New Zealand travel

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New Zealand - World Travel: Where is Explore your Next Travel Plans
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If time (and budget) permit, this itinerary will take you from the northern tip, to the very southern
reaches of the South Island.
If you really want to see as much as you can on the South Island, then this South Island 21 day
itinerary should suit you.
My suggested itinerary is:
Day 1.
Arrive in Christchurch. There are numerous motels close to the international airport, so collect your
hire car, check into your motel, and have a sound nights sleep, because your adventure begins
tomorrow.
Day 2.
Today on your New Zealand itinerary, take your time to explore Christchurch. Christchurch has a
very "English" feel to it, and even has the river Avon running through it. Perhaps a trip on the
gondola, or a drive to the sea side "French" settlement of Akaroa, located nearby on the beautiful
Bank's Peninsula. There is plenty to see and do in Christchurch.
Day 3.
Take the short drive (1.5 hours) north to the thermal village of Hanmer Springs. Hanmer has a
large thermal pool complex, with pools of varying temperatures. What a relaxing way to spend a
few hours. The complex also houses a water slide complex for the kids and the young at heart.
Day 4.
There are so many highlights on your South Island Showcase New Zealand itinerary, and this is
one of them. Today you head off to the stunning coastal town of Kaikoura (2 hours). Kaikoura is
famous for it's seafood, whale watching, seal colony, and scenery, where the mountains seem to
come all the way down to the sea. In the colder months the peaks are covered in snow, providing
some amazing photo opportunities.
Day 5.
Today is the day to take a whale watching trip. Best to do it early in the morning before the wind
and seas pick up. The whale watching tours are well run, and very enjoyable. You may also see
dolphins, seals, and other marine life.
Day 6.

2. Today your New Zealand itinerary takes you from Kaikoura to Nelson. Nelson is a "largish" town of
around 50,000 people, perfectly located on the shores of Tasman Bay. In the winter months, snow
caps the surrounding ranges.
Nelson is also the gateway to the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Access to the park is via
the small bayside village of Marahau, which is about 1 hours drive from Nelson.
Days 7 & 8.
You have two full days to explore the Nelson region. The Abel Tasman National Park is a "must
see". You can choose to take a short walk in the park, overnight walks, or a kayak trip. Nelson
also has a vibrant wine industry, so perhaps a visit to a local winery? If your plans include a trip to
the Abel Tasman, take the time to visit the stunning little village of Kaiteriteri. A beautiful spot for a
snack looking over the bay.
If time permits, a trip to Golden Bay and Farewell Spit is also recommended. On the way stop off
at Te Waikoropupu Springs (Pupu Springs).
Day 9.
Today your South Island Showcase New Zealand itinerary takes you from Nelson on the north
coast, to Punakaiki (3.5 hours)on the rugged west coast. Punakaiki is known for the Pancake
Rocks and blowhole. The rocks are columns of limestone, which resemble stacks of pancakes.
Punakaiki is surrounded by the Paparoa National Park, which covers some 30,000 hectares.
Punakaiki has a couple of accommodation options, but my favourite is the Punakaiki Resort, a
beautiful sea side hotel located beachfront. Your room looks directly over the ocean, and the
excellent restaurant offers you the chance to watch the sun setting over the ocean. A great way to
end the day.
Day 10.
Today takes you from Punakaiki to Franz Josef village (2.5 hours drive). The village has many
accommodation options, and is the base for various tour operators. Franz Josef Glacier ( a World
Heritage Area) drops from a height of 2,700 metres above sea level, to about 240 metres above
sea level, within a distance of 11 kilometres, making for spectacular viewing.
When you arrive in the village, check out the options for tours, as you may need to book ahead for
day 11. Also be aware that weather conditions change quickly in this part of New Zealand, so your
itinerary allows a full day free tomorrow for flexibility when booking tours.
Day 11.
Today on your South Island Showcase New Zealand itinerary you are free to explore Franz Josef
(and nearby Fox Glacier). There are various options for guided tours, helicopter flights etc. The
heli flight and landing on the top of the glacier is highly recommended (if a little expensive).
If you are looking for something a little more sedate, a walk to the face of Franz Josef Glacier may
be more to your liking. Make sure that you take a comfortable pair of shoes as the walk takes
around 1.5 hours return from the carpark.
Fox Glacier is also nearby.

