South Island Self Drive

Get a taste of all the Abel Tasman has to offer from the comfort of an Abel Tasman Charters’ boat. You can simply relax onboard or take one of the kayaks for a paddle. Go for a swim, snorkel over the marine reserve or be dropped off for a bush walk. You’ll pass Split Apple Rock, Kaiteriteri, Marahau, round golden sandy bays, Adele and Fishermans Islands, and cruise on to Tonga Island seal colony.

Nelson has long had a reputation as one of the sunniest regions in New Zealand and has attracted innovative food, wine and craft beer producers from around the world. The amazing climate is ideal for many latitudinal crops and combined with the unique flair of the residents an amazing array of food and produce can be found. There is a tantalizing array of delicious treats and gourmet products that you can taste and collect.

Whale watching by from the air offers a unique perspective and the opportunity to view whales and dolphins in their natural environment, experiencing the true magnitude of some of the world’s largest animals, and offering a fabulous view for photographers. This scenic flight lasts for around 30 minutes.

You’ll be provided with warm, buoyant wet suits and snorkeling equipment before taking a short bus and boat trip. One to two experienced guides, equipped with large float boards will then accompany each group in the water. Due to the seals natural curiosity swimmers can reasonably expect to get up close to the creatures.

Take a spectacular scenic flight that explores the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks and shows you the region from a privileged perspective. You will see beautiful turquoise glacial lakes, the braided river system of the Mackenzie basin, remote high country sheep stations, and New Zealand’s highest mountain Mount Cook, as well as Franz Joseph, Fox and Tasman glaciers.

Visit a private high country beef station, Tasman Downs. Your host and property owner Ian Hayman, will treat you to a quirky but informative tour of this three-generational property, sharing insights into a wonderful family history. This property was also transformed into one of the main film sites for The Hobbit Trilogy and you will stand on the shore where ‘Laketown’ was destroyed and its residents washed ashore.

Board your twin-engine jet boat and speed across crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu at breath-taking speed, surrounded by majestic mountains and mesmerising scenery. Zoom under the Kawarau Dam onto the deep green waters of The Kawarau River, complete with lots of 360° spins. You will then arrive at the pier for a complimentary view from Queenstown’s Underwater Observatory.

Explore Milford Sound’s stunning fjord from both the air and the water. Enjoy an exhilarating helicopter flight past spectacular rivers, valleys and mountains with blue-green ice falls, then cruise past sheer cliffs and waterfalls – keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals and penguins.

Enjoy a 13km bike ride from Arrowtown through to the Kawarau Bungy Bridge. Departing Arrowtown, you’ll follow the Arrow River trail downstream. The ride is grade 1-2 with some undulating hills along the way. You’ll have the option to cycle further along the Gibbston trail to the wineries, where you can enjoy a wine or cheese tasting.