South Island In-Depth by Coach
- Duration
- 13 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,690
Travel the South Island experiencing all it has to offer. Enjoy whale watching, Abel Tasman National Park and the Glacier Region as well as Queenstown and Scottish influenced Dunedin.
From whale watching in Kaikoura to spectacular Milford Sound, explore the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s South Island on this 12 day journey, available as either a self-drive or coach tour.
Christchurch has become synonymous with tragedy in recent years. Four large earthquakes devastated the city between September 2010 and December 2011. While some areas and attractions remain closed for repairs, there is still plenty for early arrivals to do and see. The Air Force Museum will thrill military history buffs, while the Canterbury Museum provides a fascinating look at New Zealand history. Or take a tour of sites affected by the quakes for a glimpse of a resilient, rebuilding Christchurch.
Journey to Kaikoura for your included whale-watching cruise, then stay overnight before the scenic drive to Nelson. The South Island’s oldest settled city is famed for its arts and crafts, along with its 23 local wineries and nearby Abel Tasman National Park. The park is closed off to vehicles, allowing you to enjoy a full day exploring on foot, by boat or by kayak. Intrepid travelers will be rewarded with sights such as Cleopatra’s Pool and beautiful Cascade Falls.
Head for the West Coast to see Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, distinctive geological formations formed over tens of thousands of years of pummeling from the Tasman Sea. Spend the night before continuing on to the Glacier Region, where you can base your exploration in either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
A Mecca for skiers, Queenstown puts you in the heart of the South Island’s mountain landscape. A highlight of your journey is a day trip to Milford Sound, a breathtaking, 16km long fjord carved by glaciers out to the Tasman Sea. You’ll also have a full day at leisure to explore Queenstown.
Journey back east to Dunedin, which, thanks to the discovery of nearby gold in 1861, was New Zealand’s most populated city until 1900. It’s now a university town proud of its strong Scots heritage. You’ll have free time to explore this ‘Edinburgh of the South’ before your Wildlife Cruise beneath the Albatross Colony.
- Duration
- 13 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,690
Itinerary View Trip Map
Christchurch Airport to Christchurch City Hotel
Duration | 30 Minutes |
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Heartland Hotel Cotswold
Full of character, Heartland Hotel Cotswold is warm and welcoming, and the perfect place to relax during your visit to Christchurch. The hotel has 77 spacious rooms and its spacious grounds feature award-winning gardens. Located on the edge of the central business district it's an easy stroll to boutique shopping at Merivale Mall, Christchurch Casino and the beautiful Hagley Park. Just a 20 minute drive from Christchurch airport Heartland Hotel Cotswold is well-positioned for travellers visiting Christchurch.
Meal Plan | Room Only - Goway DW RO |
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Duration | 1 Night |
Accommodation |
Heartland Hotel Cotswold |
Location | View map |
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Heartland Hotel Cotswold
Full of character, Heartland Hotel Cotswold is warm and welcoming, and the perfect place to relax during your visit to Christchurch. The hotel has 77 spacious rooms and its spacious grounds feature award-winning gardens. Located on the edge of the central business district it's an …
Full of character, Heartland Hotel Cotswold is warm and welcoming, and the perfect place to relax during your visit to Christchurch. The hotel has 77 spacious rooms and its spacious grounds feature award-winning gardens. Located on the edge of the central business district it's an easy stroll to boutique shopping at Merivale Mall, Christchurch Casino and the beautiful Hagley Park. Just a 20 minute drive from Christchurch airport Heartland Hotel Cotswold is well-positioned for travellers visiting Christchurch.
Facilities
- Business Centre
- Conference Facilities
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Internet Access
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
- Parking (for Self Park)
- Pool (s)
- Reception (24 hrs)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Sauna
- Secretarial Service
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 3
Christchurch to Kaikoura
Duration | 2 Hours |
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Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge
Kaikoura's Gateway Motor Lodge is a few minutes' walk from the charming seaside town of Kaikoura, the busy hub of eco-tourism ventures and a thriving rural community. This Kaikoura Motel, opened in August 2005, will meet all of your needs with 20 self-contained units from studio to two bedroom units as well as three wheelchair friendly units. All units feature ensuite bathrooms, complementary WiFi, TV and DVD players. Continental breakfast is available.
Meal Plan | Room Only |
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Duration | 1 Night |
Accommodation |
Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge |
Location | View map |
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Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge
Kaikoura's Gateway Motor Lodge is a few minutes' walk from the charming seaside town of Kaikoura, the busy hub of eco-tourism ventures and a thriving rural community. This Kaikoura Motel, opened in August 2005, will meet all of your needs with 20 self-contained units from …
Kaikoura's Gateway Motor Lodge is a few minutes' walk from the charming seaside town of Kaikoura, the busy hub of eco-tourism ventures and a thriving rural community. This Kaikoura Motel, opened in August 2005, will meet all of your needs with 20 self-contained units from studio to two bedroom units as well as three wheelchair friendly units. All units feature ensuite bathrooms, complementary WiFi, TV and DVD players. Continental breakfast is available.
