EXPLORE THE SOUTH
9
days
Highlights:
This tour will take you to places of interest in the bottom of the stunning South Island. You will visit - Christchurch - Methven - Lake Tekapo - Queenstown - The West Coast - Kaikoura
Price includes:
This all inclusive price........
The Tour:
Welcome to the South Island
CTT Holidays will meet & greet you on arrival at Christchurch Airport (flights not included)
Day 1: Christchurch & Mid Canterbury
After a short tour around Christchurch city we will head to the majestic Mid Canterbury
Travel time to Methven – 1 hours drive
Methven Accommodation options:
2 nights stay minimum
Methven Resort-We provide you with a base to immerse yourself in the breathtaking local scenery and activities (from hunting and fishing to heli skiing and hot air ballooning). We also offer you the facilities and a level of service you might think were reserved for the big city. You can even take a helicopter flight direct from the resort to the ski slopes! No Waiting! You can relax in one of our three outdoor hot pools or during summer you can reinvigorate yourself in our six lane, 25 metre, seasonally heated swimming pool.
Qualmark Rating: (Currently no rating)
Brinkley Resort-Brinkley Resort is a self contained accommodation complex and conference centre situated in the township of Methven at the foothills of Mt Hutt in the heartland of New Zealand. We are surrounded by the perfect mixture of nature and a range of exhilarating recreational and pleasure activities. Take the opportunity to fly directly from our exclusive helipad at the resort to Mt Hutt. We are lucky to be surrounded by golf courses, walking tracks, high country lakes and rivers offering world class fishing and of course spectacular views of Mt Hutt Ski Area in our stunning backyard.
Qualmark Rating: 4 Stars
Ski Time Lodge -With open fires, comfortable rooms and cosy atmosphere to the extensive wine list, fantastic food and brilliant service. Our homely style and warm welcome will ensure you never want to leave! Located within a 5 - 10 minute walking distance to Methven town centre we are lucky enough to have stunning views of the Southern Alps whose peaks and foothills provide our playground for both winter and summer activities.
Qualmark Rating: (Currently no rating)
Day 2: Be adventurous in Methven
Activities options in Methven Region
Ballooning Canterbury- Ballooning is best at sunrise so start your day with Ballooning Canterbury and escape to a world of peace and tranquillity. Hot Air Ballooning is a magical experience and a flight with Ballooning Canterbury offers panoramic views across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps. There is nothing quite so romantic and exciting as floating effortlessly over an ever changing landscape. At the end of the flight we serve a light snack of chilled champagne, orange juice, seasonal fruit and muffins in the paddock where we land.
Duration: Allow 2-3 hours
Discovery Jet- Your afternoon will be filled with adrenaline and you will need to hang on tight as Discovery Jet skilfully weaves the jet boat through the intricate network of braided river channels, skimming along stony banks and through gushing opalescent blue waters rich with salmon and trout. As you journey through the gorge, the wind ripping through your hair and water spraying with every carefully-calculated twist and turn, soak in the dramatic scenery. Scream with excitement as our driver spins the boats 360 degrees and the magnificent scenery blurs before your eyes.
Duration: Allow 1-1.5 hours
Day 3: Lake Tekapo
Enroute to Lake Tekapo – Activities
Peel Forest Horse Treks- Enjoy the fresh morning air with some of the most amazing animals in the world. We have horses suitable for all age groups and all levels of experience. Our treks are tailor-made for each individual. During your trek you will experience breath taking views of the mountains, the Rangitata River and the Canterbury Plains. We are located in Peel Forest which is one of the best kept secrets of South Canterbury. The small, sparsely inhabited settlement is an oasis of beauty and tranquillity set amid the dense virgin bush of Peel Forest Park, on the south bank of the Rangitata River.
Geraldine Farm Tours - Your hosts, Fiona McQuade and Felicia Bennett, owners of Geraldine Farm Tours, warmly welcome you to their relaxed, natural, farm tour experience. Both bought up on farms, Fiona and Felicia love to share their passion for the land and animals with visitors from all over the world to New Zealand. Be a part of a working farm with Suffolk sheep (black faces and black legs), working dogs, lambs and sometimes calves (in season), see the dogs working and mustering a flock of sheep, Informative demonstration on sheep shearing, wool handling/classing, feed lambs and calves (when in season), receive a complimentary hand-knitted woollen bag to take home a souvenir of freshly shorn NZ wool.
Duration: Tours are run twice daily Monday to Friday, at 9.30am and 1.30pm. Allow approximately 1.5 - 2 hours for your tour.
