South Island Wonderland (22 Days Tour)

  Spend the first day of your journey exploring the fast-changing and funky city of Christchurch, South Island's largest city.   Old English gardens contrast with pop-up bars and innovative precincts in this enduring centre. Favourite activities include punting down the Avon River, biking in the Port Hills, visiting Sumner Beach, or taking a day trip out to the French colonial settlement of Akaroa.   For a truly magical experience try hot air ballooning over the patchwork Canterbury Plains. Accommodation: 1 night, 5 or 4 star hotel   Meal : Breakfast

  It’s a scenic drive to Hanmer Springs, an alpine town known for its hot pools. There’s a great range of outdoor activities to do here as well, so challenge yourself on the many mountain bike trails, take a horse trek through the trees or try rafting the spectacular Waiau Gorge. Afterwards, the Hanmer Springs thermal springs are a must-do to soothe those sore muscles. Framed by the mountains and surrounded by snow in the winter, this is an idyllic spot to have a relaxing soak. Take time to wander around the town and enjoy the quaint gift stores and stylish fashion boutiques.   Accommodation: 1 night, 5 or 4 star hotel Meal : Breakfast

From Hanmer Springs drive to Kaikoura lies a rugged and striking coastal area that’s home to a multitude of marine life, and delicious seafood. In the Maori language 'kai' means food, 'koura' means crayfish, which makes this the best place to taste fresh crayfish. With such a vibrant marine ecosystem, this is the place to hop on a boat for some whale watching, or get closer with a dolphin or seal swim. Explore the area with a walk to the Ohau Waterfall. Accommodation: 1 night, 5 or 4 star hotel Meal : Breakfast

Explore Marlborough is the South Island’s top wine region, and famous for its Sauvignon Blanc. There are vineyards galore where you can stop in for a tour or a tasting. Many places put on a delicious lunch too. Get up early for a full day Abel Tasman cruise and wine tour departing at 7.30am from Nelson. The driver will pick you up at your accommodation. The tour includes the cruise, a snack lunch and wine tasting. Accommodation: 2 nights, 5 or 4 star hotel Meal : Breakfast

Nelson is one of the sunniest places in New Zealand, so it’s a place to be outdoors. Happy Valley Adventure will give you plenty of activity options from horse treks to quad bike tours, paintball and more, including the Skywire flying fox. Explore Nelson, There’s also a growing craft beer scene in Nelson, and many of the local breweries put on tours and tastings. Accommodation: 1 night, 5 or 4 star hotel Meal : Breakfast

Abel Tasman National Park is an area of golden beaches, sparkling blue ocean and bush that grows right down to the water’s edge. Much like the Marlborough Sounds, if you want to head deeper into the park you’ll need a boat (there are water taxis that will take you from bay to bay) – or a kayak. You can also walk part of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, crossing estuaries or visiting sandy beaches for a well-deserved swim. The full track takes between 3-5 days, but you can walk a section on a day trip. Accommodation: 1 night, 5 or 4 star hotel Meal : Breakfast

Time to hit the wild West Coast. Your first stop is the appropriately named Cape Foulwind. From here, a short walk takes you to the colony's fur seal. Further south, in Paparoa National Park you'll find the unusual and awesome Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and the famous blowholes. Spend the night in Greymouth and sample a few beers at the Monteith's Brewery Bar or travel on to Hokitika for some kayaking on the Hokitika Gorge. Accommodation: 1 night, 5 or 4 star hotel Meal : Breakfast

Drive from Greymouth to Frans Josef Glacier. A scenic heli-flight will take you deep into the glacier's maze of ice so you can experience it up close. Alternatively, you can walk to the terminal face. Soak your frozen toes at the Glacier Hot Pools in the afternoon to relax. Accommodation: 1 night, 5 or 4 star hotel Meal : Breakfast

Today you are going to explore Wanaka, a resort town on New Zealand's South Island, is set on the southern end of its namesake lake with views of snow capped mountains. It's the gateway to the Southern Alps' Mount Aspiring National Park, a wilderness of glaciers, beech forests and alpine lakes. Accommodation: 1 night, 5 or 4 star hotel Meal : Breakfast

  Drive from Wanaka to Glenorchy the picturesque village of Glenorchy, a true slice of New Zealand paradise that the area is home to many movies including of course New Zealand’s greatest export – the Lord of the Rings, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Water Horse, both The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian. Head to Queenstown the following day and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, romantic walk along the lakefront and spectacular hiking and cycling trails. board to TSS Earnslaw cruise, to get to Walter Peak Station and enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience – a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Explore Arrowtown. Accommodation: 4 nights, 5 or 4 star hotel Meal : Breakfast, 1 Dinner

  Milford Sound is a relaxing contrast to Queenstown, so board a tour bus for a day trip to this beautiful spot. You’ll spend a fair amount of time on the road, but once you get out on the water of the Sounds you’ll forget all about it. Take a boat cruise or hire a kayak and soak in the blue skies, green mountains, crystal-clear water and tumbling waterfalls – it’s magical. Accommodation: 1 night, 5 or 4 star hotel Meal : Breakfast

You’re about to head as far south as it gets in New Zealand. In Invercargill, you can visit the Southland Museum and meet their large lounge of Tuatara. Then cross the Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island, the third-largest island of New Zealand. Stewart Island Experience has a number of tours for you to try, including one to Ulva Island, home to many threatened species.Tonight may be your chance to spot the rare kiwi bird that gives New Zealanders their nickname, so take a Kiwi Spotting Tour and keep your fingers crossed. On Day 18, return to the mainland and make your way along the stunning Catlins coast to Dunedin. Be sure to visit some of the beautiful Catlin's attractions along the way. Accommodation: 3 nights, 5 or 4 star hotel Meal : Breakfast

The city of Dunedin is a university town, with a lively student vibe during semester time. Make yourself at home at one of the many student bars, or go for something a bit more upmarket – the choices are abundant. Dunedin’s historic Speight’s Brewery is the birthplace of the iconic South Island brew. Further afield, the Otago Peninsula is home to many species of penguin, including the cute but endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguin. The magnificent Royal Albatross and several sea lions and seals groups also live here. Visit Larnach Castle is a mock castle on the ridge of the Otago Peninsula. Accommodation: 1 night, 5 or 4 star hotel Meal : Breakfast

Drive from Dunedin to Lake Tekapo. The arrival into Lake Tekapo is always spectacular, the unusual colour of the lake will have you pulling to the side of the road for a better look. This area is the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the world – the vast spectrum of stars at night are unmatched, anywhere. A stargazing tour is a great way to learn more. Accommodation: 1 night, 5 or 4 star hotel Meal : Breakfast

Drive back to Christchurch, Beautiful New Zealand scenery lines the route as you make your way back to Christchurch and the end of your journey. Be sure to stop for coffee or lunch at some of the towns you pass along the way. If you haven’t had the chance to explore Christchurch yet, this could be your chance to visit the International Antarctic Centre. Accommodation: 1 night, 5 or 4 star hotel Meal : Breakfast