Our 15 Day Ultimate South Island tour combines all of the 'must see' locations in The South along with a range of locations and activities not normally included in a touring itinerary. This itinerary is suited to those wanting to see more of of the South Island or the second time traveller, which include a visit to the arts city of Nelson, a night in the picturesque town of Wanaka including a lake cruise/jet boat ride combination. An exclusive option to our Ultimate tours is the opportunity to do the 3 day Hollyford Track Guided Walk  

TOUR CODE DKXE15

Day 1 
Arrive Wellington
Welcome to New Zealand! Our agent will greet you at the airport, with transport waiting to take you to your hotel. 
Bay Plaza Hotel (1 night)

Day 2
Wellington - Blenheim - Nelson
Join the Interislander Ferry for the scenic cruise to Picton, enjoy spectacular views of Wellington and the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Welcomed by your Coach Captain then on to Montana Winery for a tasting and winery tour. From this renowned wine region it’s a fascinating drive to Nelson noted for its arts and crafts.
Leisure Lodge. (2 nights)

Day 3
Nelson or Abel Tasman National Park
We recommend an optional day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park, inclusive of all transfers and a picnic lunch. By coach to Kaiteriteri then board a comfortable launch to cruise along the parks coastline. Either go ashore at Torrent Bay and walk 2 hours to Bark Bay or come ashore at Bark Bay and explore that area. From Bark Bay by launch, retrace your journey arriving in Nelson at 5.00pm. Alternatively, explore Nelson, follow the art trail, galleries and coffee shops featuring art, pottery, jewellery, wood and more or visit Tahunanui with its broad beaches and coastal panoramas. Cost nz$130pp

Day 4
Nelson - Greymouth
Lush farmlands then forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge – a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind, possibly lunch at the award winning Beach House Cafe and south to explore the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki. At Greymouth visit Jade Boulder Gallery to see native jade, mined in remote alpine valleys crafted into fine jewellery.
Hotel Ashley (1 night)

Day 5
Greymouth - Fox Glacier
Remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes with dense native bush and forest, all dominated by the towering Southern Alps, highlight your journey to Fox Glacier. Plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glaciers terminal face, a helicopter flight and snow landing or walk to nearby Lake Matheson.
Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (1 night)

Day 6
Fox Glacier - Wanaka
Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Aspiring National Park. At Wanaka you'll have a choice of two afternoon activities: a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island nature reserve, for a bush walk followed by refreshments. Look for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird whose curiosity is likely to attract them close to you.

Alternatively enjoy a thrilling jet boat excursion on the lake - full on exciting, leisurely scenic cruising or somewhere in between.
Mercure Grand Oakridge Resort (1 night)

Day 7
Wanaka - Queenstown
Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and goldmining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant. (entire group).

At leisure in Queenstown, jet boating, lake cruises, a day on the Routeburn Track, Lord of the Rings Tours, rafting and more shops, galleries and boutiques than you can count – enjoy. Dinner day 16 is not included allowing the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice.
Rydges Hotel. (3 nights)

Choose an Option - From Days 8 to 11

Option 1

Day 8
Queenstown
At leisure in Queenstown. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with booking any optional tours that you may require for the next 2 days.

Day 9
Queenstown
At leisure in Queenstown.

Day 10
Queenstown - Milford Sound
Follow the lake to Kingston, across fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri then Lake Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley, native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains. At The Divide collect the Greenstone Trek group and travel through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound.
Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight. (1 night)

Option 2 - Hollyford Track Guided Walk
Extra Cost nz$1450pp  
Walk is only available on the red dates * as listed above  

The Hollyford Track experience fits in perfectly with your Ultimate New Zealand tour and runs over what is otherwise the Queenstown stop.

Pre Departure (Arrival day in Queenstown from Wanaka) Late this afternoon attend a pre walk briefing where you will be given further information relating to your next few days exploring the Hollyford Track. At this point you will be provided with backpacks if required.

Day 1
An early start leaving Queenstown for a scenic bus trip through the majestic Eglington Valley to the start of the track in the Hollyford Valley. As the track undulates gently through native beech forest and beside tumbling waterfalls, enjoy interesting historical tales and an interpretation of the forest and bird life. In the evening, visit our nearby glowworm colony and resident eels. Walking distance 17km

Day 2
Begin your day with a short walk to Lake Alabaster and take in the spectacular views of the mountains. Mid morning a jet boat will take you from Pyke Confluence across Lake McKerrow to the historical site of Jamestown. After Jamestown you walk through the ancient Podocarp forest and onto the seal colony. You may even see the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin, before finishing the day at Martins Bay Lodge. Walking distance 12km

Day 3
After breakfast travel by jet boat to the beach and explore the seven kilometre Martins Bay Beach sand-dunes and lagoon. Return to Martins Bay Lodge and then enjoy a scenic flight to Milford Sound, to meet your fellow travellers for the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise.
Walking distance 8km

General Notes
Hollyford Track is able to provide you with loan backpacks and pack liners. The inclusive package includes all meals, expert guides, twin share lodge rooms, general toiletries and wet weather jackets. You should have sturdy walking/trekking boots which have been worn in prior to doing the track. For full information on the Hollyford Track visit www.hollyfordtrack.com.

Day 11
Milford Sound - Dunedin
Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world. Rugged and remote mountains change to lush green countryside, which in turn gives way to rolling hills as you approach Dunedin, the 'Edinburgh of the South'. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift.
Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel (2 nights)

Day 12
Dunedin
A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude of optional activities available. A Monarch Wildlife Cruise, Natures Wonders Tour (both featuring penguins, seals and birdlife), the Taieri Gorge Railway, a Citibus Newtons Tour, fascinating Larnach Castle or Tour the Cadbury Factory or Speights Brewery. Have fun!

Day 15
Dunedin - Omarama
Visit Olveston, Dunedin’s majestic historic home with its original furnishings. See bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and a rocky coastline, view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes to Omarama.
Heritage Gateway Hotel. (1 night)

Day 14
Omarama - Mt Cook - Christchurch
Pass the milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook National Park and village, amidst New Zealand’s highest mountains. At Lake Tekapo view the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial with time for a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air Safaris. Descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch. Your tour concludes at approximately 5.00pm after a brief city tour.
Pavilions Hotel (1 night)

Day 15
Christchurch - Home
Today is goodbye to all your new found friends before you make your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Christchurch International Airport to join your flight home. 

Prices includes:
A Meet & Greet on arrival, Return Airport Transfers, Quality twin/double ensuite accommodation throughout, travel in fully airconditioned 5 star coaches, Escorted by a professional Coach Captain, Informative commentary, Comprehensive sightseeing admission fees as perscribed in the itinerary, Baggage Handling/porterage, Travel Kit including Kirra Holidays Travel Backpack, Ticket Wallet, Notebook, Pen, DVD postcard, Postcards, New Zealand Map and more, Cook Strait Ferry Crossing, Maori Concert & Hangi Meal in Rotorua and Skyline Gondola and Taste of New Zealand buffet in Queenstown, Milford Sound Overnight Cruise onboard the Milford Mariner.

Highlights Include
Sightseeing tours of Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Dunedin and Christchurch
AMontana winery visit and tasting
Visit Greenstone (Jade) factory
West Coast Glaciers
Remote National Parks of Fiordland and Westland
Wanaka Lake Cruise/Jet Boat Combo
Dinner at the Skyline Restaurant
Overnight Cruise in awe inspiring Milford Sound
Spectacular Southern Lakes
Olveston House
Traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony
World renowned Mt Cook Region





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