southern adventure
& wilderness

Day 1 – We start off today with a very informal welcome meeting in Christchurch. A chance for everyone to say ‘Kia Ora’ (hello in Māori), for us to introduce ourselves, tell you a little bit more about the coming days, and answer any questions you may have. We’ll pack up our trailer, introduce you to the van and hit the road.

We begin our journey by crossing the mighty Waimakariri River and driving out of the South Island’s largest city. We drive north through the wineries and sheep farms of the northern Canterbury plains and on to the craggy Kaikōura coastline.

Kaikōura is a picturesque fishing village situated between the rugged Seaward Kaikōura mountain range and the Pacific Ocean. It is world famous as a hub for whale watching and wild dolphin swimming, both of which operate all year round. 

We will stop at the very end of the peninsula where the Point Kean viewpoint offers superb views of the Kaikōura coastline and mountains. 

A short walk away is the famous Kaikōura Seafood BBQ* kiosk, which serves a variety of locally harvested ‘seafood goodness’ including crayfish, scallops, paua and whitebait fritters, mussels, grilled fish, prawns and their specialty seafood chowder. 

We will then head to our camp for the night, providing a tent demonstration and assisting you on your first night as a ‘Zigzagger’. 

A group welcome dinner is provided tonight at a local restaurant.
*at your own cost

‍Included B,D (Breakfast, Dinner)
Camping: Kaikōura 
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Day 2 – Free Day. The fascinating Kaikōura Museum provides a superb introduction to the region’s natural, Māori and whaling histories, and its more recent surf culture. It also showcases the tremendously powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the area in 2016 and created huge rifts in the land – the Kaikōura Peninsula itself moved north-east by almost one metre and rose 70 centimetres at the same time.The town has an array of waterfront cafes and restaurants to enjoy and there are many beautiful walks around the peninsula. 

Along the peninsula, you will find Fyffe House, Kaikōura’s oldest surviving building and the last remnant of a pioneering whaling station from the 1840’s. The old whaler’s cottage contains bones, relics and artifacts and makes for an interesting visit.

‍Included B,D
Camping: Kaikōura 
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Day 3 – Today we drive the beautiful inland route through to Hanmer Springs, via the historic settlements of Mt Lyford, Waiau and Rotherham.

Hanmer Springs is a small alpine resort located in the Northern Canterbury region of the South Island. It is best known for its Thermal Pools and Spa complex, which can be found right in the middle of the village. Offering a range of natural sulphur and mineral pool experiences, some with bubbles and water jets too, this open-air park is a very relaxing place to while away a few hours. 

You have the rest of the afternoon to spend in Hanmer Springs.

‍Included B,D
Camping:  Hanmer Springs

Day 4 – Free Day. In addition to the Thermal Pools, there are also a range of walking and cycling tracks to explore around Hanmer, and the village itself is home to many restaurants, cafes and boutique shops. 
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Those adventurers amongst you might choose to take a day trip into the neighbouring Molesworth Station, New Zealand’s largest farm at almost half a million acres. It is renowned for its stunning tundra-like scenery, scree-scarred mountains, lakes, tarns, wide valleys and braided alpine rivers. There are also a number of old, historical buildings scattered across the farm’s landscape. 
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‍Included B
Camping:  Hanmer Springs 

Day 5 – This morning we cross the Lewis Pass, the northernmost of New Zealand’s three passes across the Southern Alps, and drive to Reefton, the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to install electric streetlights back in 1888.

We then head southwest, passing through the coastal town of Greymouth, before heading down the coast to Hokitika. This pleasant harbour town sits on the mouth of the Hokitika River and is the West Coast's and New Zealand's pounamu (greenstone/jade) capital.
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‍Included B,D
Camping:  Hokitika
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Day 6 – This morning we head inland to Hokitika Gorge in the Hokitika Scenic Reserve.

