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Day 1 Wellington - Picton - Nelson

Cross Cook Strait on the Interislander and cruise through the flooded valleys of the Marlborough Sounds. On arrival in Picton uplift your rental car. Traverse the Richmond Ranges to reach Tasman Bay and Nelson, New Zealand's sunniest city. The balance of the day will be free.

Overnight Brooklands B & B 2 nights

Day 2 Nelson

Toady we suggest you travel to Motueka, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, one of New Zealand's most popular destinations. Try a launch cruise past golden sand beaches, luxuriant native bush and the abundant sea life (optional), experience a beach walk or just relax at Kaiterteri beach.

Day 3 Nelson - Hokitika

Ascend Hope Saddle, view the peaks of Nelson Lakes National Park. Pass through Murchison with its hills scarred by the devastating 1929 earthquake. Following the banks of the Buller Gorge drive beneath cliffs, which in places overhang the highway, to Westport. Bearing south hug the rugged coastline to Punakaiki where a visit to the famous blow holes is possible before arriving in Greymouth, the largest settlement on the West Coast. From Greymouth it is just a short distance to historic Hokitika.

Overnight Prospect House

Day 4 Hokitika - Fox Glacier

This morning discover Hokitika, a town that once boasted 80 plus bars in its main street and a river port with over fifty ships at anchor at one time. Sights may include the port and mining districts, Lake Mahinapua with its pristine forest, jade carving displays or an excursion to Shanty Town (a reconstructed gold mining town of the 1860's). This afternoon drive south through stands of native forest and over swift flowing rivers to arrive at Fox Glacier.

Overnight The Homestead B & B 2 nights

Day 5 Fox Glacier

The day is free for activities. Popular are glacier and bush walks or a scenic flight with a snow landing. Alternatively just sit back and enjoy the delightful alpine scenery.

Day 6 Fox Glacier - Wanaka

Pass by pristine lakes and forests. Cross the Haast River before climbing alongside lofty peaks and cascading waterfalls to Haast Pass. Descending to Otago hug the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea and over the mighty Clutha River to arrive in the alpine village of Wanaka on the shores of Lake Wanaka.

Overnight Aspiring Images

Day 7 Wanaka - Dunedin

Follow the Clutha River to Cromwell. Travel through through the Cromwell Gorge and by the impressive Clyde Dam. Pass the extensive orchards of the Alexandra and Roxbourgh regions prior to descending down the Manuka Gorge to reach the fertile South Taieri Plains. From here it is a just a short distance to Dunedin.

Overnight Deacon Court B & B

Day 8 Dunedin - Te Anau

This morning is free to explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. This afternoon again traverse Saddle Hill to Mosgiel and the Taieri Plains. Round Lake Waihola and continue over the rolling South Otago farmland to Gore. Leaving the main highway it is on to Lumsden and Mossburn before reaching Te Anau the gateway to Fiordland.

Overnight Cosy Kiwi B & B

Day 9 Te Anau - Milford - Queenstown

Drive through the Eglinton Valley, its hanging glacier valleys, pristine rainforest and towering mountain peaks make for one of the World's most scenic highways. Exiting the Homer Tunnel arrive Milford Sound. The cruise on the Sound provides a close up view of the cascading waterfalls, sea life and spectacular towering rock faces. Return to Te Anau before crossing through Southland's fertile farmlands to reach Lake Wakatipu and the alpine resort of Queenstown.

Overnight The Stables Home Stay 2 nights

Day 10 Queenstown

A free day to explore New Zealand's premier resort. Suggested activities include a Skippers Canyon excursion, a Lake Wakatipu cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw and a ride on the Shotover Jet. The daring may consider parapenting off Bob's Peak, white water rafting, or a thrilling bungy jump. Your holiday includes the Bob's Peak gondola ride (and light refreshments) for magnificent views over Lake Wakatipu.

Day 11 Queenstown - Fairlie

Depart Queenstown via the Kawarau Gorge with its thundering river. Pass Cromwell and along the shores of Lake Dunstan before traversing the Lindis Pass. Cross the Mackenzie Country with its expanses of tussock and snow capped Southern Alps. Arrival time at Mt. Cook allows for an optional scenic flight. Pass Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo to arrive Fairlie and your farm stay. This afternoon your hosts will be delighted to introduce you to New Zealand farming life style.

Overnight Hillcrest Home Stay

Day 12 Fairlie - Christchurch

Travel over the Canterbury Plains with their back drop of the Southern Alps to reach Christchurch the garden city.