If you allow for the time (and costs), this route is that you take the northern tip, the very southern reaches of the South Island.
If you really want to see as much as possible on the South Island, South Island 21 days then this route should for you.
My itinerary is:
Day 1
Arrival in Christchurch. There are numerous motels city's international airport, then collect your vehicle, to check into the motel and a good nights sleep, because yourAdventure begins tomorrow.
Day 2
Today the New Zealand tour, take some time to explore Christchurch. Christchurch has a great sense of "English", and has also crossed the River Avon. Perhaps a gondola ride or drive to the sea side, solution "French" Akaroa, near the beautiful Peninsula Bank. There is much to see and do in Christchurch.
Day 3
Take the short (1.5 hours) north of the spa village of Hanmer Springs.Hanmer has a large spa complex with swimming pools at different temperatures. What a relaxing way to spend a few hours. The complex also houses a set of slides for children and young at heart.
Day 4
There are so many reflections on the South Iceland Showcase New Zealand tour, and this is one of them. Today you head down the beautiful coastal town of Kaikoura (2 hours). Kaikoura is famous for its seafood, whale watching, seal colony and the landscape where the mountainsseems to come all the way to the sea. Coverage during the colder months, snow peaks, offers some incredible photo opportunities.
Day 5
Today is the day to do a whale watching tour. At best, it is early in the morning before the wind picked up and the sea. Whale watching tours are well run and very enjoyable. You can also see dolphins, seals and other marine animals.
Day 6
Today you will have your route takes you from New Zealand Kaikoura Nelson. Nelson is a city "very large"of about 50,000 people, perfectly on the shores of Tasman Bay. In winter, snow covers the surrounding areas.
Nelson is also the gateway to the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Access to the park is the small village of Marahau Bay, which is about 1 hours drive from Nelson.
7 and 8
There are two full days to explore the region Nelson. The Abel Tasman National Park is a "must see" has. You can choose a short walk in the park, night walks,or a kayak tour. Nelson also has a thriving wine industry, so perhaps a visit to a local winery? If you are planning a trip to Abel Tasman belong, take the time to visit the village stunning Kaiteriteri. A wonderful place for a snack overlooking the bay.
If time permits, a trip to Golden Bay and Farewell Spit is also recommended. On the way stop in Te Waikoropupu Springs (Pupu Springs).
Day 9
Today you will showcase your South Island of New Zealand tour takes you fromNelson, on the coast north to Punakaiki (3.5 hours) on the rugged west coast. Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and is known to the blowhole. The rocks seem limestone columns, the stack of pancakes. Punakaiki Paparoa National Park is surrounded by about 30,000 hectares.
Punakaiki has a couple of lodging options, but my favorite is the Punakaiki Resort is a beautiful Sea Side Hotel on the beach. Your room overlooks the sea, and the excellentRestaurant offers you the opportunity to watch the sunset over the ocean. A good way to end the day.
Day 10
Today it from Punakaiki to Franz Josef village (2.5 hours). The village has many accommodation options, and is the basis for various tour operators. Franz Josef Glacier (an area of world heritage), falls from a height of 2,700 meters above sea level, about 240 meters above sea level, at a distance of 11 km, for spectacular viewing platform.
If youArriving in town, check out the options for tours, because you must book in advance for Day 11 may also be aware that the weather can change quickly in this part of New Zealand, so your route to a full day tomorrow for greater flexibility when booking trips.
Day 11
Today on the South Island of New Zealand Showcase tour is free to Franz Josef (and near Fox Glacier) to explore. There are several possibilities for hiking, helicopter tours, helicopter flight and landing etc.on top of the glacier is highly recommended (although a little 'expensive).
If you are looking for something quieter, a walk, in order to seek the face of Franz Josef Glacier more to your liking. Make sure you wear a comfortable pair of shoes as the walk takes about 1.5 hours roundtrip from the parking lot.
Fox Glacier is located nearby.
