YOUR DAY
Guided: Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport, a private shuttle driver will take you to your accommodation in the city.
Self Drive: Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal. Make your way to your inner city accommodation.
YOUR DAY
380km, 5 hours driving
Today you will drive through the mighty Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass National Park. Keep a look out for the Bealey River as well as the reflective waters of Lake Pearson and Lake Lyndon. Our favourite nature walk in this national park features a stunning 150 metre waterfall and spectacular views of the mountains as you peek through native beech forest. Be sure to keep a look out overhead for the Kea (New Zealand’s cheeky native alpine parrot)!
Driving further, you will reach the West Coast and the Tasman coastline. Detour inland where you can visit the stunning Hokitika Gorge to marvel at its beautiful bright blue waters and surrounding native forest.
Continue further south through the rainforest to the town of Franz Josef glacier, nestled at the base of the towering alps and surrounded by dense native bush.
Includes 5 course degustation
Dinner also included with platinum option
YOUR DAY
250km, 4 hours driving
This morning you will fly over both the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, soaring first over the townships and then following the ice of the glaciers high up into the upper reaches. Land in the snow at the head of one of the glaciers and survey the path the glacier has carved below you. Franz Josef Glacier is one of only three glaciers in the world to be surrounded by rainforest!
One of the most dramatic journeys in the country is what you can experience on your drive over the Haast Pass through to Wānaka. En route you will visit Lake Matheson, otherwise known as ‘Mirror Lakes’ where on a clear day it is possible to see the reflection of New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mt Cook (3754m/12,316ft). The walking possibilities are endless today around Haast and Haast Pass and you can choose from several nature walks, some of which feature spectacular waterfalls and deep blue coloured pools where it is possible to see trout swimming. One of our favourite spots at The Road Trip is Ship Creek, an isolated beach featuring native totara trees hugging rugged coastline. Tonight you stay in Wānaka, one of New Zealand’s most popular holiday spots.
30 minutes
YOUR DAY
Today is a chance to explore the beautiful lakeside town of Wānaka. Perhaps start your day with a visit to Transport World’s National Transport and Toy Museum, a quirky and fascinating collection of vintage vehicles, aircraft, and memorabilia.
If you're keen on wine, head to the stunning Rippon Valley Winery, perched above Lake Wānaka with one of the most picturesque vineyard views in the country perfect for a relaxed tasting and a stroll through the vines.
For the active adventurer, challenge yourself with a hike up Roy’s Peak, where panoramic views of Lake Wānaka and the surrounding Southern Alps await. Alternatively, opt for the Rob Roy Glacier Track, a rewarding walk through alpine forest, suspension bridges, and dramatic glacier views in Mount Aspiring National Park.
YOUR DAY
260km, 3 hours driving
This morning your South Island tour takes you to the beautiful town of Arrowtown via The Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest highway. Arrowtown was an important location in the gold rush of Central Otago in the 1860s and is now a historic town with a very special vibe. Perhaps browse the preserved Chinese gold mining village or wander the boutique shops the town has on offer.
Following this, perhaps enjoy a wine tasting at Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door, overlooking the stunning Lake Hayes.
You will drive a further 2 hours to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
YOUR DAY
240km, 4 hours driving
Be prepared for one of the jewels of the New Zealand landscape! The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular in the world and certainly a highlight on any New Zealand tour.
En route you will see spectacular valleys, breath taking mountains and hopefully spot the cheeky Kea (New Zealand’s mountain parrot). This morning you will experience all that the fjords have to offer with a 1 hour 45 minute cruise, featuring pristine waterfalls and towering mountains plunging into the Tasman Sea. Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and the Fiordland crested Penguin.
On your trip back to Te Anau there is the opportunity to take some short walks in the Fiordland National Park.
YOUR DAY
175km, 2 hours driving
This morning in Te Anau you will take a tour by boat across Lake Te Anau to the glow worm caves to view the shimmering light of thousands of luminous glow-worms in a 12,000 year old grotto.
