NZVentures is where your New Zealand adventure holiday starts...
Venture further than you thought possible with these 8 great independent adventure holiday packages. Ranging from 3 days to 16 days have a closer look and decide which one suits your needs.
Whale of a Time
9 Day South Island Adventure Tour - departs EVERY Monday, Wednesday & Friday
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Return transport, 8 Nights private accommodation
Highlights: Coastal drive including Kaikoura seal colony, Punakaiki rocks and blowhole, Scenic Truman Track, View greenstone carving in Hokitika, The original bungy site at historic Kawerau Bridge, Full day at leisure in Queenstown, Drive through Kahurangi, Paparoa, Westland, Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, MacKenzie Country and views of Mt Cook.
Sector TA12IN: CHRISTCHURCH - KAIKOURA
Upon leaving the Garden City this morning, we follow the rugged coastline up to Kaikoura, stopping enroute to visit a seal colony. The coach will arrive in the Green Globe community of Kaikoura in time to experience the lifetime thrill of whale watching or dolphin swimming – included as your free injection for this tour! Back on land, try some fresh Crayfish or indulge in a traditional New Zealand fish & chip dinner here, voted one of the best places to do so!
Approximate arrival time in Kaikoura is 12.00pm
Sector TA13a: KAIKOURA - NELSON
A slightly more leisurely departure time this morning so enjoy a lie in! We keep following the coast north, travelling through famous hilly pastures and wine country of Marlborough to Picton. If you are travelling to Nelson, stay onboard the coach and you will arrive late afternoon.
Sector TA6: NELSON - GREYMOUTH
After leaving Nelson, we journey through the Hope Saddle and cross the picturesque Buller Gorge to the ‘Wild West Coast’. Today you will become aware of the amazing scenery and warm welcome that the West Coast is famous for. After driving through one of the many National Parks in the region – the Paparoa National Park, take in some fresh air with a stroll on the Truman Track that lets you appreciate the rainforest and amazing coastline up close. During the afternoon we take a stop to visit the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks which are a pretty amazing sight, especially when the sea is in full swing, before we head onto our overnight stop. Tonight in Greymouth we recommend you take part in a tour of the (very kiwi) Monteiths Brewery including an all you can eat BBQ. It’s a great chance to meet some of the interesting locals.
Approximate arrival time in Greymouth is 5.00pm
Sector TA7: GREYMOUTH - FRANZ JOSEF
This morning we travel further down the West Coast toward Hokitika, famous for its local cuisine and Pounamu / Greenstone. The traces of gold rush that brought thousands to the area in the mid 1800s are still evident in the historic town of Ross, where we stop for a spot of gold panning. During the summer months (October to March) we take a drive into the scenic Okarito lagoon. We arrive in Franz Josef alpine village in time for those who want to partake in a half day glacier hike. If you wish to aim higher, take a heli-hike that will deliver you to the top of the glacier. If you want a bit more of a challenge, allow an extra day and go for the full day glacier hike (there are not too many opportunities in the world to do something like this). If glaciers aren’t your thing, another option here is to go kayaking on a local lake.
Approximate arrival time into Franz Josef in winter is 12.00pm and summer is 1.00pm
Sector TA8: FRANZ JOSEF - QUEENSTOWN
We have an early start for an action packed day. First up we pass through Fox, another town nestled next to a glacier before stopping off at Lake Matheson. Often called the ‘Mirror Lake’ for those ‘picture postcard’ photos, as the lake reflects the Southern Alps which dominate the skyline. The scenery will change from dense forest to vast plateaus as we enter the Central Otago region. Make sure you have your cameras ready as we visit Lake Hawea and later, Lake Wanaka – a recommended overnight stop. Next up, is a stop at the home of the bungy, the Kawarau Bridge, 42m over the Kawerau River and the world’s first commercial bungy site. We head into Queenstown late afternoon where there are endless activity options, from mild to wild. We have allowed two days in Queenstown (but many people prefer to stay longer) to soak it all up.
Approximate arrival time in Queenstown is 5.30pm
Sector TAFree: IN QUEENSTOWN
Spend the day trying out some of the huge range of activities on offer in ‘the adventure capital of the world’
Sector TA9: QUEENSTOWN - DUNEDIN
Life will slow down a little as we leave Queenstown behind us. We head off along the old gold mining trail taking in some spectacular scenery through central Otago to Dunedin. When you arrive in Dunedin why not join the highly recommended Elm Wildlife Tour that takes you to the Otago Peninsular to spot yellow-eyed penguins, albatross and seals up close. For something quite different, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory, where samples are included (yum!), or perhaps finish of a great day by joining the evening Speights Brewery Tour.
Approximate arrival time into Dunedin is 12.30pm
Sector TA10: DUNEDIN - LAKE TEKAPO
We start the day with a chance to run up the world’s steepest street (that’s you not the Magic coach!). The next stop is a walk on the beach to see the Moeraki Boulders, renowned for their unique spherical shape. Then, after passing through the stone town of Oamaru, if a real New Zealand experience is what you are after take the opportunity to jump off and stay at a working farm in Kurow, an unmissable stop! As we head into the Mackenzie Country, we pass by the Benmore Dam, the largest earth dam in the Southern Hemisphere. Keep an eye on the scenery as there are some amazing views of Aoraki Mt. Cook and the many surrounding lakes. The tranquil Lake Tekapo is our overnight destination. There is a lot on offer including an optional day trip to Mt Cook, sightseeing flights of the Southern Alps or visit the idyllic Church of the Good Shepherd. Tonight, don’t miss the chance to view the Southern Hemisphere stars up close.
Approximate arrival time into Lake Tekapo is 4.00pm
Sector TA11: LAKE TEKAPO - CHRISTCHURCH
After leaving the shores of Lake Tekapo, we travel around the edges of the stunning Mackenzie Country, crossing over Burkes Pass and the foothills of the Southern Alps. We then pass through the picturesque towns of Fairlie and Geraldine, stopping here for a short time. For those considering undertaking the ‘Lord of the Rings’ tour, let your driver know as you can get picked up just beyond Geraldine. The coach then heads through the Canterbury Plains, the largest area of flat land in NZ – a huge contrast to previous days travel! On arrival in Christchurch, we go first to the International Antarctic Centre where you’ll have the option to learn more about the frozen continent and even undertake a Hagglund Ride, before travelling into the centre of the ‘Garden City’.
Approximate arrival time into Christchurch is 12.30pm or 3.00pm if visiting the Antarctic Centre.
Sector Question?: CONTACT US
If you have any questions about NZVentures or this tour then please don't hesitate to contact us at info@nzventures.travel
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