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16 Day Southern Coast and Stewart Island Nature Tour
This 16 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Christchurch.
This loop of the lower South Island follows much of the spectacular coastline where wildlife abounds. In Dunedin you’ll enjoy a full day encounter with the unique marine life that inhabits the Otago Peninsula before heading south along the wild Catlins coastline to the deep south. A real highlight of this tour is exploring the remote Stewart Island, including a guided walk on Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary. As well as the iconic Milford Sound, you’ll also venture into Mt Aspiring National Park on a Dart River Jet boat Safari from Queenstown. On the beautiful West Coast you’ll marvel at the glaciers during your on-ice adventure, before crossing the Southern Alps on board the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch.
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:
Itinerary summary for: 16 Day Southern Coast and Stewart Island Nature Tour
Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch
Accommodation:
Terra Vive Luxury Suites and Apartments
Day 2: Take the scenic drive to the French settlement of Akaroa, where you can swim with the hectors dolphins
Accommodation:
Criterion Motel
Day 3: Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country
Accommodation:
Mt Cook Motel
Day 4: 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 5: Discover the variety of wildlife that live on the Otago Peninsula
Accommodation:
Motel on York
Day 6: Take the Southern Scenic Route through the beautiful Catlins region
Accommodation:
Admiral Court Motel
Day 7: Fly to Stewart Island and Rakiura National Park
Accommodation:
Kaka Retreat
Day 8: Explore Stewart Island and take a guided trip to the wildlife sanctuary of Ulva Island
Accommodation:
Kaka Retreat
Day 9: Back on the Mainland, continue on the Southern Scenic Route to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park
Accommodation:
Lakefront Lodge
Day 10: Journey along the magnificent Milford Road to Milford Sound, allowing plenty of time for photo stops
Accommodation:
Lakefront Lodge
Day 11: Travel through rolling Southland countryside then follow Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown
Accommodation:
Scenic Suites Queenstown
Day 12: The ultimate jet boat adventure along the Dart River into Mt Aspiring National Park
Accommodation:
Scenic Suites Queenstown
Day 13: Take the Crown Range Road to Wanaka before travelling the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast
Accommodation:
Aspen Court Franz Josef
Day 14: Get up close to the glacier with a thrilling Helihike
Accommodation:
Aspen Court Franz Josef
Day 15: Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
Accommodation:
Terra Vive Luxury Suites and Apartments
Day 16: Depart Christchurch today