Kiwi Express - Overland Trip

Accommodation

We use different forms of accommodation on our tours: Hotels, Lodges, farm-stays and camping. This allows us to get the most out of the areas we travel. There are opportunities to upgrade to \'chalets\' in some camp grounds when available. These upgrades are booked en-route and are payable on confirmation. All hard top accommodation is based on twin share unless other room configurations are necessary.

Kitty Notes

In addition to the tour price there is a Local Tour Payment, which is paid to your Tour Leader at the beginning of each tour - in NZ$ cash only. This is part of your overall tour cost and is used to cover three meals a day whilst camping and accommodation as per itinerary on tour. Please refer to our website for a full list of optional excursions.

Itineraries (Wellington - Christchurch)

KIWI EXPRESS
11 days: Wellington to Christchurch
Price: GBP£560 + NZD$290 LTP

What’s Included
Accommodation: Hotels – Camping - Farm stays – lodges
Camping equipment: 3 person dome tents + sleeping mattresses
Meals: All meals while camping, most other breakfasts and lunches
Transport: Overland Vehicle – Ferry –Train
Staff: Tour Leader / Driver + Local Guides
Mountain Bikes
On board library

Cook Strait Ferry
Milford Sound Cruise
Trans Alpine Train

HIGHLIGHTS:
Wellington - Cook Strait Ferry – Kaikoura – Christchurch - Mt Cook Region - Southern Alps – Dunedin - Franz Josef Glacier - Fox Glacier - Southern Lakes – Queenstown - Milford Sound - Pukekura - Tranz Alpine train journey

ITINERARY NOTES
Day 1: Wellington to Kaikoura
Our tour starts in New Zealand’s Capital City ‘Wellington’. We take the short journey to the Cook Strait Ferry where we cross the Cook Straight and enter the South Island through the scenic Marlborough Sounds, often dubbed New Zealand’s ‘little slice of Norway’. We arrive at Picton, the gateway to the Sounds, and make our way to Kaikoura via Marlborough which is New Zealand’s top producing wine region. Here we have the chance to sample some of New Zealand\'s fine wines.

Day 2: Kaikoura to Christchurch
This morning before we depart Kaikoura we have the chance to go in search for the mighty Sperm Whale (weather permitting) - or maybe a swim with dolphins/seals in their natural environment.
A drive along the Kaikoura coast and the ‘Alpine Pacific Triangle’ brings us to the very English looking city of Christchurch. The ‘Garden City’ has plenty to offer and you will have time to explore. Don’t miss the Cathedral Square and the chance to meet the famous wizard! Take time out with a walk through tree lined Hagley Park which borders the city centre, and end your afternoon with a relaxed punt down the Avon River. Tonight we head into town for a bit of local culture.

Day 3: Christchurch to Omarama
We depart Christchurch and head South through the Canterbury Plains towards McKenzie Country. We stop for views along the way at Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. We have the option of a flight over New Zealand\'s highest peak, Mt Cook, which is 3764m and produces fantastic aerial views of the mountains and surrounding areas. Tonight we spend the night at one of McKenzie Countries remote farm stations.

Day 4: Omarama to Dunedin
Today as we make our way to Dunedin, New Zealand’s Scottish and Victorian City, we stop along route to see Moreraki Boulders. Formed some 60 million years ago, these boulders have long been a subject of legend and curiosity.
Dunedin is at the heart of one of New Zealand’s most renowned eco tourism areas. Not only can one see the world’s rarest penguin’s, the Royal Albatross, New Zealand’s Oldest University, but the world’s steepest street, and a 19th Century Castle. And let’s not forget an optional tour of the Speight’s Brewery, ‘The Southern Man’s beer’. Tonight we can enjoy a night out in this Scottish City.

Day 5: Dunedin to Te Anau
We head into Southland on the ‘Southern Scenic Route’ towards the famous Milford Sound. We make the ascent up to the Homer Tunnel, which is 1200m long and an experience on its own. As we drive into Milford Sound you will soon understand why we have travelled so far off the beaten track to get here. Come rain or shine this is truly New Zealand at its unparalleled and glorious best. Tonight we will relax before we take in the spectacular scenery.

Day 6: Milford Sound to Te Anau
Today we hop aboard the ‘Milford Wonderer’ for a breathtaking cruise in the heart of the sounds. You will see Mitre Peak, which has a dominate presence on the skyline. Milford Sound is 15km long and about 290m at its deepest. You also have the chance to visit the 160m Bowen falls. The fiords are home to a number of different wildlife, with Fur seals commonly being seen lying about on the rocks. Here you have the option of a Helicopter Flight over Milford Sound. We head back to Te Anau, New Zealand’s second largest lake. This lovely little lake side town will allow you to appreciate the spacious open areas, beautiful lake views and the amazing contrasts that the South Island has on offer.

