| Day 1. | | | | Franz Josef will take around 1.5 to 2 hours return. |
| Arrive in Christchurch, ready to begin your South | | | | Guided glacier walks are also available, but my pick (if |
| Island Sun and Snow New Zealand itinerary. Head to | | | | your budget allows) is ahelicopter flight and snow |
| your accommodation. | | | | landing. You will be stunned by the views and thrill of |
| Day 2. | | | | the ride. A "must do" if funds permit. Please note |
| Today you are free to explore Christchurch. | | | | though that flights are weather dependant. Conditions |
| Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island, | | | | change quickly on the west coast, so bookings are |
| and there is plenty to see and do in this lovely city. | | | | essential. |
| Christchurch has a very "English" feel, which is | | | | Day 10. |
| reflected in the architecture, and the Avon river, | | | | Your South Island Sun and Snow New Zealand |
| which runs through the city centre. | | | | itinerary now takes you to the beautiful lake side |
| Suggested activities are a punt ride on the Avon, a | | | | town of Wanaka. |
| tram ride through the city, a gondola ride, or perhaps | | | | Wanaka is well known as the service town for two |
| a drive to Akaroa, a French settlement located | | | | world class ski fields, Cardrona and Treble Cone, and |
| seaside on Bank's Peninsula. | | | | in the ski season the town buzzes with activity. |
| Day 3. | | | | The town centre is located on the lake edge, and |
| Time to hit the road on your New Zealand itinerary. | | | | offers numerous dining and accommodation options. |
| Today you are off to the beautiful village of Hanmer | | | | A lake view motel or apartment is well worth the |
| Springs, known for its thermal pools and water park. | | | | extra money, as the views year round are stunning. |
| The drive takes around 1.5 hours. On arrival, check | | | | There is much to see and do in Wanaka, including |
| into your motel then head to the pools for a relaxing | | | | 4wd tours, scenic flights, winery tours, golf, and the |
| soak. There are a variety of pools of varying | | | | quirky Puzzling World and maze. |
| temperatures. And for the kids (or the young at | | | | Days 11 & 12. |
| heart) there is also the water park, with a variety of | | | | Today on your South Island Sun and Snow New |
| slides. | | | | Zealand itinerary, you head to what many consider to |
| Day 4. | | | | be one of the most spectacular locations in the |
| Today your New Zealand itinerary tour takes you to | | | | world. Queenstown is known as the "Adventure |
| the spectacular seaside township of Kaikoura. | | | | Capital" of New Zealand, and for good reason. The |
| Kaikoura is famous for fresh seafood, whale | | | | variety of adventure activities is huge, with everyting |
| watching, local seal colonies, and amazing scenery. | | | | from bungy jumping (several locations), jet boating, |
| Please note-the best time to go whale watching is in | | | | para-sailing, para-gliding, 4wd tours, rafting, luge rides |
| the morning before the wind and the seas pick up. | | | | high above the town, and of course skiing and |
| The mountains touch the sea in Kaikoura, and in | | | | snowboarding at the two nearby ski fields, Coronet |
| winter are snow capped, making for wonderful photo | | | | Peak and The Remarkables. |
| opportunities. | | | | And if you are looking for something a little more |
| There is a wide range of accommodation in Kaikoura, | | | | sedate, a winery tour, a game of golf at one of |
| with something for all budgets. | | | | several superb courses, or a trip on Lake Wakatipu |
| Days 5, 6 & 7. | | | | on the historis steamship, the TSS Earnslaw may be |
| Today your New Zealand itinerary takes you to the | | | | to your liking. |
| bustling city of Nelson (3 hours drive). | | | | But if there is one thing that the region is world |
| Nelson is located on the shores of Tasman Bay, and | | | | famous for, it's Milford Sound. Referred to as the |
| is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, | | | | Eigth Wonder of the World, Milford Sound is the |
| one of the South Island's prime attractions. The Abel | | | | number one attraction in New Zealand, and with very |
| Tasman is located around 1 hours drive from Nelson | | | | good reason. Towering peaks and sheer cliffs that |
| and is accessed via the bay side village of Marahau. | | | | seem to disappear into the clouds, waterfalls, and the |
| The Park offers a wide range of walks and activities | | | | deep dark waters of Milford Sound all combine to |
| such as kayak trips, guided tours, and water taxi | | | | make this one of the most amazing places you will |
| rides. | | | | ever visit. |
| Further west from the Abel Tasman is Golden Bay, | | | | Milford Sound is around 4 hours drive each way from |
| another idyllic coastal location. Farewell Spit is the | | | | Queenstown, which makes for a very long and tiring |
| north western edge of the South Island and is a | | | | day. A better alternative is to take a bus tour and |
| popular location for bird and seal watching. Another | | | | cruise and let someone else worry about the driving. |
| popular attraction is Pupu Springs, a freshwater spring | | | | I have no doubt that you will talk about Milford |
| with water so cold that divers are only permitted to | | | | Sound for many years. Enjoy. |
| stay submerged for limited periods. | | | | Day 13. |
| Nelson also has many other attractions such as a | | | | Today your South Island Sun and Snow New Zealand |
| selection of vineyards, the World of Wearable Art, | | | | itinerary takes you to the World Heritage area of Mt |
| and a large arts and cultural community. | | | | Cook (3.5 hours drive). |
| Your accommodation options are many and varied. | | | | At 3,754 metres, Mt Cook is New Zealand's tallest |
| Day 8. | | | | mountain. The mountain is popular with climbers from |
| Today our 3.5 hour drive takes us to Punakaiki on | | | | around the world, and is home to the Sir Edmund |
| the rugged west coast. | | | | Hillary Alpine Centre, which showcases the region's |
| Punakaiki is famous for the unusual limestone rock | | | | history, and contains a 3D movie theatre, planetarium, |
| formations known as the Pancake Rocks. These | | | | and museum. |
| formations resemble stacks of pancakes, and they | | | | Your accommodation options are limited in Mt Cook, |
| are complemented by the famous blowholes, which | | | | but there is no shortage of things to do in this |
| really blow during a big ocean swell. | | | | beautiful spot. |
| Accommodation options in Punakaiki are limited, but | | | | Day 14. |
| don't despair. My favourite is the beautiful Rocks | | | | Today on your South Island Sun and Snow tour, you |
| resort. The resort is absolute beachfront offering | | | | take the 4 hour drive from Mt Cook to Christchurch. |
| stunning ocean views. The snow capped alps are also | | | | Along the way, stop off at Lake Tekapo for a |
| visible across the bay, and the resort restaurant | | | | break, and take in the stunning views across the |
| offers the perfect location to sit and watch the | | | | turquoise waters towards the alps. One of the most |
| sunset over the ocean. | | | | famous photo opportunities in New Zealand, is |
| Day 9. | | | | through the window of the Church of the Good |
| Today is a 2.5 hour drive to the amazing west coast | | | | Shepherd. |
| glaciers, Franz Josef and Fox. | | | | Day 15. |
| There are numerous accommodation options in Franz | | | | Unfortunately all good things must end, and today |
| Josef and Fox Glacier. My pick is Franz Josef because | | | | you fly home. |
| the village has more shopping and dining options. | | | | We hope that you have enjoyed your stay in this |
| There are several ways to see the glaciers up close. | | | | amazing country, and that you found this New |
| A walk from the car park to the glacier's face at | | | | Zealand itinerary helpful. |