Itinerary
This is a 14 day self-drive itinerary that travels the South Island of New Zealand, starting and finishing in Christchurch.
“Haere Mai” Welcome to Christchurch – the Garden City. On completion of formalities, pick up your rental car and travel onto your centrally located accommodation. Following the 2011 earthquake, Christchurch has re-emerged as a vibrant, ever-changing city. The remainder of the day is at leisure to get a taste of what the city has to offer.
After breakfast this morning you head to Punakaiki. You turn inland to travel through the Canterbury Plains and over the beautiful Arthur’s Pass. Along the way you’ll see the awesome engineering feats of the Otira Viaduct and Tunnel.
You’ll have time to stop and look around before descending through some fantastic alpine scenery and on down Greymouth, then its a short trip North to stay the night at Punakaiki, best known for its Pancake Rocks and Blowholes – both of which are spectacular and a must-see when visiting the West Coast.
After a morning of sightseeing head south today down the West Coast. There are some great old towns to visit on the way as well as some fantastic places to photograph the scenery and take a look at the dramatic coastline, you have time to enjoy this area at a leisurely pace.
Continue south through to Franz Josef Glacier. The terminal face is a mere 19 kilometres from the sea and just 5 kilometres from the township.
Thrills and chills abound – this is alpine country as you’ve never seen it. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains with plenty of snap-happy opportunities and the chance to learn more about this magnificent glacier.
There’s lots to explore in this area – you can take your own time walking up to the glacier, going to the Okarito Lagoon or join a guided walk on the glacier, take a heli-hike adventure, or a scenic flight over both glaciers.
Today, view incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass to Wanaka.
There’s time to wander around the popular lakeside township of Wanaka before travelling over the spectacular Crown Range to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown and then on to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine resort town regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination.
It’s time to make memories in Queenstown. Pick and choose from a long list of adventures – from thrilling funyak tours along the Dart River and horse-riding in Glenorchy, to panning for gold in Arrowtown or taking a tour of Lake Wakatipu via the TSS Earnslaw, there is certainly something for every speed.
Or, if you’re not ready to break the spell of the last few days a scenic walk may do the trick, exploring the diverse range of stunning trails the region delivers in droves.
Today we’ve included the Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Travel by luxury coach on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board the Milford Mariner or Milford Wanderer which are designed along the lines of traditional trading scows; purpose built to operate in the fiords and offering a laid back, extended, 2.5 hour cruise.
Explore dramatic, moody Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most famous waterway. Throughout your cruise, our nature guide provides an engaging commentary about the magnificent scenery and wildlife (English only). Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and penguins. Return by coach to Queenstown.
Another free day to soak up the amibience of this magnicient alpine resort town.
Why not lace up your trainers and enjoy the Lakeshore Forest and Bird guided walk, a meandering trail for those who like relaxed walks. You’ll be taken through majestic native beech forests, combining the best of flora and fauna with breath-taking mountain views. You’ll feel like the trees are watching in the very best way.
Difficulty: The track is good but uneven and winds around the lake shore with the option of a steeper climb to a lookout with magnificent views in all directions.
Or, you can spend your day shopping, enjoying lunch on the wharf or take a Skyline Gondola ride high above Queeenstown.
Today you travel through the striking Central Otago region before arriving in charming Dunedin, founded by Scottish settlers. A vibrant, architecturally splendid city framed by a magnificent harbour, Dunedin is the nature and heritage centre of New Zealand.
A free day in Dunedin allows you to explore a range of excellent activities. Perhaps you’ll choose to experience a Monarch Harbour Cruise to see the albatross, penguins and seals. Passengers board the Monarch to see what cannot be seen from land, to greet the mighty Northern Royal Albatross as it sweeps in from the Pacific Ocean and soars above the spectacular inaccessible cliffs of Taiaroa.
Other options include the historic and scenic Taieri Gorge Train excursion or explore the city by foot.
This morning travel through the towns of Omarama and Twizel before driving up the western side of Lake Pukaki to the Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage listed site. Mt Cook is Australasia’s highest mountain at 3724 metres.
The park covers over 70,000 hectares of breathtaking alpine scenery and is also home to the Tasman Glacier, the longest in the Southern hemisphere. A total scenic highlight, you may wish to see Mt Cook from above by taking an optional scenic flight.
We have added this day at leisure, to ensure you have enough time to take advantage of your surroundings. There are many tracks for walking and tramping in this area – you can find the most suitable for you by going to the Visitor Centre.
There are scenic flights available by helicopter or fixed wing aircraft, and if you wish to have a glacial adventure we highly recommend the Glacier Explorers excursion on Lake Tasman at the base of the Tasman Glacier.
After a relaxing morning, leave New Zealand’s highest mountain behind as you head north through the picturesque town of Geraldine and across the Canterbury Plains, through to Christchurch.
Be sure you make a photo stop at Lake Tekapo, a beautiful turquoise coloured lake and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of the lake. This is one of the most photographed churches in the world made of stone and sand from around the lake.
Sadly your holiday comes to an end today. After breakfast, please make your way to the airport where you will return your car in time for your onward flight.
