Mount Cook Scenic Flight
Soar above Mount Cook and the west coast glaciers on a scenic flight.
The most dramatic of New Zealand’s two islands, this self-drive holiday explores the South Island in-depth, taking in the best of the magnificent scenery and wildlife on offer.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
The Catlins Wildlife
Search for albatross and hooker sea lions against the rugged coastline of the Catlins.
Explore Abel Tasman
Kayak or walk the golden beaches and native bush of the Abel Tasman coastline.
Cruise Milford Sound
Explore the iconic and spectacular scenery of Milford Sound.
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Day 1
Arrive Christchurch
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Day 2
Christchurch - Mount Cook Village
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Day 3
Mount Cook Village
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Day 4
Mount Cook Village - Catlins
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Day 5
Catlins
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Day 6
Catlins - Te Anau
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Day 7
Te Anau (Milford Sound)
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Day 8
Te Anau - Wanaka
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Day 9
Wanaka - Franz Josef
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Day 10
Franz Josef Glacier
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Day 11
Franz Josef - Punakaiki
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Day 12
Punakaiki - Abel Tasman
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Day 13
Abel Tasman
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Day 14
Abel Tasman - Kaikoura
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Day 15
Kaikoura
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Day 16
Kaikoura - Christchurch
Day 1
Arrive Christchurch
Arrive into Christchurch and transfer to your hotel. Time to rest or take a short stroll through the Botanic Gardens or along the Avon River.
Day 2
Christchurch - Mount Cook Village
Drive south through the Canterbury Plains and alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. Continue into Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, a journey of around 4.5 to 5 hours.
Day 3
Mount Cook Village
Spend the day surrounded by New Zealand’s highest peaks. Take a scenic flight over Mount Cook and the West Coast glaciers, explore the alpine landscapes on foot or take to the water to paddle among icebergs by kayak.
Day 4
Mount Cook Village - Catlins
Travel south for around 5 hours through Otago farmland before reaching the remote Catlins coastline, a less visited region known for waterfalls, forests and wildlife.
Day 5
Catlins
Search for albatross and hooker sea lions against the rugged coastline of the Catlins.
Day 6
Catlins - Te Anau
Leave the coast behind and head inland for around 3.5 to 4 hours to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you approach the lakes.
Day 7
Te Anau (Milford Sound)
Travel along the Milford Road, one of the country’s most scenic drives. On arrival, cruise through Milford Sound beneath sheer cliffs and waterfalls, with chances to see seals and dolphins.
Day 8
Te Anau - Wanaka
Travel around 4 hours from Te Anau to Wanaka and spend some time exploring this picturesque town.
Day 9
Wanaka - Franz Josef
Travel from Wanaka to the glaciers of Franz Josef, via the Haast Pass, a drive of around 5 hours.
Day 10
Franz Josef Glacier
A day to experience the glaciers from above. Choose a scenic helicopter flight, land on the ice for a guided walk on the glacier or maybe even overnight on the ice, sleeping beneath some of the most star filled skies in the southern hemisphere.
Day 11
Franz Josef - Punakaiki
Continue north along the wild West Coast for around 4 hours, passing rivers, forests and coastal viewpoints. Arrive in Punakaiki, famous for its Pancake Rocks and blowholes.
Day 12
Punakaiki - Abel Tasman
Travel north for around 5 hours, via Westport and Nelson, leaving the dramatic coast behind to arrive near Abel Tasman National Park in time to relax by the sea.
Day 13
Abel Tasman
Spend the day exploring Abel Tasman by kayak or on foot. Paddle along golden beaches, walk through native bush and enjoy the clear coastal waters.
Day 14
Abel Tasman - Kaikoura
Drive east through Nelson and Marlborough. Pause in Blenheim to explore the vineyards and enjoy lunch among the gentle hills before continuing south to Kaikoura.
Day 15
Kaikoura
Stay in a treehouse and spend days in search of whales, dolphin and seal.
Day 16
Kaikoura - Christchurch
Follow the coastal road south for around 3 hours, reaching Christchurch Airport for your onward journey.
More Details
Wildlife of the South Island
Self-drive the rugged south eastern coastline, from the Otago Peninsula to the Catlins, a less visited area of craggy coast with forested interiors dotted with waterfalls. Walk on secluded beaches where hooker sea lions patrol the shore and colonies of yellow eyed and little blue penguins reside in the sand dunes. Clifftops hide colonies of shags, gannets, gulls and huge albatross – a magical sight as they soar through the skies on their three metre fixed wings.
Turquoise Waters of The Abel Tasman
The northern part of the South Island is known for its world-class wine and glorious coastline of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks – a 51 kilometre track which can be walked in its entirety over three to five days or followed in part, either on foot or by kayak. Different to anywhere else on the South Island, this coastline of beaches and rainforest interior is stunning. The perfect opportunity to take time to relax on a sheltered beach in solitude.
Treetop Living
Stay in a treehouse on the shores of Kaikoura and spend your time searching for fur seals, dolphins and whales. Kaikoura is probably best known for its nutrient rich waters which create the perfect habitat for a range of marine life. There are also some wonderful riding, cycling and hiking trails in the area plus Mangamaunu Bay, a short walk from the lodge and an excellent surfing beach. As well as being a unique place to stay in a special location, Hapuku Lodge is committed to sustainable practices with numerous green initiatives in place which we love.
Suggested Extension
New Zealand: Lake Moeraki & Arthurs Pass
If time allows, slow the journey and explore less visited corners of the South Island. Lake Moeraki offers a peaceful freshwater setting close to the West Coast, with time to explore on foot or by canoe and the chance to see fur seals and crested penguins. Continue inland to Arthur’s Pass, where rivers, forests and soaring peaks define one of the most dramatic crossings of the Southern Alps.
4 days. Price on request
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A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $7,535 Per person
When to travel
New Zealand in January
The long warm sunny days make this a wonderful time to visit, but accommodation fills up quickly. Locals have their summer holidays so add to visitor numbers.
New Zealand in February
The warmest month for much of the country. Locals return to work, easing some pressure on accommodation. A great time to enjoy South Island summer.
New Zealand in March
The best month to visit, as summer crowds disperse but beautiful warm weather generally prevails.
New Zealand in April
Temperatures fall, especially in the South Island. The autumn colours can be spectacular, and you may still get away with shorts in Auckland.
New Zealand in May
Autumn sweeps through the North Island, reinvigorating the green rolling hills. A quiet time of year to travel, after summer and before ski season.
New Zealand in June
The start of the ski season in the North Island, with the first snow showers beginning to fall. Crisp clear sunny days can still be found on the South Island.
New Zealand in July
The snow begins to settle and international snow sports teams can be spotted doing their off-season training.
New Zealand in August
The coldest month, but still plenty to see and do. Ski season is in full swing, and humpback whales can be spotted near Kaikoura on their way north.
New Zealand in September
Spring is in sight, but there is still plenty of snow on the mountains. Newborn lambs can be spotted in the vibrant green fields.
New Zealand in October
The snow melts and the rivers are at their peak, making for an exciting time to do white water sports. Longer days allow for more time to enjoy the outdoors.
New Zealand in November
A beautiful time of year, with wild gorse and vibrant lupins dotting the fields, making the countryside particularly colourful. Snow can still be seen on the tops of the mountains.
New Zealand in December
Temperatures heat up, but early in the month it is still relatively quiet. Christmas and New Year’s celebrations can be enjoyed in true Kiwi style – on a beach or in the expansive wilderness.
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