New Zealand: South Island

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New Zealand: South Island

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Marlborough & Nelson

Although home to Blenheim one of New Zealands fastest growing wine regions, this area is probably more famous for its National Parks. Queen Charlotte Sound offers year round cruises observing seabirds and dolphins according to season, and the Queen Charlotte Walkway. To the west of Nelson is the Abel Tasman National Park, where there is accommodation and lots of activities.

For accommodation in this region one could stay at Double Bay on Kenepuru Sound, a choice of guest houses in Blenheim, or the Cathedral Inn in Nelson, the home of New Zealand arts & crafts where there is also an excellent choice of restaurants. Lunch at the Mapua Nature Smoke cafe is an experience in itself, and for fresh seafood there is the Boatshed Cafe & Restaurant. However Nelson is also renowned for its Breweries and visitors are welcome at both Founders and McCashin's Brewery.

Just outside Nelson on the Waimea Estuary en-suite accommodation is also available at The Honest Lawyer, an English style country pub serving superb fresh fish and shellfish. For those seeking exclusive accommodation and pampering there is the Paratiho Farms Spa at Moteuka.

Overland to Christchurch

Those travellers who have a keen interest in the Fox / Franz Josef Glaciers, and wildlife of the rugged Tasman Coast should proceed south through Greymouth and Haast to Queenstown. Suggested accommodation is at Kapitea Ridge Country Lodge outside Gryemouth, the Franz Joseph Glacier Hotel and the Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki near Haast.

Otherwise proceed through Springs Junction over the Lewis Pass into Hanmer Springs, a thermal reserve and Alpine Spa Resort where there are historic hotels, restaurants and award winning cafes. For accommodation we recommend Cheltenham House, The Heritage, or the luxurious Braemar Lodge.

From Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura is closer than travelling from Christchurch to join a tour to enjoy swimming with dolphins or whale watching. Suggested accommodation in Kaikoura is The Old Convent or Fyffe Country Inn

Christchurch

New Zealand's second largest city, on the edge of the Canterbury Plains, is home to parks and gardens. In the city we suggest accommodation at The Charlotte Jane Hotel or The Heritage Suites. Outside the city in the town of Darfield is the luxurious Bangor Country Estate. Some of the best dining is in the City's hotels. Try The Terrace View Restaurant at The Copthorne and OGB Restaurant in the Heritage. However Strawberry Fare is an excellent alternative, amongst others.

From Christchurch it is possible to join Whalewatching Tours from Kaikoura which depart from, wait for it, the "Whaleway Station". Also a drive into the Akaroa & Banks Peninsula for lunch is an excellent side trip. The best way to see The Alps is to join the Transalpine Train which runs from Christchurch over to Greymouth on the Tasman Coast. There are tours which include the train, lunch, a farm visit and jetboat. For those who wish to stay in the Arthur's Pass area we suggest Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass, Lake Brunner Lodge or the luxurious Grasmere Lodge.

Overland to Queenstown

The inland scenic route begins by travelling via Darfield to Geraldine. From Geraldine there is a choice of travelling to either Lake Tekapo or up to Mt Cook. At Lake Tekapo we suggest staying at Lake Tekapo Lodge and taking an Air Safaris Grande Tour of Mt Cook, Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Alternatively driving up to Mt Cook it is possible to stay the Hermitage Hotel and then take a Mt Cook Skiplanes aerial tour.

Queenstown

The adventure and sightseeing capital of New Zealand. Air Safaris to Mt Cook and the Fox / Franz Joseph Glaciers, Fly & Cruise Tours of Milford Sound, just spectacular ! Our recommendations for accommodation include The Dairy Guesthouse, the Heritage Hotel, Nugget Point Resort, or the luxurious RemarblesLodge. Further up on the shores of Lake Wakatipu lies The Lodge at Blanket Bay, an exclusive retreat.

For the ultimate view dine at the Skyline Gondola Restaurant, for the best in Seafood try the Boardwalk Restaurant, or for historic dining Roaring Megs Restaurant.

It is quite possible to drive around to Milford Sound to join a longer Cruise, but to cover the highlights we suggest taking a Fiordland Coach & Fly Tour which includes a coach tour to Milford Sound, a cruise, and then fly back over the mountains to Lake Wakatipu. Cruises can be either during the day or overnight , and there is the option of coach & cruise tours to Doubtful Sound too. There are also numerous Guided Nature Walks along the Milford Track, Jet Boating, Rafting, Bungy Jumping, Helicopter flights, and cruises on Lake Wakatipu.

Dunedin

Known as "Edinburgh of the South", Dunedin is a collection of

Victorian and Edwardian architecture.For those who wish to include Dunedin into their itinerary, our suggested accommodation iseither the Southern Cross Hotel or Corstorphine House.

For those travellers looking to be even more independent Eastravel can offer a full range of Campervans, ranging from 2 Berth up to 6 Berth. For those travellers looking to relax and watch the scenery we can offer a wide choice of Rail or Luxury Coach Tours.