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The Great Southern Discovery

The Great Southern Discovery

GSDWE
Call for Price

Description

New Zealand’s Deep South is renowned for its stunning mountains, deep fiords, wild coastlines and intriguing wildlife and flora. Experience it all on this eleven day itinerary experiencing the best of the South. Enjoy a mixture of cruises, guided walking tours, museums and plenty of time to explore in-depth with your expedition leaders.

Trip Name
The Great Southern Discovery
Days
12
Overview
You will stay at a variety of places during this itinerary.  Blue Peaks Lodge - Queenstown At Blue Peaks we are proud to offer you more than just a motel room –  located just a five minute stroll from Queenstown’s shops, restaurants and nightlife, you have the freedom to enjoy the peaceful surroundings with everything you need at your doorstep. We have thought of everything we can to make sure our guests have a wonderful stay in Queenstown. At Blue Peaks Lodge we are proud of our clean, comfortable and modern accommodation choices, we have everything you should expect from a 4 star, highly recommended Queenstown motel, but we have so much else to offer you. Milford Sound Lodge - Milford Sound Slow down, breathe deep and stay the night on the doorstep of one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural landmarks, Milford Sound. This is Milford Sound's only accommodation. Here, in one of the wildest places in the South Island, discover one of the finest accommodation experiences. A collection of secluded and stylish chalets with a front-row seat to the spectacle of Fiordland and its waterfalls, rushing rivers and towering peaks. Find sanctuary after a day exploring Fiordland and Milford Sound.  Doubtful Sound overnight cruise aboard Fiordland Navigator - Doubtful Sound The Fiordland Navigator is a purpose built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow and is perfectly suited to cruising the fiords.  Sleeps 72 Private cabins with ensuites (twin or double bed configuration)  Quad-share bunk style compartments with shared bathroom facilities (mixed gender) Spacious viewing decks, dining saloon, licensed bar and observation lounge Carries kayaks and tender craft onboard  Lake Front Lodge - Te Anau We welcome you to Lakefront Lodge, Te Anau’s modern, up-market motel which offers superior accommodation and friendly, helpful service. Lakefront Lodge is centrally located to both Lake Te Anau and the town centre. From here enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland’s World Heritage National Park. Situated at the gateway to the globally renowned Milford Sound in Fiordland, Lakefront Lodge Te Anau offers the perfect base from which to explore. Lakefront Lodge offers self-contained units with free WiFi, cooking facilities and satellite TV. Heating, electric blankets and heated towel rails are provided. Lakefront Lodge Te Anau is a 5-minute walk from the restaurants and shops of Te Anau town centre.  Homestead Villa Motel - Invercargill The Homestead Villa Motel is conveniently situated in central Invercargill, just a couple of minutes from the city centre and only a short distance from all major attractions, sporting and entertainment venues and services. Walk to the end of the street and you’ll find the jewel of the city…. beautiful Queen’s Park; an 81 hectare paradise (a mix of landscaped and natural gardens), animal reserve and much more… Bay Motel - Stewart Island With panoramic views of the Tasman Sea, Bay Motel overlooks Halfmoon Bay on Stewart Island. It features a nearby golf course, a free shuttle service and free private parking on site. All modern apartments include a seating area with satellite TV and a kitchen with fridge, microwave, tea/coffee making facilities. Rooms open out on a private balcony, with views of the bay or surrounding bush. The spacious rooms also offer free WiFi, electric blankets and individually controlled central heating. Bay Motel is a 5-minutes’ walk from shops and restaurants; its location allows many hiking and trekking possibilities in the native forests of Rakiura National Park. The Whistling Frog - The Catlins Our central Catlins accommodation and restaurant resort is close to all the main attractions of this area- McLean Falls, Catlins Cathedral Caves, Historical Logging Site, Tautuku Estuary Boardwalk, Tautuku Beach, Mirror Lake Wilkie, Papatowai Settlement, Catlins Lost Gypsy Gallery, Papatowai Estuary, Catlins Papatowai Country Store & Fuel, Purakaunui Falls, Matai Falls, Horseshoe Falls, & the Historical Rail Trail, Kayaking and Horse Trekking. You can relax with a hot cup of tea or coffee with a biscuit with our in-room facilities for our deluxe units and if you like your cuppa with milk, we have you covered, just let us know at check in! We also provide free WIFI so you can let everyone know all about the fun your having. The Catlins Whistling Frog Restaurant is also available on site, featuring a delicious gourmet menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The best part is, we'll even do the dishes! The Palms - Dunedin Dunedin Palms Motel has been owned by Karen and Alex Greenan since April of 2014. We are dedicated to providing top quality accommodation at fair rates and always being honest. We have a professional, friendly and efficient team who strive to provide the highest level of facility presentation and cleanliness.  