The scenic South Island of New Zealand is part explorer, part thrill-seeker, and full of spectacular highlights. With an 11-day exploration of the best of the south, you’ll be able to choose your own adventure and see what you want to see at a pace that suits you. Cruise the splendid fjords of the Milford Sound? Tick. View New Zealand’s highest peak at Mt Cook? Tick. Go wild in Queenstown and have one of the country’s most scenic dinners at Skyline? Tick. Bungy jump off a bridge, or take a heli-hike on the Franz Josef Glacier? Well, that’s up to you. Let the thrills, spills, chills and… hills? of adventure-packed New Zealand get you exploring the best that this region can serve you on a small-group trip. The only question left is when to go.Highlights
From the striking contrasts of the Canterbury Plains to New Zealand’s highest point at Mt Cook, the South Island’s west coast is full of spectacular sights. You’ll definitely want a window seat.
Spend three nights in Queenstown – New Zealand's adventure capital – where you'll have tonnes of time for optional activities, from thrill-seeking jaunts to some chilled-out haunts.
Set sail on an included cruise through the Milford Sound on the south-western coast. Passing by glacial waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and marine life, be sure to have your camera ready.
Franz Josef Glacier is every adventurer's dream, and that’s why you’ve got the power to choose your own adventure. A guided trek across the glacier, a quad bike ride or a scenic heli-hike? It’s up to you.
Beginning and ending in Christchurch means you’re at an ideal gateway to explore the rest of New Zealand. Better yet, why not spend more time before or after your adventure to see this city in full swing?
- You will visit the following places:
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Milford Sound Airport
Milford Sound is a fiord in the south west of New Zealand's South Island, within Fiordland National Park, Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) Marine Reserve, and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. It has been judged the world's top travel destination in an international survey (the 2008 Travelers' Choice Destinations Awards by TripAdvisor) and is acclaimed as New Zealand's most famous tourist destination. Rudyard Kipling had previously called it the eighth Wonder of the World.
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Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and the seat of the Canterbury Region. Lies on the South Island's east coast, just north of Banks Peninsula, Christchurch is known for its English heritage. The city was named by the Canterbury Association, which settled the surrounding province of Canterbury. Christchurch became a city by Royal Charteron 31 July 1856, making it officially the oldest established city in New Zealand.
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Queenstown
Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island. It is built around an inlet called ''Queenstown Bay'' on Lake Wakatipu, a long thin Z-shaped lake formed by glacial processes, and has spectacular views of nearby mountains. It is now known for its commerce-oriented tourism, especially adventure and ski tourism. It is popular with young international and New Zealand travellers alike. The town is the largest centre in Central Otago, and the third largest in Otago. According to the 2006 census, the usually resident population of the Queenstown urban area (including Fernhill, Frankton and Kelvin Heights) is 10,416, an increase of 22.1% since 2001. Its neighbouring towns include Arrowtown, Wanaka, Alexandra, and Cromwell. The nearest cities are Dunedin and Invercargill.
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Punakaiki River