Kiwistyle Travel 14 Day South Island Motorhome Convoy Tour
This 14 day Fully Escorted Tour travels through New Zealand’s South Island visiting all of the 'Must Do' destinations and taking part in all of the popular activities along the way.
It provides the ultimate opportunity to view and experience the South Island to its fullest!
Tour Itinerary:
DAY 1 – ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH/NEW ZEALAND
On arrival today in Christchurch you will be met at the airport and taken to the Copthorne Hotel located right in the heart of the city. You are less than 3 minutes stroll from the cafes and restaurants of the city and Oxford Terrace and the main shopping streets. We have left tonight free for dinner as there are so many choices within short walking distance from the hotel.
Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’ Is described as being more English than England. The South Island’s largest city, it is an entertaining mixture of refined lifestyle and cultural excitement. The tranquil Avon River meanders through the city, historic buildings house a lively arts community and restored trams make it easy for visitors to get around. Visit historic sites, museums and art galleries, and enjoy the highly developed restaurant scene.
DAY 2 – CHRISTCHURCH – BLENHEIM
This morning you will collect your Motorhome and depart Christchurch and drive north through wine country and the town of Cheviot to Kaikoura. Kaikoura is uniquely positioned with the towering alps to one side and a deep ocean trench to the other. This ocean trench attracts whales to feed, rest and breed like no other place in the world and so is the perfect place to take a look at these gentle giants. Travelling on you reach the important wine-growing region of Marlborough and the town of Blenheim. Your tour escort is waiting here to greet you and after you have settled in to your camp site you may join the escort to visit the town and explore and browse or simply do your own thing.
Blenheim, is situated in the heart of wine-growing Marlborough. It is one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand. Mountains frame the area and trap the summer heat. In and around Blenheim you’ll find a pleasing selection of cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, artisan food outlets and golf courses. However, like Napier the character vineyards and their fine local food are not to be missed.
Journey Time:
3 Hours, 25 Minutes from Christchurch to Blenheim
DAY 3 – BLENHEIM – GREYMOUTH
This morning depart the Blenheim and drive to the fruit-bowl of New Zealand, Nelson. Nelson is renowned for its sunshine and the local crafts people and artisans. From there the drive continues to Greymouth on the West Coast. After checking in to your camp site your escort will take you in to town to explore and browse.
Greymouth, once the site of the Maori pa Mawhera (which means ‘wide spread river mouth’, in reference to the town’s river mouth location), Greymouth is the largest town on the South Island’s west coast. The area has a history of gold mining, which can be appreciated at the local museum and nearby Shantytown – a reconstructed Victorian mining village. Perhaps try your hand panning for gold.
Journey Time:
4 Hours, 52 Minutes from Blenheim to Greymouth (stops will be made on the journey)
DAY 4 – GREYMOUTH – FRANZ JOSEFGLACIER
This morning depart the Greymouth camp site for the journey to the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Your trip takes you past rain forests and lakes with the Southern Alps towering on your left and the raging Tasman Sea on your right. After climbing into the mountains you arrive at the Glaciers and your camp site. Time to relax and explore before dinner.
Franz Josef Glacier, was first explored in 1865 by geologist Julius von Haast, who named it after the Austrian emperor. The glacier is five kilometres from the town of the same name, and a 20 minute walk will take you to its terminal face. From the glacier car park, you can hike to a choice of lookout points for a bigger view of this awesome river of rice. If you want to actually make contact with the glacier, take a guided ice walk or a heli-hike.
Optional Tours/Excursions: (own expense)
Franz Josef Heli Hike – Helicopter flight and hiking trip to Franz Josef Glacier
Mount Cook Helicopter Flight – Helicopter flight to Mount Cook
Journey Time:
2 Hours, 56 Minutes from Greymouth to Fox/Franz Josef Glaciers
DAY 5 – FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER - WANAKA
Departing Franz Josef continue south past beautiful rugged coastal scenery before turning inland driving alongside the Haast River. Then climb through Haast Pass and travel to Mount Aspiring National Park past Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka to Wanaka itself. After checking in to your camp site your escort will take you in to town to explore and browse.