3. Day 12.
Today's drive takes you along the west coast to the small village of Haast, then inland to the lovely
lakeside township of Wanaka. Wanaka is a highlight of your New Zealand itinerary. Wanaka is, in
many ways, similar to Queenstown. It sits on the banks of a stunning lake, Lake Wanaka, and is a
base for the two world class skifields, Cardrona and Treble Cone. Wanaka feels a little more
relaxed than Queenstown, and the layout of the town centre seems less cluttered. Dining options
abound along the lake front, and provide the perfect setting for a relaxing coffee.
There is plenty to see and do in Wanaka, with attractions like Puzzling World, the historic
Cardrona pub, trout fishing, and 4wd tours to name a few.
Wanaka has many accommodation options, but a lake view is well worth the extra money if your
budget allows.
Day 13.
Today takes us to Queenstown, the "Adventure Capital" of New Zealand. There are two roads
from Wanaka to Queenstown. The road through Cromwell takes around 1.5 hours, and is fairly
uninspiring by New Zealand standards. Much better to take the shorter (1 hour) drive via
Cardrona, over the Crown Range. The views are stunning, and the road is claimed to be the
highest main road in the country. If you have time, stop off at the historic Cardrona hotel for
morning tea or lunch.
Days 14 & 15.
Queenstown is one of the highlights of your South Island Showcase New Zealand itinerary.
Well, where to start with Queenstown! This is one of my favourite New Zealand destinations. Set
on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown offers something for everyone. You can do as little,
or as much as you like.
A "must do" is a trip to Milford Sound. The trip from Queenstown is around 4 hours each way,
which makes for a very long and tiring day if you drive yourself. Much better to take an organised
bus tour, or bus one way and fly the other (flights are very much dependant on weather
conditions). Milford Sound has been described as the eighth Wonder of the World, and is New
Zealand's most popular tourist attraction.
Other things at the top of the "Queenstown list" are a trip on the Gondola to Bob's peak, a cruise
on lake Wakatipu on the old steamer TSS Earnslaw, a thrilling jet boat ride, or perhaps a bungy
jump.
Day 16.
Travel today to the southern city of Invercargill (2.5 hours). Invercargill is located on the Southern
Scenic Route, and is the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zealand. It is the gateway to
Stewart Island and the Catlins. Invercargill has several museums and art galleries, and a short
drive away is Bluff, home of the famous Bluff Oyster. Stewart Island is the third largest New
Zealand island, and is located 30 kilometres (19 miles) off the southern coast. The ferry trip from
Bluff takes around 1 hour each way. Stewart Island has many interesting nature walks, and
spectacular scenery.

4. For things to do in and around Invercargill, click here.
Days 17 & 18.
Today, your New Zealand itinerary takes you to Dunedin (around 2.5 hours drive). Dunedin is the
South Island's second largest city, with a population of about 120,000. Dunedin is a university
town, attracting students from many countries.
Dunedin has a Scottish heritage, and in fact was formerly known as New Edinburgh. This Scottish
influence can be seen in the local Edwardian architecture, such as St Paul's Cathedral, the Town
Hall, Dunedin Railwat Station, and the historic Larnach Castle, located some 13 kilometres from
the city centre.
Dunedin also houses New Zealand's first Botanic Gardens, and is home to a wide range of marine
and birdlife.
Day 19.
Your South Island Showcase New Zealand itinerary continues today with the drive to Mt Cook (4
hours drive).
Mt Cook (Aoraki) is New Zealand's highest peak at 3,753 metres, and is part of Mt Cook National
Park, which also contains the mighty Tasman Glacier. At 30 kilometres in length, it is one of the
largest glaciers outside the Himalayas.
Mt Cook village has several accommodation options and is also home to the Sir Edmund Hillary
Alpine Centre, which is located in the Hermitage Hotel complex. Other things to do include hiking
(check on weather conditions before leaving), glacier flights and walks, and just lazing around
looking in awe at Mt Cook.
Day 20.
Your final car trip today is a 4 hour drive back to Christchurch. Along the way, stop off at Lake
Tekapo for a view of the unbelievable turquoise waters of the lake. The Southern Alps, including
Mt Cook, form a backdrop, and provide a memorable photo opportunity. Tekapo is also home to
the Church of the Good Shepherd, which must be one of the most photographed buildings in New
Zealand.
Day 21.
Fly home. Unfortunately, all good things must end, but I hope that this South Island Showcase
New Zealand itinerary has been helpful. Enjoy.
Dave is the owner of New Zealand Travel Showcase, a New Zealand travel website.
Dave is passionate about New Zealand and developed his website to offer travellers a one-stop-
shop for their New Zealand holiday planning.
If you are planning a New Zealand holiday, check out Dave's website:
http://www.new-zealand-travel-showcase.com

5. Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Curran
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New Zealand - World Travel: Where is Explore your Next Travel Plans
Expedia APAC Presents The 72 Hour Hotel Sale! Save up to 30% on Select Stays in New
Zealand!
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