The rental company will pick you up at the airport. You’ll go to pick up your car and sign the rental contract. Please keep the map and driving instructions that will be handed to you, you will need them to drop off your vehicle. Originally born out of the Gold Rush of 1860, Queenstown is now the world capital for adrenaline and outdoor activities. HIGHLIGHTS STEAMSHIP TSS EARNSLAW - take a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu. There is plenty of time to explore the decks and bridge, view the engine room, join a sing-along with the on board pianist or sit back and relax. SKYLINE COMPLEX - one of the first sights to captivate visitors to Queenstown. You access by scenic gondola, the best views in the region are found here spread out in a spectacular 220 degree panorama, with breath-taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. It's truly magnificent and awe-inspiring! ONSEN HOT POOLS - these natural hot water pools are very intimate and have great views on the valley and the Shotover River. VIEW, we recommend taking the road that leads to the Remarkables mountain range, this is a strategic spot to check out the view and take some great photos. FERG BURGER – also known as the most famous gourmet burgers in the country, they are huge and very tasty. Just look for the queue of people outside their door wanting to order.

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Heritage Queenstown

HIGHLIGHTS CENTRAL OTAGO WINES - from the world's southernmost wine-producing region. You’ll find acclaimed Pinot Noir, as well as Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and bubbles. There are 75 wineries in the region serving 177 vineyards. BUNGY JUMPING - will you have the courage to jump from Kawarau Bridge, 43 meters above the river? You can choose to touch the water or even to get partially dunked. SKY DIVING - tandem jumping with a qualified instructor, you’ll get views over the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. We guarantee it'll be one of your best memories! JET BOAT - not the most environmentally friendly way to see the regions beautiful Kawarau & Shotover gorges but jet boats were invented in NZ. RAFTING - is another way to see either the Kawarau or Shotover River. LORD OF THE RINGS - there are several possibilities to see some of the famous movie scenery in the area of Glenorchy. Our favourites are 4x4 or horse treks. SCENIC FLIGHT - if you love flying or if you don’t have much time to see the region, don’t hesitate to book a flight with a landing on the Remarkables. WALKING - many famous multi days tracks such as the Routeburn Track start here but you can also walk the first few hours and go back. We recommend you book in advance for the guided versions one day hikes as they get booked-out fairly quickly.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Heritage Queenstown

HIGHLIGHTS: THE WILDLIFE CENTRE - The ideal setting to learn about some of Fiordland’s wildlife. The centre offers the opportunity to view the rare flightless Takahē, now restricted to the tussock grasslands of the Murchison Mountains of Fiordland as well as native waterfowl, Weka, Parakeets, Tui, Kea, Kākā and wood pigeons. IVON WILSON PARK - 5 minute walk from the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre that follows the lake edge before crossing the road to the park entrance. Ivon Wilson Park is an open 35-hectare park-like landscape with both introduced and native trees with views of the Fiordland Mountains. A great place for families to visit with extensive plantings and many marked trails leading to the picturesque Lake Henry which is stocked with rainbow and brown trout as a children's fishery. Licences are available at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre. DOCK & BROD BAY - a 30 minute walk beginning at the control gates, the start of the Kepler Track. This well-defined track follows the lakeshore passing through stands of attractive native forest. A pleasant bay with views across the lake to Te Anau. Swimming and picnic facilities available. Further on from Dock Bay, Brod Bay is another popular spot in summer for boaties and day walkers alike who enjoy its broad beach and picnic facilities. This is also the drop off point for track walkers who choose to cut out the first forest section of the Kepler Track. GLOW WORMS - a 2.5hr guided cruise across the lake from Te Anau in small groups. FIORDLAND ON FILM - “Ata Whenua – Shadowland” a stunning documentary showing the wonders of the Fiordland region. It is shown all day long and is the pride of the locals. SCENIC FLIGHT - an excellent way to discover Doubtful Sound, less famous than Milford Sound but 10 times longer and 3 times wider.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Blue Ridge B&B

