South Island Self Drive - 12 day

Traverse the scenic heartland of the South  Island from the Kaikoura Peninsula to the wild west coast.  Braided river systems, high country lakes and majestic fiords are home to this islands distinctive wildlife. Included is a stop over on ruggedly beautiful Stewart Island.

Day 1: Christchurch to Kaikoura
Your journey begins in Christchurch, after picking up your vehicle drive north across the Canterbury Plains  to Kaikoura, an attractive seaside fishing village, famous for its marine mammals. After checking into your accommodation enjoy a leisurely walk around the  Kaikoura Peninsula a spectacular coastal walk.

Day 2: Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs
Join a special early morning whale watch excursion, this is also an excellent way to see pelagic birds including albatross’s, petrels and prions. This afternoon drive through to Hanmer Thermal Resort and relax in the hot thermal pools or enjoy a walk in the nearby forest. 

Day 3: Hanmer Springs to Greymouth
Drive across the Southern Alps via the Lewis Pass.  Enjoy a walk in the beech forest in the Lewis Pass National Reserve before travelling through the west coast rain forest to the coastal township of Greymouth where you stay overnight.

Day 4: Greymouth to Fox Glacier  
Today become acquainted with the Westland National Park and the awe inspiring Franz and Fox glaciers.  This is also an opportunity to visit the white heron colony at Okaitro. At Fox Glacier, enjoy a relatively easy walk to the terminal face of the glacier. 

Day 5: Fox Glacier to Wanaka
Continue south along the coast enjoying some magnificent coastal scenery and a number of easier walks, search for the endemic Fiordland Crested Penguin.  Then travel via the Haast Pass to Wanaka choosing from a number of the short Rainforest walks along this unique highway.

Day 6 : Wanaka to Te Anau   
Visit the popular resort town of Queenstown en route to Te Anau where you can either indulge in some shopping or just enjoy the scenery. On arrival in Te Anau  you should definitely stop in at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and the adjacent Wildlife Park.  This evening you will join a special excursion to the world famous glowworm caves  across lake Te Anau.

Day 7: Te Anau to Milford Sound to Te Anau
Drive to Milford Sound via the Eglington Valley, which is one of the best birding spots in New Zealand. You can see numerous different species including the bush robin, redcrowned parakeets and if you are lucky the rare yellowhead.  The road continues on through the Hollyford Valley where you can enjoy spectacular alpine flora. In Milford Sound, join a cruise on this world renowned fiord before returning to  Te Anau.  

Day 8: Te Anau to Stewart Island
Travel to Invercargill, New Zealand’s southern most city then take the ferry to Stewart Island. On arrival check to see whether the Kiwi watch excursion is running that evening, if not take a walk this evening to see little blue penguins and sooty shearwaters at nearby Ackers Point.

Day 9: Stewart Island 
A boat will ferry you across to the Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary. Take you lunch and spend the day on this predator free Island. It is an excellent place to bird and botanize.  Look out for many of our rare NZ native birds, including the South Island Saddleback and the cheeky weka. This evening join the Kiwi watch if it didn’t go last night.

Day 10: Stewart Island to Dunedin
Catch the morning ferry back to Invercargill and pick up your car then drive North to Dunedin.  Make sure you arrive in plenty of time as this is the Wildlife Capital of NZ. On the Otago Peninsula only a few minutes drive from the city you can visit the Albatross Colony and see Yellow-eyed Penguins and many other bird species.

Day 11: Dunedin to Mount Cook
Your journey to the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park will take you through the McKenzie Basin. On arrival at the Park be sure to visit the park headquarters and enjoy one of the many walks here which will give you spectacular views of the mountains and the alpine vegetation. 

Day 12: Mount Cook to Christchurch
Before heading north to Christchurch spend some time searching for the rare Black stilt, which is only found in this high country region of New Zealand. The road north to Christchurch travels through the rolling South Canterbury foothills and across the  fertile Canterbury Plains.  On arrival in Christchurch drop off your rental vehicle and either connect with International flights or continue with your own arrangements.