Auckland Maori Tour and Cultural Perform… Waitomo Glowworm Caves Discovery Tour fr…

Total South Island

All content by Intrepid

10 days (ex Wellington)

Destinations visited: New Zealand, Wellington, Christchurch, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$3,070

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Description

See the best bits of the South Island on this 10-day adventure from Wellington to Christchurch. Discover Nelson's world-famous wines and see why Punakaiki's fascinating Pancake Rocks earned their name. Travel down the wild West Coast, marvel at Milford Sound, be a daredevil in Queenstown, take in breathtaking 'Lord of the Rings' scenery and capture incredible vistas of Mt Cook over sparkling, turquoise lakes. The diversity and character of New Zealand's South Island will delight all adventurers on this amazing trip.

Highlights

Enjoy a scenic ferry from the North Island to South Island.
Visit Nelson's top-notch wineries.
breweries and art galleries.
See why the Pancake Rocks earned their name.
Pass through crevasses and ice ridges on Fox Glacier.
Experience a night of entertainment during a cruise of Lake Wakatipu.
Try and spot fur seals and bottlenose dolphins in Milford Sound.
Enjoy an evening drink while overlooking the sunset silhouette of Mt Cook.

Itinerary

Day 1-2 Wellington/Nelson

Board a ferry from the North Island to South Island of New Zealand, cruising through the Marlborough Sounds. Arrive in quirky Nelson and spend free time visiting the area's famous wineries, breweries and art galleries. The nearby Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs and picturesque, coastal track. Perhaps see it from the water on a guided sea kayak trip.

Day 3 Punakaiki

Discover the regions lakes on the way to Punakaiki, nestled in the foothills of the Paparoa National Park. Its magnificent ocean-front location, with spectacular views of the wild West Coast beaches, makes this an enjoyable stop. Enjoy short walks along the coast and see why the Pancake Rocks earned their name.

Day 4 Fox Glacier

Take in the incredible scenery along the coast on the way to Fox Glacier. The guided glacier trek begins on a path through ferns and regenerating, temperate rainforest. Stepping onto the ice, strap on crampons and pass through crevasses and ridges for spectacular views of the icefalls and lower glacier.

Days 5-7 Queenstown

Have an adrenaline rush on a visit to Queenstown - a thrillseekers' mecca. Then change pace with a cruise on Lake Wakatipu, heading to the Colonel's Homestead for a night of high country hospitality.

Day 8 Milford Sound/Te Anau

Farewell Queenstown and take in the beauty of Fiordland National Park en route to magnificent Milford Sound. Soak up the spectacular surrounds on a cruise and perhaps spot fur seals, bottlenose dolphins and even a rare penguin. Spend the night in Te Anau.

Day 9 Lake Ohau

Travel through incredible 'Lord of the Rings' scenery to arrive at Lake Ohau. Take a stroll around the lake or enjoy an early evening drink while overlooking the sunset silhouette of Mt Cook.

Day 10 Christchurch

Be prepared for breathtaking views of Mt Cook across the clear, blue waters of Lake Pukaki before heading to Lake Tekapo. For a real treat, take an optional flight over the lakes to see the region from a different angle. Later, make tracks across the Canterbury Plains to finish this adventure in Christchurch.

Group Size

Maximum of 14 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nts)

Transport

Minivan, Ferry

Budget

Allow NZD $400 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$3,070

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