16 Day South Island Expedition Itinerary
6 - 21 November 2023
Get ready to kick off an awesome adventure in Christchurch as we meet the group and grab our campervans and hit the road! We'll explore some seriously cool rock formations as we head to Hokitika. Spend late arvo exploring the area and as the sun sets, we're talking beach bonfire time! Marshmallow toasting, laughter and good times guaranteed as we get to know each other more.
Rise and shine in Hokitika with a free morning to explore the beach (you may even find some greenstone) or the West Coast rainforest. Then, get ready to rev things up as we hit the road to Franz Josef for off-roading that's pure adrenaline through the rainforest and rivers, with the Franz Josef glacier in the background. Nightfall brings a glow worm hunt to light up your world - that means a late night, kids...yipee! Overnight in Franz Josef.
We'll head down the West Coast to Wanaka via Haast, where jet boating takes center stage. We'll cruise through the water's twists and turns through a river in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, it's Wanaka time – unwind and soak in stunning views. Overnight in Wanaka.
In the morning we'll hit Puzzling World, where mind-bending puzzles and illusions await and we'll compete to win bragging rights for being the first family to finish the giant outdoor maze. Afterwards, we'll drive to Queenstown for an afternoon cruising on the historic Earnslaw boat on Lake Wakatipu. Overnight in Queenstown.
Morning in Queenstown kicks off with a bang – ascend via the gondola and unleash your inner speed demon on the luge track. After an exhilarating start, the afternoon is all yours to explore at your own pace. Let the thrill and freedom of Queenstown set the tone for an unforgettable day! Overnight in Queenstown.
Time to hit the bar in the morning - the ice bar that is. Grab a mocktail or cocktail and experience a bar made completely of ice! After a cool start, we hit the road to Te Anau when you can have a cruisy afternoon exploring the area and if the weather plays nice, you can experience a beautiful sunset over the lake. Overnight in Te Anau.
Today is going to be a full-on day as we leave before sunrise to stop at stunning viewpoints, mirror lakes and waterfalls along the Milford Road where nature takes center stage. Keep an eye out for the cheeky kea – those curious and vibrant parrots love to say hello and sit on your car! Time for an incredible boat cruise through Milford Sound (also known as the 8th wonder of the world) where we'll be surrounded by waterfalls, towering mountains and we may spot seals, dolphins and penguins. This is one of the top things to do in New Zealand and with good reason! You won't want to forget your camera on this cruise!! After the cruise, we'll head back to Te Anau for the night.
Gear up for a drive to the wild Catlins! En route, we'll hit a beach bursting with colorful stones and gems which are so fun to find and collect and the beach has beautiful big cliffs to admire. In the afternoon there's an 150-million-year-old petrified forest right on the beach to explore. Wrapping up the day in Curio Bay, where relaxation meets the sound of waves. Get ready for a day that's all about treasures, time travel, and beachy bliss!
In the morning, we'll go on two short walks to visit some beautiful waterfalls, then head to the beach where we might spot some sea lions playing or sunbathing on the beach. Overnight at Kaka Point.
Early risers will catch the iconic Nugget Point sunrise that's worth every second of sleep sacrificed. Then, it's off to Dunedin, where we'll explore New Zealand's only castle - get ready to explore rooms filled with stories of the past, wander through lush gardens and enjoy jaw-dropping views from the top of the castle. After we have explored inside and out, we'll indulge in a delightful high tea experience in the ballroom. Overnight in Dunedin.
We'll set off to Oamaru in the morning, the ultimate steam punk capital of the world! Get ready to dive into a world of whimsy and innovation in this charming town that's brimming with rich Victorian history. Prepare for a heart-melting encounter with the adorable little blue penguins as they cozy up in their nesting boxes. Overnight in Oamaru.
We're heading north to Mount Cook National Park – cool, right? But before we get there, we're going to explore a geological wonder and stop for photos at New Zealand's bluest lake. We'll have a delicious buffet dinner at the Hermitage Hotel. Overnight in Mount Cook National Park.
You'll have a free day to explore the incredible Mount Cook National Park with some seriously mind-blowing short and long hikes to do (some of the best in the whole of New Zealand!). We'll have another delicious buffet dinner at the Hermitage Hotel. Overnight in Mount Cook National Park.
Time to head to the incredibly photogenic town of Tekapo, where we can see the colourful lupins coming into bloom, photograph one of the world's most photographed churches and soak in the incredible views of the area. Overnight in Tekapo.
Explore the Tekapo Region to your heart's content and we'll meet up in the afternoon for a soak in the hot pools at Tekapo Springs. Overnight in Tekapo.
Our last day (boo hoo!) will be a full day packed with the drive to Christchurch and experiencing the International Antarctic Centre where there's a 4D theatre, penguins, a snow room with a -18deg C windstorm experience (seriously fun!) and hagglund rides! We'll finish the expedition off with a bang as we take a limo to a restaurant for a farewell dinner. Overnight in Christchurch. Return the campers the next day.
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