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Dramatic scenery, unusual bird & marine life encounters and beautiful Stewart Island

This holiday can be re-designed and tailor-made for your own unique experience

Introduction

Encounter prolific bird life, rare marine life and explore some of the most remote and unspoilt places on earth, from the marine rich waters of the Otago Peninsula to the wild, untouched beauty of Stewart Island.

Dramatic alpine scenery
Doubtful Sound cruise
Kiwi on Stewart Island
Wild west coast

Guided nature walks
Doubtful Sound cruise
Glacier visits

Arrive Christchurch

Collect car and drive to Otago Peninsula via the Moeraki Boulders
In-Depth Peninsula Experience
Drive to the Southern Catlins
Explore independently
Drive to Invercargill for flight to Stewart Island
Guided nature & bird watching on Stewart & Ulva Island
Fly to Invercargill then drive to Te Anau
Doubtful Sound overnight cruise
Return to Manapouri then drive to Queenstown
Day of leisure
Drive via the Crown Ranges to Lake Moeraki on the west coast
Guided excursions from the lodge
Drive north via Fox Glacier and Franz Josef to Hokitiki
Visit the Punakaiki before crossing the Southern Alps back to Christchurch
Depart Christchurch.

From Christchurch your route takes you southwards to the Otago Peninsula renowned for its abundant marine life. Encounters with penguins and albatross are the norm here, your expert guides know the best viewing spots and will ensure you have the best possible experience. From here continue south through the little-known Catlins, wild, rugged and untouched this is true New Zealand wilderness and a region which deserves your time.

Next spot is New Zealand's third largest island - Stewart Island, home to native birdlife, ancient forests and unspoilt beaches, together with neighbouring Ulva Island this is paradise for bird lovers and you should be lucky enough to see the kiwi in its natural habitat.

Back on the mainland your route follows the Southern Scenic Route to Te Anau, home to Lake Te Anau but also your jump off point for the exceptional Doubtful Sound overnight cruise. The phrase 'Sound of Silence' is often referred to and you will soon see why. Expect rich flora and fauna, many different bird species, bottlenose dolphins and depending on the time of year Fiordland crested penguins.

After a few days in Queenstown start heading north again, this time up the wild West Coast via the Te Wahi Pounamu World Heritage Area and the gold mining heritage of Hokitika. Your journey comes to an end as you traverse the Southern Alps back to Christchurch.

 

October - April

Highlight species

Dolphins and sealions
Albatross
Little Blue Penguin and Yellow-eyed Penguin
Native birdlife such as the weka and saddleback
Stewart Island Brown Kiwi

 

Cost from £

Please contact us for a cost for when you wish to travel.

Departure Dates

Any date to your requirements.

Difficulty

An easy tour with some walking, perhaps on muddy paths. Steps to be expected

Flights

No direct flights from the UK. International flights via Asian and US hubs or Australia.

Time

GMT +13 hours

Abel Tasman and Marlborough Sounds in the north of South Island. Also consider combining with North Island.

Alternatively set sail on a cruise of the sub-Antarctic islands.

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