According to Maori legend, the tip of a canoe formed the peaks of South Island's Nelson and its prow was transformed into the river valleys of the region's Marlborough Sounds. The glacial valleys of Kahurangi, the alpine lakes of Fiordland and the peaks of the Southern Alps have been used as a backdrop for a more modern myth - the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Biodiversity is the key here – the South Alps separate Queenstown’s ancient beech-tree forests and the west coast limestone formations from the pastures, beaches and volcanic soils of Canterbury in the east, while the northern Kaikoura Peninsula is home to sperm whales, Hector’s dolphins, fur seals and royal albatrosses.
Experiences
-
Central South Island
Stretching from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean, central South Island is one of New Zealand’s most varied regions
-
Coastal Otago & Southland
One of New Zealand’s least visited regions, the south eastern corner of South Island is austerely beautiful. The Otago Peninsula is one of the most accessible wildlife areas on South Island.
-
Marlborough & Kaikoura Coast
A filigree of islands, sheltered bays and waterways, the Marlborough Sounds are spectacularly beautiful, with tiny golden beaches, deep blue waters and forested islands so perfect they seem almost unreal.
-
Nelson & The Abel Tasman
The combination of a warm, sunny climate, long golden beaches, local wineries, superb restaurants and a flourishing arts and crafts community ender Nelson an attractive starting point to Explore South Island.
-
Southern Lakes, Fiordland & Central Otago
Sublimely beautiful, the lower reaches of South Island are a scenic masterpiece.
Sample South Island itinerary
DAY 1 - 4 The Abel Tasman
Arrive Nelson. Meet with a private guide for an art & wine tour, indulge in fine food & wine, visit the World of Wearable Arts (WOW) museum. Sail aboard a private yacht or kayak on the Abel Tasman. Appreciate the natural beauty of this stunning coastline. Explore the Abel Tasman National Park & walk the famed Coastal Track
DAY 5 - 8 Southern Alps
Fly on to Christchurch.Take a balloon flight over the Canterbury Plains, enjoy the beautiful coastline of the Banks Peninsula, swim with dolphin in Akaroa. From Christchurch take the TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps to Greymouth. Meet a guide for a tour of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area with two hypnotic glaciers, Fox & Franz Josef
DAY 9 - 12 Fiordland
Journey further south down the west coast, stopping for an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Haast River & then on to Wanaka with its lakeside setting & impressive backdrop. Explore boutique wineries & the Mount Aspiring National Park. Drive on to Queenstown via the old gold mining town of Arrowtown with its vineyards & acclaimed restaurants. In Queenstown, tailor each day to include as little or as much activity as desired.Take a private helicopter flight over the magnificent Fiordland National Park & the Milford Sounds
DAY 13 - 15 Coastal Otago
Drive on to Coastal Otago. Discover the rich heritage & abundance of wildlife. Be impressed by the remarkable Moeraki Boulders & explore Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South
Prices start from £3,995 excluding flights.
Please call us for a bespoke itinerary and quotation.
