Included in this journey:
- 6 nights’ accommodation
- Rental car with full insurance coverage – medium size car (Toyota Corolla sedan or similar)
- Unlimited kilometres, GPS navigation, airport/ferry fee
Day 1 – Arrive in Christchurch
Collect your rental car from the airport and drive to the city centre. Check-in at the hotel (after 3:00pm).
Christchurch, known for its English heritage, is located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Flat-bottomed punts glide on the Avon River, which meanders through the city centre. On its banks are cycling paths, the green expanse of Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens. In Christchurch you will find historic buildings, epic street art murals, award-winning restaurants and of course a n array of cafes, bars and restaurants.
Overnight: Christchurch
See & Do: Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Punting | Cardboard Cathedral | Port Hills | Local markets | The Canterbury Museum | Sumner Beach |
Day 2 – Christchurch – Mt. Cook National Park
Make an early start today and drive through the heart of the South Island, crossing the vast Canterbury plains. Have a pit stop in Geraldine before continuing through Fairlie. Ascending Burkes pass you’ll come to the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo.Continue on and take in the view of Aoraki Mt Cook (New Zealand’s tallest mountain) from the shores of Lake Pukaki, known for its glacier fed turquoise blue color. Drive along the lake to your final destination Mt Cook Village. Please note there are no food or shops at Mount Cook you will need to stock up prior to arriving in Mount Cook if you wish to self cater.
Approximate distance and time: 350 kms – 4 hours
Overnight: Mount Cook Village
See & Do: The Hooker Valley Track | Sir Edmund Hillary Visitor Center | Take A Scenic Flight | Go Boating On The Tasman Lake | Stargaze In An International Dark Sky Reserve | Glacier Kayaking in Tasman Lake or Mueller Lake
Day 3 – Mount Cook Village – Te Anau
Today you’ll drive pass Twizel (location of many Lord of the Rings movie scenes) and Omarama – the gliding capital of New Zealand. A good place for your first pit-stop of the day. Visit Wrinkly Rams local cafe and enjoy the sheep shearing demonstration. The dramatic Lindis Pass links the Mackenzie Basin with Central Otago. The actual pass crosses a saddle between the valleys of the Lindis and Ahuriri Rivers at an altitude of 971 metres above sea level. Adjacent to the highway is the Lindis Conservation Area. Here snow tussock grassland dominates the landscape. Longslip Mountain (1494 metres) has one of the most extensive sites of the buttercup ranunculus haastii in the Mackenzie Basin. You will soon arrive at the first central Otago settlement – the quaint village of Tarras, which has a number of boutique stores and a lovely café. The journey will take you pass Bendigo Reserve and Kawarau – well worth a stop.
Then continue through the sheer cliffs of the Kawarau Gorge towards the Gibbston Valley, one of New Zealand’s premier wine-growing regions. if you are keen on experiencing the thrill of bungy jumping then at stop at the famous and historic Kawarau Bridge. As you approach Queenstown, the impressive impressive Remarkables mountain range comes into view and then beautiful Lake Wakatipu as you head south. The lake guides you into Southland through its rich farming pastures and into Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Approximate distance and time: 421 kms – 5.1 hours
Overnight: Te Anau
See & Do: Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Day 4 – Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau
A real treat in store for you today! The road to Milford Sound is simply outstanding! From crystal clear lakes and high mountains to lush glacier formed meadows, this area is dramatic and unyielding. Stop and stretch your legs on the Chasm Walk, a short stroll through native beech forest to see several powerful waterfalls. Enjoy the drive through the Homer Tunnel (1219 metres long) and head into the village of Milford. We highly recommend that you take a day cruise into the heart of the sound and learn about how this magnificent area was formed and experience the wonder of the falls that line the Fiord before back-tracking the way you came.
Approximate distance and time: 400 kms – 5 hours
Overnight: Te Anau
See & Do: Chasm walk | Milford Sound Cruise
Day 5 – Te Anau – Dunedin
Make an early start today and take the time to travel off the beaten path and take the Southern Scenic Route through the Catlins. Follow the Otago coastline to Invercargill. From Invercargill the route hugs the coastline and there are many side-trips to secluded and deserted beaches and bays to explore before you arrive into the remarkable Edwardian City of Dunedin.
Approximate distance and time: 285 kms – 3.3 hours
Overnight: Dunedin
See & Do: Museums and Galleries | World’s steepest street | Botanic Garden | Lovers Leap | Dunedin Railway Station | Larnach Castle | Wildlife Cruise
Day 6 – Dunedin – Christchurch
You head north today and stop at Moeraki to explore the famous and unique Moeraki Boulders strewn on the beach. The town of Oamaru is most famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. Explore the old quarter or if you don’t mind a late arrival into Christchurch then stay longer to see the blue penguins come ashore at dusk. The port town of Timaru is next and then the vast Canterbury Plains. Crossing New Zealand’s longest bridge at Rakaia you can view some great examples of the South Island’s famous braided rivers. Arriving into Christchurch City puts you close to the airport and the International Antarctic Centre, a visit is highly recommended. Here you can get as close to experiencing life on the frozen continent without actually visiting plus see New Zealand little blue penguins and ride in a Haaglund Tracked vehicle.
Approximate distance and time: 346 kms – 4.2 hours
Overnight: Christchurch
See & Do: Moeraki Boulders | The Little Blue Penguins | Canterbury Museum |
Day 7 – Depart Christchurch
Head to the airport, return your rental and catch your flight home.
See & Do: Christchurch Botanic Gardens | Victoria Clock Tower | Sumner Beach | Air Force Museum Of New Zealand | Quake City
* All prices from, twin share on a room only basis with itinerary starting on a Monday & subject to availability. All activities at own expense. All distances and times are approximate.