Facilities
- Barbeque
- Conference Facilities
- Disabled Facilities
- Laundry facilities
- Non-Smoking Property
- Sauna
- Spa/Jacuzzi
- Swimming Pool
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Whale Watch Tour
Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kaikoura often hosts the world's largest dolphin - the Orca - and is home to the world's smallest and rarest - the Hector's.
Duration | 3 Hours |
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Kaikoura to Nelson
Duration | 0 Minutes |
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Bella Vista Motel Nelson
Bella Vista Motel Nelson is ideally located in Nelson's Tahunanui Drive, a 15 minute stroll to Tahuna beach. Its central location is a few minutes' drive to the beach and its shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and other great Nelson attractions and activities. The airport is a 5 minute drive away. The Bella Vista Motel Nelson offers a range of studio and one bedroom units. All room types feature; ensuite, microwave or kitchenette, tea & coffee making facilities, free WiFi, SKY cable TV. The property has a guest laundry, BBQ area and children's play area.
Meal Plan | Room Only |
---|---|
Duration | 2 Nights |
Accommodation |
Bella Vista Motel Nelson |
Location | View map |
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Bella Vista Motel Nelson
Bella Vista Motel Nelson is ideally located in Nelson's Tahunanui Drive, a 15 minute stroll to Tahuna beach. Its central location is a few minutes' drive to the beach and its shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and other great Nelson attractions and activities. The airport is …
Bella Vista Motel Nelson is ideally located in Nelson's Tahunanui Drive, a 15 minute stroll to Tahuna beach. Its central location is a few minutes' drive to the beach and its shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and other great Nelson attractions and activities. The airport is a 5 minute drive away. The Bella Vista Motel Nelson offers a range of studio and one bedroom units. All room types feature; ensuite, microwave or kitchenette, tea & coffee making facilities, free WiFi, SKY cable TV. The property has a guest laundry, BBQ area and children's play area.
Facilities
- Bar
- Barbeques (BBQ)
- Children's Activities
- Internet Access
- Laundry facilities
- Non-Smoking Rooms
- Parking
- Playground
- Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Nelson to Punakaiki
Duration | 4 Hours |
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Punakaiki Resort
The Punakaiki Resort is an eco-tourism hotel located in the Buller district between Greymouth, 30 minutes to the south and Westport which is 45 minutes to the north. Carefully designed to complement the stunning natural setting, it is situated close to Pancake Rocks and Blowhole at Punakaiki and adjacent to Paparoa National Park. This hotel is a perfect choice for a leisure stay.
Meal Plan | Room Only |
---|---|
Duration | 1 Night |
Accommodation |
Punakaiki Resort |
Location | View map |
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Punakaiki Resort
The Punakaiki Resort is an eco-tourism hotel located in the Buller district between Greymouth, 30 minutes to the south and Westport which is 45 minutes to the north. Carefully designed to complement the stunning natural setting, it is situated close to Pancake Rocks and Blowhole …
The Punakaiki Resort is an eco-tourism hotel located in the Buller district between Greymouth, 30 minutes to the south and Westport which is 45 minutes to the north. Carefully designed to complement the stunning natural setting, it is situated close to Pancake Rocks and Blowhole at Punakaiki and adjacent to Paparoa National Park. This hotel is a perfect choice for a leisure stay.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Daycare/Babysitting Service
- Laundry facilities
- Parking
- Reception (24 hrs)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 2
Punakaiki to Franz Josef
Duration | 4 Hours |
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Rainforest Retreat
Rainforest Retreat is located in the Franz Josef Glacier village, in the heart of New Zealand's Glacier Country, which is situated on the South Island's West Coast and is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. There is a choice of Tree Houses which are elevated in individual clearings. Tree Lodges offer the unique option of your choice of forest floor or raised into the forest canopy.
Meal Plan | Room Only |
---|---|
Duration | 1 Night |
Accommodation |
Rainforest Retreat |
Location | View map |
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Rainforest Retreat
Rainforest Retreat is located in the Franz Josef Glacier village, in the heart of New Zealand's Glacier Country, which is situated on the South Island's West Coast and is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. There is a choice of Tree Houses which …
Rainforest Retreat is located in the Franz Josef Glacier village, in the heart of New Zealand's Glacier Country, which is situated on the South Island's West Coast and is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. There is a choice of Tree Houses which are elevated in individual clearings. Tree Lodges offer the unique option of your choice of forest floor or raised into the forest canopy.
Facilities
- Barbeques (BBQ)
- Children's Activities
- Laundry facilities
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Sauna
- Spa
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 5
Franz Josef to Queenstown
Duration | 7 Hours |
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Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Heartland Hotel Queenstown is perched just above the town centre - an excellent vantage point where you can feel tucked away and enjoy magnificent views, yet you are only a few minutes walk to the town centre. With 81 comfortable, well-appointed guest rooms, including five family rooms, Heartland Hotel Queenstown provides all you need for a comfortable rest at the end of another action-packed Queenstown day.