Hokitika Gorge is spectacular - the water is an incredible blue-green colour, and the gorge walls are dramatic. A short walk along a track leads to a series of curved boardwalks and swing bridges which wind through the Beech and Rimu forest above the gorge. Throughout the walk there are a number of viewing platforms where you can admire the colourful waters. Near the end of the track, the 90m suspension bridge that crosses the main channel of the gorge provides more astonishing river views with a backdrop of the Southern Alps in the background.

After having our lunch at the gorge, we drive south to Franz Josef where we enter ‘Glacier Country’ – one of New Zealand’s most diverse landscapes and home to the highest mountains, longest glaciers, tallest forests, wildest rivers, and most rugged of its coastlines.  

There are around 3,100 glaciers scattered throughout the Southern Alps, but most are inaccessible due to the high altitude and harsh geography. So how lucky are we that the stunning Fox and Franz Josef glaciers happen to be the most accessible in the world.

Fed by four alpine glaciers, Fox Glacier is 13km long and descends 2600m from the Southern Alps towards the coast. Franz Josef Glacier is 12km long and descends 3000m. Both are surrounded by truly spectacular scenery.

We spend three nights in the town of Franz Josef.
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Included B,D
Camping:  Franz Josef 
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Day 7 - Free Day. Whether you want to ice-climb up them, take a thrilling helicopter ride over the top and land on the ice sheet above them, or just marvel at them from the various hiking trails that weave their way through the valleys below, there are a multitude of ways to see and experience these amazing glaciers. We have chosen the little town of Franz Josef as our base for all the activities that can be done here and hope you enjoy its mountain alpine/ski resort vibe. 
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Included B
Camping: Franz Josef

Day 8 - Free Day. A second day to explore this incredible area. In addition to the more adventurous activities on offer, there are a range of short walks and full day hikes in and around this region. 

You might also want to experience the West Coast Wildlife Centre*, an indoor wildlife centre where you can view New Zealand’s ancient tuatara and Kiwi birds.

Weather pending, ZigZag offers a free morning trip to nearby Lake Matheson, a photogenic highlight in this breathtaking region.

‍*at your own cost 
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‍Included B,D
Camping: Franz Josef

Day 9 - We leave Franz Josef on this, one of the most spectacular driving days of the entire 90-day trip. For much of today, we are surrounded by high mountains and glaciers, waterfalls and river valleys, alpine lakes and lush Beech forest, all of which is pristine, remote and untouched.

But first, we head south, through the village of Fox Glacier and past a number of desolate black sand beaches and alpine valleys before reaching the small town of Haast. We then continue our dramatic drive inland alongside the Haast River and through the aptly named Pleasant Valley before we start to make our way up and over the mighty Haast Pass, deep within Mount Aspiring National Park.

Nestled amongst the forest within the National Park are the Blue Pools, a series of deep, crystal-clear cascades that flow into the Makarora River. These natural pools are an almost luminous turquoise in colour, and are accessed by a short, pleasant walk through the forest and over swing bridges. Large trout can be seen swimming in the pools, and many visitors cannot resist taking a swim in this alpine paradise. 

We continue our stunning drive amongst the Southern Alps to where we briefly join the upper section of Lake Wanaka, before scaling another short pass and being greeted by astonishing views of neighbouring Lake Hawea. 

We continue along the shores of the lake until we reach the small picturesque town of Wanaka, where we will spend two nights.
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‍Included B,D
Camping: Wanaka

Day 10 – Free Day.  Wanaka is the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park and sits on the shores of beautiful Lake Wanaka. With a backdrop of the Southern Alps, Wanaka is an outdoor paradise - a hub for mountains trails, lakeside walks, canyoning, swimming, and bike riding.

Spend your time climbing Mount Iron or the incredibly popular, much higher, and physically exhausting Roy’s Peak for incredible 360-degree views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains.

If hiking isn’t your cup of tea, then there are numerous water-based activities to try out on the lake, bike hire options, a fabulous boutique movie cinema in the city centre, and a delightful little international food truck ‘square’ nestled above a babbling brook and an old waterwheel.  

