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Dramatic mountains and glaciers sweep down to mysterious fiords carved deep into the coastline, secluded sandy beaches provide a gateway to forested national parks, and tiny coastal and lakeside towns belie their size with an awe-inspiring range of outdoor activities… This is an island of big scenery and a natural playground. The enchanting English-feeling city of Christchurch and the South Island’s adrenalin capital, Queenstown, are two wonderful bases from which to explore the surrounding regions. With Top Drawer Holidays, book one of our many varied New Zealand Tours to explore this enticing country in comfort, or discover its attractions independently on a New Zealand Self-Drive.
South Island highlights
• Take a sea taxi from Kaiteriteri to a secluded beach in the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park, then trek your way back to your starting point.
• Experience an unforgettable morning swimming with wild dolphins or whale watching off the coast of Kaikoura.
• Sample delicious Sauvignon Blanc wines on a vineyard tour of the Marlborough region.
• Hike (or take a helicopter ride) to the top of the mighty Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and walk on the face of the glacier, through crevasses and ice caves.
• Spend a magical day visiting recognisable locations from the Lord of the Rings films.
• Cruise or sea kayak in stunning and dramatic Milford Sound, dominated by the imposing Mitre Peak and home to abundant wildlife
Abel Tasman & Marlborough:
With deserted golden beaches, secluded coves, lush forests and welcoming cities, the remote Abel Tasman region is one of New Zealand’s most picturesque. The quaint city of Nelson sits on the shores of Tasman Bay and is the gateway to the beautiful wilderness of Abel Tasman National Park.
Wine lovers will take delight in New Zealand’s Marlborough region, synonymous with the Sauvignon Blanc. This vast, rolling landscape encompasses more than 100 vineyards, many of which offer cellar door tastings. In the heart of the wine-growing region lies New Zealand’s sunniest town, Blenheim - an ideal base from which to explore surrounding attractions, while the seaport of Picton is the gateway to the sheltered, drowned valleys of the Marlborough Sounds.
Abel Tasman & Marlborough holiday highlights
• Take a sea taxi from Kaiteriteri to a secluded beach in the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park, then trek your way back to your starting point.
• Savour delicious Sauvignon Blanc wines on a vineyard tour of the Marlborough region, or explore independently on a bicycle ride.
• Visit Nelson’s Saturday morning market in Montgomery Square - sample mouth-watering local produce, purchase unique hand-made gifts, and get a taste of the community spirit.
• Discover the meandering waterways of the Queen Charlotte Sound
Southland & Stewart Island:
New Zealand’s Southland region is often overlooked in favour of the country’s more famous attractions, but a visit here is full of rewarding sights. Scottish-influenced cities display wonderful architecture, lush rainforests contain hidden waterfalls, and wildlife viewing is abundant – from seal and albatross colonies to little Blue and Yellow-eyed penguin conservation sites. 20 miles south of New Zealand’s South Island lies Stewart Island, where 85% of the land is national park. The island’s 400 inhabitants adhere to a slower, simpler pace of life - all about the bush, beach, flora and fauna.
Southland & Stewart Island highlights
• Watch little Blue Penguins raft in from a day’s fishing at the excellent and eco-friendly Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony.
• Discover the natural world of bush and beach on a Stewart Island Experience.
• Visit the magnificent Larnach Castle near Dunedin, with its breathtaking views and grounds.
• Take a walk up (and up…) Dunedin’s Baldwin Street, considered the steepest residential street in the world.
• Venture beyond the tourist trail and drive the Catlins Coast – see the wave-eroded ‘nuggets’ and nearby fur seal colony, climb Purakaunui Falls, and view the fossil forest at Curio Bay
West Coast & Glaciers:
Two of New Zealand’s most imposing natural wonders, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are some of the most impressive and accessible glaciers in the world. Descending from the Southern Alps down into temperate rainforest less than 300 metres above sea level, these ice rivers are home to incredible formations including icefalls, deep crevasses, and blue ice grottos - all of which can be explored during a guided hike or ‘heli-hike’.
The rugged West Coast is also home to Punakaiki in the Paparoa National Park, best known for its unique rock formations. The layered limestone Pancake Rocks and vertical blowholes are the ‘must see’ attractions here, but the region is also home to coastal walking tracks, deserted beaches and lush rainforests.
West Coast & Glaciers highlights
• Visit the unusual limestone formations of Pancake Rocks and see the blowholes spout at Punakaiki.
• Embark on a ‘heli hike’ up the mighty Franz Josef Glacier – admire the panoramic views and traverse through crevasses and ice caves.
• Spend a half day or full day on the lesser visited but equally dramatic Fox Glacier – emerge from the rainforest to the glacier surface and watch your guide carve ice steps in front of you as you walk!
• Catch Lake Matheson on a clear day and capture the famous image of this mirror lake reflecting Mount Cook
