Self-drive diving package - South Island - 7 days
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 - Christchurch to Akaroa
Depart Christchurch for a scenic drive to the picturesque French village of Akaroa. After a cruise of the harbour you will have the opportunity to swim with the Dolphins.
Day 2
From Akaroa you travel on the Inland Scenic Route through Geraldine and the Mackenzie Country to Lake Tekapo - the land of turquoise lakes, vast open spaces and golden, tussock-covered hills rolling towards the towering Southern Alps.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shores of Lake Tekapo, and then travel on to Mt Cook - New Zealand's highest mountain. Stay at the Mt Cook village and in the evening join a star-gazing tour - the clear night skies in this area have amazing star-gazing opportunities.
Day 3 - Mt Cook to Queenstown
An early departure will get you into Queenstown early to maximize your time. Queenstown is set in a picturesque valley and is known for the wide range of adventure and outdoor activities that make the most of the scenery and the environment. Choose from a wide range of activities from soft adventure to extreme. There is something here for everyone.
Day 4 - Queenstown to Milford Sound
An evening departure will ensure you have maximized your time in the adventure capital of New Zealand. Travelling southward toward Fiordland you will drive through some of New Zealand's most stunning alpine country and through the Homer Tunnel, stopping at the Chasm before arriving at Milford Sound.
 Day
5 - Milford Sound
Milford Sound, rated the 8th wonder of the world by Rudyard Kipling, is a beautiful place. Sheer rock walls plunge thousands of feet to the sea, surrounded by snow capped mountains, and seals and dolphins are very friendly and eager to visit! The vast majority of people see Milford Sound from the deck of a ship, cruising out to the sea and back again, but we've got a better way. Today you dive the stunning Milford Sound, visiting two very unique locations with a scenic boat tour in between dives while you off gas. Fish life is abundant with the Sound hosting a variety of 160 species of fish including Blue Sharks, Dog Sharks, Pilot Whales, Fur Seals, Dolphins and the famous spiny Sea Dragon. And because the water is surprising subtropical, Black and Red Coral can be found. The different layers of fresh and salt water create spectacular views, making this most definitely a unique diving experience .
Day 6 - Te Anau to Dunedin
After leaving the splendour of Fiordland you cross the fertile Southland Plains, viewing some of New Zealand's finest stock country. Pass through the rural towns of Lumsden, Gore & Balclutha. Drive around the Otago Peninsula to view the albatross colony at Taiaroa Heads. See the Yelloweyed penguin in the Conservation Reserve and stay at Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the south, where gothic and modern buildings mix university and city.
Day 7 - Dunedin to Timaru/Christchurch
Leaving Dunedin you head north out of the city with a final opportunity for photos of the scenic harbour. Stopping for morning tea at Moeraki, there is time to take a walk on the beach for a close up view of the amazing Moeraki Boulders. Continuing up the east coast you'll get another view of the majestic Southern Alps as you journey across the sprawling Canterbury Plains. Here you will meet up with a team that will take you drift diving one of the South Island's most exciting rivers.
Spend a relaxing evening in Port Timaru, or head for the garden city of Christchurch depending on your time requirements.
Enquire about departure dates and pricing here.
Extras/options:
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Dive
Sail
Surf
Bike
Walk
Kayak
Golf
Horse
treks
Food & Wine
Snow Sports
Caving
Adventure
