7 Day Southern Lakes
7 Day Southern Lakes
From soaring mountains to a wild and dramatic coastline, golden hill country to crystal alpine lakes, you will experience one of the most diverse and beautiful regions in New Zealand on this 7 day self-drive.
Tour Info
| Tour Type: | Self Drive Tours |
| From: | Queenstown to Queenstown |
| Departures: | Jan 2019 - March 2020 |
| Price: | From (NZD) $2173 per person |
| Tour Operator: | Relaxing Journeys |
| Duration: | 7 Days |
| Tour Code: | GNSL |
Inclusions
| 6 nights accommodation |
| Rental vehicle of your choice including airport collection charges |
| Overnight Milford Sound Cruise including dinner |
Conditions
Prices are per person based on twin-share, and are subject to availability. Prices are correct at the time of submission but are subject to change without notice. Valid for travel January 2019 – March 2020. Blackout periods may apply. A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required at time of booking.
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Click on the prices below to enquire.
* Prices shown are per person (based on two people travelling).
* 2 Bedroom Motel pricing also available with Exclusive Specials. Please request a quote for prices.
Day by Day Tour Itinerary
Kia Ora. Welcome to Queenstown – a walking, bungee and hiking paradise. After making your way through the terminal, through customs and baggage collection, pick up your rental car and travel to your comfortable accommodation. The rest of the day is yours to harness – what will you do first?
This morning depart Queenstown for your journey to Milford Sound. The road from Te Anau to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. Look for the ‘Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain’ and the Mirror Lakes. Then the rough hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. Make sure you allow for plenty of time to stop at the numerous viewing points or short walking opportunities en route.
Once in Milford Sound you will board the Milford Mariner for your relaxing overnight cruise. Milford Sound is nothing short of heart-stopping, inducing subconscious smiles in the hard to please and easily bored almost instantly; it’s simply magnificent. Cruise the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea and keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and penguins! (B/D)
After breakfast on board, there is further cruising this morning before returning to the Milford Wharf. Disembark and rejoin your rental car to retrace your steps back to Queenstown. (2 nights)
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, 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 troves.
Set beneath the rugged Crown Range is Arrowtown, a fascinating collection of mining cottages with an atmosphere straight out of last century. Enjoy some time to stroll through this historic village, once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860’s.
The shortest route to Wanaka is over the Crown Range Road. It’s a challenging drive, but the views are amazing. More conservative drivers can take the route that runs beside the Shotover River, Lake Dunstan and the Clutha River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along the way.
The lakeside resort town of Wanaka can provide you with an appealing mix of fine living, family fun and adventure. It has a high concentration of cafes, restaurants and interesting shops. You’ll also find some unique attractions, like the 3D maze at Puzzling World.
Wanaka spoils every traveller with walks, hikes and marked paths for every level of fitness. Loosen those limbs and try the Mount Iron track, a half hour walk that finishes with 360 degree views – beware though, the 250m ascension may have you tired before your time if you’re not already fit.
If nothing short of epic will suffice, we suggest the Rob Roy Glacier Trek, lined with waterfalls and sheer drops; or the Outlet Track, an easy amble that follows the Clutha River. Relax, go for a stroll and get to know the Otago landscape personally.
Alternatively, you may just make the short drive today through the historic goldfields of Central Otago back to Queenstown.
Sadly your holiday is at an end and you will return your rental car to Queenstown airport today for your onward flight. Here, we bid you a fond farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
There are 6 reviews of this tour from past clients of Relaxing Journeys, averaging 5 out of 5.
Tour Reviews
Optionals
New Zealand has a great deal of things to see and do, why not add one of our optional sightseeing activities to your trip. Prices are per adult (we'll adjust your quote for any children).
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From soaring mountains to a wild and dramatic coastline, golden hill country to crystal alpine lakes, you will experience one of the most diverse and ... Read More
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