This fantastic journey truly showcases the very best of the beautiful South Island of New Zealand. You will experience the Abel Tasman National Park, the rugged West Coast and finish up in the beautiful Queenstown.
You'll experience several once-in-a-lifetime experiences from landing on glaciers in a helicopter to a wilderness jet boat trip along the Dart River. Throughout the New Zealand South Island tour, you will be staying in luxurious boutique accommodation with an authentic Kiwi flavour!This fantastic journey truly showcases the very best of the beautiful South Island of New Zealand. You will experience the Abel Tasman National Park, the rugged West Coast and finish up in the beautiful Queenstown.
You'll experience several once-in-a-lifetime experiences from landing on glaciers in a helicopter to a wilderness jet boat trip along the Dart River. Throughout the New Zealand South Island tour, you will be staying in luxurious boutique accommodation with an authentic Kiwi flavour!
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Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Your New Zealand South Island Tour!
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On arrival in Nelson Airport, you will pick up your rental car and begin the hour drive to your luxury eco-lodge where you'll stay for two nights.
Accommodation
The Resurgence Luxury Eco Lodge★5 star
Transportations
Self-Driving from Nelson Airport to The Resurgence Luxury Eco Lodge
Meals
Dinner
Destinations
Riwaka
Day 2
Best Abel Tasman Day Trip
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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.
Accommodation
The Resurgence Luxury Eco Lodge★5 star
Activities
Abel Tasman Guided Cruise
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Riwaka
Day 3
Head to the West Coast
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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.
Accommodation
Rimu Lodge★5 star
Activities
Punakaiki
Transportations
Self-Driving from The Resurgence Luxury Eco Lodge to Rimu Lodge
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Riwaka
Punakaiki
Ruatapu
Day 4
The Remarkable Franz Josef Glacier
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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.
Accommodation
Te Waonui Forest Retreat★5 star
Activities
Franz Josef GlacierOptional Activity
Franz JosefOptional Activity
Transportations
Self-Driving from Rimu Lodge to Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Destinations
Ruatapu
West Coast
Franz Josef Glacier
Day 5
Twin Glacier Helicopter Trip with Snow Landing
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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!
Accommodation
Millbrook Resort★5 star
Activities
Twin Glacier with Snow Landing
Blue Pools Walk at MakaroraOptional Activity
Transportations
Self-Driving from Franz Josef Glacier to Millbrook Resort
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Franz Josef Glacier
Otago
Arrowtown
Day 6
4WD Safari of the Scenes
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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.
Accommodation
Millbrook Resort★5 star
Activities
Macetown 4WD
Destinations
Arrowtown
Macetown
Day 7
Jet-Boat Wilderness Safari
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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.
Accommodation
Millbrook Resort★5 star
Activities
Wilderness Jet
Destinations
Arrowtown
Glenorchy
Day 8
Goodbye Queenstown
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Today, your unforgettable New Zealand South Island tour comes to an end as you return your car to the Queenstown Airport and check-in for your flight home.
Transportations
Self-Driving from Millbrook Resort to Airport
Destinations
Arrowtown
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What’s included?
7 nights accommodation
5 activities
4 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners
Airport transfer
Ground transportation
Licensed English speaking guides
What’s not included?
Alcohol beverages
Domestic flights
Entrance fees
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Gratuities
International flights
Laundry
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 5,373/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
New Zealand in 8 days
5-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
