South Island Discovery

Kia Ora and welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand for your South Island Discovery tour. Christchurch is one of the world’s most unique destinations, combining urban regeneration with heritage and culture. Meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers tonight at a welcome dinner. Overnight stay in Christchurch. (D)

Travel though the Canterbury plains towards the coastal highway today where the rugged mountains meet the ocean. Visit the town of Kaikoura famous for its diverse marine life especially whale sightings during the season. Arrive in Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine growing region. Enjoy a two-night sta in Blenheim, home to the country’s finest Sauvignon Blanc. (B/D)

View Sir Peter Jackson’s collection of World War 1 and 2 planes during your visit to the Omaka Aviation Centre today. Witness the fascinating recreation of war scenes and rare memorabilia on display, including items belonging to the famous Red Barron himself. Later, discover wine facts about the famous wine region, known for its mild climate and year round sunshine during a visit to one of the many wineries, followed by wine tasting and lunch. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. (B/L)

Continue your discovery of the top of the South Island and its sun-drenched national parks. The city of Nelson is the oldest in the South Island and known for its local arts and craft stores and art galleries. It is also the gateway to New Zealand’s smallest national park – the Abel Tasman, known for its white sand beaches and turquoise water. Enjoy an afternoon cruise from Kaiteriteri Beach where you will get a chance to see the famous Split Apple Rock, witness native fur seals in their natural habitat, and marvel at the golden sands. Stay overnight in Nelson. (B/D)

Travel to the wild west coast of New Zealand. Enjoy the dramatic scenery on the Great Coast Road voted one of the top 10 coastal drives in the world. See the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes, where columns of water shoot skyward from rocks that resemble giant stacks of pancakes. Upon arriving in Hokitika for your overnight stay, learn all about the famous New Zealand green stone, pounamu, and perhaps buy some to gift your loved ones back home. (B)

Start your day with a visit the National Kiwi Centre to view the country’s national bird and other native species before seeing the Franz Josef Glacier with its ever-changing face for yourself. Enjoy an overnight stay at Franz Josef with fantastic mountain views. DiscoverMORE Take a helicopter flight over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and experience this natural alpine landscape (extra expense). (B/D)

See the snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps as you travel along the west coast before travelling via the Haast Pass. Stop in Wanaka and enjoy the picture-perfect views of the lake and the surrounding Mt Aspiring National park. Taste the famous stone fruit at Cromwell before arriving in Queenstown, the picturesque town located against a stunning backdrop of Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy a three night stay. (B/D)

Cruise on Lake Wakatipu on a vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Station where you will enjoy a sheep show and lunch. TSS Earnslaw is an integral part of Queenstown pioneering history and a Queenstown icon. Known as The Lady of the lake, the vessel provided an essential link between the isolated farming communities along the lake and the outside world. At 48 metres long this was the biggest boat on the lake and carried passengers, sheep, cattle mail and supplies. Later, immerse yourself into New Zealand’s farm life as you watch farm dogs round up sheep from the paddocks at Walter Peak. (B/L)

Today, enjoy a day at leisure as you choose from your Discover More options. DiscoverMORE Choose from Queenstown’s famous Shotover Jet, a boutique wine tour, or a visit to the ‘Middle Earth’ shoot locations of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings (extra expense). (B)

The road to Te Anau travels in the shadows of the rugged mountain range called The Remarkables. Travel to Fiordland National Park. A world heritage listed site, it is one of most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand. Witness the spectacular Milford Sound, carved by glaciers over 100,000 years ago, stand in awe on your cruise as you meander past towering cliffs, peaks and waterfalls. You’ll soon realise why Milford Sound was described by Rudyard Kipling as the eight wonder of the world. Later, return to the picturesque township of Te Anau for your overnight stay. (B/D)

Leave the beauty of Lake Te Anau behind this morning to make your way to Dunedin, New Zealand’s oldest university city, also known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. Surrounded by dramatic hills, Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the southern hemisphere. Visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only Castle, situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula. Explore its beautiful garden, rated “Garden of International Significance", and gain an insight into the wealthy Victorian lifestyle of the castle’s past inhabitants. Enjoy a tour of the historic Speights Brewery, where beer has been brewed since 1876. Stay overnight in Dunedin. (B/D)

Visit the Moeraki Boulders, a unique sight featuring huge spherical boulders scattered across a sandy beach, before arriving in Tekapo, located in the Mackenzie Basin. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd where the altar window frames a perfect view of the Southern Alps beyond the lake.

The church was built in 1935 for the pioneer families of the Mackenzie district and is still in use. Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve; hence, the artificial light pollution in the region is minimal. This makes it perfect for stargazing and watching the Milky Way move across the sky. Your overnight stay is at Lake Tekapo. (B/D)

Travel across the Canterbury plains before arriving back in Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island. Celebrate the end of your adventures with an interactive Maori Performance. Ko Tane includes songs and poi dances. The evening concludes with a hangi cooked dinner. (B/D)

It is time to bid a fond farewell to your new friends and the wonders of New Zealand’s breathtaking South Island. Stay longer and add the TRANZ Alpine as a day trip from Christchurch (extra expense). The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Evergreen Tours cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)