Lake Tekapo Accommodation options:
Peppers Clearwater Resort- Set amongst the purest natural landscape overlooking Lake Tekapo this resort is located in an intensely beautiful part of the world. Inspired by the landscape, the architecture and décor of Peppers Bluewater Resort uses a natural palette that complements the surrounding Mackenzie landscape. Contemporary interiors provide a tranquil retreat from the outdoors and are designed to take advantage of the extraordinary views.
Qualmark Rating: 4.5 stars
Activities options in Lake Tekapo Region
Church of the Good Shepherd- Situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo is the Church of the Good Shepherd, which, in 1935, was the first church built in the Mackenzie Basin. The church is arguably one of the most photographed in New Zealand.
Earth & Sky- Experience the wonders of the universe with Earth & Sky. You will have a chance to visit one of New Zealand's largest research telescopes and explore behind the scenes. Come see the wonders of the southern night sky. Take a journey with us to discover the nocturnal world of an astronomer.
Duration: Please allow 2-3 hours.
Tekapo Springs- Tekapo Springs offers three tiered Hot Pools landscaped in local greywacke rock and surrounded by the regions native alpine plants to create a natural setting. Pool temperatures range from 40 degrees Celsius to 36 degrees Celsius. Each pool is shaped in the image of the regions lakes (Ohau, Pukaki and Tekapo) each pool offers something different - massage jets to take away aches and pains and fountains to splash under. The pools take advantage of the wonderful views looking out over Lake Tekapo and the Two Thumb mountain range. Also enjoy the Spa, Tube Park and Waterslide.
Day 4: Drive to Queenstown
Enroute to Queenstown Cromwell – Activities
Goldfield Mines- Goldfields provide an insight as to “how the gold was won”. The power generated by the sluice guns is demonstrated alongside the operation of one of a very few stamper batteries (used to crush the gold-bearing ore) still functioning in New Zealand. A replica Chinese Village and miner’s store and shacks evoke a period long since gone. See how they lived and learn how they became an important part of New Zealand history. No tour of Goldfields is complete without the chance to pan for gold and there is still plenty of gold for those patient enough to try their luck. Its finder’s keepers! If you are hungry after your tour take time to experience Wild Earth. This is an award-winning winery that creates lunches and refreshments in a totally unique manner utilizing wine barrels in which to cook their food. Local wines matched to their food provide a gourmet experience not to be missed.
Duration: Allow 2-3 hours
Queenstown Accommodation options
Rydges Lakeland Resort-. On the shores of stunning Lake Wakatipu, this property offers guests unmatched views of some the most majestic scenery in New Zealand. Only a five-minute flat walk from the town centre.
Qualmark Rating: 3.5 Stars
Day 5: Discover Queenstown
Activities options in Queenstown Region
Real Journeys- Enjoy Milford Sound’s awe-inspiring scenery from the comfort of our modern, spacious vessels. You’ll see the geological drama of sheer cliffs, massive waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest. Look out for wildlife like seals basking on the rocks or dolphins.
Duration: Coach/cruise/coach allow 12.5 hours. Fly/cruise/fly allow 4.5 hours
TSS Earnslaw Gourmet BBQ Lunch Walter Peak Station- Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience – a delicious gourmet BBQ lunch and a farm demo in a stunning lakeside setting. Your lunch starts with a cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw across to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Once there, you can sit back and relax on the lakeside terrace of the Colonel’s Homestead. After lunch, you can join an entertaining farm demonstration or explore the beautiful lakeside gardens.
Duration: Allow 3.5 hours
Skyline Gondola: Take the journey on our iconic Gondola up Bob’s Peak to enjoy award winning cuisine in our scenic Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar, Kiwi Haka Maori culture performances and the Skyline Luge our very own thrilling downhill ride! Gondola with Buffet Dinner $78 p/p last sitting 8:45pm
Duration: Allow 1 to 4 hours
Day 6: Drive to Franz Josef
Enroute to Franz Josef – Activities
Wanaka Lavender Farm- Wanaka Lavender Farm is just a few minutes from Wanaka, where you can experience 10 acres of beautiful lavender fields and display gardens. Enjoy a walk through the flowers, play a garden game, relax over a cup of herbal tea and indulge in our lavender and honey ice-cream. Sample our Lakes Honey and the many Lavender products that are produced on site.
Franz Josef Accommodation options:
Rain Forest Retreat- Nestled in six acres of idyllic native bush, centrally located in the heart of Franz Josef Village, Rainforest Retreat offers premium accommodation comprising of Tree Houses, Tree Lodges, Tree Huts, Park Motels & En-Suite Doubles; each unit was built exclusively to embrace its beautiful, secluded, natural environment providing guests with choices of either forest floor or mid canopy bush views.