Fantastic inner city location, being just a 5 minute walk to the centre of Dunedin – The Octagon. This means our guests are right in the middle of the action, walking distance to Bars, Cafes Restaurants and Shopping. Only a stones throw from Dunedin’s up and coming Warehouse Precinct featuring boutique bars, cafes, and entertainment. The Pavillions Hotel - Christchurch Just 5 minutes' walk from Hagley Park, easy stroll to Victoria Street shops, restaurants and bars and 5 minutes' drive from central Christchurch. Merivale is also just a 5 minute stroll where you can enjoy shopping, cafes, trendy restaurants and bars. The Christchurch International Airport is a 15-minute drive away. Pavilions Hotel features an outdoor heated swimming pool, a spa pool and a well-equipped fitness centre. Guests also enjoy our restaurant and a bar. The spacious accommodation each offer free parking and a flat-screen TV. The restaurant is open 7 days a week and serves a full à la carte menu as well as lighter snacks. The room service menu is available 24 hours a day. Check in/out is also available 24 hours per day.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Queenstown
Arrive in Queenstown at your leisure and check into your accommodation for the evening. Dinner tonight is not included. Your accommodation is walking distance to lots of great options.
Day 2 - Day 2: Milford Sound
We leave Queenstown today at 8am. Sit back and enjoy the scenic drive to Milford Sound. We will visit popular sites along the way including: Lake Gunn, the Hollyford Valley Lookout and the Homer Tunnel. At 1pm we will embark on a Milford Sound Cruise witnessing thundering waterfalls, sky-high mountains and lush rainforests. The cruise will be informative, participative and relaxed, it is the perfect way to experience Milford Sound to the fullest. After your cruise, there is the opportunity for a scenic flight (at an additional cost).
Day 3 - Day 3: Doubtful Sound
We will leave Milford Sound this morning and make our way to Lake Manapouri stopping at any key locations we didn’t stop at on the way in.In Doubtful Sounds we will enjoy an overnight cruise. Our overnight excursion starts with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri. A coach then takes us across Wilmot Pass, travelling on a sub-alpine road through dense rainforest. Arriving at Deep Cove we will board our boat for the afternoon and night. As we cruise through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, our knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary ensuring you miss nothing, be it the pod of resident dolphins, fur seals or rare penguins you might encounter. There will be the opportunity to kayak, explore by tender boat or to simply relax onboard. You will discover the true beauty of Doubtful Sound, it is unspoiled, unmatched and unforgettable - the perfect place to spend a night!
Day 4 - Day 4: Te Anau
You will disembark from your vessel and have the opportunity to spend some time exploring Lake Manapouri. There is the chance to walk the first part of the Kepler Track from Rainbow Reach Road to the Control Gates. This evening we have the opportunity to watch the Ata Whenua film - this short film shows you the full extent of Fiordland and places inaccessible to humans. It is mostly filmed by helicopter and is mysterious, evocative, exhilarating and utterly spectacular.
Day 5 - Day 5: Invercargill
We start our morning visiting the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary. This gives you the opportunity to view some of the unique Fiordland bird species that are difficult to spot in the wild. Birds you can see at the sanctuary include Takahe, Kaka, Kereru, Tui, Morepork and more. After time at the sanctuary we say our goodbyes to the Fiordland region as we continue on to Invercargill passing by the historic Cliffton suspension bridge, Tuatapere and McCrakens Rest. The remainder of the afternoon will be yours to explore. Invercargill has some great museums and we can suggest additional attractions depending on your interests.