Milford Sound Cruise : Milford Sound is quite simply unparalleled to anything in this world. The awesome cruise on the fiord includes countless waterfalls tumbling hundreds of metres down sheer cliffs, mountains rising straight out of the sea, fur seals and (usually) dolphins. A 'Sound' is a flooded river valley, but these are flooded glacial valleys with sheer sided walls that plunge hundreds of metres under water as well as above - so they are misnamed. Don't forget the insect repellent as the sand-flies in Milford are not only a menace, but practically man-eating! Plus a rain coat - the area receives 12,000mm of rain per year per square metre - so chances are high that you will see rain!Other departures are possible. Bring waterproof jacket, warm clothing and insect repellent. The Milford Sound main car park next to the boarding terminal is no longer free of charge. If you wish to park in one of the 241 spaces of this car park you will have to pay $ 10 / hour using the pay machine.You can also park at another free 80 car park on the Deepwater Basin Rd. You will need to take the road on your left before arriving at the main car park.A free shuttle runs every 15-20 minutes and will allow you to get to the main terminal. If your cruise depart in the morning you are likely to find spaces available on this car park, but we cannot guarantee it.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Blue Ridge B&B

HIGHLIGHTS: PINOT NOIR - Central Otago has a long history (for a new world country) as a producer of Pinot Noir. Amongst our favourites, we would mention BALD HILLS and MT DIFFICULTY. There is a very good restaurant at Mt Difficulty. RIPPON VALLEY - one of the Central Otago wineries located on Mt Aspiring Road overlooking Lake Wanaka. With views of Lake Wanaka and the Buchanan Mountains, it is regarded by many as the most beautiful vineyard site in the world. THE BIG PICTURE WINE on SH6 - a good opportunity to taste several wines. Discover the aroma components of wine in the Aroma room. And for those who don’t want to drink and drive, we can organise a guided tour for you. CROMWELL - located in the valley of the Upper Clutha, deep in the heart of the dry interior of Central Otago. In 1862, gold was discovered here. Once the word of a gold strike was out, there was an influx of several thousand miners to the area. MT ASPIRING - a 100km return journey but by driving only 20 to 25 km from Wanaka you should see the mountains of the park. ROB ROY GLACIER or MOU WAHO ISLAND NATURE TOUR - two full day excursions we really like and we can book for you. BICYCLES & KAYAKS - you can rent these to cycle around or paddle out onto the lake.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Edgewater Hotel - Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

CLAY CLIFFS - Are a must-see, try to be there before midday to benefit from the best light. Before Omarama, you have to turn right on Quailburn Road and then left on Henburn road. A $5 fee has to be paid after visiting the Omarama Hot Tubs at 25 Omarama Avenue (on your left hand side before the intersection). The Clay Cliffs are huge sharp pinnacles and ridges with deep, narrow ravines separating them. This sort of formation only develops with certain types of rock in arid or semi-arid areas that are also subjected to infrequent heavy rainstorms. This town is famous for Merino wool, we advise you to buy some of these products here. SALMON - On Lake Pukaki’s carpark you can buy fresh or smoked salmon. This is the highest salmon farm in the world! At 3754 meters, Aoraki/Mount Cook is the highest peak of the country, where Sir Edmund Hillary made many expeditions. HIGHLIGHTS MT COOK WALKS 1. BLUE LAKES AND TASMAN GLACIER VIEW (40 min return) For great views of the lower Tasman Glacier and mountains at the valley head, walk from the Blue Lakes Shelter past the lakes to a viewpoint on the moraine wall. The Blue Lakes offer good swimming in summer and can be reached by making a side trip off the main track. 2. TASMAN GLACIER LAKE (1 hr return) This walk branches off the Tasman Glacier View Track just past the Blue Lakes Shelter and leads to a viewpoint of the glacier terminal lake and the source of the Tasman River. Icebergs can be seen floating in the lake in summer and in winter the lake freezes over. 3. HOOKER VALLEY (30 mins, 2½ hrs or 4 hrs return) If you don’t really feel like tramping today or if the weather is not nice enough, you'll find a museum showcasing the history of the Mount Cook region through transport, climbing, and pioneer extraordinaire Sir Edmund Hillary himself, located at Hermitage Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Three Rivers Lodge

