The South Island Sun and Snow New Zealand itinerary takes in New Zealand's sunniest region, Nelson, and also takes you to the world class ski destinations of Queenstown and Wanaka.

Kaikoura is famous for fresh seafood, whale watching, local seal colonies, and amazing scenery.

Please note-the best time to go whale watching is in the morning before the wind and the seas pick up.

The mountains touch the sea in Kaikoura, and in winter are snow capped, making for wonderful photo opportunities.

There is a wide range of accommodation options in Kaikoura. Several of these have great ocean views.

Days 5, 6 & 7.

Today your New Zealand itinerary takes you to the bustling city of Nelson (3 hours drive), in the Tasman Region. Nelson is located on the shores of Tasman Bay, and is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, one of the South Island's prime attractions. The Abel Tasman is located around 1 hours drive from Nelson and is accessed via the bay side village of Marahau. The Park offers a wide range of walks and activities such as kayak trips, guided tours, and water taxi rides.

Further west from the Abel Tasman is Golden Bay, another idyllic coastal location. Farewell Spit is the north western edge of the South Island and is a popular location for bird and seal watching. Another popular attraction is Pupu Springs, a freshwater spring with water so cold that divers are only permitted to stay submerged for limited periods.

Nelson also has many other attractions such as a selection of vineyards, the World of Wearable Art, and a large arts and cultural community.

Click here to see your accommodation options in Nelson.

Day 8.

Today our 3.5 hour drive takes us to Punakaiki on the rugged west coast.

Punakaiki is famous for the unusual limestone rock formations known as the Pancake Rocks. These formations resemble stacks of pancakes, and they are complemented by the famous blowholes, which really blow during a big ocean swell.

Accommodation options in Punakaiki are limited, but don't despair. My favourite is the beautiful Rocks resort. The resort is absolute beachfront offering stunning ocean views. The snow capped alps are also visible across the bay, and the resort restaurant offers the perfect location to sit and watch the sunset over the ocean.

Day 9.

Today is a 2.5 hour drive to the amazing west coast glaciers, Franz Josef and Fox.

My pick is Franz Josef because the village has more shopping and dining options.

You can see Franz Josef accommodation here.

Click the following link for Fox Glacier hotels. There are several ways to see the glaciers up close. A walk from the car park to the glacier's face at Franz Josef will take around 1.5 to 2 hours return.

Guided glacier walks are also available, but my pick (if your budget allows) is a

helicopter flight and snow landing. You will be stunned by the views and thrill of the ride. A "must do" if funds permit. Please note though that flights are weather dependant. Conditions change quickly on the west coast, so bookings are essential.


Day 10.

Your South Island Sun and Snow New Zealand itinerary now takes you to the beautiful lake side town of Wanaka.

Wanaka is well known as the service town for two world class ski fields, Cardrona and Treble Cone, and in the ski season the town buzzes with activity.

The town centre is located on the lake edge, and offers numerous dining and accommodation options. A lake view motel or apartment is well worth the extra money, as the views year round are stunning.

There is much to see and do in Wanaka, including 4wd tours, scenic flights, winery tours, golf, and the quirky Puzzling World and maze.

Days 11 & 12.

Today on your South Island Sun and Snow New Zealand itinerary, you head to what many consider to be one of the most spectacular locations in the world. Queenstown is known as the "Adventure Capital" of New Zealand, and for good reason. The variety of Queenstown activities is huge, with everyting from bungy jumping (several locations), jet boating, para-sailing, para-gliding, 4wd tours, rafting, luge rides high above the town, and of course skiing and snowboarding at the two nearby ski fields, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.

And if you are looking for something a little more sedate, a winery tour, a game of golf at one of several superb courses, or a trip on Lake Wakatipu on the historic steamship, the TSS Earnslaw may be to your liking.

But if there is one thing that the region is world famous for, it's Milford Sound. Referred to as the Eigth Wonder of the World, Milford Sound is the number one attraction in New Zealand, and with very good reason. Towering peaks and sheer cliffs that seem to disappear into the clouds, waterfalls, and the deep dark waters of Milford Sound all combine to make this one of the most amazing places you will ever visit.

Milford Sound is around 4 hours drive each way from Queenstown, which makes for a very long and tiring day. A better alternative is to take a bus tour and cruise and let someone else worry about the driving.

To make the most of your South Island Sun and Snow New Zealand itinerary, click here to learn all about the various New Zealand regions.



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