South Island Uncovered including Sydney Stopover

Days 1-2  Fly to Sydney, Australia  

Days 3-5  Sydney  
Arrive into Australia’s most iconic city. Walk across the dramatic harbour bridge, take photos at Sydney Opera House and hop on a ferry to Manly beach. In the evenings enjoy the buzzing restaurant and bar scene at Darling Harbour.  

Days 6-7  Sydney to Akaroa, New Zealand  
Fly to Christchurch, New Zealand and pick up your car. Drive east to the beautiful Akaroa Harbour, nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Join a nature cruise to spot rare Hector’s dolphins or explore one of the many picturesque walking trails before enjoying fresh fish and chips by the harbourfront.  

Day 8  Akaroa to Oamaru  
Today head down the coast, with a stop in Timaru to sample their famous artisanal cheeses, to the charming and historic town of Oamaru, where grand Victorian buildings line the promenade. As the sun sets, the town’s resident blue penguins perform their nightly ritual as they surf to shore and waddle home to their nests.  

Days 9-10  Oamaru to Otago Peninsula  
Continue south and stop off to admire the famous domed boulders of Moeraki Beach. Explore Dunedin with its unique Scottish architecture or make use of your proximity to the rugged Otago Peninsula, home to fur seals and majestic albatross.  

Day 11  Otago Peninsula to Invercargill  
Spend the day discovering the stunning Catlins Forest Park. Those who venture this far into rural Southland are rewarded with rugged scenery, towering waterfalls and an abundance of birdlife. This evening head to Invercargill.  

Days 12-13  Invercargill to Stewart Island  
A short drive takes you to Bluff for your ferry across to Stewart Island. Spend your first day exploring this unspoilt natural paradise and as dusk sets in, venture into the native forest with your experienced guide for a chance to encounter the loveable and curious wild brown kiwi. Enjoy another full day here and perhaps visit the Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary, home to rare bird and plant species.  

Day 14  Stewart Island to Te Anau  
Continue your journey to the lakeside town of Te Anau and marvel at the glacial-carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park.  

Day 15  Te Anau  
Today, board a day cruise out to less explored Doubtful Sound, a stunning natural wonder 10 times larger than neighbouring Milford Sound and equally spectacular.  

Day 16  Te Anau to Gibbston Valley  
Head through the mountains to New Zealand’s best kept secret of boutique wineries in a scenic valley. Spend the afternoon sipping Pinot Noir in style before retiring to your boutique cottage.  

Days 17-18  Fly home  
Drive to Queenstown and drop off your car before your overnight flight home.