Full of beauty spots and photo opportunities, one of its most famous is the Instagram-friendly “#that Wanaka tree”, an iconic (but rather small in stature) willow tree that wallows in the lake’s shallows and has become a social media photographed phenomenon.

Included B
Camping: Wanaka
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Day 11 – Upon leaving Wanaka today, we travel around Lake Dunstan and through the Kawarau Gorge before making a stop in Arrowtown, a historic gold mining settlement.

Nestled by the Arrow River, this picturesque and character-filled village has retained much of its original ‘gold rush’ architecture, and the pretty colonnade of old shops and buildings in its centre resemble those from an old ‘wild west’ film.

Just off the main street are a series of quaint old miners' cottages that lead to the ‘Chinese village’ – a separate area that was allocated to the Chinese gold miners who came to Arrowtown to seek their fortunes. Steeped in history, this open-air museum provides a glimpse into the tough and often unrewarded lives that these courageous early miners led.

From Arrowtown, we head to the exciting city of Queenstown where we stay for four nights.

Included B,D
Camping: Queenstown

Day 12 – Free Day. Queenstown sits on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by a number of large alpine peaks, and the spectacular Remarkables mountain range. Often referred to as ‘the adventure capital’ of New Zealand, Queenstown has an abundance of things to see and do.

For those of you with a quest for thrill-seeking, why not try the first and most famous bungy jump in the world, or one of the many exhilarating jet boat rides in the area, white water rafting or bodyboarding, a 4WD adventure, skydiving, ziplining, or even the bone-shaking ‘semi-submersible shark ride’! The list is exhaustive.  

If you prefer things a little slower paced, then check out the gondola and the astonishing views from the top of Bob’s Peak, a paraglide over the town, a lake cruise on the famous TSS Earnslaw (an iconic century-old coal-fired steamship), a stroll through the botanical gardens, or just time on the lakeshore and a wander through the shops in the pleasant town centre.

If you are a Lord Of The Rings fan, you might want to hire a car or join a tour to nearby Glenorchy. A number of the incredible locations surrounding this tiny township were prominent backdrops for the movie series.

Included B,D
Camping: Queenstown

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Day 13 – Free Day. Another day to explore and enjoy beautiful Queenstown. Options for today might include hiring a bike, a spot of fishing, or hiring a car and driving to the top of Deer Park Heights for the best views in town.
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‍Included B
Camping:  Queenstown

Day 14 - Free Day. Final day to soak up the Queenstown atmosphere or complete those bucket list activities.
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‍Included B
Camping:  Queenstown
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‍‍Day 15 – Today we drive to Te Anau, the main base for Fiordland National Park and the closest town to Milford Sound.

The drive itself is incredibly scenic, as we travel out of the city and on through Frankton, a fast-growing outer suburb of Queenstown.

We then head south along the cliff edges that fringe Lake Wakatipu until we reach the Devil’s Staircase, a steep but particularly scenic section of the journey which zigzags up to a viewing platform overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains.

Leaving the Southern shores of the lake, we then pass large commercial deer stations and weave our way between high mountains before entering Fiordland and the town of Te Anau, our base for three nights.

Included B,D
Camping:  Te Anau 
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‍‍Day 16 - Free Day. Fiordland is a scenic wonderland of steep mountains, deep sounds, tumbling waterfalls and dense rainforest. Fulfilling a once in a lifetime experience here is straightforward, with the glacier-carved fiords of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound within easy reach.

Widely regarded as the ‘8^th wonder of the world’, Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions. Its waterfall-covered, mile-high mountain peaks rise almost vertically out of the dark waters of the fiord, with the imposing Mitre Peak at its centre one of the most photographed landmarks in the country.

Doubtful Sound, situated further south, and accessed via a boat ride across majestic Lake Manapouri, is considerably bigger than Milford Sound, and just as beautiful. We believe it is best seen as part of an overnight trip, which includes meals, your own cabin on board a cruise boat, and the opportunity to wake up and watch the sunrise over this silent, untouched paradise.

