Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to New Zealand!

Step off the plane in Christchurch, the South Island's garden city, and into the tender care of your Black Sheep guide. Freshen up at your hotel in the heart of downtown, then head out and explore: stroll amongst the gardens and neo-Gothic architecture; visit the galleries, museums and open-air markets, hire a punt on the Avon; or enjoy a coffee while watching the tide of people flow by. At dinner, socialize with your fellow travelers and discuss your upcoming trip.

Day 2:  Marine Encounters
Head north to Kaikoura, a stunning seaside town and marine-life Mecca. Board a boat for a whale-watching excursion off the coast to view Kaikoura's resident sperm whales and other marine mammals. Hike on the Kaikoura Peninsula surrounded by magnificent views of the sea and mountains as you wind past intriguing limestone formations and fur seals lounging on the rocks. This evening, explore Kaikoura's atmospheric restaurants and cafes on your own and sample the local specialty, crayfish (lobster), against the backdrop of the bay.

Day 3: Under the Vines
Breakfast can wait as you head out for a morning swim with the dolphins--an incredible way to start the day. Later, bid Kaikoura farewell and travel northwest through the Marlborough wine region, the origin of some of the world's best Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays. Enjoy wine-tasting and a vineyard lunch before continuing on to sun-drenched Nelson and the Tasman Bay region. Settle into your accommodation near the Abel Tasman National Park.

Day 4: Abel Tasman Escape
The Abel Tasman, with its temperate forest, aquamarine waters, and golden sand beaches, is arguably one of the most beautiful parks in the country. Take a sea kayaking trip along the coast, ducking in and out of secluded bays, strolling on the beaches, and drawing in the tranquil beauty of the sea. Alternatively, hike through the park at your own pace.

Day 5:  Gorgeous Journey
Resuming your journey, pass through the spectacular Nelson Lakes region, emerging onto the wild and woolly West Coast, a stunning region made only more appealing by its remoteness. This afternooon, explore the limestone cave systems that honeycomb this region. View delicate, unspoiled formations on a Scenic Caving trip, or take a Cave Rafting adventure, featuring glow-worm constellations, an underground river, a whole lot of rubber, and plenty of laughs. Above-ground, rubber-free options also available.Travel along spectacular coastline to your accommodation in Punakaiki, at the edge of the Paparoa National Park.

Day 6: Beauty on Ice
Heading south to New Zealand's spectacular glacier region, thank yourself for choosing a guided trip, as you can't take your eyes off the scenery--a serious no-no on these roads. At the glaciers, don hobnailed boots for a guided hike on the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. Contrast this icy adventure with a visit to a stand of old-growth rainforest remarkably close by. After settling into your comfortable accommodation in the alpine village of Fox, you'll be eager to explore this small but character-packed community.

Day 7: Queenstown Bound
Start the day with a peaceful lakeside hike, then head south to Queenstown, New Zealand's adrenaline and scenery capital. On the way, explore hidden rainforest trails, windswept beaches, and secluded waterfalls.  After lunch, take an exhilarating and scenic jet boat ride along the magnificent Haast River. As soon as you arrive in Queenstown, you'll feel the buzz of impending adventure. Your accommodation is centrally located to allow you easy access to the town's many sights, walks, restaurants, and activities.

Day 8: Mother Nature on Steroids
Because there are so many things to do in Queenstown to cater to your diverse interests, the day is free for you to pick and choose whatever optional activities you desire. For a real thrill, your guide can arrange for you to try any number of adventures that make Queenstown famous, be it white water rafting, parapenting, tandem skydiving, or even Queenstown's trademark adventure, bungy jumping. If you would prefer a more leisurely pace, there are plenty of more relaxing activities, as well, including beautiful walking tracks, horseback riding, wine and garden trails, shopping, and a gondola ride offering magnificent views of the area. For those who simply cannot get enough of the inspiring scenery, take the option of a day trip to Milford Sound. After a day full of adventure or leisure, re-gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the friendships you've made and the memories shared. While making a speech, accidentally call your guide 'Mommy'.

Day 9: Fond Farewells
Depending on your flight schedule, take time to relax, make final purchases, or reconsider that bungy jump before traveling home or to your next destination. Arrive home and book your next Black Sheep adventure.

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