From the sea to the sky, the South Island encapsulates in one compact island the very best that New Zealand has to offer. You will see the main highlights of the South Island and visit the best known locations at a very comfortable pace. Scenic Highlights Tours
All tours are private, depart daily, and can be customized to suit individual interests and schedules. Please contact us at info@arohatours.co.nz or 0064-21-890611 for more information about our luxury New Zealand tours. Our Vehicles Travel Guide Profiles
Day 1: Christchurch airport arrival driving distance 1,5h
ve in Christchurch Int. Airport and you will be met by your driver/guide and transferred to your accommodation. From Christchurch your journey will take you across the alpine mountains into the small alpine settlement of Hanmer Springs. You have the opportunity to relax in the hot natural thermal waters of famous mineral pools, which are set in a garden of giant conifers. Accommodation: Hanmer Springs
Day 2: Christchurch – Kaikoura (Whale-watching or Dolphin Cruise, seal colonies, coastal walks) driving distance 2h
ch the small seaside town of Kaikoura which is nestled on a rugged peninsula on the East Coast and is backed by the breathtaking Seaward Kaikoura Ranges. A spectacular marine playground exists off the coast of Kaikoura; - living in this environment is the mighty Sperm Whale. Join a whale watching cruise at the beautiful coastline of the South Island or decide on swim with the dolphins. (Both excursions are subject to weather and lighting conditions). Fur seals, once almost hunted to extinction are now plentiful here, resting on warm rocks after a nights fishing. Walk among these creatures at this unique beach and watch our native Seabirds (Albatross and shags), also enjoying the rich sea harvest. Accommodation: Kaikoura
Day 3: Kaikoura-Marlborough Sounds (wineries) driving distance 3h
Pacific Coastline you travel along the East Coast of New Zealand. We pass over the arid. Rolling foothills of South Marlborough, we drop down to New Zealand‟s pre-eminent grape-growing area. Blenheim is the main town in the region of New Zealand. Its lovely sunny climate makes Blenheim an ideal wine growing region. New Zealand's climate is perfect for fine wine growing, wineries and vineyards. Sample with us wines such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on a wine tour. For lunch enjoy a gourmet lunch at one of our many vineyards.(optional and extra charge) From here we travel to a small unique remote beach in the Marlborough Sounds. You encounter a glorious world as the enters the outskirts of the Marlborough Sounds. You will discover a region of myriad inlets and bay‟s with dramatic hills that plunge steeply into the sea. Enjoy an evening meal and a local wine at your accommodation. Accommodation: Marlborough Sounds
Day 4: Marlborough Sounds (Queen Charlotte Trek)
The steep, wooded hills and small quiet bays of the sounds are sparsely populated, as access is difficult. Many of the small settlements and isolated houses are only accessible by boat. The main large port is Picton on the mainland, at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound. The Queen Charlotte Track runs almost the entire length of New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Sound. Take a water taxi to some of the remote bays and walk the Queen Charlotte trek. The track stretches from Ship Cove to Anakiwa - 71 kilometres (approximately 45 miles) of spectacular walking track passing through historic sites, secluded bays and lush coastal bush. Your guide will inform you of the optional day walks through this area. Or enjoy a kayak through the many bays and picnic on one of the remote sand-beaches. Take a boat trip to the mussel farms nearby and discover the local history (Optional extra charge). Accommodation: Marlborough Sounds
Day 5: Marlborough Sound – West-Coast (Wilderness lodge, Charming Creek Walk) driving distance 4h
resting flavour of mountains, and native flora and fauna, as you travel through the rugged terrain that divides the east from the west. Taking the Lewis Pass over to the west coast of New Zealand, and upon reaching Reefton your tour then takes you south toward to Westport, the northern gateway to the “Wild West”. From Westport your journey winds its way through the western slopes of the west coast which displays a series magnificent mountain ranges, and native New Zealand vegetation. Your tonight‟s lodge is south of Karamea, we're an ideal base for exploring all the Northern West Coast has to offer ... from wild bush and beaches to mountains and rivers, the incredible Oparara arches and caves to the renowned Charming Creek Walkway. An historical walk along the route of the Charming Creek Coal Company‟s railway line. The walk passes through attractive native forest scenery and combines history in this three-hour walk on an old railway formation. Accommodation: West Coast
Day 6: West Coast-Pancake Rocks-Franz Josef Glacier (Pancake Rocks, white heron sanctuary) driving distance 4h