As of June 2012 Tekapo is known as one of the rare World Heritage StarLight Reserves. HIGHLIGHTS: MT JOHN OBSERVATORY - An asymmetrical rock shaped by the movement of ancient glaciers. The large mass of bedrock attains an altitude of 1031 metres above sea level, rising approximately 300 metres above Lake Tekapo below. On the summit of Mount John is the University of Canterbury's astronomical observatory. The mountain was chosen as the best observatory site in New Zealand because of its high number of clear nights throughout the year, the stability and transparency of the atmosphere and the uniquely dark skies in the Mackenzie Basin, devoid of city light pollution. It is internationally recognised as one of the best-situated observatories for viewing the southern night skies. For example, the Magellanic Clouds (satellite galaxies to our own Milky Way) can be seen continuously throughout the year. HOT POOLS - Nestled into the base of Mount John, overlooking Lake Tekapo and the mountains beyond is the Alpine Springs, Spa and Winter Park. Heated alpine water supplies four outdoor, large public hot pools and several private pools. A health spa, complete with massage facilities are a great way to lose stress. THE CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD - Built in 1935 to the glory of God as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. SCENIC FLIGHTS - Breath taking scenic flights around the Mt Cook (Aoraki) and Westland National Parks. The flights contain views of New Zealand's highest mountains, twelve major glaciers and 200km of alpine and rainforest scenery unique to New Zealand. MOUNT JOHN - 2h return trekking. Or you can go by car; the 360 degrees view won’t disappoint you.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Three Rivers Lodge

Follow the SH8 to Fairlie or you follow the SH79 to Geraldine, take the SH72 south for a few kilometers to join the SH1 which you follow north, then the SH75 to Akaroa. You take the same route for the outward journey as for the return except for the last kilometers. If the weather is suitable, we recommend the "Tourist Drive", a panoramic route with magical views overhead on Akaroa and the caldera, otherwise take the road via Duvauchelle, you will take the "Tourist Drive" on your return. ON YOUR WAY - CHRISTCHURCH, the main town on the South Island known as the "garden city". Christchurch was badly damaged during the earthquake of February 2011, you will see a city center on a human scale reserved for pedestrians, strong and dynamic with lots of green space. The city is full of restaurants, cafes and bars that are definitely worth a visit. BANKS PENINSULA is located 75 km south-east of Christchurch. Go to the end of the peninsula, to the village of Akaroa, you will certainly be surprised to read street names in French and probably to see the French flag fluttering there. This is explained by an attempt at French colonization in 1840, at that time more and more French whalers were sailing in the area. This peninsula was even bought from the Maori with a first payment, the balance having to be paid when taking possession of the territory. When the French expedition from Paris arrived in New Zealand, the British had already acquired sovereignty over the island through the Treaty of Waitangi. The French had to settle for two villages instead of the whole island, one of these being Akaroa and the other no longer exists. Thus, a certain number of New Zealanders living in the region are descendants of French settlers. AKAROA, French village in the heart of New Zealand ... Sometimes it seems that time has stopped there.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Banks House Akaroa

HIGHLIGHTS - DOLPHINS HECTOR, it is the only place to observe one of the smallest dolphins in the world or even swim with this endemic animal. Contact us to discuss your options. - FLEA BAY, with 2,600 penguins, this is the home of the largest colony of small blue penguins in New Zealand. Go observe them from October to early February. You can only get there by 4x4. We suggest that you contact us if you wish to book this excursion. - HIKING, Akaroa is the starting point for Banks Track, but also many other day hikes. We go up in altitude very quickly and the views of the caldera are impressive. - WINE AND CHEESE TASTING, the Banks Peninsula is less known than certain regions of New Zealand for its wines and yet certain areas are definitely worth a stop. Explore two award-winning and renowned vineyards in the region for an afternoon. Thanks to your guide you will learn all about the history of the region and taste good wines accompanied by excellent cheeses. Throughout your visit you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the best views of the peninsula. Ask us to book for you. - SHOPS, we advise you to go shopping and eat in the 2nd part of the village, after the beach.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Banks House Akaroa

Drive back to Christchurch via SH75 and drop your car off at the airport.

Meals: Breakfast