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South Island National Parks Tour

This 18 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Queenstown.

Explore the National Parks and natural areas of the South Island. You begin with a whale watching adventure in Kaikoura, before heading to Abel Tasman National park for a guided kayak and walk. Then you journey down the wild West Coast to Punakaiki, Franz Josef and Westland National Park. Take a heli-hike from Franz Josef before travelling to the alpine village of Wanaka. Mt Cook National Park is next with a full day to explore and a Glacier Explorers iceberg encounter. Heading east you reach Dunedin, before heading to Te Anau and Fiordland National park. You venture deep into the pristine forests and fiords with a Milford Track guided day walk and Doubtful Sound cruise. Then it’s onto your final destination of Queenstown.  

Accommodation type on this tour is: Motels.

Rental car insurance included

Rental car inclusions: Unlimited kilometres,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.

Tour pack: Includes detailed driving instructions, maps, guide books and much more.

This tour can be customised to suit you precisely - just request here.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: Glacier Explorers

Included activity: Milford Sound Coach, Cruise and Walks

Included activity: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Manapouri with RealNZ

Included activity: Ocean's Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikoura

Included activity: Beaches, Bays and Seals Guided Sea Kayaking Trip Including Picnic Lunch

Included activity: Franz Josef Glacier Helihike with The Helicopter Line

2 lunches

Itinerary summary for: South Island National Parks Tour

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch today
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 2: Explore Christchurch City and surrounds
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 3: Head north through Canterbury to the marine mecca of Kaikoura
Accommodation: The White Morph, Kaikoura

Day 4: Travel to the idyllic Tasman Bay
Accommodation: Ocean View Chalets

Day 5: Kayak the aqua blue waters of Abel Tasman National Park and walk the gentle coastal tracks
Accommodation: Ocean View Chalets

Day 6: Skirt Kahurangi National Park as you journey to the West Coast and Paparoa National Park
Accommodation: Havenz Punakaiki (Self check in required)

Day 7: Follow the rugged coastline south to the glacier region
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 8: Explore the glaciers and walks of Westland National Park
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 9: Travel the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast
Accommodation: Clearbrook Motel and Serviced Apartments

Day 10: Cross the Lindis Pass towards the MacKenzie Country
Accommodation: Mt Cook Motel

Day 11: Explore Mt Cook National Park and Surrounds
Accommodation: Mt Cook Motel

Day 12: Leaving the MacKenzie Country you'll follow the Waitaki River to the coast, where you'll turn south for Dunedin
Accommodation: Motel on York

Day 13: Travel through the rich farmland of South Otago and Southland to reach Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland
Accommodation: Lakefront Lodge

Day 14: Cruise through Milford Sound and enjoy some spectacular walks in Fiordland
Accommodation: Lakefront Lodge

Day 15: Take a journey to the 'Sound of Silence' where you'll cruise on the remote Doubtful Sound
Accommodation: Lakefront Lodge

Day 16: Travel through rolling Southland countryside then follow Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 17: The day is yours to discover all the scenic spots and fun activities on offer in Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 18: Depart Queenstown today