Tour Itinerary
CHRISTCHURCH - KAIKOURA
Garden City, Whale Watching, Seal Colonies
Upon leaving the Christchurch we follow the rugged coastline up to Kaikoura. There is so much to do in the amazing seaside town that you will need to plan your time well or possibly even stay an extra day or 2 to fit it all in and experience the amazing natural wonders of whale watching or dolphin/seal swimming; make sure you don't miss out! The name 'Kaikoura' translates to 'meal of crayfish' so back on dry land make sure you try some fresh Crayfish or indulge in a traditional
New Zealand fish & chip dinner here, it's is regularly voted one of the best places in the country to do so! The sea is teeming with fish and you might even want to jump on a fishing trip and try to catch your own dinner!
Kaikoura has been awarded the international tourism standard 'Green Globe', a process developed to reduce the environmental impact of the community and the visitors and ensures that Kaikoura stays clean, green and beautiful.
Approximate arrival time in Kaikoura is 12.00pm.
KAIKOURA - PICTON - NELSON
A slightly more leisurely departure time this morning so enjoy a lie in! We keep following the coast north, travelling through famous hilly pastures and wine country of Marlborough to Picton. If you are travelling to Nelson, stay onboard the coach and you will arrive late afternoon.
Approximate arrival time in Nelson is 3.30pm
Jump off the tourist route today and stay at: Blenheim or Picton
NELSON - GREYMOUTH
BREWERY TOUR, WHITEBAIT FRITTERS, 'COASTER' HOSPITALITY
After leaving Nelson, we journey over the Hope Saddle and through the picturesque Buller Gorge to New Zealand's 'Wild West Coast'. This is one of the more remote, rugged and most sparsely populated areas of the country. Today you will become aware of the amazing scenery and warm welcome that the West Coast is famous for. First stop on the coast is Cape Foulwind, named so by Captain Cook after his ship was blown off course here as he explored New Zealand's waters. The cape is home to a New Zealand Fur Seal breeding colony which you will have the chance to view. Travelling south down the 'Coast Road', one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world and on through Paparoa National Park, acoastal forest with limestone cliffs, canyons, caves and home to the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. We stop off here to view these amazing rock formations which are especially dramatic when the sea is in full swing. Jump back onboard and enjoy coastal views all the way to Greymouth, our overnight stop. Tonight in Greymouth we recommend you take part in a tour of the (very kiwi) Monteiths Brewery including beer tasting and dinner at a local pub (hotel). It's a great chance to meet some of the interesting locals and fellow travellers. Approximate arrival time in Greymouth is 5.00pm.
Hop off the bus today and stay at: Punakaiki
GREYMOUTH - FRANZ JOSEF
GLACIER HIKING, GOLD, UNTOUCHED WILDERNESS
This morning we travel further down the West Coast before stopping in the township of Hokitika, famous for its often crazy local cuisine and Pounamu (Greenstone). Traces of the 'gold rush' times of the that brought thousands upon thousands of wannabe miners and gold panners to the area in the mid 1800s are still evident in the historic town of Ross, we'll even give you a chance to try some panning yourself and find some of your very own New Zealand gold. Heading further south we enter Westland National Park, an area containing numerous scenic lakes, dense forests, many of the Southern Alps highest peaks and two amazingly accessible glaciers. Time for more adventure! We arrive into the alpine village of Franz Josef in time for those who want to partake in a fantastic introduction to an enthralling world of ice. The new Ice Explorer is a short heli hop from the township which takes you into the remarkable Pinnacles area of the glacier. Here your guide will navigate you through a maze of ice and explain the dramatic environmental changes over the last few years. Those not taking part in the Ice Explorer today can be taken to the glacier lookout before being dropped at accommodation. If glaciers aren't your thing, another option here is to go kayaking on the scenic Lake Mapourika, surrounded by stunning mountain peaks. Tonight, relax the night away in the Glacier Hot Pools.
Approximate arrival time into Franz Josef in winter is 12.00pm and summer is 1.00pm.
