Top of the South

TOP OF THE NEW ZEALAND SOUTH ISLAND

ITINERARY -

DAY 1 –

Fly into Queenstown or Lake Wanaka and be met by your iTrek hosts. Transfer to George and Mary’s bed and breakfast accommodation in this idyllic setting.

DAY 2 –

Enjoy your stay in Wanaka. See the sights, go boating on the lake, or visit the maze and puzzle world. If you are feeling energetic, you may like to cycle or walk around the lake edge.

DAY 3 –

Today we drive through the MacKenzie Country. Once a dry, barren area, this has been transformed into farming country by the introduction of irrigation. We have a chance to see a salmon farm, before arriving at Aroaki-Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

An optional activity for some may be to take a flight around the mountain, in a plane or helicopter. (Recommended). If the night skies are clear, you may like to take a star-gazing experience. There is an option to take a boat trip on a glacial lake.  

DAY 4 –

Today we visit Hanmer Springs, New Zealand’s best known spa town, and have a soak in the thermal pools. Tonight we will enjoy some authentic New Zealand cuisine at a local restaurant, and walk back to our accommodation.

DAY 5 –

After breakfast we travel to Kaikoura, where we will board a boat to view the giant sperm whales. This is said to be one of the “must see” activities while touring New Zealand.  Kaikoura is also a fishing port, so there is a good chance to have a lovely seafood lunch. Today we pass through one of New Zealand’s major wine regions.

DAY 6 –

Start of the Queen Charlotte Track. Travel by boat to Ship’s Cove on the way, visiting a predator-free island to view rare saddleback birds. Today enjoy a 5 hour walk, with beautiful 360 degree vistas. Stay the night at a boutique luxury lodge.

DAY 7 –

Today we walk for 4 hours around Endeavour Inlet. A highlight is viewing 1500-year-old native trees, and an abundance of native birdlife.

DAY 8 –

We leave early this morning for our 7 hour walk to Lochmara. Walking along a ridge top, we enjoy stunning views of Queen Charlotte Sound. If you prefer an easier day, you have the option of travelling this section by water taxi.

DAY 9 –

After a hearty breakfast, enjoy your last day on the track walking through native bush, and finishing up at Anakiwa, transferring by water taxi to Picton. (Read more on Queen Charlotte Track)

DAY 10 –

Today enjoy a wine tour in the Marlborough region famous for its sauvignon blanc wines.

DAY 11 –

Drive onto Nelson with free time to explore the city.

DAY 12 –

Start your walk in the Abel Tasman National Park today. Your experience starts with a cruise, departing from Kaiteriteri, along the National Park coastline to Totaranui. Today there is a 5 kilometre walk to Awaroa Bay.  

DAY 13 –

Today you have the option of being as active, or as relaxed as you would like. Explore a large tidal estuary, and visit pre-European historical sites, and / or relax and unwind on the beach.

DAY 14 –

Leaving Awaroa you walk over the Tonga Saddle and visit an historic quarry, enjoying magnificent views of headlands, estuaries and beaches as you make your way to Torrent Bay. You have time to swim or sunbathe on the golden, sandy beaches.

DAY 15 –

A day where you can relax or be as active as you would like. The options include a walk to the waterfalls on Fall’s River, visit historic Maori sites at Pitt Head or canoe on the estuary and visit Cleopatra’s Pool.

DAY 16 –

Enjoy panoramic views across Tasman Bay, and rediscover pristine bays and beaches, named by French explorer, Du-Mont Durville, on your last day. (Read more about Abel Tasman Track)

The Abel Tasman can also be experienced as a Kayaking option

DAY 17 –

Relax in Nelson. Do some last-minute shopping and pack your clothes ready for homecoming.

DAY 18 –

Fly home, with stunning memories of your New Zealand experience to treasure forever. 

PLEASE REGARD THIS AS A SAMPLE ITINERARY ONLY. THERE ARE MANY OTHER ACTIVITIES, EXPERIENCES AND TOURS TO EXPLORE IN THIS REGION