p at Punakaki the jewel of the West Coast, Punakaiki is world renowned for its pancake rock formation and blowholes. Walk with us along some of the stunning and remote beach treks, though a dense rainforest with Nikau Palms and large ferns. We follow the winding road along one of the most stunning coastal drives in the country. Pass the township of Greymouth and Hokitika; known both for gold and coal mining in New Zealand. The mountains in this area are a source for jade, or greenstone, important in Maori history as material for jewellery, tools and weaponry. Galleries here offer you the chance to view this beautiful stone and gold crafts. After midday we take a jet boat ride to a rare white heron sanctuary. The Waitangi Roto Nature Reserve is a sanctuary to most of the bird life that you will see in the South West Heritage Area. The pristine rainforest, predominantly Kahikatea, stands tall, and shos off it's untouched beauty. Your day‟s itinerary will end in the tiny settlement Fox Glacier just 25km from Franz Josef Glacier. Both Glaciers are located 25 km from each other and are unique in the world as they seem to nearly reach the ocean. Highly recommended: One of the best ways to appreciate the glaciers size and features and blue ice crevasses is by air. From here you can hire a helicopter to take a scenic flight over this spectacular scenery. Or take a helicopter glacier hiking tour (Optional and extra charge) Accommodation: Franz Josef
Day 7: Franz Josef Glacier-Lake Wanaka (Rainforest, alpine country and waterfalls) driving distance 4h
An interesting day of scenic opportunities experiencing the untamed beauty of the native New Zealand flora and fauna, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. This day gives you the opportunity see large crystal clear streams and waterfalls and it also takes you through the South Westland region to one of our World Heritage Parks Mt Aspiring National Park this area is a vast, glacial sculpted wilderness. As you exit Mt Aspiring National Park you will travel through what is known as “The Neck” a formation of land that separates two of our great South Island lakes Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka. Wanaka is a new and modern Alpine resort and mostly visited by us New Zealanders. You will have the afternoon off to enjoy the scenery, go shopping or play golf. Accommodation: Wanaka
Day 8: Wanaka (3h hike Siberia Valley Hike, Flight, jet-boat ride) driving distance 2h return
Join us for a 4 hour wilderness adventure tour in Mount Aspiring World Heritage National Park. Take a 25 minute unforgettable scenic flight with views of Southern Alps, capturing the rugged beauty of New Zealand's World Heritage National Park. See glaciers, ice, snow, mountain lakes, hanging valleys, vast rain forests, and dramatic unspoiled beauty. Land in the glacially carved Siberia Valley in the middle of the Southern Alps and to begin a 2hr walk through valleys and native beech forest on a well marked track linking the remote Siberia Valley with the wilderness of the Wilkin Valley! And join a 30 minute exciting Jet Boat ride. Your Siberia Experience leaves from Makarora at the head of Lake Wanaka and allows you to enjoy some of New Zealand's untouched scenery from the air, on land and from the water. Accommodation: Wanaka
Day 9: Wanaka - Queenstown - Te Anau (Old Chinese settlement, Central Otago) driving distance 3h
Central Otago is New Zealand‟s fastest growing wine region and also it‟s most scenic. Take the time to explore these incredible vineyards set in small micro-climates in a landscape dominated by high snow-capped mountains, and tussock clad slopes. Travel to Cromwell and Bannockburn, the heart of Pinot Noir country, and depending on your personal tastes, we will guide you to a selection of boutique wineries. Visit the surrounding areas to Arthur's Point it's on to Coronet Peak for more spectacular views of Queenstown, to your next stop in Arrowtown, a historic colonial village that takes you back into the Gold Mining days of the Otago region. From there your journey takes you to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. Relax in Queenstown from where you can take the opportunity to explore the village area. By late afternoon we take you to Lake Te Anau. Here you will be visiting one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand. The extraordinary scenic beauty has earned this region a reputation as a significant sightseeing and walking destination, and a 'Must See' for anyone travelling to New Zealand. Accommodation: Te Anau
Day 10: Te Anau-Milford Sound (Encounter cruise) driving distance 4h return
We are heading for the spectacular Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the „eighth wonder of the world” and was carved out during successive ice ages and, at its deepest point off Mitre Peak, plunges to a depth of 265 meters. Getting there is half of the experience; we take you through the Fiordland National Park, pass staggeringly beautiful valleys, lakes and creeks. If the time allows we will stop at the” Mirror Lakes”, before entering the narrow and dark 1km long Homer Tunnel. We take you on a day cruise into the magnificent wonder-world of the Milford Sound. View the Bowen Falls, hurtling 165 meters into the sea, and the Stirling Falls further down the sound, set amidst the towering cliffs and dwarfed by Mitre Peak. On the way back we take a broad walk into the “Chasm” to see surreal, water-hewn rock sculptures. Or take a day tour to Doubtful Sounds (Optional and extra charge) Accommodation: Te Anau
Day 11: Te Anau – Catlins (Farm-stay) driving distance 3h
By midday we visit the Te Anau Glow-worm and lime Cave formations. A short boat ride will take you to these famous lime caves on the edge of Fiordland National Park. Leaving the Fiordland National Park we are heading to the most southern part of New Zealand. Natural curiosities and beauty combine to make this corner of the South Island a scenic treasure. Fossilized trees, beautiful waterfalls, golden beaches, high cliffs and secret caves are all part of a unique mix of attractions in this area. (McLean Falls and Cathedral Caves) A varied coastline provides a home to a wide range of wildlife, see sea-ions at Waipapa Point Lighthouse. Visit the unique fossil forest at Curio Bay. Take with us a short walk to the Purakaunui Falls through beech and prodocarp forest to a viewing platform overlooking these attractive waterfalls. Accommodation: Catlins
