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Essential South Island
11 night New Zealand fly-drive
Price from
£1,769pp
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Holiday Highlights
Overview

This amazing New Zealand fly-drive consists of 2 nights in Christchurch, 1 night in Kaikoura, 2 nights in Blenheim wine country, 3 nights in Nelson, 1 night in Punakaiki and 2 nights in Fox Glacier. This self-drive holiday really makes the most out of your time in New Zealand and allows you freedom and flexibility to explore the island.

We are currently offering £300 per person discount aswell as a FREE Compact car with fully inclusive insurance.

What's Included
  • All airport fees and taxes
  • In-flight meals
  • 2 nights in Christchurch
  • Return international flights
  • 1 night in Kaikoura
  • 2 nights in Blenheim
  • 3 nights in Nelson
  • 1 night in Punakaiki
  • 2 nights in Fox Glacier
  • FREE Compact car with fully inclusive insurance
  • Save £300 per person
Itinerary

Day by day

Day 1 London to Christchurch

Fly from London overnight to Christchurch.

Day 2 Christchurch

Arrive this afternoon and pick up your car from the airport. Drive to the hotel and check-in. You have the evening at leisure.

Day 3 Christchurch

Get around and see the sights in style on a hop-on hop-off tram tour, running from the Botanic Gardens to the River Avon. Enjoy the central city highlights; including Cathedral Square, Victoria Square, the floral clock, Christ's College, Arts Center with craft market, and the Bridge of Remembrance. Visit the Big 5 most popular attractions in Christchurch: Antarctica's beautiful icy wilderness has been re-created at the International Antarctic Center, view native kiwis at the Willow bank Wildlife Reserve, ride on a historic Christchurch tram, take a relaxing two-hour harbour cruise, and soar to the summit on the Christchurch Gondola with breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, Canterbury Plains and Banks Peninsula.

Day 4 Christchurch to Kaikoura

This morning drive to Kaikoura which will take approximately 2 hours. Several different species of whale can be seen off Kaikoura at different times of the year, but almost always the huge sperm whales. The orca is often sighted in Kaikoura, and schools of pilot whales are Occasional visitors. Dusky dolphins and fur seals are plentiful so make the most of your full day here and take a boat to see these amazing creatures.

 

Day 5 Kaikoura to Blenheim

This morning enjoy a nice breakfast on the coast before driving the hour and a half journey to Blenheim. This stunning wine region is the perfect place to sit back and relax with a full glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

Day 6 Blenheim

Today take a vineyard tour and enjoy the breathtaking countryside.

Day 7 Blenheim to Nelson

Today you will continue your journey to Nelson which takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. You should arrive at lunch time so stop for a bite to eat before checking into your hotel.

Day 8 - 9 Nelson

You have 2 full days in Nelson to enjoy this amazing place. Have a walk round the city and stop at the local market if it’s a Saturday. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes in the brick paved are under the cathedral steps. Why not head north out of the city to cable bay, named after the communication cable which once connected Nelson to the rest of the world. Along the way you can quad bike and ride the sky wire before reaching the beach.

Day 10 Nelson to Punakaiki

This morning grab some breakfast before driving the 3 hour drive to Punakaiki. You should arrive just after lunch time so you have the afternoon and evening at leisure, make sure you visit the Pancake rocks!

Day 11 Punakaiki to Fox Glacier

After breakfast continue your drive to Fox Glacier, this part of your journey will take about 3 hours. You will arrive just after lunch so check-in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 12 Fox Glacier

Feeling adventurous? Why not climb the glacier? Fox Glacier is the largest of the mighty west coast glaciers; it is unique in that it ends in temperate rainforest, 250m above sea level. A visit to Fox Glacier is an unforgettable experience. All necessary equipment is provided including ground transport, boots, socks, crampons, raincoat, alpenstock and highly trained guides.

Day 13 Fox Glacier to London

This morning you will drive back to Christchurch ready for your flight home. The journey does take 5 hours so make sure you have left plenty of time.

Day 14 London

Arrive back into London after a fantastic holiday.

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Book Essential South Island
Length:
11 nights
Total: £1,769.00

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