8-Day South Island Escape

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Today, you'll get a taste of all the Abel Tasman National Park has to offer from the comfort of an Abel Tasman Charters' boat. Throughout the day, you'll visit various bays where you can just stay on board and relax or take one of the kayaks for a paddle to work up an appetite for your delicious lunch. You'll also be able to go for a swim, snorkel over the marine reserve or venture off on a bushwalk; the cruise itinerary is entirely flexible to your wishes.

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Today, you'll head southwest to Hokitika on the South Island's West Coast. Taking around 4-5 hours, this stunning drive will take you back spectacular bush scenery and wild coastline. On the way, you should make sure to stop at the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki to gaze in wonder at this geological phenomenon that has been formed over millions of years. Here, you can also walk to the dramatic blowholes to see water shoot metres high into the sky before continuing your journey to Rimu Lodge.

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This morning, you'll continue your spectacular scenic drive down the West Coast to Franz Josef, home to the magnificent France Josef and Fox Glaciers. The West Coast is one of only two places in the world where you can view glaciers descending into temperate rainforest and it is home to two of the most accessible glaciers in the world. Once you arrive, you may want to go on a guided walk of the Franz Josef Glacier or explore the town.

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Discover the scenic wonders of both the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers with a scenic helicopter flight this morning. You can take advantage of the terrific photo opportunities of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman and enjoy your landing on the snow during this trip. In the afternoon, you'll continue your incredible journey south to Queenstown, being sure to stop in at the Blue Pools at Makarora for a refreshing swim!

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Today, your small group scenic tour offers gold panning, 4WD river crossings in the Arrow Gorge and a great overview of the diverse scenery of the Queenstown area. You'll witness everything the area has to offer from towns, rolling farmland and the rugged Skippers Canyon to the mountains and the famous Kawarau Gorge Bungy bridge. On your way back to Queenstown, you'll also stop by some of the famous Lord of the Rings filming locations.

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The Wilderness Safari takes you on a spectacular 1.5 hour Jet Boat journey through the Dart River and includes an easy guided 30-40 minute walk through the 'Heritage Trail' at Paradise. You'll also journey by 4WD coach via a scenic back-road route and stopping to view scenery that has formed the epic backdrop for many international films, including Lord of the Rings.