South Island - NZ Wildlife Trips

Itinerary

Don't forget, this is our suggested itinerary only. You can customise each trip to your own requirements.

Day 1 : Christchurch

Exhausted or not, depending where do you arrive from… we have a good plan for you if you are not too excited to drive right away, I mean on the left, to your accommodation. Take our shuttle and get over gently from your jetlag.

Day 2 : Christchurch

You have a full day to enjoy the most British town of the country. Christchurch has a lively entertainment scene, strong cultural heritage, gorgeous parks and gardens and good shopping. Among the 'must sees' are the weekend Arts Centre market, Christchurch Cathedral, Botanic Gardens and International Antarctic Centre.

Day 3 : Christchurch - Oamaru (250km - 3h10)

Drive south to Oamaru for your first meeting with both Blue and Yellow-eyed penguins. Nestled on the South Island's east coast, Oamaru is an ideal destination for anyone keen to experience the real New Zealand. With friendly locals, a compact town centre and a variety of attractions, Oamaru offers unique experiences for even the most seasoned traveler.

Day 4 : Oamaru

The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, New Zealands largest scientifically monitored blue penguin colony, sits on the Waitaki Coast beach front, only two minutes from the centre of Oamaru. Yellow-eyed penguins are shy and easily disturbed. For that reason it is recommended that they be viewed from hides or with a guided tour.

Day 5 : Oamaru - Dunedin (115km - 1h30)

Drive south to the most Scottish town of the country, Dunedin! Stop on your way to see a curious geological phenomenon on the beaches. The Moeraki Boulders are huge spherical stones that are scattered over the sandy beaches, but they are not like ordinary round boulders that have been shaped by rivers and pounding seas. These boulders are classed as septarian concretions, and were formed in ancient sea floor sediments. They were created by a process similar to the formation of oyster pearls, where layers of material cover a central nucleus or core.

Days 6-7 : Dunedin - Otago Peninsula - Dunedin

Two days to enjoy Dunedin, the foundations of New Zealand's richest architectural heritage (were built on the gold rushes f the 1860s) and today Victorian and Edwardian buildings can still be seen at every turn. Experience the grandeur of our historic homes and take in the richness of our heritage, some of which dates back centuries but is still very much a living part of Dunedin today.The Otago Peninsula is renowned for hosting the world's only mainland breeding colony of the northern royal albatross, and being home to the world's rarest penguin, the yellow-eyed, and various species of seals, sea lions and pelagic birds.

Day 8 : Dunedin - Catlins Coast (115km - 1h30)

Wilder and wilder, you are entering a fascinating scenery designed the roaring forties. It is the most isolated region of the country which explains why wildlife chose it as a hangout. You need to be accommodated near the viewing spot to enjoy them late in the day, be ready to experience something different.

Day 9 : Catlins Coast

You can drive along the Catlins coast in 2 hours time or take several days. Situated off the beaten track on the southern-most coast of South Island, New Zealand, The Catlins is a major highlight of the Southern Scenic Route. Winding between Fortrose and Kaka Point, you will travel through our beloved farmland, forest and seascape. There are so many choices of walking tracks and byways - take some, and discover the sometimes peaceful, sometimes savage treasures of The Catlins…

Day 10 : Catlins Coast - Invercargill

Go back to the civilization and discover New Zealand's southernmost city, Invercargill. It is still arguably one of the country's most intact from our early development period. While in more recent times a number of fine old buildings have bowed to new structures, Invercargill is still very much the city of consequence it became in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Day 11 : Invercargill - Stewart Island

Here is the cherry. Stewart Island is the last step before the no man’s land. It is the bird capital of the country and home of the kiwi that can even be seen during the day on Mason Bay. 2H guided walk with a nature guide at the end of the day.

Tip: Walking trip can be organized to see kiwis on Mason Bay.

Day 12 : Stewart Island - Invercargill - Queenstown (190km - 2h25)

You now drive north to more inhabited areas. From the mild to the wild you'll find your adventure threshold here. The expansive natural physical environment offers air, water and land based activities. Go walking, sailing, hiking, climbing, fishing, cycling, golfing, off-roading, skiing or mountain biking.

Day 13 : Queenstown - Tekapo (250km - 3h10)

From a lake to another, enjoy the drive to the turquoise blue lake. On the shores of Lake Tekapo - the country’s highest large lake (710m above sea level) - is the Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935 as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. The Church offers awe inspiring views of Lake Tekapo and mountains through the alter window and has been host to thousands of weddings since its dedication.

Day 14 : Tekapo

In Lake Tekapo you can fly fish the lakes and rivers, ski and snowboard the pristine snow slopes in winter, enjoy a boat cruise, play a round of golf, ice skate in the winter months, relax in the hot pools and indulge in the health spa, take a horse trek around Mt John, enjoy off-road mountain biking, take a scenic flight over the Mackenzie basin and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and gaze at the skies above on a star watching tour at the world famous Mt John Observatory - there's something for everyone.

Tip: Two nights give you twice chances for star watching at Mt John Observatory.

Day 15 : Tekapo - Christchurch (230km - 2h50)

It is time to end the loop. Christchurch's heritage trams are a great way to experience the heritage and charm that makes Christchurch special, with an informative and entertaining commentary.

The tramway offers a quality inner city tour experience that combines the heritage of the trams, attractions and historic buildings with the culture of the Garden City.