Hop off the bus today and stay at: Hokitika
FRANZ JOSEF - WANAKA
WATERFALLS, MIRROR LAKE, MOUNTAINS
First up this morning we will pass through Fox Glacier, another small village nestled next to a huge and dramatic glacier. Fox Glacier is also the home of one of New Zealand's most picturesque spots; Lake Matheson. Often referred to as the 'Mirror Lake', it is famous for its reflections of the Southern Alps which dominate the skyline - perfect for those picture postcard photos. As we head inland through Haast and further away from the west coast the scenery changes from dense forest to boulder-filled river beds, cliff faces and incredibly powerful waterfalls. Make sure you snap a photo of the Gates of Haast - a truly amazing valley littered with huge boulders. After this the scenery will take another change and we head into the vast plateaus and many lakes of the Central Otago region. Make sure you have your cameras ready as we pass Lake Hawea and shortly after Lake Wanaka. At the head of the lake is the town of Wanaka. This is where we stop for the night - but not before we've taken you to Puzzling World - an amazing mind bending experience that will push your limits and one that you're sure to love.
Hop off the bus today and stay at: Fox Glacier, Makarora
WANAKA - QUEENSTOWN
UNLIMITED ADVENTURE, GREAT NIGHTLIFE, PANORAMIC VIEWS
This morning we head out of town and get you set for a huge day of adventure and exhilaration. Firstly we drop into the birthplace of Bungy jumping, the Kawarau Bridge. The bridge, which is 42 metres above the Kawarau River, is the site of the world's first commercial bungy jump. We dare you to jump - something you will never forget! From here we make our way past Lake Hayes and into Arrowtown. Arrowtown has an amazingly rich history and as such we'll give you the time to explore the quaint shops, the Chinese settler's village and historic buildings in town. In autumn the colours are amazing. From Arrowtown we'll head onto Arthur's Point; which is situated on a bend in the Shotover River. This is also the home of the world renowned Shotover Jet, and also the launch point for whitewater rafting. Be sure to get out onto the river if you've not yet had enough excitement in your day! We head into Queenstown early in the afternoon where there are endless activity options, from mild to wild. We have allowed two nights in Queenstown (but many people prefer to stay longer) to soak it all up.
Approximate arrival time in Queenstown is 1.30pm.
QUEENSTOWN - LAKE TEKAPO
Lake Pukaki, Salmon & Stargazing
Life slows down a little as we leave Queenstown behind us. We head of through Cromwell and onto the alpine environment of the Lindis Pass. Lindis Pass is an amazing road winding its way through some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery and in winter is often blanketed by snow! As we make our way into McKenzie Basin we stop off in Twizel. This small town serves as a gateway to New Zealand's highest mountain; Aoraki Mount Cook. If you want to go and check it out your driver will arrange a connection bus for you. Our next stop of the day is the High Country Salmon Farm - this fantastic attraction will get you up close and personal with the salmon and give you a chance to hand feed them and even buy some to take away for your dinner! The tranquil Lake Tekapo is over overnight destination, a small town located at the end of the lake by the same name. There is a lot on offer here including an optional day trip to Mt Cook village, kayaking on the lake, fantastic sightseeing flights of the Southern Alps or the sedate visit to the idyllic Church of the Good Shepperd. Tonight, don't miss the chance to view the Southern Hemisphere stars up close. Tekapo is a great place to get together with your fellow travelers and share a group meal.
Approximate arrival time in Lake Tekapo is 1.45pm
LAKE TEKAPO - CHRISTCHURCH
PUNTING, DEVELOPMENT & RE-START MALL
After leaving the shores of Lake Tekapo, we travel around the edges of the stunning Mackenzie Country crossing over Burkes Pass and the foothills of the Southern Alps. We then pass through the picturesque towns of Fairlie and Geraldine, stopping here for a short time. Be sure to jump off at Geraldine if you want to try your hand at rafting some of the wildest white water in New Zealand with Rangitata Rafts. The bus then heads across the Canterbury Plains, the largest area of flat land in NZ and a huge contrast to our previous days travel! We will briefly look around Christchurch on the way into town but we will leave the exploring up to you! Be sure to check out Christchurch's amazing new 'unique' Re-Start Mall. This astonishingly creative mall is made entirely of shipping containers and one of the cities exciting new urban developments following the earthquakes that damaged much of the cities buildings in 2010/11. We would also definitely recommend all passengers consider travelling on the double-decker Discover Christchurch bus tour - it will give you an amazing insight into the cities recent challenges and let you see how amazing the people of this area really are - simply ask your driver about this if you are interested. If you are up for some fun tonight we would also suggest you check out SO- MO; which is a vibrant area of Christchurch alive with bars, restaurants and cafes! Approximate arrival time into Christchurch is 1.00pm.
Hop off the bus today and stay at: Rangitata
