Itinerary
From Christchurch to Christchurch, you will marvel at the majestic glaciers of the West Coast, ride Queenstown’s iconic Skyline Gondola, cruise the mighty Milford Sound & visit Dunedin’s Larnach Castle.
“Haere Mai” Welcome to Christchurch – the Garden City!
Arrive into Christchurch and once you have cleared Customs and collected your luggage, make your way to the Super Shuttle Rank to board your shuttle bus to your Christchurch hotel.
Rise early and transfer by shuttle bus to Christchurch Railway Station where you will board New Zealand’s ultimate rail journey, The TranzAlpine. Journey through striking natural landscape, ice-fed Waimakariri River and the Southern Alps. Upon arrival into Greymouth, collect your vehicle and travel the rugged West Coast until you reach Franz Josef for a two night stay.
Create your own unforgettable Glacier Country experience with a stay in Franz Josef. Today you have at leisure to explore the untamed wilderness, from giant glaciers to lush rainforests. Why not add an option tour including a guided glacier hike or breathtaking helicopter flight with snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier.
View incredible scenery as you drive past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass to Wanaka. Wander the popular lakeside township of Wanaka before travelling over the Crown Range to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown and then on to Queenstown.
You may wish to add a night in Wanaka to allow for additional time.
Enjoy a day to experience this magnificent resort town. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. Prepare for an action-packed Jet Boat adventure on the spectacular Shotover River. Experience thrills, spins & speeds of up to 95kph.
This afternoon you will drive out to Gibbston Valley Winery to take part in a Wine & Cheese tour. This tour is both investigatory and educational, allowing you the chance to explore the incredible intricacies of wine and cheese pairing. They will illustrate how the land is indispensable to their products, and what the craft does to bring the best out of land and place. Wine & Cheese tours last 30 minutes and include three wine and cheese tastings.
After check-out, make your way south to the picturesque township of Te Anau, gateway to the glacier-carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure to wander the small town with a choice of charming restaurants.
Drive through native rainforest and glacier carved valleys as you make your way along Milford Road. Once you have arrived at Milford Sound, board your Southern Discoveries cruise and see the fiord in all its glory. Witness cascading waterfalls and towering mountains as you experience New Zealand’s ultimate natural attraction.
After check-out, travel through the rolling hills of Southland & South Otago, making a stop in Gore, a small town home to country music and fly fishing. Upon arrival into Dunedin, check-in to your hotel for the next two nights.
Explore Dunedin, known as the Edinburgh of the South. Founded by Scottish settlers, Dunedin in a vibrant, architecturally splendid city framed by a magnificent harbour and gateway to an arresting hinterland. Visit Larnach Castle & Gardens and learn of its rich history that dates back to 1871. Next join a 1.5-hour Wildlife & Penguin Tour in a private eco-reserve featuring a conservation briefing, short bus ride and guided 2km walk to spot seals, sea lions, hoiho, kororā and native birds, with proceeds supporting vital kaitiakitanga and restoration work.
Depart Dunedin and make your way north along the east coast to Christchurch. Make a pit stop at Moeraki Beach to witness the fascinating 60-million-year-old boulders – Maori legends describe these boulders as the food baskets of the gods. Upon arriving in Christchurch, check-in to your hotel for your final night.
You may wish to add a night in Twizel to allow time to experience mighty Mount Cook.
Upon check-out, make your way to Christchurch International Airport where you will drop off your vehicle and check-in for your return flight to Australia.
