Itinerary
This 8 day itinerary combines a scenic rail journey with self-driving and travels the South Island, starting in Christchurch and finishing in Queenstown.
Arrive at Christchurch, collect your luggage and your airport transfer will be waiting to take you into the city for your first night’s accommodation. What should you do with the rest of the day? Take it slow, sit back and relax, punting down the River Avon through the stunning Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Your transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to the train station.
Board the TranzAlpine train to Greymouth. The TranzAlpine is one of the world’s great train journeys covering 223 kilometres and a South Island Must Do! The scenery is spectacular. On arrival into Greymouth, collect your rental car and travel 25 miles to the village of Hokitika with its many attractions including an historical museum, greenstone factories, a gold mine, gold panning and a glowworm dell.
Continue the drive along the dramatic West Coast and on your way south stop at West Coast Treetop Walkways – an exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with the birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Easy access for all to enjoy along a steel platform 20 metres high and over 450 metres long.
Home to towering rainforests, mountains and glaciers, tranquil lakes and rushing rivers, this coastal paradise is steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1860’s. Tonight you stay at Franz Josef – unique in the fact that the glacier descends from the Southern Alps to just 240 metres above sea level, amidst the greenery and lushness of a temperate rainforest.
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. You’ll have plenty of snap-happy opportunities and the chance to learn more about this magnificent glacier.
Today is all about the beautiful lakes you will drive past. Not far from Fox Glacier township is Lake Matheson, renowned for its stunning reflection of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
Continue towards Wanaka and stop in Makarora. It’s only a short walk to the famous, crystal-clear Blue Pools. An easy tramp for all skill levels with swing bridges through a beautiful beech forest – it’s a must do short walk
Then drive alongside the impressive Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka for picture perfect scenery. Overnight in the lakeside town of Wanaka.
Running along the Clutha River, Lake Dunstan and the Shotover River, the Central Otago Wine Trail region encompasses Wanaka, Cromwell, Bannockburn, Bendigo, Alexandra, and Gibbston, boasting an international reputation for Pinot Noir.
There are over 30 wineries and vineyards in this area offering tastings, tours, lunches, and meals. Further along SH6, 15 minutes from central Queenstown, stands the Arrowtown Junction at Lake Hayes, home of the unmissable Amisfield Winery and Bistro – sink your teeth into a local meal and savour the notes of New Zealand before arriving in Queenstown.
The day begins with an exhilarating ride on the world-famous Shotover Jet. Then enjoy the rest of the day to experience this magnificent resort. It’s time to make memories in Queenstown, the capital of adrenaline, beauty, and local foodie culture.
Pick and choose from a long list of adventures – from thrilling fun yak tours along the Dart River to panning for gold in Arrowtown or taking a tour of Lake Wakatipu via the TSS Earnslaw, there is certainly something for every speed.
Check out of your accommodation and farewell Queenstown. Drop your car to Queenstown airport to meet your flight home.