Meal Plan | Room Only |
---|---|
Duration | 3 Nights |
Accommodation |
Heartland Hotel Queenstown |
Location | View map |
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Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Heartland Hotel Queenstown is perched just above the town centre - an excellent vantage point where you can feel tucked away and enjoy magnificent views, yet you are only a few minutes walk to the town centre. With 81 comfortable, well-appointed guest rooms, including five …
Heartland Hotel Queenstown is perched just above the town centre - an excellent vantage point where you can feel tucked away and enjoy magnificent views, yet you are only a few minutes walk to the town centre. With 81 comfortable, well-appointed guest rooms, including five family rooms, Heartland Hotel Queenstown provides all you need for a comfortable rest at the end of another action-packed Queenstown day.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Concierge
- Conference Facilities
- Currency Exchange
- Daycare/Babysitting Service
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Internet Access
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
- Parking (for Self Park)
- Reception (24 hrs)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Spa(Hot-tub)/Jacuzzi
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 3
Discover Milford Sound Coach Cruise Coach incl Lunch
Travel by luxury coach on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound. Located within the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, this region is rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. Journey through the Southern Alps via the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km tunnel drilled through a solid mountain of rock. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board your luxury catamaran vessel for a spectacular cruise where you will see the wonders of Mitre Peak, glacier scarred rock walls that rise 1,200m vertically from the sea, and waterfalls that tumble from hanging valleys and crash into the sound far below. Return by coach to Queenstown.
Duration | 12 Hours |
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Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Queenstown to Dunedin
Duration | 5 Hours |
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Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin is right in the heart of the city and ideal for business or leisure. You are within strolling distance of stately homes and Gothic revival style buildings; Otago Museum is a fifteen minute walk away, the beach a ten minute drive and the Central Business District is right on your doorstep. Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin has 55 sunny north facing guest rooms.
Meal Plan | Room Only - Advance Purchase - Non Refundable,No Amendments |
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Duration | 2 Nights |
Accommodation |
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin |
Location | View map |
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Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin is right in the heart of the city and ideal for business or leisure. You are within strolling distance of stately homes and Gothic revival style buildings; Otago Museum is a fifteen minute walk away, the beach a ten minute drive and …
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin is right in the heart of the city and ideal for business or leisure. You are within strolling distance of stately homes and Gothic revival style buildings; Otago Museum is a fifteen minute walk away, the beach a ten minute drive and the Central Business District is right on your doorstep. Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin has 55 sunny north facing guest rooms.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Conference Facilities
- Internet Access
- Secretarial Service
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Half Day Peninsula Cruise Tour
Cruise the length of the beautiful Otago Harbour, passing by the historic fishing village of Careys Bay and the working port of Port Chalmers. Continue your tour to the tip of the Otago Peninsula for the One Hour Wildlife Cruise. Enjoy unrivalled wildlife viewing. See what cannot be seen from land: Albatross, New Zealand Fur Seals and up to 20 species of bird and marine life in their undisturbed and otherwise inaccessible environment. Learn the fascinating history and geology of the area. Take a scenic drive along the Otago Peninsula, enjoying spectacular harbour and ocean views.
Duration | 3 Hours |
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Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Dunedin to Christchurch
Duration | 6 Hours |
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Heartland Hotel Cotswold
Full of character, Heartland Hotel Cotswold is warm and welcoming, and the perfect place to relax during your visit to Christchurch. The hotel has 77 spacious rooms and its spacious grounds feature award-winning gardens. Located on the edge of the central business district it's an easy stroll to boutique shopping at Merivale Mall, Christchurch Casino and the beautiful Hagley Park. Just a 20 minute drive from Christchurch airport Heartland Hotel Cotswold is well-positioned for travellers visiting Christchurch.
Meal Plan | Room Only |
---|---|
Duration | 1 Night |
Accommodation |
Heartland Hotel Cotswold |
Location | View map |
-
Heartland Hotel Cotswold
Full of character, Heartland Hotel Cotswold is warm and welcoming, and the perfect place to relax during your visit to Christchurch. The hotel has 77 spacious rooms and its spacious grounds feature award-winning gardens. Located on the edge of the central business district it's an …
Full of character, Heartland Hotel Cotswold is warm and welcoming, and the perfect place to relax during your visit to Christchurch. The hotel has 77 spacious rooms and its spacious grounds feature award-winning gardens. Located on the edge of the central business district it's an easy stroll to boutique shopping at Merivale Mall, Christchurch Casino and the beautiful Hagley Park. Just a 20 minute drive from Christchurch airport Heartland Hotel Cotswold is well-positioned for travellers visiting Christchurch.
Facilities
- Business Centre
- Conference Facilities
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Internet Access
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
- Parking (for Self Park)
- Pool (s)
- Reception (24 hrs)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Sauna
- Secretarial Service
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 3
Christchurch City Hotel to Christchurch Airport
Duration | 30 Minutes |
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Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 11 nights accommodation
- Coach travel between cities
- Tours as described in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
21 Mar 2021