Day 7: Te Anau to Queenstown
Today we head to the adventure capital of New Zealand, where it will be time for your adrenaline to get pumping.
You now have a few options available to you as we arrive into Queenstown. First, you can take time to relax and get your breath back, or you can fasten your seatbelt and indulge in the adrenaline capital of New Zealand!
With the variety of activities on offer in and around Queenstown, you will be spoilt for choice. Jump off the bungee bridge, go white water rafting and follow that by a jet boat ride. When you think you have had enough, there\'s always more! It\'s out of the wet cloths and on with the dry, as we paint the town red by night. (Winter trips have the option of hitting the slopes, to catch up on some skiing).

Day 8 & 9: Queenstown
You have the next couple of days to explore this adventure town or just relax in the array of coffee shops on and around the lakes edge; the surrounding view will see your day pass very easily.

Day 10: Queenstown to Fox Glacier
Today we make our way to the wild and wet West Coast but first we will stop at Arrowtown, one of the first gold mining settlements in New Zealand. Its tree lined streets and historic buildings lie beautifully nestled at the foothills of the Crown Range. We will then make one more stop before arriving at Fox Glacier, and that is at Wanaka, one of the most desirable places to live in New Zealand. With Lake Wanaka lapping at the shores, the picture postcard Southern Alps as its background and bordering Aspiring National Park, you will soon feel the same way as many others.
We now head through the remote area of Haast and the dense rain forests, as we make our way to the foot of Fox Glacier.

Day 11: Fox Glacier to Greymouth
Covering 13 kilometres and descending 1200 metres, these glaciers are only 6 km from the Tasman Sea and are amongst the fastest moving in the world. Here you have the chance to partake in some optional excursions such as a guided walk on ice, or maybe you would like to experience the thrill of a helicopter flight over this amazing mass of frozen water.
We now head up the West Coast to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast, where you can browse the souvenir shops for the sacred Pounamu, (Greenstone that the Maori people used for tools and weapons that was found in the West Coast Rivers).

Day 12: Greymouth to Christchurch
Today as the last part of your journey around NZ you will board the Trans Alpine Train across the Southern Alps. The landscapes between the West and East Coast will show you the true colours of New Zealand. From the lush coastal valleys and lakes in the west, through the rugged snow capped mountains, the rivers and gorges, you end with the flatlands of the Canterbury Plains. You will arrive back in Christchurch where your tour comes to an end.


NOTE:
All Overland NZ tours are flexible and we do our utmost to take you to the best places we possibly can. Our expeditions can sometimes be effected by local climatic conditions, politics or anything else unexpected so please treat this information as a guideline only. When you come to New Zealand be prepared to take things as they come and above all don’t forget your sense of humour!

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
A full list of optional activities available en route can be found on our website.

Day 1: Wellington to Kaikoura via the Cook Strait:
Today we cross the Cook Strait and enter the South Island through the scenic Marlborough Sounds, often dubbed New Zealand\'s \'little slice of Norway\'. We arrive at Picton, the gateway to the Sounds, and make our way to Kaikoura via Marlborough which is New Zealand\'s top producing wine region. Kaikoura is home to some of the best sea creatures in the world. There is so much diversity and accessibility here because of the topography and depth of the ocean floor. You cannot be anything but impressed with Kaikoura; from the beautiful Peninsula backed by the snow-capped peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges to the whales, dolphins and seals.
*Possible upgrade available here.

Day 2: Kaikoura to Christchurch:
This morning before we depart Kaikoura we have the chance to go in search for the mighty Sperm Whale (weather permitting) - or maybe a swim with dolphins/seals in their natural environment. A drive along the Kaikoura coast and the \'Alpine Pacific Triangle\' brings us to the very English looking city of Christchurch. The \'Garden City\' has plenty to offer and you will have time to explore. Don\'t miss the Cathedral Square and the chance to meet the famous wizard! Take time out with a walk through tree lined Hagley Park which borders the city centre, and end your afternoon with a relaxed punt down the Avon River. Tonight we can head into town for a bit of local culture.

Day 3: Christchurch to Omarama:
We depart Christchurch and head South through the Canterbury Plains towards McKenzie Country. We stop for views along the way at Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. We have the option of a flight over New Zealand\'s highest peak, Mt Cook, which is 3764m and produces fantastic aerial views of the mountains and surrounding areas. Tonight we spend the night at one of McKenzie Countries remote farm stations.