Day 12: Catlins – Dunedin (Royal Albatross and penguin watch) driving distance 4h
Today, Dunedin has a rightly deserved reputation as one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. High among the rolling hills of the Peninsula is Larnach Castle, the grand home of an early politician.Visit its historic-style garden which can be reached via the high road along the Peninsula's ridge. (Optional and extra charge) From here, views out to sea and back towards the city emphasise the singular beauty of Dunedin and its jewel-like harbour. Drive further to the tip of the Otago Peninsula is Taiaroa Heads, about forty minutes from the city centre. The magnificent Royal Albatross, a huge sea bird of mythology, soars above the rugged cliffs. Take a guided tour of the only mainland nesting colony of the Royal Albatross in the world. For dusk we have organised a tour to watch the yellow-eye and blue penguin colonies close by. Accommodation: Dunedin
Day 13: Dunedin - Mt Cook - Lake Tekapo (Moeraki boulders, Glacier Lakes) driving distance 4h
Further up the coast we walk between the Moraki Boulders, which are spherical boulders formed millions of years ago on the sea floor. Encased in sandstone, the earths crust moved and the coast rose up from the sea. Millions of years later, when the sea eroded the cliff face the boulders have been uncovered. We take you for lunch to Oamaru. The main Town of North Otago is a pretty town and the best-preserved collection of historic and commercial buildings in New Zealand. We travel into deep into the heart of the Southern Alps and to the southern slopes of Mt Cook National Park. The region is renowned for its incredibly clear starry nights, brilliant sunny days, remarkable turquoise blue lakes, valleys of emerald green and snow-capped mountains. Shaped by the giant forces of nature, massive glaciers have scoured the land leaving a trail of lakes and rivers across the landscape. Today you will see awesome mountain ranges - the snow capped Southern Alps stretching across the western horizon. Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain at 3,754 metres above sea level, towers over the expansive countryside. We overnight in the small township of Lake Tekapo. Accommodation: Lake Tekapo
Day 14: Lake Tekapo – Akaroa Peninsula driving distance 4h
Today we pass the township of Lake Tekapo. The Lake Tekapo shine‟s all year round in a beautiful turquoise colour, and reflects the surrounding mountains. Relax at this mystical, tranquil place and take a stroll along the lake‟s shores. Our trip will take us through some of the most evocative hill county in New Zealand. Speckled with small agricultural outposts, the Canterbury Plains are an area of serene, rural beauty. To the east lie the coastal climes of Timaru while, to the west, Mackenzie Country accounts for a large percent of New Zealand‟s sheep population. We drive you through Canterbury to the historic French colonial village of Akaroa; only 90 minutes drive from Christchurch. The township is settled around a dormant crater and natural harbour The township is settled around a dormant crater and natural harbour. The French explorers who sailed to Akaroa in 1840 left some indelible imprints throughout the township. Accommodation: Akaroa Peninsula
Day 15: Akaroa-Christchurch airport departure driving distance 1,5h
You can relax before your driver/guide collects you from your accommodation to transfer you to Christchurch Airport to connect you with your departing airline.
Prices:
We are specialized in custom made tours for the desiring traveller. Each tour package will be tailored to your specific needs. Individual choices of accommodation style and the amount of activities you anticipate in will reflect on the general overall cost of the tour. Please make an enquiry.
Accommodation:
We use quality accommodations which are handpicked and have great hosts and are located in beautiful locations. All rooms are modern with private on suites or bathrooms! If you decide on 5 Star travel that we will offer you the best boutique lodging that New Zealand has to offer.
Dining:
We have decided not to include lunches and most dinners in the package (Exceptions’: Wilderness and Farm-stays and superior Lodges are inclusive private dinners), as we believe that each individual has different needs and tastes and that New Zealand had great restaurants in each area, that are within reach. It also allows you to choose places to your own budget. Your guide will advise you in each area about your best options. Special dietary needs can be catered for.
Activities:
We pride ourselves on a wide range of activities in your tour package. We chosen those that we feel will enhance your New Zealand experiences. You can participate in as many or as few as you like. If you are unable to participate in any activity or there are weather restrictions, alternatives will be provided where possible. Please check our activity list on 'Links' site
Transport:
All our vehicles are comfortable, luxury sedans (max 4 people) or luxury vans (max 8 people).
Support:
You will receive detailed pre-trip information. Including passport and visa requirements, packing tips and general travel information for New Zealand!
We have professional office staff to help you plan every aspect of your trip inside of New Zealand.