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CHRISTCHURCH TO MARAHAU (ABEL TASMAN)
Depart from Christchurch this morning on a public bus service (unguided) to Picton where you’ll meet your Stray Guide and group. We depart Picton around midday from Picton Villa, before setting off through the picturesque Marlborough region where we’ll stop to sample what the region is most famous for: Sauvignon Blanc wine! Then it’s onwards to Marahau, situated right on the edge of the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park.
Accommodation:The Barn or similar Optional paid activities: Wine tasting (usually $5-10) Meal options: We’ll stop at a supermarket to stock up on supplies – Self-cater or join the optional group dinner Meals included: Breakfast Free activities: Stargazing
MARAHAU (ABEL TASMAN) FREE DAY
Count yourself lucky – you have a full day to explore New Zealand’s most popular national park. From our accommodation you can hike straight into the park (no water taxi required!). It’s a cool 12kms to Anchorage and you’ll see the park’s natural golden sand beaches and brilliant blue waters along the way. The walk is approx. 4 hours each way but there’s enough photo stops en-route to spend an entire day exploring. Enjoy a picnic on the beach before checking out Cleopatra’s Pools, moss lined fresh water pools with a natural water slide.
Accommodation: The Barn or similar Optional paid activities: Kayaking, water taxi, canyoning Meal options: Pack a picnic lunch and lots of snacks for your hike, Self-cater in the kitchen or use the BBQs Meals included: Breakfast Free activities: Hike in the national park, relax on the golden sand beaches, see Cleopatra’s Pools
MARAHAU (ABEL TASMAN) TO HOKITIKA
Buckle up for an awesome day driving down the incredibly scenic ‘wild’ West Coast, an area known for its untamed beaches and spectacular rainforest. Through Buller Gorge and down a stretch of road named one of the top drives in the world by Lonely Planet, there’s not much cell phone reception but you are NOT gonna need it – we dare you to peel your eyes away from the window for even a second. We’ll stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes to explore this unique part of coastline before continuing on to the vibrant, artistic township of Hokitika.
Accommodation: Hokitika Beachfront Hotel or similar Meal options: Local eateries Meals included: Breakfast Free activities: Head down to Hokitika Beach for sunset
HOKITIKA TO FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER
It’s a short drive today towards the quaint village of Franz Josef. The scenery will change from serene coastline to dramatic, lush rainforest. We’ll get to Franz Josef around lunchtime so you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the town or relax at your accommodation.
Accommodation: Franz Josef Motels or similar Meal options: Local restaurants Meals included: Breakfast
FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER FREE DAY
Ice, ice baby! Get ready to experience Franz Josef Glacier, an iconic highlight of the West Coast. Take a short drive to the beginning of the track. Hike through native bush and across glacial streams to the terminal face of the glacier for spectacular photos or just relax in the township and enjoy the views.
Accommodation: Franz Josef Motels or similar Optional paid activities: Shuttle to the track Meal options: Local restaurants Meals included: Breakfast Free activities: Glacier Valley hike, bush tracks
FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER TO QUEENSTOWN
This morning we’ll go for a scenic walk around Lake Matheson and then we’ll make our way to Queenstown, known in New Zealand as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ and the spiritual home of bungy jumping. We stop at Kawarau Bridge on our way into town a.k.a. the first commercial bungy jumping site in the world. If you’re feeling brave you can tick the bungy off your bucket list or if you’d prefer to just watch then you can cheer your mates on from the viewing platform!
Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown or similar Optional paid activities: The Puzzling World Meal options: Local restaurants and cafes Meals included: Breakfast Free activities: Lake Matheson “Mirror Lake” scenic walk, watch people “jumping off” a bridge to Kawarau River!
QUEENSTOWN FREE DAY 1
Today you’ll hop aboard a Coach which will take you to the stunning Milford Sound. You’ll take a Cruise across this impressive Sound and see towering Mitre Peak, plus rainforests and waterfalls as well as spotting some amazing wildlife like Fur Seals, Penguins and Dolphins. Once you’ve snapped as many pics as you possibly can, it’s back to Queenstown. We recommend checking out the buzzy nightlife and many restaurants Queenstown has to offer.
Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown or similar Meal options: Local restaurants Meals included: Breakfast Included activity: Milford Sound Day Cruise
QUEENSTOWN FREE DAY 2
Yaaaasssss Queen(stown)! You’ve got a full day in the adventure capital today. With beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s easy to understand why so many backpackers refuse to leave this place.
Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown or similar Optional paid activities: Any adventure activity that we mad Kiwis can dream up (bungy, swing, jet boating, skydiving, mountain biking, zipline, horse riding…) Meal options: Local restaurants Meals included: Breakfast Free activities: Hike Ben Lomond, the Queenstown Hill, or Bob’s Peak
QUEENSTOWN TO MOUNT COOK
Depart Queenstown early to drive over the Lindis Pass through the beautiful Mackenzie Country and past the vivid blue waters of Lake Pukaki on the way to our amazing stop at the base of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. We arrive in the early afternoon with time to do an optional experience like a boat tour on a glacial lake surrounded by snow capped alps and views of the gigantic Tasman Glacier Ice wall. Alternatively you can check out the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or do one of the many great short walks in the park. If it’s a clear night, make sure you head outside to experience one of the best stargazing spots in the country.
Accommodation: Stunning alpine lodge Optional paid activities: Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, Glacier Explorer boat tour Meals included: Breakfast Free activities: Take photos of awe-inspiring scenery, do one of the many great short walks to the Hooker glacial lake (weather dependent), stargazing
MOUNT COOK TO CHRISTCHURCH
Leaving Mount Cook we make our way through a landscape made famous in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ films. We’ll stop to admire the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd, a famous photo stop. Relax in the Tekapo hot pools, go snow tubing or ice skating (winter only) or hike up to the Mt John Observatory where you’ll witness stunning views of the lake from above. After lunch, we will continue to our overnight stop in Christchurch, a city where old meets new, as the rebuild continues following the devastating 2011 earthquake. Spend your afternoon wandering the city streets and laneways to discover creative street art intended to bring cheer and colour to a city once buried in rubble. On arrival in Christchurch, we’ll make our way to the Ibis hotel which is our accommodation for the evening.
Accommodation: Ibis Christchurch or similar Meals included: Breakfast Free activities: Hike to Tekapo Mt John Summit, check out the historic Church of Good Shepherd, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park
DEPART CHRISTCHURCH
Today your adventure comes to an end. We hope you had a blast!
If you have some time at the end of your trip, why not stay a few extra days in Christchurch and explore the city.
Meals included: Breakfast
$1,980
The big birdie Takahe is your reliable companion for the South Island. She’ll have you fanning round the South Island highlights in a loop, showing off her favourite foraging spots. From the golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park, to the West Coast’s glaciers and rainforests, the party and adventure capital of Queenstown, to the “Roof of Aotearoa” Mt Cook National Park, she’s not shy of a good time.
Stay in high quality twin share rooms in comfy 3-4 star hotels and high country farm or scenic lodges. Travel in private, air-conditioned bus with your charismatic guide and enjoy daily breakfasts and a trip to the world famous Milford Sound.
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