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New Zealand’s natural landscape, raw and dynamic, with rivers, lakes and mountains of epic proportions, is still wild, very unpopulated and refuge for a rich variety of marine and birdlife. Our journey takes you from Nelson to the Kaikoura Coast, up to Blenheim, across to the West Coast, the glaciers and coastal wilderness and through the Southern Alps to the West Coast and on to Lake Wanaka. We recommend slow travel, if you have time, add extra nights or additional stops on this itinerary.
Join this journey from North Island by taking the Inter-Island ferry or flying into Nelson Airport.
Day 1 Travel to Nelson. Select accommodation and activities from our Collection.
If you come through Nelson on a Saturday morning, be sure to stop at the vibrant market. This area is home to many artists so amble through the wineries (bike hire available) and stop at the many galleries.
Day 2 Nelson
The Nelson Region has 3 National Parks and consequently has great hikes, kayaking and eco-tours available. Abel Tasman National Park is a great beach destination served by water taxis and walking trails.
Day 3 Travel to Kaikoura. Select accommodation and activities from our Collection.
On the way, look out for the crayfish food trucks and many seal colonies.
Day 4 Kaikoura
Due to its deep-sea shelf, Kaikoura has year-round populations of whales, dolphins, albatross, and many seabirds. There are whale-watching boats and also scenic flights.
Day 5 Travel to Arthur′s Pass. Select accommodation and activities from our Collection.
Enjoy the scenic drive.
Day 6 Arthur′s Pass
The Wilderness Lodges proved free daily tours as well as longer private tours for guests with more time. Fishing is excellent here.
Day 7 West Coast Select accommodation and activities from our Collection.
Stop at one of the coastal accommodations to explore this wild section of coast and break up your drive. Many opportunities for short hikes and cycle rides.
Day 8 Travel to Lake Moeraki. Select accommodation and activities from our Collection.
Stop at Fox or Franz Joseph Glaciers, maybe take a heli-hike or scenic flight here.
Day 9 Lake Moeraki
Your second Wilderness Lodge also has a seasonal Penguin Colony.
Day 10 Travel to Wanaka. Select accommodation and activities from our Collection.
The drive over Haast Pass is stunning, and the scenery changes once again as you enter Otago. Wanaka boasts some excellent restaurants, ask your host for a recommendation.
Day 11 Wanaka
Take the Mou Wahu eco-tour or perhaps a longer hike with a guide.
Day 12 Journey’s End
Queenstown Airport has good connections to other New Zealand destinations as well as a number of direct flights from Australian cities.
Queenstown airport is one hour from Wanaka and connects with other New Zealand destinations as well as direct flights from Australian cities.
Duration: 12 days, 11 nights
Connection points:
Nelson airport / Inter-Islander ferry
Queenstown airport
Activity level: moderate
Best season: October-April
Nelson – Kaikoura: 3 hours 30 minutes
Kaikoura – Arthur′s Pass: 4 hours
Arthur′s Pass – Hokitika: 1 hour 15 minutes
Hokitika – Lake Moeraki: 3 hours
Lake Moeraki – Wanaka: 2 hours 15 minutes
Price is for accommodation only and excludes meals, ground or air transport unless stated. Contact one of our Travel Agents or use My Holiday to contact the operators and book direct.
