Stay : South of South, diving in the heart of New Zealand nature
The southern part of the South Island is home to a wealth of natural treasures, as varied as they are superb. From Christchurch, you'll head for the West Coast before heading south via the emblematic Queenstown. You'll then discover such wonders as Doubtful Sound, Catlins Forest and the Akaroa dolphins. There's plenty to see and do.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
14 days
€€ - Charm and comfort
Detail of the stay : South of South, diving in the heart of New Zealand nature - 14 days
Day 1: Christchurch
Steps: Christchurch
On your first day in the South Island, you can take a stroll through Hagley Park, in the center of Christchurch, or through the city center, which has been reborn since the destructive 2011 earthquake.
Day 2: Rail travel via Arthur's Pass
Steps: Christchurch, Arthur'S Pass National Park, Greymouth
Departing from Christchurch, the train journey toArthur's Pass is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The views from the converted carriages are magnificent. The train arrives in Greymouth in the early afternoon, just in time to rent a car. Welcome to the West Coast!
Day 3: Waiuta
From Greymouth, drive along the deserted roads to Waiuta, a ghost town where you can recapture the heyday of the gold rush.
Day 4: Hokitika
Steps: Hokitika
Descend along the west coast to Hokitika, the jade capital. Survey the wild beaches nearby, where tons of driftwood wash up every year.
Day 5: Franz Joseph and Fox Glacier
Steps: Fox Glacier
Head south towards the glaciers. Play the explorer: equipped with crampons and ice axe, hike the Fox Glacier.
FOX GLACIER VALLEY WALK
Day 6: Welcome Flat
It's time for a real Kiwi adventure: two days' walking on the Copland track, with an overnight stay at the famous Welcome Flat Hut, where you can relax your muscles in the natural hot pools close to the hut.
Day 7: Welcome Flat - day 2
Steps: Haast
If you're feeling energetic at the end of the day after the return journey, head south again to spend the night in Haast.
Day 8: Wanaka
Steps: Wanaka
Direction Wanaka ! Leave early to have time to climb to the top of Isthmus peak (5 to 7h round trip), much less frequented than Roy's peak and offering equally spectacular views. If you don't have the energy for another day's hiking, simply push on to Wanaka and relax by the lake.
Day 9: Queenstown
Steps: Queenstown, Arrowtown
Even on an "off the beaten track" itinerary, it's hard not to stop in Queenstown , one of the South Island's most emblematic landmarks! Don't hesitate to make a detour to charming Arrowton, a former stronghold of gold miners.
Day 10: Catlins
Steps: Curio Bay
Head for the Catlins! One of the least-visited regions in the country, and yet one of the most enchanting!
After the road, you can stretch your legs by walking to Slope Point, the southernmost point of the South Island! Then head to Curio Bay as evening falls and try to catch a glimpse of penguins returning to their nests after a day's fishing at sea. Camp at Curio Bay.
SLOPE POINT
Day 11: Catlins - Day 2
Steps: Curio Bay, Owaka, Nugget Point
If you didn't see any penguins the day before, try again at sunrise! Then follow the coast as it reveals its wonders: Cathedral Caves, Lake Wilkie, Matai Falls, Purakaunui Bay and Purakaunui Falls, Jack's Blowhole... End the day either at Roaring Bay for another chance to spot penguins, or at Nugget points lighthouse for sunset.
Day 12: Dunedin
Steps: Dunedin
Back to civilization with a trip to Dunedin, capital of Otago. The peninsula of the same name offers sublime walks and is home to many species of wildlife: penguins, sea lions and albatrosses.
Day 13: Moeraki, Oamaru and Timaru
Stop in Moeraki to see the famous boulders, then in Oamaru for the amazing steampunk museum! Spend the night in Timaru.
Day 14: Christchurch
Steps: Timaru
Back to Christchurch. Before setting off again, you can visit the South Canterbury museum in Timaru, or, if you're more interested in the frozen continent, opt for the Antarctic Center (a stone's throw from the airport) once back in Christchurch.
SOUTH CANTERBURY MUSEUM
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