New Zealand Coastal Expedition with Queenstown Escape Wellington → Queenstown (2027)

Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Wellington

   Wellington Show on map

   Meals

   Dinner (Relaxed dinner on board)

   Accommodation

   Hotel (Coral Adventurer)

   

2. Day 2

   Motuara Island

   Motuara Island Show on map

   Included Activities

   • Visit James Cook memorial at Meretoto/Ship Cove
   • Walk through Motuara Island wildlife sanctuary
   • Shoreline walk with views of Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound

   Landmarks
   Meretoto/Ship Cove
   Motuara Island
   Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound

3. Day 3

   Kaikōura

   Kaikōura Show on map

   Included Activities

   • Whale watching excursion by catamaran with hydrophones
   • Peninsula track walk (3.5 kilometres)

   Optional Activities

   • Free time in Kaikōura township

   Landmarks
   Kaikōura

4. Day 4

   Akaroa to Christchurch

   Akaroa to Christchurch Show on map

   Included Activities

   • Scenic drive from Akaroa to Christchurch

   Optional Activities

   • All-day hop-on hop-off tram tickets with live commentary

   Landmarks
   Christchurch City Centre
   Christchurch Museum
   Christchurch Botanic Gardens

   

5. Day 5

   Dunedin

   Dunedin Show on map

   Included Activities

   • Welcome presentation at Araiteuru from Marae member
   • City tour including Ovalston House, Railway Station, Dunedin University and Baldwin Street

   Optional Activities

   • Free time to explore Dunedin at your own pace

   Landmarks
   Araiteuru
   Ovalston House
   Dunedin Railway Station
   University of Otago
   Baldwin Street

   

6. Day 6

   Stewart Island/Rakiura

   Stewart Island/Rakiura Show on map

   Included Activities

   • Guided discovery and free time on Stewart Island

   Optional Activities

   • Various hikes to suit different fitness levels
   • Visit ancient forests
   • Explore Oban township
   • Visit former whaling station

   Landmarks
   Stewart Island/Rakiura
   Oban

7. Day 7

   Fiordland National Park

   Fiordland National Park Show on map

   Included Activities

   • Navigation through Acheron Passage
   • Viewing of Dusky Sound fjord scenery and wildlife

   Landmarks
   Dusky Sound
   Fiordland National Park
   Acheron Passage

   

8. Day 8

   Fiordland National Park

   Fiordland National Park Show on map

   Included Activities

   • Navigation through 'The Gut' into Doubtful Sound
   • Viewing of Doubtful Sound fjord scenery

   Optional Activities

   • Easy walk between Deas Cove and Neck Cove
   • Tender vessel cruise exploring fjord coastline

   Landmarks
   Doubtful Sound (Patea)
   Thompson Sound
   Tasman Sea
   Deas Cove
   Neck Cove

9. Day 9

   Fiordland National Park

   Fiordland National Park Show on map

   Included Activities

   • Viewing of Milford Sound fjord scenery

   Optional Activities

   • Tender vessel excursion to visit waterfalls
   • Explore rugged coastline from tender vessel for wildlife viewing

   Landmarks
   Milford Sound
   Fiordland National Park

   

10. Day 10

    Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island)

    Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island) Show on map

    Included Activities

    • Sailing past Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island)

    Optional Activities

    • Scenic sailing alongside Solander Island (weather permitting)

    Landmarks
    Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island)

11. Day 11

    Bluff to Queenstown

    Bluff to Queenstown Show on map

    Meals

    Breakfast

    Accommodation

    Hotel (Two Nights: Millennium Hotel Queenstown)

    Included Activities

    • Disembarkation and transfer from Bluff to Queenstown

    Optional Activities

    • Vintage steamer cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm with gourmet barbecue dinner
    • Gondola ride to Stratosfare Restaurant with buffet dinner and panoramic views
    • Dinner at Fergburger
    • Dinner at Finz Restaurant (seafood and grill)
    • Dinner at hotel restaurant

    Landmarks
    Bob's Peak
    Lake Wakatipu
    The Remarkables
    Walter Peak High Country Farm
    Stratosfare Restaurant

    

12. Day 12

    Queenstown

    Queenstown Show on map

    Optional Activities

    • The Lord of the Rings 4WD Safari - visit dramatic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies
    • Wine Tour - personalized sightseeing tour of New Zealand's southernmost wine region with tastings from various wineries
    • Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure - exciting journey following the Shotover River valley with views of rocky cliffs, sheer drops and river gorges
    • Million Dollar Cruise - cruise on the glacial waters of Lake Wakatipu aboard a luxury vessel with views of surrounding peaks and native birdlife
    • Dart River Wilderness Jet - wilderness jet boat journey on the glacier-fed Dart River through Mount Aspiring National Park with guide commentary on the area's history
    • Best of Queenstown - panoramic tour including Queenstown views, historic Arrowtown, Ayrburn, wine tasting and cheese platter at a local winery
    • Farewell dinner at hotel with fellow travelers

    Landmarks
    Lake Wakatipu
    Mount Aspiring National Park
    Shotover River
    Arrowtown
    Dart River
    Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site

13. Day 13

    Queenstown to Airport

    Queenstown to Airport Show on map

    Meals

    Breakfast