Qualmark Rating: 4 Stars
Day 7: Discover Franz Josef
Activities options in Franz Josef
Franz Josef Glacier Guides- The magnificent Franz Josef Glacier is widely regarded as the gem of New Zealand's West Coast Glaciers, and one of the most impressive sights to be found anywhere in the world. Franz Josef Glacier Guides gives you the opportunity to experience the most spectacular glacier environment available to the general public. We offer a range of glacier hiking tours and experiences that will get you up close to the ice like never before.
Duration: Allow 3 to 5 hours
The West Coast Wildlife Centre-This is a unique and interactive experience that brings together nature, conservation and wildlife all under one roof! Our all-weather attraction is fun for all ages to explore and takes place against the stunning backdrop of the Franz Josef Glacier. The West Coast Wildlife Centre is one of the largest Kiwi Captive Rearing facilities in New Zealand and is helping save the critically endangered Rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi from extinction.
Duration: Allow 1 to 3 hours
Day 8: Drive to Punakaiki
Punakaiki Accommodation options
Punakaiki Beachfront Motels- Ideally located with magnificent ocean frontage adjacent to beach with beautiful West Coast sunsets & views. Sleep to the sound of the sea while Paparoa National Park is your backdrop.
Qualmark Rating: 3 Stars
Punakaiki - Pancake Rocks Self guided Walk. Located on Dolomite Point, the Pancake Rocks walkway is a loop track that winds from the main road, through the native rainforest and into flax and coastal vegetation as it nears the rugged coastline. Dolomite Point and its Pancake Rocks are predominantly limestone, worn and sculptured by the weather and sea, leaving unique stacks resembling pancakes layered on top of each other. The blowholes, the main attraction of the walkway, are active at high tide. When a heavy sea swell is running, saltwater is pushed at great force through holes in the limestone rock, exiting as a fine spray mist many meters above sea level. The blowholes at full blast are an amazing sight.
Duration: Allow 1 hour
West Coast activities
West Coast Treetop Walk and Cafe-An exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with the birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy.
Prossers Bush Walk-Best example of the kahikatea forest that once covered most of Hokitika township area.10 minutes return.
Dorothy Falls – Walk-Short path to pool at base of best local falls.4 minutes return.
Day 9: Take the one of its kind - TranzAlpine - Greymouth to Christchurch
TranzAlpine Train Greymouth to Christchurch- Departing Greymouth at 2:05pm arriving in Christchurch 6:31pm. Climb aboard one of the world’s most famous train journeys. Descend through thick stands of native beech forest. Traverse the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiselled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn and enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River then cross the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains.
Duration: Allow 4 hours
Optional tour extras from Christchurch
Discover Kaikoura
Kaikoura Accommodation options
Nikau Lodge- Conveniently located in the heart of Kaikoura with magnificent hilltop views of sea & mountains, Nikau Lodge offers high quality affordable Bed and Breakfast accommodation. Relax in the garden hot-tub, sit on the veranda with a glass of wine and gaze at the stars and snow-capped mountains, or enjoy our lounge for cosy evenings next to the wood fir
Qualmark Rating: (Currently no rating)
Kaikoura activities
Whale Watch Kaikoura- Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kaikōura often hosts the world's largest dolphin - the Orca - and is home to the world's smallest and rarest - the Hector's. Kaikōura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrels and 7 types of Shearwater.
Duration: Allow 2.5 hours
Discover Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs Accommodation
Heritage Hanmer Springs- Revel in this restored turn of the century lodge, set amongst mature trees and with the majestic Southern Alps as your backdrop. This beautifully restored local landmark has been lovingly transformed into a resort complete with a range of accommodation choices. Enjoy our outdoor swimming pool, tennis & petanque courts.
Qualmark Rating: 4.5 Stars
Amuri Estate Retreat - Our Luxury boutique accommodation overlooks the beautiful high alpine basin at the foot of the Southern Alps. Our rural retreat takes in 360° of outstanding landscape. By day you will revel in the ever-changing panoramic views of majestic mountains, the braided Waiou River, and the surrounding sheep, deer and cattle stations. At night you will be dazzled by stars and enchanted by the twinkling lights of Hanmer Springs. Landscaped grounds include a mature olive grove, fruit and nut orchard, and extensive exotic and native New Zealand plantings.
Qualmark Rating: 5 Stars
Hanmer activities
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa-The best place to indulge, with a range of pools including relaxing rock pools, soothing sulphur pools, an array of water jets and bubbles - at a range of temperatures. Plus a luxurious day spa with a range of treatments, private pools, sauna and steam rooms.
Duration: Enjoy Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa at your own pace
Set departures
CONDITIONS:
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All prices listed above are in NZ$ and are subject to change without notice.
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All tours are pre-booked departures, by pre-booking with CTT Holidays you will benefit significant savings.