The 'Get Down Under' New Zealand Tour Company - Serious South Island

Serious South Island Tour

The majority of New Zealand’s greatest natural attractions are concentrated in the South Island. The “Serious South Island” tour is designed for people with a little more time who wish to explore this variety during an unrushed but active 21-day itinerary. Also included are the cultural attractions of Wellington, our capital city, and the undiscovered delights of Stewart Island.

• Duration 21 days (20 nights)
• Start in Wellington - finish in Queenstown
• Hiking opportunities on 15 days
• Packed with outdoor and cultural activities
• Includes Abel Tasman, Kahurangi & Fiordland National Parks
• Includes Stewart Island ~ our 3rd "main" island ~ remote and beautiful
• Meals included: 20 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 15 dinners
• Our standard touring policies apply: small groups with a maximum 12 guests, 2 Kiwi guides with 2 air-conditioned vehicles, and boutique hotel & B&B accommodation.

Tour Dates & Prices: see the Dates & Prices page

The Included Activities are suitable for people of all ages with an average level of fitness and a love of the outdoors.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrive Wellington ~ Welcome!
Located at 40° south of the equator is Wellington, our capital city and home to New Zealand's Parliament and the National Museum. Transfer from the airport to our central city accommodation and relax or explore until meeting your guides and fellow travellers for our first dinner together.

Day 2 – Wellington City ~ Politicians, kiwi birds and culture
Explore the capital city, taking in Te Papa National Museum, Cable Car, Botanical Gardens and Parliament. Enjoy a dinner of traditional Maori foods before visiting the nocturnal Kiwi birds at the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary.

Day 3 – Wellington to Nelson ~ Arts, crafts, and sailing
Fly to Nelson, find some local arts and crafts, stroll along the beach and sample the fine wines of local vineyards. Free time this afternoon before sailing in the local yacht race. Tonight we stay in a cosy lodge hidden away in a bush-covered valley.

Day 4 – Kahurangi National Park ~ Hiking and conservation
Today we hike into the Kahurangi National Park with local guides who introduce us to New Zealand's native trees and birdlife. The nature, views, picnic lunch and exercise make for a wonderful day.

Day 5 – Abel Tasman National Park ~ Sea-kayaking & walking
Explore the Abel Tasman National Park today by land and sea. We follow a track through lush native forest to our lunch spot on a golden sandy beach. After a swim we kayak back along the coastline, observing any dolphins, seals or birdlife that happen along.

Day 6 – Nelson to Kaikoura OR Maruia ~ Marine mecca or natural hot pools
After visiting the Nelson weekend market our group splits and goes in two different directions (selected when booking)...
Option #1 ~ Marlborough region winery, Kaikoura hiking
Option #2 ~ Nelson Lakes National Park hiking, Maruia Springs thermal hot pools

Day 7 – Kaikoura/Maruia to Christchurch ~ Wildlife or hiking, then country hospitality
Option #1 ~ Kaikoura wildlife options (extra cost) – whales, dolphins, seals & birdlife.
Option #2 ~ Hike to Lake Daniells, picnic lunch, and another soak in the hot pools
We gather at a Canterbury farm to enjoy a farm-cooked feast before driving to Christchurch.

Day 8 – Christchurch ~ Maori culture in the Garden City
From our boutique hotel in Cathedral Square we explore the Art Gallery, Museum and Botanical Gardens. At the Nga Hau E Wha National Marae we discover the language, culture, legends and customs of the Maori people. This afternoon you can relax and explore on your own; or go hiking on the Port Hills.

Day 9 – Christchurch to Hokitika ~ Hiking in the Southern Alps
From Christchurch we drive inland to the Southern Alps and hike in the fresh alpine air of picturesque Arthur's Pass. Then we descend to the West Coast, visit the Pancake Rocks and blowholes of Punakaiki before overnighting in Hokitika.
(Extra Option: board the Tranz Alpine train through the Southern Alps)

Day 10 – Hokitika to Fox Glacier ~ White-water rafting in the wilderness
Today we adventure deep into a West Coast World Heritage area, starting with a walk through native forest and alongside the Wanganui river. After a picnic lunch we raft our way back down the river and continue south to the glacier region. (Grade 2–3 rapids. No experience necessary.)

Day 11 – Fox Glacier ~ Close encounters with a river of ice
Led by expert local guides we walk up and onto the Fox Glacier, exploring crevasses and ice formations. This very safe activity is suitable for people with moderate fitness and agility. After lunch we visit beautiful Lake Matheson.

Day 12 – Fox Glacier to Clyde ~ Wilderness Overload
From Fox to Clyde is the longest journey on our tour, but what a journey! From the glaciers we travel south beside the Tasman Sea then over the rugged Haast Pass. Along the way we encounter beaches, wetlands, rainforest, river valleys, mountains, waterfalls and lakes. Tonight we stay in the historic gold-mining town of Clyde.

Day 13 – Clyde to Dunedin ~ the flavour of Scotland
After a two hour drive we arrive in Dunedin, the destination for thousands of Scottish settlers back in the 1800's. We explore the historic First Church, Olveston House and original Otago University buildings. Free afternoon and evening.

Day 14 – Dunedin ~ meet the wildlife
Near Dunedin is the stunning Otago Peninsula ~ a safe haven for a variety of wildlife including Royal Albatross, seals, penguins and cormorants. We take a bird-watching cruise, visit albatross and penguin colonies and explore the buildings and garden of Larnach Castle.

Day 15 – Dunedin to Stewart Island ~ Off the beaten track
From Dunedin we continue south into the undiscovered Catlins Region and find pristine wetlands, beaches and the occasional sea lion. Upon reaching Invercargill we take a short flight to Stewart Island.

Day 16 – Stewart Island ~ Rakiura National Park
Stewart Island is one of New Zealand's best-kept secrets. Most of the island is covered in dense rainforest, sand dunes and wetlands. This morning we visit the Ulva Island bird sanctuary with local nature guides. The afternoon is free for you to explore local walking tracks and enjoy the long twilight evening.

Day 17 – Stewart Island to Te Anau ~ Welcome to Fiordland
This morning we fly back to the mainland and visit the Tuatara, a small pre-historic reptile out-living its dinosaur cousins. Then we're off to Te Anau. From here we visit the Te Ana-au Caves to discover natural limestone formations and the intriguing glow-worms.

Day 18 – Day trip to Milford Sound ~ Wilderness cruise and hiking
The massive wilderness of Fiordland National Park awaits us! A selection of hikes and scenic stops reveal towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, lush green rainforest and views that will astound you. On arriving at Milford we cruise the fiord all the way to the Tasman Sea and back.

Day 19 – Te Anau to Queenstown ~ Adventure Capital
From Te Anau we travel to our final destination – the alpine resort of Queenstown. A helicopter flight to the top of the Remarkables Mountain range gives us a fantastic alpine view. The rest of the day is free for local sightseeing.
(Extra Option: take a day-trip to Doubtful Sound)

Day 20 – Queenstown ~ A free day in this alpine resort
Queenstown is renowned as the Adventure Capital ~ try skydiving, para-gliding, mountain-biking, bungy-jumping or a swift trip up the river in a jet-boat (all extra cost). This evening we gather for a final dinner and celebration of a trip well done!

Day 21 – The End!
It's all over! Time to return home or continue other holiday plans. Your guide will assist with transfers to the airport or whatever you may like to arrange.