14 Day South Island at Leisure Family

Arrive at Christchurch and collect your car hire. Make your way into the city and to your first night’s accommodation. Start exploring the new vibrant city that is Christchurch straight away.

This morning, head west towards Punakaiki, travelling through the picturesque Canterbury countryside before crossing the Southern Alps via the scenic Lewis Pass. Along the way, enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, lush native forests and winding alpine roads as you make your way towards the West Coast.

Continue south along the coast to Punakaiki, home to the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, two of the West Coast’s must-see natural attractions. Take time to explore these remarkable limestone formations before continuing south to Greymouth, where you will spend the night.

After a morning of sightseeing head south today down the West Coast. There are some great old towns to visit on the way as well as some fantastic places to photograph the scenery and take a look at the dramatic coastline, you have time to enjoy this area at a leisurely pace.

Continue south through to Franz Josef Glacier where you are staying for 2 nights.

It is a day of leisure. There is lots to explore in this area – you can take your own time walking up to the glacier, going to the Okarito Lagoon or join a guided walk on the glacier, take a Heli-hike adventure, or a scenic flight over both glaciers.

Today, view incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass as you travel onto Wanaka for your 2-night stay.

This morning join a small group of fellow travelers on a relaxing visit to a very cute island. Often called the jewel of Wanaka, Ruby is small but very photogenic. The eclectic mix of exotic and native plants adds a foreground to the colors of the lake and the mountains behind.

Your guided walk around the island is one of the easiest Wanaka walks and suitable for all ages. Visit the remains of a dance hall from the days of prohibition in Otago, learn about Manuka Honey and enjoy some great photo opportunities. The majestic mountains of the Southern Alps provide the perfect backdrop to your holiday pictures.

There’s time to wander around the popular lakeside township of Wanaka before travelling over the spectacular Crown Range to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown and then on to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine resort town regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination.

Enjoy a day exploring Queenstown, surrounded by majestic mountains and the stunning waters of Lake Wakatipu. Begin with a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak, where panoramic views of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains await. Then enjoy three thrilling luge rides, navigating the twists and turns of the purpose-built tracks at your own pace.

This evening, step aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship for a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Here, enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner featuring a delicious selection of locally sourced produce, prepared by the resident chef. After dinner, relax on the return cruise to Queenstown, taking in the spectacular lakeside scenery.