Day 4: Omarama to Dunedin:
Today as we make our way to Dunedin, New Zealand\'s Scottish and Victorian City, we stop along route to see Moreraki Boulders. Formed some 60 million years ago, these boulders have long been a subject of legend and curiosity. Dunedin is at the heart of one of New Zealand\'s most renowned eco tourism areas. Not only can one see the world\'s rarest penguin\'s, the Royal Albatross, New Zealand\'s Oldest University, but the world\'s steepest street, and a 19th Century Castle. And let\'s not forget an optional tour of the Speight\'s Brewery, \'The Southern Man\'s beer\'. Tonight we can enjoy a night out in this Scottish City.

Day 5: Dunedin to Te Anau:
We head into Southland on the \'Southern Scenic Route\' towards the famous Milford Sound. We make the ascent up to the Homer Tunnel, which is 1200m long and an experience on its own. As we drive into Milford Sound you will soon understand why we have travelled so far off the beaten track to get here. Come rain or shine this is truly New Zealand at its unparalleled and glorious best. Tonight we will relax before we take in the spectacular scenery.
*Possible upgrade available here.

Day 6: Milford Sound to Te Anau:
Today we hop aboard our boat for a breathtaking cruise in the heart of Milford Sound. You will see Mitre Peak, which has a dominate presence on the skyline. Milford Sound is 15km long and about 290m at its deepest. You also have the chance to visit the 160m Bowen falls. The fiords are home to a number of different wildlife, with Fur seals commonly being seen lying about on the rocks. We head back to Te Anau, New Zealand\'s second largest lake. This lovely little lake side town will allow you to appreciate the spacious open areas, beautiful lake views and the amazing contrasts that the South Island has on offer.
*Possible upgrade available here.

Day 7: Te Anau to Queenstown:
Today we head to the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown. You have more than a few options available to you for the next 48 hours. First, you can take time to relax and get your breath back, or you can fasten your seatbelt and jump in! .With the variety of activities on offer in and around Queenstown, you will be spoilt for choice. Jump off the bungee bridge, go white water rafting and follow that by a jet boat ride. When you think you have had enough, there\'s always more! It\'s out of the wet cloths and on with the dry, as we paint the town red by night. (Winter trips have the option of hitting the slopes, to catch up on some skiing).

Day 8: Queenstown:
You have today to explore this adventure town or just relax in the array of coffee shops on and around the lakes edge; the surrounding view will see your day pass very easily. Queenstown is one of top, and most scenic adventure venues in the world. Within the stunning setting of mountains and lake, you can do almost anything here. There are a number of wineraries here that offer very good wines - especially Pinot Noir - and claim to be the most southerly wineraries in the world. So instead of jetboating on the Shotover, perhaps a relaxing wine trail is more to your liking.

Day 9: Queenstown to Fox Glacier:
Today we make our way to the wild and wet West Coast; but first we will stop at Arrowtown, one of the first gold mining settlements in New Zealand. Its tree lined streets and historic buildings lie beautifully nestled at the foothills of the Crown Range. We will then make one more stop before arriving at Fox Glacier, at Wanaka, one of the most desirable places to live in New Zealand. With Lake Wanaka lapping at the shores, the picture postcard Southern Alps as its background and bordering Aspiring National Park, you will soon feel the same way as many others. We now head through the remote area of Haast and the dense rain forests, and make our way to the foot of Fox Glacier.

Day 10: Fox Glacier to Pukekura:
Covering 13 kilometres and descending 1200 metres, Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are only 6 km from the Tasman Sea and are amongst the fastest moving in the world. Here you have the chance to partake in some optional excursions such as a guided walk on ice, or maybe you would like to experience the thrill of a helicopter flight over this amazing mass of frozen water. After the glaciers have been conquered (or not..) we head up the West Coast to the small settlement of Pukekura, population 2. Pukekura is really known for the Bushman\'s Centre and Museum, and the adjoining cafe that serves \'road kill soup fo the day\'....

Day 11: Pukekura to Greymouth: Tranz Alpine Train
Today as the last part of your journey around NZ you will board the Trans Alpine Train across the Southern Alps. The landscapes between the West and East Coast will show you the true colours of New Zealand. From the lush coastal valleys and lakes in the west, through the rugged snow capped mountains, the rivers and gorges, you end with the flatlands of the Canterbury Plains. You will arrive back in Christchurch where your tour comes to an end.