Following this, you will head to Queenstown, ‘New Zealand’s adventure capital of the world’. Skirting your way around Lake Wakatipu makes for some stunning photography and you will be amazed by the Remarkables Mountain Range, one of the most famous back drops for Lord of the Rings. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish in Queenstown, and there is plenty to see and do! Perhaps enjoy a walk around the botanic gardens on the lake, enjoy a drop of Central Otago pinot noir at a nearby winery, or sample some fresh local cuisine on offer on the lakefront.
YOUR DAY
Today is free to explore Queenstown at leisure and take part in some of the fantastic activities that this ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ has to offer. Options for the adventurous include: Skydiving, Bungy Jumping, Jet Boating, Canyon Swings, White Water Rafting, Flyboarding and Paragliding.
Alternatively, explore some beautiful nature walks in the Queenstown area. Below are our favourites which offer a great mix of native forest, mountain and lake views and wildlife viewing opportunities:
Queenstown Hill Walking Track
The Queenstown Hill Time Walk is a 500-metre climb through pine forest to the summit of Te Tapu-nui (mountain of intense sacredness). As you make your way along the track, you will walk by the popular 'Basket of Dreams' sculpture as well as six information plates that explain different epochs of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. The views at the top looking over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains are incredible.
Lake Hayes Walkway
Stroll, walk, run or cycle around a lake surrounded by spectacular mountains; also home to a healthy population of Australasian crested grebe.
Moke Lake Loop Track (14km past Queenstown)
This popular short, undulating walk through grassland is surrounded by mountains and goes right round the lake. A short boardwalk at the southern end protects a small wetland.
Glenorchy Walkway
This boardwalk track crosses wetlands with plenty of opportunity to view bird life. There are also views of Mt Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi and the surrounding ranges. Native bird species you could spot along this track include: Pied stilt/poaka, South Island pied oystercatcher/torea, Australasian bittern/matuku, New Zealand shoveller/kuruwhengu, grey teal/tete (in spring), grey duck/parera, and scaup/papango. The New Zealand falcon/karearea may be seen soaring above the wetland hunting for prey.
YOUR DAY
280 km, 4 hours driving
You leave Central Otago today through the Kawarau Gorge and Cromwell where you can make a stop en route and visit a local fruit shop for a chance to try real fruit ice cream and perhaps sample New Zealand famous manuka honey products.
From there, cross the Lindis Pass (965m) to the Mackenzie Country and travel alongside the stunning turquoise Lake Pukaki towards Mt Cook Village. Weather permitting you can take a short walk at the foot of Mt Cook - New Zealand’s highest mountain.
En route to Lake Tekapo, perhaps take a trip to the top of Mt John to experience the feeling of being on top of the world. This boasts stunning 360 degree views of the Mountains and turquoise coloured lakes.
Tonight you will enjoy a stargazing tour atop Mt John with Dark Sky Project. At 1,029m high, Mt John offers unrivalled 360-degree views across the largest accredited International Dark Sky Reserve in the world. Their expert astronomy guides bring the night sky to life, sharing the science and the stories of our Southern skies. Take in the incredible Milky Way, far off planets, star clusters, solar systems, and even distant galaxies; every night sky beholds something different.
YOUR DAY
227km, 3 hours driving
This morning you depart Lake Tekapo and continue on to Christchurch.
En route, enjoy an alpaca farm tour at Gem Alpacas in the beautiful Mackenzie Country. You will wander through paddocks with the opportunity to pet and feed these adorable and interesting creatures.
The afternoon is free to explore The Garden City of Christchurch. You could enjoy a stroll in the botanic gardens and a drive around the bays of Banks Peninsula, taking in Lyttelton which was the gateway for many of Christchurch and the Canterbury region’s first European settlers. Cathedral Square and the remains of the Christchurch Cathedral are well worth a visit, as well as the revitalised central shopping area and Riverside Market.
Today you will transfer to your onward travel arrangements. We trust you have had a fantastic time in our beautiful country and wish you safe travels to your next destination.
Onward flight is not included.