Te Anau is the main base for exploring the region and offers a variety of sightseeing options. These include cruises, helicopter rides, flightseeing, 4x4 journeys, guided hikes, kayaking, and sea plane experiences. Packages also exist that combine tours to both Milford and Doubtful Sounds too. Whichever you choose, this will quickly become one of your Kiwi highlights.

‍Included B
Camping:  Te Anau  ‍

‍Day 17 - Free Day. Another day to experience Fiordland. Locally, Te Anau offers its own glow-worm cave experience, pleasant walks around the lakefront, and a busy town centre filled with shops, cafes and restaurants.
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‍Included B
Camping:  Te Anau 

Day 18 – Today, we make our way down through the stunning rural scenery of Southland before passing through Invercargill and on to Bluff, the harbour town that most Kiwi’s erroneously believe is the most southerly point of mainland New Zealand.

It actually isn’t, but it is New Zealand’s southernmost town and is where the country’s State Highway 1 starts/ends (depending on your journey – Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island is at the other end).   We take you high up above the historic port to the top of Bluff Hill, from where on a clear day you can see all the way across to Stewart Island.

From here, we meander east through lush green farmland before stopping to visit the ‘real’ most southerly point on the island. Slope Point juts out on a small, windswept peninsula and is accessed via a short walk from the nearby car park. The sign post erected on top of the rugged cliffs confirms its most southerly location, and the views along the coastline in both directions are superb. 

We then continue on our journey, arriving a few minutes later in Curio Bay, one of the many jewels in The Catlins, a spectacularly scenic region of rugged, isolated coastline and forest in the south-eastern corner of the South Island. 

Included B,D
Camping:  Curio Bay 
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Day 19 – Free Day. Time to explore Curio Bay, it's 180-million-year-old petrified forest and the surrounding area. 

The Curio Scape interactive centre located on site is excellent and provides an interesting overview of the area’s unique geology and diversity. Then take any of the numerous walks from the centre out to see the Jurassic fossil forest and the varying wildlife that inhabit the area. 

If the weather is good, enjoy a dip in stunning Porpoise Bay, or walk for kilometres along the empty white sand beach. 

Included B,D
Camping:  Curio Bay 
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Day 20 – Today we zigzag though the rolling hills, native forests, cascading waterfalls, desolate sandy beaches, high cliffs, rugged bays and inlets, and large ocean swells that dominate the Catlins section of the Southern Scenic Route.

We settle into our camp this afternoon in Pounawea, a quiet seaside settlement which nestles between the estuaries of the Catlins and Owaka Rivers.

After dinner, and weather pending, we’ll drive you up to the ‘Nuggets’ at the Totāra Scenic Reserve for a nerve-tingling photo opportunity. This steep elevated headland with a pretty lighthouse at its tip juts out into the South Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by rocky islets (likened to ‘gold nuggets’, hence the name). The iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse (the oldest lighthouse in the country) has a viewing platform with sensational views over the spiky rocks and out to the ocean’s horizon and looks incredible at sunset.  
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Included B,D
Camping:  The Catlins
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Day 21 –  Leaving the beautiful South Otago coastline and passing through Balclutha on our way north, we reach a tiny hamlet called Tuapeka Mouth, an old gold mining area that is now known for its excellent sheep, beef and dairy farming. Here, we cross the mighty Clutha River via a 125-year-old current-driven punt (motorless ‘ferry’), the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

We then follow the river up through the Teviot Valley with its beautiful rolling farmland and superb orchards before reaching Roxburgh where we cross a large dam over the Clutha again.

We then pass through the pretty rural town of Alexandra and on to Ophir, an ancient stone village that is ‘frozen in time’. Frozen it was too in July 1995, when it recorded New Zealand’s coldest ever temperature of 21.6° Celsius. 

