self-drive tour will expose you to the relatively untouched land of Central Otago, while leaving time for such highlights as Milford Sound, the stunning West Coast, Abel Tasman National Park & Marlborough Wine Region and nearby Marlborough Sounds. You'll enjoy walking or cycling along the Otago Central Rail Trail, exploring classic countryside pubs, a guided pontoon boat cruise along the historic Clutha River, exhilarating river jetboating and wilderness walk, glow worms, penguins and albatross, the beauty of Central Otago's wildflowers, touring the world's southernmost wine region, driving along the highest main road in New Zealand and much more!
Package Includes:
14 nights accommodation at 4 and 5 Star properties; - 2 Nights Dunedin - 2 Nights Central Otago (Kokonga) - 3 Nights Wanaka - 2 Nights Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki - 1 Night Punakaiki - 2 Nights Nelson - 2 Nights Blenheim
Otago Peninsula Private Tour to Larnach Castle; Albatross, Penguins and Seals;
Complimentary bikes for use on Otago Central Rail Trail;
Clutha River Cruise;
Scenic flight to Milford Sound and Scenic Cruise;
Wanaka River Jetboating & Wilderness Walk;
Wilderness Lodge stay and complimentary activities (ie: canoeing, glow worms, southern sky night walk, feed the eels & trout, learn about living in the wilderness, ancient trees, birds and plants in the rainforest and watch the sunset over the Tasman Sea);
Kayak, Seals & Walk in Abel Tasman
Not Included:
Airfares - contact us for a quote;
Optional sightseeing experiences;
Meals (unless specified);
Travel Insurance
"Jane and Active Downunder turned our confusion about where and how to travel in New Zealand into order and clarity. Jane took our personal desires and intentions into account and created a diverse itinerary for us that met and exceeded them. This trip was a wonderful introduction to a very beautiful and special country. I look forward to a return trip." K.Hearn, CA - Dec 09 Read full testimonial
"Our trip as planned for us by Active Downunder was absolutely stellar. Every
nuance and detail was fully attended to. We were told by some of the B&B
owners that you don't recommend a lodging unless you have first-hand knowledge
from having stayed there. Your intimate knowledge of New Zealand was obvious to
us as the trip unfolded. We had a great time! Thank you." R Steele, GA - Jan 09 Read full testimonial
I T I N E R A R Y
Day 1:Arrive Auckland, fly to Dunedin. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located accommodation for two nights. This property offers an excellent location just minutes away from some of the city's finest and most popular cafes and restaurants.
Day 2: Dunedin / Otago Peninsula Experience / Larnach Castle Discover the eco rich corner of New Zealand, the Otago Peninsula, home to Albatross, Penguins and Seals. Relax and let your experienced chauffer/guide take you an a memorable excursion to the Otago Peninsula. Included in this privately guided tour are a visit to Larnach Castle, Penguin Place and Royal Albatross tour or Monarch Albatross Cruise along with other sightseeing stops.
Day 3: Dunedin - Kokonga / Kokonga Lodge After picking up your rental car this morning, you'll enjoy a scenic drive from Dunedin to the Kokonga Lodge, a stylish and welcoming haven for travelers, amid an astonishing and ever-changing landscape. Kokonga translates from Māori as "Bend in the River". This lovely lodge sits on an elevated 10-acre landscaped site with extensive views over the heart of the Maniototo region of Central Otago. Your three-course dinner at the lodge tonight will utilize fresh and home-grown produce, and local beer and wine. Your friendly and knowledgable New Zealand hosts, Dorothy and Malcolm will ensure you get the most from your stay.
Day 4: Otago Central Rail Trail / Exploration After breakfast you can explore the Otago Central Rail Trail by foot or by bike (Kokonga Lodge is located on the rail trail and bikes are available for guest use). Steeped in a sense of history and remoteness, the trail provides a chance to view scenery not able to be seen from the highway. It also has preserved an important part of Otago's history as it was once a vital link between Dunedin and Central Otago. Dorothy and Malcolm can also arrange 4WD adventure tours, farm visits, horse riding or gold panning trips (additional cost) or you may choose to spend a leisurely afternoon on a riverside walk with picnic.
Day 5: Clutha River Cruise / Wine Tasting / Historic Arrowtown Travel from Kokonga to Alexandra today for a guided pontoon boat cruise along the Clutha River. Journey with your guide along the isolated reaches of the historic and picturesque thyme-studded Roxbourgh Gorge and marvel at some of New Zealand's best examples of European and Chinese Mining. This afternoon you'll have the option to tour New Zealand's fastest growing (and the world's southernmost) wine region with an exciting and innovative tasting experience. If you'd prefer, you can forego the wine tasting for a more leisurely option of exploring the historic and quaint gold-mining town of Arrowtown.