Wanaka, the lakeside town of Wanaka is an appealing mix of fine living, fun and adventure and the town abounds with cafes, restaurants and interesting shops. You won’t have to go far here to discover their passion with vintage WW11 aircraft. Wanaka’s annual air-show is one of the most famous in the world.
Journey Time:
4 Hours, 8 Minutes from Franz Josef Glaciers to Wanaka (stops made on the journey)
DAY 6 – WANAKA – QUEENSTOWN
Leaving Wanaka we drive past the town of Cromwell – moved to its present site t0 accommodate a hydroelectric dam which flooded the old town, and continue on for a short stop at quaint Clyde. Then on past Kawarau Bridge with its mighty bungy jumping platform to Queenstown. Settle in to you camp site and then take a look around this picturesque mountain lake resort.
There is truly too much to see and do here to begin to describe. Your tour escort knows it all and he will make certain you are organised to fit in your “must do’s”. We do suggest the Walter Peak Dinner Cruise for a memorable Queenstown experience.
Queenstown, the first people to discover Queenstown's rare beauty were Maori pounamu (jade) hunters. Then came the gold miners, in search of another kind of treasure. Today Queenstown is treasured for its magnificent scenery, adventure opportunities and luxury lifestyle.
Optional Tours/Excursions: (own expense)
Shotover Jet Boat Ride, exciting jet boat ride on the Shotover river
Journey Time:
1 Hour, 39 Minutes from Wanaka to Queenstown
DAY 7 – QUEENSTOWN – MILFORD SOUND – QUEENSTOWN
This morning you will board a 5 Star tour coach for fabulous Milford Sound. Drive along the lake’s edge with the towering Alps all around before traversing picturesque farmlands. You again reach the mountains and enter Milford through the Homer Tunnel. Descending into Milford sound you are surrounded by hundreds of waterfalls cascading from the towering mountains. On Milford Sound you will enjoy a breathtaking cruise through scenery unsurpassed in the world. Later your coach returns via Te Anau to Queenstown. This evening is free to enjoy as you wish. Your tour Escort will organise activities or dinner for those wishing to do something together as a group.
Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during successive ice ages. At its deepest point, off Mitre Peak, it plunges to a depth of 265 metres. Wet or fine, Milford Sound is breathtaking. The fiord's sides rise vertically from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade down precipitous cliffs.
Tours Included:
Motor Coach Tour to Milford Sound and return.
Cruise on Milford Sound
Journey Time:
4 Hours, 13 Minutes from Queenstown to Milford Sound (journey is by motor coach)
DAY 8 - QUEENSTOWN
Today will be free at leisure to explore Queenstown and its nearby attractions and activities. Your Tour Escort is there to help and advise.
This evening you will join an evening cruise on the TSS Earnslaw followed by dining at the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak.
Tours Included:
TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Dinner Experience, evening cruise onboard the TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steam Ship to Walter Peak Farm for a dinner and show.
DAY 9 – QUEENSTOWN – DUNEDIN
Depart Queenstown and drive through the inland towns of Alexandra and Roxburgh past lakes rivers and magnificent mountain scenery to Dunedin. After reaching your camp site you will have time to explore and get to know this early New Zealand city and your escort will accompany those who wish to familiarise themselves with the town.
Dunedin, was built with the revenue from the gold rush of the 1800s, consequently there is no other city in the southern hemisphere as rich in Edwardian and Victorian architecture. Gothic church spires, ornate mansions, swathes of native forest and magnificent views of the harbour make Dunedin very memorable.
Journey Time:
4 Hours, 46 Minutes from Queenstown to Dunedin (stops will be made on the journey)
DAY 10 – DUNEDIN
Today you will have free at leisure to explore Dunedin and its nearby attractions and activities.
