"It is impossibility for my recent South Island visit to have been anymore exceptional than it was - thanks entirely to GeoSavvy Tours"
A Friesen, Idaho/Washington, USA, South
Take the Tranz Alpine, one of the world's most spectacular rail journey's across the Southern Alps (home to New Zealand's tallest peak) to the remote West Coast where the glaciers and fiords are located. Explore this rugged area traveling south via the glaciers towards Queenstown - New Zealand's adventure capital. Take a day trip into Doubtful Sound, one of the many beautiful fiords making up Fiordland National Park. Explore the Southern Scenic Route around the bottom of the South Island via the Catlins where deserted beaches, waterfalls and pristine lowland rainforest are the norm.
Reach Dunedin, the 'Edinburgh of the South' and world famous for its heritage and ecotourism ventures showcasing the world's rarest penguin species and only mainland breeding colony of royal albatross (wingspan 3m) in the world. Head inland after visiting the Moeraki Boulders and Oamaru, towards Lake Tekapo, a very scenic drive which takes you past Mt Cook/Aoraki NZ's tallest mountain. From here travel to Kaikoura where you will go whalewatching - an amazing opportunity to view these magnificent animals in the wild.
Fly from Christchurch to Rotorua, the cultural home of many indigenous Maori and experience a Maori hangi (feast) and the geothermal wonders of this area. Head north via Auckland, NZ's largest city, towards the Bay of Islands, where NZ's first capital, Russell - now a quaint island settlement located adjacent to where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. Travel as far north as possible to Cape Reinga and spend the day sailing in the beautiful Bay of Islands.
Travel Style:
This is a premium journey with many exciting activities, most meals, excellent accommodation and domestic flights included.
Accommodation:
4+ star boutique B&B and hotels
Places to Visit:
Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, Kaikoura, West Coast, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Manapouri, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Riverton, Invercargill, Bluff, Catlins, Dunedin, Otago Peninsula, Central Otago, Oamaru, Mt Cook/Aoraki, Lake Tekapo, Rotorua, Waitomo Caves, Auckland, Bay of Islands, Paihia, Russell, Cape Reinga, Waitangi
