Your Travel Experience with connections-dynamic
Day 1
Christchurch
Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island, located on the Pacific Ocean and the edge of the Canterbury Plains. There is no other place in the world where you can ski, play golf, bungee jumping, rafting and mountain biking a two-hour drive from the international airport.
THE TOWERS ON THE PARK 3* (STANDARD STUDIO)
Day 2
Lake Tekapo
As you leave Christchurch you head southwest past Fairlie and across the Mackenzie region, named after the legendary Scottish shepherds who once lived here. Lake Tekapo milky turquoise coloured waters get their distinctive hue from fine particles of polished glacier rocks. A photo near the Church of the Good Shepherd is a must.
LAKE TEKAPO VILLAGE MOTEL 3* (LAKEVIEW STUDIO)
Day 3
Dunedin
A varied landscape of high altitude grasslands, fields and snow-covered peaks; that's what you may expect to see today. You arrive in Dunedin, one of the most important settler cities with a strong Scottish heritage. The discovery of gold in the 1860's turned Dunedin into a city to be reckoned with.
KINGSGATE HOTEL 3* (STANDARD)
Day 4 - 5
Te Anau - Milford Sound
Be sure to halt in Gore, where the "Hokonui Moonshine Museum" tells the story of illegal whiskey production, and Mandeville's "Croydon Aviation Heritage Trust" where flights in vintage aircraft (Tiger Moth, Fow Moth and Dragonfly) are the thing to do. Your journey continues to Te Anau and its magnificent Fiordland National Park. The road towards Milford is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the country. Because of its beauty, Milford Sound was described by Rudyard Kipling as the "eighth wonder of the world". See the beautiful surroundings during a cruise, kayak trip or guided walk.
DISTINCTION LUXMORE 3* (STANDARD)
Day 6 - 7
Queenstown
Kingston is home to a remarkable antique steam train. Quite unique. Next you continue to your final destination for today: Queenstown, located on the shores of the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu in-between the dramatic mountain ranges. Rumour has it that gold diggers, fascinated by the beauty of the area, have given this now world-famous city its name. In Queenstown you can experience a wide variety of outdoor adventures: bungee jumping, jet boating, horse riding, rafting, river surfing, 4x4 excursions to film locations or historic gold mines ... Or, you could indulge yourself in a gourmet restaurant visit or relaxing spa treatment.
GARDEN COURT SUITES 3* (STUDIO SUITE)
Day 8
Fox Glacier
Start of the route via Lake Hawea and the northern end of Lake Wanaka. On to the famous "bra fence" in the Cardrona Valley that started as a joke, but has become a local legend. After a stop in Makarora, the base for visiting Mt Aspiring National Park, you venture into the challenging twists of the Haast Pass and Haast Highway to Fox Glacier.
LAKE MATHESON MOTELS 3* (STUDIO)
Day 9
Fox & Franz Josef Glacier
The Fox & Franz Josef glaciers are unique remains from the last ice age. The mighty rivers that plunge through the ice-hewn valleys are dazzling. During your stay you can choose from a wide range of activities: helicopter flight, heli hike in Franz Josef, thermal baths...
LAKE MATHESON MOTELS 3* (STUDIO)
Day 10
Punakaiki
Drive via Hokitika to Greymouth. Shantytown, just south of Greymouth, is a reconstructed gold rush town from the 1880's and great family entertainment. Continue the road north which offers spectacular views of the wild beaches and dashing Tasman Sea. Punakaiki is known for its ancient pancake rocks and the beautiful Paparoa National Park.
PAPAROA PARK MOTEL 3* (STUDIO UNIT)
Day 11 - 12
Abel Tasman National Park
Travel on to Westport, visit the local coal mine museum and put on your hiking boots to observe a seal colony. You will pass the Buller Gorge before you arrive at the wonderful Abel Tasman National Park. The special coastal landscape makes this park one of the most popular holiday destinations in New Zealand. Explore this national park by cruise, kayak, bicycle or on foot; you have all day! Though over 3/4 of the park is forest the national park is especially famous for its small bays with golden sandy beaches, turquoise waters and granite cliffs. In terms of wildlife, Abel Tasman is mainly home to sea birds, though penguins nest there as well
ABEL TASMAN OCEAN VIEW CHALETS 3*+ (STUDIO)
Day 13 - 14
Kaikoura
Nelson is a vibrant city where art flourishes, Havelock has been called the mussel capital and Picton is the gateway to Marlborough region. Blenheim, within driving distance of the city., is the heart of the wine-growing region and has over 20 wineries of which most welcome visitors. Your end destination today is Kaikoura. Experience the extraordinary wildlife that the Kaikoura region has to offer. Whales, dolphins, orcas, fur seals and large sea birds can be found here during various activities. This is also the perfect place to eat crayfish. Tasty!
GATEWAY MOTORLODGE 3* (STANDARD STUDIO)
Day 15
Christchurch
The trip back to Christchurch takes you past rugged coastal areas and the vineyards and olive groves of Wairapa. Your journey ends in the largest city of the South Island.