Day 6: Milford Sound Wake up today in time for breakfast before departing on a scenic flight and cruise of Milford Sound. The best scenic route to Milford Sound begins from Lake Wanaka and Makarora Valley. Take in the beauty of Mt Aspiring and Fiordland World Heritage National Parks. Stunning vistas of rugged untouched wilderness, numerous glaciers, mountains, snow, ice, rivers, valleys and rainforest. Fly the full length of Milford Sound before landing and taking in the views from the water on a 1hr 45min scenic boat cruise. You will be back in Wanaka in time for an afternoon activity or simply time to kick back after a fabulous experience!
Day 7: Wanaka River Jetboating Today it's time for an exhilarating jet boating experience of a lifetime! The Matukituki River; Fed by Glaciers and surrounded by the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park is one of New Zealand’s most powerful and pristine jet boating rivers. Wanaka River Journeys travels this fast flowing river past Lord of the Rings locations, watched over by Mount Aspiring and Glaciers. Along the way your guide will share with you stories of the past, of how these ancient lands were carved by ice and of the first people to come here. Experience the exhilaration of speed in just centimeters of water and spinning turns in deep pools.
Day 8: Wanaka - Lake Moeraki This morning you'll drive from Wanaka to Lake Moeraki. Few places on earth can match the unique natural setting of the Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki in the heart of the 2.7 million hectare South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, Te Wahi Pounamu (Maori translation: the place of greenstone jade). The Lodge is a paradise for nature lovers and for a relaxing retreat away from the pressures of the modern world. The Lodge is landscaped in a lakeside clearing surrounded by 1,000 year old rainforest trees. It offers a high level of comfort in attractive Lodge and Garden rooms with lounges and restaurant that overlook the lovely Moeraki rapids.
Day 9: 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. 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 nature walks. Each day, the resident naturalist guides offer two complimentary guided activities each about an hour long. Learn about the rainforests, discover ferns, orchids, giant native pigeon, bellbird and tui. Night walks to see glow worms, and the stars in the Southern Sky including the Southern Cross are offered.
Day 10: Lake Moeraki - Punakaiki A scenic drive today takes you along the west coast to Punakaiki, where famous blowholes and amazing pancake rocks will delight the senses. Your stunning ocean front accommodation is tucked into the northern end of Punakaiki Beach, just 50m from the high tide mark. Award winning architecture in a natural rainforest setting allow you to relax in comfort while having access to the spectacular wildlife and landscapes along the Paparoa Coast.
Day 11: Punakaiki - Nelson Today you will drive from Punakaiki to Nelson and settle into your centrally located accommodation for two nights. The Nelson region is known for its year-round sunshine, golden beaches,
national parks, boutique wineries, micro breweries and a large creative
community of working artists. Add to this locally grown produce,
freshly caught seafood, historical streetscapes and fabulous restaurants
and you will see that it offers a thoroughly pleasurable way of life. You'll enjoy a relaxing stay, walking distance from local restaurants and beaches.
Day 12: Kayak, Seals & Walk in Abel Tasman National Park Today you have the opportunity to explore Abel Tasman National Park with two hours of easy, guided sea kayaking, a Vista Cruise in the park and easy walking along the gorgeous bays that dot the coastline. Explore the protected beaches and spectacular granite sculptures of the
Southern coast, then travel into the National Park for an enchanting
forest walk. View seals as the Vista Cruise pauses at Tonga Island. * If you do not wish to kayak, this trip can be a cruise/walk option instead.
Day 13: Nelson - Blenheim A short drive this morning will bring you the Blenheim, where you will relax for two nights amongst the vines in the Marlborough Wine Region. You may also like to explore the stunning Marlborough Sounds, popular for walking and kayaking.
Day 14: Marlborough Wine Region & Marlborough Sounds Spend the day in the fabulous Marlborough Wine Region, take the truly unique food and wine Greenshell Mussel Cruise on the Marlborough Sounds or a cooking class with a MasterChef at Herzog before dining in their luxury restaurant - the ultimate finale to your New Zealand experience. The Marlborough Sounds also offers walking opportunities on the Queen Charlotte Track or kayaking on the sounds.
Day 15: Fly home Blenheim - Auckland - Los Angeles or San Francisco
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. Advertised pricing: All itineraries
are subject to seasonal price variations. Note, travel over the December
/ January time period will incur high season surcharges. Itinerary is
subject to our booking conditions.