We drive on, up through the Ida Valley, where we follow part of the Central Otago Rail Trail, a multi-day walking and cycling track built on a disused railway line that runs right through the heart of the region, before reaching Naseby, our base for the next two nights.

Naseby was originally an old gold mining settlement and has preserved some beautiful historic buildings in its village centre including two stone hotels and an Old Settlers Museum. It is also New Zealand’s ‘Curling’ capital, with a purpose-built stadium that enables visitors to try their hand all year round at this sport popularised by the Winter Olympics. There are also gorgeous forest walks, a public swimming dam, and excellent mountain biking trails.  
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‍Included B,D
Camping:  Naseby ‍

Day 22 – We head off on a short, optional tour of the Maniototo today. Not far from Naseby lies the small, quaint ‘lost in time’ settlement of Saint Bathans, a once bustling gold mining town that was home to over 2000 residents – today, less than 1% of that number remain. The much-photographed Vulcan Hotel sits proudly on the main street, its interior unchanged from its heyday. Fascinating old photographs on the walls showcase the nearby mine workings, the houses, the sports teams and the colourful local inhabitants who lived here through the centuries, along with stories and tales about the ghost who is supposed to haunt the hotel. 

Back outside, the picturesque Blue Lake now hides the remnants of the intensive mining that created it, the spectacular colour of its deep waters intensified by the bright white cliffs that surround it. A loop track along one side of the lake highlights many old mining relics along the way, and signs provide further information about the history of the area. 

Then it’s back to Naseby for a game of curling – a sport that has been played here competitively since 1878! We will organise a group session where you will be shown the ropes and you can try your hand at essentially ‘bowling on ice’. A fun, unique experience we think you’ll enjoy. 

Included B
‍Camping: Naseby
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Day 23 – We depart Naseby for the 1930’s ‘art deco’ town of Ranfurly. After a short stop here, we travel into the remote Maniototo, an elevated inland region of Otago famous for its rivers, mountains, high country stations and wide-open spaces. The pace is slightly slower here, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. 

We drive on through rolling hills, granite strewn landscapes, tiny historic hamlets and the forgotten buildings of old gold mining settlements, before cresting a brow and peering down into the country’s largest gold producing mine at Macraes. 

We continue on through rock scattered paddocks that look like they could be on the moon, and more abandoned stone remnants of Otago’s extensive gold mining history, before leaving the Maniototo and joining the Southern Motorway which leads us in to the city of Dunedin.

‍Included B,D
Cabins:  Dunedin
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Day 24 – Free Day. Dunedin, a city of contrasts and colours, is the second largest urban area in the South Island. Its rich cosmopolitan culture is enhanced by its strong Scottish heritage and a large tertiary student population that enlivens the city’s centre. The city boasts a popular food and brewery scene, which combines with excellent museums, galleries and botanic gardens to attract visitors all year round.

The University and iconic Railway Station are just some of the many beautiful buildings that have survived from Dunedin’s wealthy Edwardian and Victorian eras, when the proceeds from farming and the gold rush almost saw it become the country’s capital.

Other attractions include Larnach’s Castle (New Zealand’s only castle), the central Octagon and its statue paying homage to the Scottish poet Robbie Burns, and Baldwin Street (officially, the steepest street in the world). 

The city is situated along the beautiful Otago Harbour, a large natural inlet that offers brilliant scenic drives, white sandy beaches, amazing hikes and breath-taking views only minutes from the city.  Dunedin is also a wildlife haven and is the only place in the world where you can view Northern Royal Albatross on the mainland - their natural habitat at the Royal Albatross Centre on the south-eastern tip of the Otago Peninsula makes for a thrilling day out. Other wildlife tours offer the opportunity to see penguins, seals, sea lions, dolphins and possibly even whales. 

Weather permitting, ZigZag offers a free fascinating optional day tour throughout the beautiful Otago peninsula.

‍Included B,D
Cabins: Dunedin‍

Day 25 – Today we head North. Along the coast, we make a stop at the Moeraki Boulders. These large, unusual rocks are perfectly smooth and spherical, and lie scattered on a deserted stretch of the beautiful Koekohe Beach, providing a great photo opportunity.