Optional Tours/Excursions: (own expense)
Otago Peninsula Coach Tour – A scenic coach tour of the Otago Peninsula including a fantastic Otago Wildlife Cruise
DAY 11 – DUNEDIN – MOUNT COOK
Travelling northwards, pause at Moeraki Beach and view the 60 million year old boulders and then north through Oamaru, famous for its old limestone buildings. We then turn inland and travel past the hydro-electric lakes of Benmore and Aviemore, then on through Omarama to Mount Cook. After settling in at the camp site you may wish to take an optional scenic flight over this awe-inspiring alpine region (weather permitting, own expense) and land on the mighty Tasman Glacier.
Mount Cook or by the Maori name, Aoraki, meaning “cloud piercer”. At 12,316 feet, Mount Cook is the highest mountain in Australasia.
Journey Time:
4 Hours, 44 Minutes from Dunedin to Mt Cook. (stops will be made on the journey).
DAY 12 – MOUNT COOK - CHRISTCHURCH
After taking the opportunity to view Mt Cook from the Hermitage, drive north past the glacier fed Lake Tekapo and stop to view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935 of locally gathered stone and oak. Then leaving the high country, cross the sweeping Canterbury plains to Christchurch. Your escort guide will be happy to advise you and make any arrangements for you.
Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’ is described as being more English than England. The South Island’s largest city, it is an entertaining mixture of refined lifestyle and cultural excitement. The tranquil Avon River meanders through the city, historic buildings house a lively arts community and restored trams make it easy for visitors.
Journey Time:
4 Hours, 50 Minutes from Mt Cook to Christchurch. (stops will be made).
DAY 13 – CHRISTCHURCH
Today you will have free at leisure to explore Christchurch and its nearby attractions and activities. A last opportunity to shop or just relax in this beautiful city.
Optional Tours/Excursions: (own expense)
Tamaki Heritage Colonial Experience – Evening Cultural experience and dinner
DAY 14 – CHRISTCHURCH – END OF TOURSadly today marks the end of your New Zealand tour. Today you will farewell your escort and the remainder of the tour group, return your motorhome to the Christchurch depot and join your flight for home.
Important Features Included
· Meet and greet on arrival in Christchurch.
· Free transfers on arrival Airport or Hotel.
· Cocktail party evening of arrival – meet the guide and group for briefing.
· 4 star hotel accommodation in central Christchurch night of arrival.
· Services of an experienced Escort/Guide for the entire tour from Blenheim.
WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND GROCERY GIFT PACK
1x Bottle of NZ wine, 1x 375g NZ Weet-Bix (cereal), 1x 250g NZ Marmite (sandwich spread), 1x 560g NZ Watties Tomato Sauce, 1x 75g Box of Bell tea (30 tea bags), 1x 275g Handmade Strawberry Jam, 1x 200g Gravity Freshly Roasted Coffee (makes 25 coffees), 1x 350g Nestle Milo Chocolate Drink, 1x 250g Cadbury Kiwi Royale Milk Chocolates, 3x 140g NZ Sweets, 4x 330 ml Bottles of New Zealand’s own L&P (soft drink)
MOTORHOME
· Choice of 2, 2+1 or 4 berth air-conditioned Superior Motorhome with Shower & Toilet (New to 3 years old).
· LCD flat screen TV/DVD player (2+1 & 4 Berth)
· Hot & cold pressurised water, 4 burner gas cooker & grill, security safe
· Picnic table & chairs (one chair for each person travelling).
· Motorhome hire unlimited kilometres.
· Comprehensive Insurance Cover on motorhome with NO bond/excess
TOURS & INCLUSIONS
· Motor coach Tour to Miford Sound and return.
· Cruise on Milford Sound.
· TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Dinner Experience.
Not Included
· Alcholic beverages.
· Optional Tours.
· Motorhome refuel.
· Personal insurance.
· Airport tax.
· Any items of a personal nature.
These tours run every month and start from NZ $2,059.00 (rates are dependent upon the season that you travel in) per person for a twin share (2 guests per vehicle) in a deluxe 2, 2+1 or 4 berth campervan with shower & toilet. If you think this could be your holiday of a lifetime please contact us with your preferred month of travel and the size of motorhome that you would like EG 2 berth or 4 berth and we will come back to you with more details on costings and availability that would be relevent to your requirements.