Day 12
Travel today takes you along the west coast to the town of Haast, then inland to the beautiful Lake Wanaka community.Wanaka is a highlight of your trip to New Zealand. Wanaka is similar in many respects Queenstown. It is located on the banks of a beautiful lake, Lake Wanaka and is a basis for the two world-class Skifield, Cardrona and Treble Cone. Wanaka is feeling a little 'more relaxed than in Queenstown, and the layout of the city seem less cumbersome. Dining options abound along the shore of the lake, and provide the perfect setting for a relaxing coffee.
There is much to see and do in Wanaka, withPuzzling World as attractions, the historic Cardrona Pub fishing, trout, and 4WD tours to name a few.
Wanaka has many lodging options, but one look at the lake is worth it if your budget allows.
Day 13
Today brings us to Queenstown, the "Adventure Capital" of New Zealand. There are two roads from Wanaka to Queenstown. The road crossing Cromwell takes about 1.5 hours and is quite boring by the standards of New Zealand. Much better, as short (1 hour)Driven by the full range of Cardrona Crown. The view is breathtaking, and the road is said to be the highest main road in the country. If you have time to make a detour to the historic Cardrona Hotel for tea or lunch.
14 and 15
Queenstown is a highlight on the South Island New Zealand Showcase.
Well, where to start with Queenstown! This is one of my favorite destinations in New Zealand. On the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown offers somethingfor everyone. It may be little or as much as you want.
A "must" is a trip to Milford Sound. The drive from Queenstown is approximately 4 hours each way, which makes for a very long and tiring day, if you are driving. Much better, a bus tour organized, or (flights are heavily dependent on the time) with the bus in one direction and fly to the other. Milford Sound was described as the eighth wonder of the world and is the most popular tourist attraction in New Zealand.
Other things"Queenstown List" at the top of the gondola ride is one of Bob's Peak, a cruise on Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw steamship old, a thrilling ride jet boat, or maybe a bungee jump.
Day 16
Travel today to the southern city of Invercargill (2.5 hours). Invercargill on the Southern Scenic Route, and is the southernmost city in New Zealand and Western Europe. And 'the gateway to the Catlins and Stewart Island. Invercargill has several museums and art galleries, and adrive a short distance Bluff, home of the famous Bluff Oyster. Stewart is the third largest island of Iceland in New Zealand and is located 30 km (19 miles) off the southern coast. The trip by ferry from Bluff takes about 1 hour each way. Stewart Island has many interesting walks in the nature and spectacular scenery.
Do activities in and around Invercargill, click here.
17 and 18
Today you will travel to New Zealand in Dunedin (about 2.5 hours drive). Dunedin is theSouth of Iceland is the second largest city, with a population of about 120,000. Dunedin is a city university students from many countries.
Dunedin is a Scottish heritage, and in fact, as previously announced New Edinburgh. The influence of Scots in the local Edwardian, like St. Paul's Cathedral, Town Hall, Dunedin Railwat station and the historic Larnach Castle is to see about 13 kilometers from the center.
Dunedin is also the New Zealandthe first botanical garden, and is home to a wide variety of birds and marine life.
Day 19
South Island of New Zealand Get your Showcase continues today with a trip to Mount Cook (4 hours).
Mount Cook (Aoraki) is New Zealand's highest mountain at 3753 meters and is part of the Mount Cook National Park, the mighty Tasman Glacier. With 30 kilometers long, is one of the largest glaciers outside the Himalayas.
Mt Cook Village has different accommodationIt is also the seat of Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, located at the Hotel Hermitage complex. More things to do are hiking (check the weather before you leave), flights and glacier walks and lounging in awe looking at Mt Cook.
Day 20
Their latest album is now in a 4 hour journey back to Christchurch. Along the way stop at Lake Tekapo for a look at the incredible turquoise waters of the lake. Southern Alps, including Mt Cook, form aFund and provide a memorable occasion photos. Tekapo is also home to the Church of the Good Shepherd, which has to be one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand.
Day 21
Flight home. Unfortunately all good things must end, but I hope that this New Zealand South Island Showcase path has been useful. Enjoy.
