+ THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SOUTH ISLAND +
min trip time: 9/10 days (take extended breaks at any point)
Trip fee: $1275 ($1229 with discount card)
(inc. food, camp fees, transport & shared tent)
starts: Christchurch or Picton
(add an extra $92 from Picton
ends: Queenstown
If you dont have time for the full South Island trip then this is an excellent way to see and experience some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery on the planet. Our trip takes you to a huge range of natural wonders from glaciers and mountains to beautiful beaches and wild coastlines. There are plenty fo wildlife encounters along the way as well as the adrenalin rush of Queenstown and many other great activities. if its hikes and bike rides your looking for then you won’t be dissapointed as we have a heap of superb options.
Activities to try are:+ Superb cycle rides (for all levels) |
Places to visit are:+ Character cities of Dunedin and and that’s just a taster….there’s guaranteed to be much, much more |
Optional hires:
You can hire any of the following equipement from us for the duration of your trip or bring your own gear. We charge a small handling fee for those who bring their own bikes but there are no charges for your own tent etc.
| Bike Hire | $170 |
| Bring your own bike | $65 |
| Tent share (inc. mattress) | included |
| Tent single (inc. mattress) | $50 |
| Sleeping Bag | $40 |
FULL ITINERARY
Southern Light Itinerary
+ You can take extended breaks at any of the points on the tour
+ Most nights you can upgrade to cabins for a small fee and a taste of rural luxury
+ Contact us if you have any questions as we are very flexible
key:
B = Breakfast included L = Lunch included D = Dinner included U = Upgrade available
GREEN text = optional activity (there are plenty more to try and there’s optional walks and rides everyday)
This itinerary shows the trip starting from Picton (point 9) but you can also start the trip in Christchurch (point 10)
South Island Itinerary
POINT 9: Travel the Pacific coast to Kaikoura, cycle stunning coastal route where close encounters with fur seals and a myriad of sea birds are common. Optional whale watch and awesome coastal walk. Stay at a beach camp and an amazing sunrise opportunity. L/D U
POINT 10: Optional dolphin swim or seal swim if you prefer or a chance to cycle by the nature-rich coast. Explore Christchurch, the “Garden City” then head across Canterbury plains to Rangitata Gorge with great walks, rides and accommodation at the foot of the Alps. B/D U
POINT 11: Optional white water rafting on the Rangitata river. Morning cycle or walks in Peel Forest. Travel through Geraldine and Mackenzie Basin with views of the Main Divide. Walk or cycle to Lake Tekapo and view scenic hydro canals. Lake Pukaki (can swim here) camp with views of Mt. Cook. B/L/D
POINT 12: Morning cycle towards Mt Cook. Hikes around the Mt Cook basin before making our way to the east coast. A short stop in Oamaru before heading to our coastal camp. Chance for a scenic cycle ride or walks, swim at the beach. Optional penguin tour. B/L/D
POINT 13: Morning coastal walk or cycle. Visit bizarre Moeraki Boulders. Explore historic and picturesque Dunedin. Have a go at cycling or walking up the World’s steepest street! There is also a chance to sample the delights of the Cadbury (Chocolate) factory or Speights Brewery depending on your tastes. We travel on to the spectacular and natural beauty of the Catlins area for the night. Cycle from camp to Nugget Point lighthouse along a quiet country road. B/D U
POINT 14: Journey through scenic southern pastures, stopping for lunch on the shores of Lake Manapouri. Visit the lake town of Te Anau before heading for Fiordland National Park and our historic camp in the unspoilt Hollyford Valley where cycle rides and walks abound. B/L/D U
POINT 15: One of the World’s most scenic routes into Milford Sound! Fantastic stop offs and more photo opportunities than you could handle! Cycle the magnificent descent from Homer Tunnel (3000ft)! Excellent optional boat cruise to experience the beauty of the fiord. The Routeburn, Greenstone Track walkers depart here for their awesome trek. Stunning lakeside camp. B/L/D U
POINT 16: Explore Te Anau and plenty of time to walk, fish or cycle in the area. Optional overnight hike on the Kepler Track with panoramic views from Mt Luxmore. Also the chance to try some jet boating or visit the enchanting glowworm caves. Same amazing lakeside camp in Te Anau. B/D U
POINT 17: Journey to Queenstown along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. We stay in a camp overlooking the lake and town, just stumbling distance to get home. Queenstown is the adventure capital and there are bars, activities and thrills galore! Track walkers re-join group. A big night out for those who are keen. B/L U
POINT 18: Queenstown with its multitude of adrenalin activities. Bungy, fly-by-wire, jet boat, rafting, horse trekking, parapenting, skydive, gondola ride - this place has it all, as well as spectacular views. Cycle and walk in alpine areas. A chance to wind down and compare notes and photos from your Queenstown thrills! B
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Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 9:43 pm
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