Day 6 - Day 6: Stewart Island
This morning we drive to the small coastal town of Bluff. Here, we meet the morning ferry for the one hour (approx.) crossing to Stewart Island. Home to New Zealand’s newest national park Rakiura and the remote community of Oban.After a casual lunch we will walk about 10km (4hrs) of the Rakiura Track with lovely coastal views and prominent bird life. We will water taxi back to Oban. Arriving back in Oban in the late afternoon it is time to freshen up and regroup for dinner, the fresh local Blue Cod, or the famous Bluff Oysters are a must try.
Day 7 - Day 7: Ulva Island
Today will be one of the highlights of our time away, visiting the iconic Ulva Island, off Stewart Island. Ulva Island is one of the few pest-free open sanctuaries in New Zealand. In this unspoiled rainforest you can see rare birds and plants at close quarters in a safe environment mostly unchanged by human activity and free of introduced animals. The island has been pest-free since 1997 and offers threatened native species a safe haven in which they can flourish. Healthy populations of Kiwi, Saddleback and Yellowhead are here.Tonight you are free to explore and enjoy a night to yourself. Dinner is not provided.
Day 8 - Day 8: The Catlins
We will depart on the early ferry from Stewart Island back to the mainland, we then travel through small towns and rural landscapes to the Catlins. Spend time at the Catlins at Slope Point, the Petrified Forest including the small yet impressive museum and the Cathedral Caves. We will also allow time to sit on the coast and observe the wildlife at your leisure.
Day 9 - Day 9: The Otago Coastline
Today we work our way up the South Islands south-eastern coast towards Dunedin. There is plenty to do and see on the way and highlights will include the McLean Falls, Nugget Point and Tunnel Beach. Spend this evening in Dunedin.
Day 10 - Day 10: The Otago Peninsula
The Otago Peninsula is full of opportunities to see wildlife, unique plant species and spectacular coastal views. In the morning board a small boat and enjoy uninterrupted views of the Northern Royal Albatross colony. We aim to put you in the perfect spot as these majestic birds glide effortlessly across the ocean. Watch as they use their three metre wingspans and thermal updraughts to land atop Taiaroa Head. During your cruise you will spot other rare and unique species like New Zealand Fur Seals, Cormorants, Albatross and seabirds. We also occasionally spot New Zealand Sea Lions, Dolphins and Little Blue Penguins. This afternoon we will be lucky enough to visit the Royal Albatross Centre and enjoy a guided tour. Watch a short movie before heading up to a special viewing observatory where you’ll overlook the hillside and nesting sites of these huge birds. To finish the day, we will visit Larnach Castle and enjoy the award winning gardens.Tonight you will enjoy time to yourself, dinner is not provided.
Day 11 - Day 11: Christchurch
Today is our last full day as a group and we hope to show you the best of the East Coast between Dunedin and Christchurch. Before leaving Dunedin we plan to visit the Settlers Museum and enjoy a drive out to Port Chalmers.After setting off from Dunedin we will enjoy a visit to the small coastal town of Moeraki, with its iconic fishing harbour, rugged coast and world famous Moeraki boulders. Onwards to Oamaru we will take a visit to the Oamaru Heritage Precinct. Once we arrive in Christchurch there will be time to freshen up before a final celebratory dinner together.
Day 12 - Day 12: Christchurch
Today marks the end of our tour, you may choose to spend some time in Christchurch exploring or head on your way home. Please let us know if there is anything you wish to do throughout our time away and we will do our best to incorporate into the itinerary.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Experience the unspoiled, unforgettable and unmatched Milford and Doubtful Sounds on cruises
    • Take your time to explore Lake Manapouri with the opportunity to walk the start of the Kepler Track
    • Visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary observing birds usually difficult to spot in the wild
    • Spend time on New Zealand’s third island
    • Stewart Island, walk part of the Rakiura Track and enjoy a fresh feed of blue cod and/or crayfish!
    • Visit one of New Zealand’s few pest free Islands, Ulva Island
    • Enjoy the best of the Catlins – Slope Point, Cathedral Cove and the Petrified Forest
    • Spend two days in Dunedin, exploring the Otago Peninsula via foot and cruise the perfect way to observe the magnificent albatross and other bird species

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