South Island Tour

Here is the timetable, outlined by the company known as 'Toucan Tours and Travel Ltd.' of the next two weeks. If I can, I will try and add pictures as I go  but if not it will be uploaded upon my return:

 

9th Feb - Picton

Today we will begin our two week tour together as we travel south along the the picturesque East coast to Kaikoura where time has been allowed for those interested to do some whale watching or swimming with the seals before heading on to Christchurch where we will have our welcome dinner together.

 

10th Feb - Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest centre in the South Island and is often referred to as the most English city outside of England. This morning there will be a sightseeing tour of the city. This afternoon is free to check out the many activities Christchurch has to offer.

 

11th Feb - MT. Cook

Our Journey Today will take us through the ever changing scenery of the Canterbury plains to the Southern alps via the Mackenzie country, Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. Tonight we stay in the mountains at MT. Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. We are surrounded by breathtaking scenery and there will be time to enjoy some of the many lovely hikes in the area.

12th Feb Dunedin

Today we leave the mountains to return to the coast via Waitaki valley. Before reaching Dunedin we will stop and see the unique round boulders at Moeraki. this afternoon upon arrival in Dunedin you might like to take a tour of the speights brewery, the beer of the southern man.

13th Feb Dunedin

While in Dunedin, a University city, you will have an opportunity to visit the royal albatross colony or blue eyed penguin conservation shelter on the Otago peninsula. This evening you may also want to visit some of the many student night clubs and bars that Dunedin is well known for.

14th Feb - Te Anau

We will leave Dunedin today today for Te Anau on the shores of lake Te Anau - the 2nd largest lake in New Zealand. Our drive will take us via Bluff, the most southern town in New Zealand and on Through Invercargill.

 

15th Feb - Milford

A day of incredible scenic grandeur is ahead of us today as we drive through the Fiordland National Park, a world heritage park of over a million hectares. This afternoon we will board the Milford Wanderer, a 30 meter Sailing Ketch for our overnight cruise over the length of Milford sound. The vessel explores the waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife of the fiord out to the Tasman sea with experienced nature guides on board. The vessel returns under sail (weather permitting) and anchors overnight in Harrison Cove. This evening there will be time to go kayaking or exploring on shore in the vessels inflatable before dinner. 

16th Feb - Queenstown

This morning, after breakfast we will return to Fiordland Wharf and our trip north to Queenstown. Queenstown is New Zealand's premier ski resort and the summer is no less thrilling, as well as its stunning alpine setting, Queenstown is world renowned for jet boating, its many bungy jumping sites, white water rafting, para-sailing and much much more. For those that prefer life at a more sedate pace, the many lovely walks, lakeside bars and cafes and beautiful scenery will keep you happy for hours.

17th - 18th Feb - Queenstown

These two days are free for you to relax and enjoy Queenstown as you please. There is lots to do from bungy jumping and jet boating to nature walks and wine tasting or just relaxing.

19th Feb - Franz Josef

We will make an early start this morning to give us plenty of time to enjoy our drive over the Haast pass road, which connects Lake Whanaka with South Westland. This is the most historic of the transalpine routes and it follows an ancient greenstone trail. There are lovely walks to waterfalls and rugged beaches along the way, and we will stop to enjoy these beautiful surroundings.

20th Feb - Punakaiki

This morning we will have allowed time to go hiking at Franz Josef. Those who wish can join the guides for a guided hike up onto the ice. This afternoon we continue up the coast stopping at Hokitika where you can visit a greenstone factory, before reaching Punakaiki.

21st Feb - Nelson

Today we visit the booming blowholes and extraordinary pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, a peculiar rock formation resembling stacks of pancakes. From Punakaiki we travel up the Buller Gorge to Nelson a city of gardens, sunshine, potters, crafts people, vineyards and orchards. The hops for the New Zealand Steinlager beer is also grown in the region.

22nd Feb - Nelson

Nelson enjoys a reputation for beautiful golden sandy beaches with high sunshine hours and today you are free to relax on the beach or do something a bit more active, perhaps go skydiving, horse riding, kayaking, water skiing or even hiking in the Abel Tasman National Park. This is the last night of the tour together and we will finish with a night ton the town.

23rd Feb - Picton

Today we will travel to Marlborough, one of New Zealand's major wine producing areas. We will visit an award winning vineyard for a tour through the winery followed by a tasting of their wines. We finish the day and the tour in Picton where we will say our farewells in time for the early afternoon sailing to Wellington.

 

So this will be the "main hub" for the next two weeks.

 

Cheerio...