Discover the whole of the South Island on this superb loop and see why New Zealand is the land of such magnificent scenic contrasts. Visit Christchurch, Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort, Blenheim and Marlborough, Nelson, Greymouth, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Mt Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo.
Includes: 16 nights accommodation, 16 days rental car (CDMR), Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve Entry, Montana Winery Lunch & Tastings, Fox Glacier Terminal Face Walk, Monarch Wildlife Cruise, Natures Wonders Eco Experience, 3 day Warbirds Over Wanaka 2010 General Admission Pass.
Wanaka: NZ$2765 per person twin share / Queenstown: NZ$2876 per person twin share
 Thursday 25 March 2010 - Arrive Christchurch
Arrive Christchurch. Upon arrival collect your Budget rental vehicle and then just a short drive to the city centre to check into your accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city.
Overnight accommodation is at Heritage Hotel, Christchurch
 Friday 26 March 2010 - Christchurch/Hanmer Springs
Head north from Christchurch and travel through the Waipara Wine region before turning inland towards Hanmer Springs. Take a relaxing soak at the thermal pools this afternoon in this thermal resort town.
Overnight accommodation is at the Heritage Hanmer Springs.
 Saturday 27 March 2010 - Hanmer Springs/Blenheim
Travel back to the coast this morning into Kaikoura. An option here is to take the 3-hour whale-watching launch cruise for which Kaikoura is renowned. Continue north along SH1 to Blenheim and the Marlborough Wine region. The Marlborough wine region is one of the most famous in New Zealand producing world renowned Sauvignon Blanc's.
Overnight accommodation is at Vintners Marlborough Hotel.
 Sunday 28 March 2010 - Blenheim/Nelson
This morning visit the wineries before enjoying lunch and tastings at Montana Winery. After lunch just a short drive from Blenheim to Nelson. Nelson is well known for its local artists and craftsmen, which is apparent in the many galleries in the city. Also home to the World of Wearable Arts Museum and Collectable Car Museum.
Overnight accommodation is at Leisure Lodge.
 Monday 29 March 2010 - Nelson
A full day to explore the city of Nelson or alternatively take a full day trip into the Abel Tasman National Park, a stunning coastal national park where you can take a launch cruise and do a short walk through native bush and along golden sandy beaches, the choice is yours.
Overnight accommodation is at Leisure Lodge.
 Tuesday 30 March 2010 - Nelson/Hokitika
Today travel through the large pine forests heading from Nelson to the West Coast. Travelling along the west coast you will notice the rugged beaches and coastline, which is a result of the large Tasman Sea swells. Stop at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks to view these remarkable formations before continuing onto Greymouth. Visit a Jade gallery to see the intricate carving of jade into jewellery or if the gold rush era interests you, alternatively visit Shantytown.
Just a short drive to Hokitika and your overnight accommodation at Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika.
 Wednesday 31 March 2010 - Hokitika/Fox Glacier
A leisurely morning to reach Fox Glacier, enjoy the scenery of views out to the Tasman Sea, dense forests and mountains that surround you. Stop in at Franz Josef Glacier to visit the recently opened thermal pools before the drive onto Fox Glacier. This afternoon we have included a 2 hour Terminal Face Walk to experience the glacier up close with in-depth commentary from an expert guide. If you are feeling more adventurous why not upgrade to a half day glacier walk or heli-hike option.
Overnight accommodation is at Sunset Motel, Fox Glacier.
Thursday 1 April 2010 - Fox Glacier/Wanaka or Queenstown
This morning we suggest taking a short helicopter flight up to the top of the glacier for stunning views of Mt Cook, Mt Tasman and the Tasman Sea. Head off down the coast through the Haast Pass, skirt Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea before reaching Wanaka or alternatively continue onto Queenstown.
Upon arrival check into your accommodation for the next four nights at either Mercure Grand Oakridge Resort Wanaka or Grand Mercure St Moritz Queenstown.
 Friday 2 April 2010 - Warbirds Over Wanaka Air Show
This morning Warbirds over Wanaka 2010 kicks off with the Aviation Trade Display and Warbirds practice day, see the pilots prepare for the next two days of aerial displays.
Saturday 3 April 2010 - Warbirds Over Wanaka Air Show
Warbirds over Wanaka Airshow begins today with flying starting at 10:00am and is non-stop throughout the day. Civil aircraft, Helicopters, Warbirds, RNZAF, Trade displays, Military Vehicles, Vintage Machinery, Classic Fire Engines and much more.
Sunday 4 April 2010 - Warbirds Over Wanaka Air Show
Warbirds over Wanaka Airshow main day two, with flying starting at 10:00am and is non-stop throughout the day. Civil aircraft, Helicopters, Warbirds, RNZAF, Trade displays, Military Vehicles, Vintage Machinery, Classic Fire Engines and much more.
 Monday 5 April 2010 - Wanaka/Queenstown/Te Anau
It's south today travelling towards the Fiordland National Park. Travel through the lush farmlands of Southland on your way to Te Anau. Continue onto Milford Sound to meet the afternoon scenic launch, cruise out to the edge of the Tasman Sea, be awed by magnificent Mitre Peak and get up close to Lady Bowen Falls on your return to Milford Wharf.
After your cruise return to Te Anau and your overnight accommodation is at Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau.
 Tuesday 6 April 2010 - Te Anau/Dunedin
This morning it's back through the rolling farmlands and into Gore, before heading north onwards to Dunedin. A great place to stop is at Croydon Aircraft Museum in Mandeville just before Gore, you can see the restoration of many vintage aircraft.
Overnight accommodation is at Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel.
 Wednesday 7 April 2010 - Dunedin
Today we have included a full day of Eco experiences. Enjoy a morning cruise out to the head of Otago Harbour and view the Royal Albatross colony, the only mainland-breeding colony in New Zealand. After your cruise experience the thrill of an all terrain Agro ride on the peninsula with Natures Wonders, see seals and penguins on this exclusive on private farmland.
Overnight accommodation is at Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel.
Thursday 8 April 2010 - Dunedin/Lake Tekapo
 It's north today from Dunedin, travelling through the heart of Otago. Stop in Oamaru to view the magnificent Victorian buildings in the old town before turning off inland following the Waitaki River valley up past huge man-made hydro lakes and dams and onto Lake Tekapo. Enjoy the stunning views of the mountain ranges and glacier-fed turquoise lakes. Time permitting we suggest either a side trip into the village of Mt Cook and a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or alternatively enjoy the Air Safaris Grand Traverse flight over the mighty Southern Alps with views of Mt Cook and 12 glaciers. Tonight try the new Alpine Springs and Spa for a relaxing soak.
Overnight accommodation is at Peppers Bluewater Resort.
Friday 9 April 2010 - Lake Tekapo/Christchurch
Your final day today heading out of the Mackenzie basin and onto the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps never far from view. We suggest a visit to the Airforce Museum of New Zealand (formally Wigram) as you arrive into the city of Christchurch.
Your overnight accommodation is at Heritage Hotel, Christchurch.
Saturday 10 April 2010 - Depart Christchurch
Return your vehicle to the Budget depot today before your onward arrangements.
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