We then continue to Oamaru, a harbour town renowned for its proud historic Victorian precinct, its penguins, and for being the ‘Steampunk’ capital of New Zealand. Here you will find all things ‘weird and wonderful’ along with traditional craft shops and galleries nestled amongst the 19^th century Victorian buildings. 

‍Included B,D
Camping: Oamaru
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Day 26 – Leaving Oamaru, we drive inland through the limestone strewn landscape before stopping along the way to view some very rare, early examples of Māori Rock Art that date back hundreds of years. This historic area includes both pre- and post-European occupation sites and is one of only two such sites in the South Island that are open to the public. 

We then continue up the gorgeous Hakataramea Valley to the geological wonder that is the Omarama Clay Cliffs. This natural rock formation was initially created by glacial run off and has then been further eroded by the weather over the millennia, leaving behind huge funnels and soaring turrets in deep gorges of red dirt that we are able to walk amongst. Another good photography opportunity. 

This afternoon, we take the beautiful drive up to the bright blue waters of Lake Pukaki and on to Mount Cook. Be prepared for some stunning views and picture-perfect photo opportunities as we drive deeper and deeper into the Southern Alps. 

‍Included B,D
Camping: Glentanner
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Day 27 – Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a rugged landscape of ice and rock. It is home to 19 peaks that tower over 3,000 metres high, including New Zealand's highest mountain Mount Cook, which stands at 3,724 metres. There are many beautiful walks and hikes throughout Mount Cook National Park, and those who choose to wander out on the well-maintained tracks are rewarded with many viewpoints of the stunning mountains, glaciers, rivers and lakes. 

In addition to the walks and hikes, you can flightsee this iconic landscape from the air, get up close and personal to a real-life iceberg on a lake cruise, learn about the life of one of our greatest explorers Sir Edmund Hilary in the museum, spend time in a Planetarium, or even catch a movie! You may just want to sit, enjoy a coffee, and marvel at the views - there are so many ways to while away the day at Mt Cook Village/The Hermitage.

‍Included B,D
Camping: Glentanner
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Day 28 – We take the short drive back around Lake Pukaki to Tekapo. Spend the rest of the day on the picturesque shores of Lake Tekapo with its backdrop of alpine scenery. Relax in the hot springs or enjoy time in the village. 

Tekapo, nestled on the shores of Lake Tekapo, is in the heart of the Mackenzie Country, and is famous for its glacial, turquoise-coloured lake and its Southern Alps backdrop. It is a popular base for both summer and winter sports, has a fantastic new outdoor hot pool complex that is located right next to our campground, and is also home to the largest internationally recognised ‘Dark Sky Reserve’ in the Southern Hemisphere - one of only eight such reserves in the world. The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and associated Mount John Observatory offer many opportunities to learn about and enjoy the magnificent night skies above us. 
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‍Included B,D
Camping: Lake Tekapo‍

Day 29 – Driving over high passes and between more tall mountains, we say goodbye to the Mackenzie Country and head toward the rural towns of Fairlie and Geraldine, before turning north on the ‘Inland Scenic Route’ and driving through the lush pastureland of the Canterbury Plains. 

We cross the Rakaia River at the Rakaia Gorge, an alpine-fed river whose water far below is a bright milky-turquoise blue colour and looks astonishing on a sunny day. 

We then head east to Banks Peninsula and the small coastal settlement of Akaroa with its proud French heritage, via the breath-taking Summit Road. Its sweeping views of the harbour and surrounding hilltops are magnificent. Enjoy your final night in Akaroa - maybe good old kiwi 'fush and chups' by the waterfront?

‍Included B
Camping: Akaroa

Day 30 – We say our farewells over breakfast, before you pack up, clean your tent and depart the tour. Free transfer back to Christchurch airport or city centre by ZigZag.

‍Included B