south island experience tour 9-day

A shorter version of our south island experience tour, the 9-day experience sampler offers a selection of some of the South Island's best scenery and activities with all the great features of our full Experience tours. This trip is designed to fit into a one week vacation period and is the perfect trip for those wanting a New Zealand stopover as part of a larger travel itinerary, or for our Australian neighbours looking for a great short break across the pond: frolic with fur seals and watch whales breach recline amongst the vines at a winery sea kayak along golden, bush-laden coastline float beneath cave constellations soar over awe-inspiring glaciers starts in Christchurch, finishes in Queenstown 9 day tour Day 1:  Welcome to New Zealand! Step off the plane in Christchurch, the South Island's garden city, and into the care of your Black Sheep guide. Freshen up at your hotel, then head out and explore: stroll amongst the Botanical Gardens, visit the galleries and museums, or enjoy a coffee while watching the tide of people flow by. At dinner, socialize with your fellow travelers and discuss your upcoming trip. Day 2:  Marine Encounters Head north to Kaikoura, New Zealand's marine-life Mecca. Don a wetsuit for an up-close encounter with playful fur seals or take a boat trip to the feeding grounds of albatross, shearwaters, and other pelagic wildlife. In the afternoon, hike amongst intriguing limestone formations, nesting seabirds, and snoozing seals. Kaikoura means 'to eat crayfish (lobster)' and at dinner, do just that. Day 3: Whales and Wine Greet the day with a morning whale flight to view Kaikoura's tremendous sperm whales from above. Bid Kaikoura farewell and travel northwest through the Marlborough wine region, the origin of some of the world's best Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays. Enjoy wine-tasting and a vineyard lunch before continuing on to  sun-drenched Nelson. Settle into your accommodation for the next two nights. Day 4: Abel Tasman Escape Sea kayak or hike along the stunning shoreline of arguably one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. Aquamarine waters, temperate forest, golden sand beaches--no arguments here. At the end of the day, note how the colloquialism 'Good day, mate' rolls off your tongue.   Day 5:  West Coast Wonders Resuming your journey, stop for a hike in the spectacular Nelson Lakes region then emerge onto the wild and woolly West Coast. Explore the limestone cave systems that honeycomb this region. View delicate, unspoiled formations on a Scenic Caving trip, or take a Cave Rafting adventure, featuring glow-worm constellations, an underground river, a whole lot of rubber, and plenty of laughs. Above-ground, rubber-free options also available. Travel along spectacular coastline to your accommodation in Punakaiki, at the edge of the Paparoa National Park. Day 6: Glacial Glory Head south to New Zealand's spectacular glacier region. Thank yourself for choosing a guided trip, because you can't take your eyes off the scenery--a serious no-no on these roads! In the village of Franz Josef, take a scenic helicopter flight, passing near Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, and landing on the glacier's neve. Back on terra firma, hike to the glacier face and visit a stand of old-growth rainforest. Marvel at how ferns and ice can be within cooee of each other (that's 'really close' in Kiwi). Day 7: Queenstown Bound Hike around the peaceful, reflective water of a glacial kettle lake, then head south to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. On the way, explore hidden trails and secluded waterfalls. Make a note to buy an additional memory card for your camera. Day 8: Mother Nature on Steroids In the morning, embrace the energy of this lively town with a thrilling jet boat ride through the scenic Shotover Canyon, then spend the day as you wish, hiking, rafting, shopping, horse-trekking, bungy-jumping, reading, or whatever other optional activities you choose. Decide that Queenstown, backed by the aptly-named Remarkables mountain range, is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Fill your new memory card with pictures taken from your doorstep. Re-gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the friendships you've made and the memories shared. While making a speech, accidentally call your guide 'Mommy'. Day 9: Fond Farewells Depending on your flight schedule, take time to relax, make final purchases, or reconsider that bungy jump before traveling home or to your next destination. Arrive home and book your next Black Sheep adventure. For those with a bit more time... Why not add on an excursion to Fiordland or a multi-day tramp (hike) on one of New Zealand's Great Walks?  There are lots of options; contact us for details.