The South Island of New Zealand is renowned for its mountains, lakes and glaciers. The Southern Alps, home to the mighty Aoraki Mt. Cook, run along the entire length of the island. In the southwest is Fiordland National Park, with steep-sided Milford Sound. In the north is Abel Tasman National Park, known for its trails and ocean kayaking. Queenstown is famed for adventure sports like bungee jumping and skiing.
Best time to Visit: December to February
Arrive Christchurch, known throughout New Zealand as 'The Garden City'.
Pick up your rented car and transfer to your hotel. Free at leisure
Stay overnight in Christchurch
Today you will head north through the wine growing area of north Canterbury to Kaikoura. Kaikoura is a sea life paradise which boasts whales, seals, albatross and dolphins. There are over 17 species of whale to be found in Kaikoura all within 8 km of the coastline. This afternoon you may consider to watch / join a whale watching tour of 3 hours. Keep a look out for Killer Whales and orcas as well as many species of Dolphin. An experience not to be missed.
~ Driving distance and time: 189km / 2 hours
Stay overnight in Kaikoura
This morning you have the opportunity to visit a seal colony to view New Zealand’s native fur seal up close. One of The Road Trip’s favourite spots features waterfalls and baby seals. Your drive today takes you through the Southern Alps to Hanmer Springs. This is a thermal alpine village nestled in the mountains. You will get the opportunity to take a dip in the thermal waters and view the mountains from the hot pools. This afternoon you will head through the pass to the South Island’s West Coast known by many as an isolated paradise featuring rugged coastline and native bush. Your stop tonight is Hokitika known for its array of greenstone, gold and glassblowing shops.
~ Driving distance and time: 370km / 4.5 hours
Stay overnight in Hokitika
Heading south through the majestic rainforest of the west coast you will encounter coast, beach and mountains all within 15km of each other. Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world and only one of two places where you can view rainforest and glacier side by side. This afternoon you will have the option of doing a half day fully guided walk on the glacier, a heli-hike or a helicopter flight with a landing at the top of this majestic glacier.This is a highlight on any New Zealand tour. Tonight you can unwind and soak in the glacier hot pools.
~ Driving distance and time: 140km / 2 hours
Stay overnight in Franz Josef
One of the prettiest and most dramatic journeys in the country is what you can experience on this tour over the Haast Pass through to Wanaka. En route 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 Mt Cook (3754m/12,316ft). The walking possibilities are endless today around Haast and Haast Pass and we you can do one of or several walks, some of our favourite walks that we will mark out for you feature spectacular waterfalls and deep blue coloured pools where it is possible to see trout swimming. Tonight you will stay in Wanaka, one of the most popular kiwi vacation hot spots situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka.
~ Driving distance and time: 280km / 4 hours
Stay overnight in Wanaka
This morning in and around Wanaka there are many options. For those feeling adventurous you can take a walk up one of our favourite look out spots featuring 360 degree views of Lake Wanaka, Aspiring National Park and the Clutha River, the breath-taking views are well worth the walk! Other options include a visit to Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World or a kayak tour on the lake. This afternoon your South Island tour takes you over The Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest highway to Arrowtown which was one of New Zealand’s most important towns in the gold rush to Central Otago in the 1860’s. From there it’s just a short drive to Queenstown ‘The Adventure Capital of the World’ and your base for the next 2 nights.
~ Driving distance and time: 82km / 1.5 hours
Stay overnight in Queenstown
Today in and around Queenstown there are many possibilities. It is a day entirely for your leisure. For the adventurous among us there is skydiving, bungy-jumping, paragliding and white water rafting. For those of us who prefer to take a more relaxed approach to the day a cruise on the 100 year old TSS Earnslaw Steam Ship or a walk alongside Lake Wakatipu are not to be missed
Stay overnight in Queenstown
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 and a chance to try ‘Real Fruit Ice cream’ and sample a few of the New Zealand famous manuka honey products. From there you cross the Lindis Pass (965m) to the Mackenzie Country, known for its Merino Sheep and wool industry. Weather permitting you can take a short walk at the foot of Mt Cook- New Zealand’s highest mountain, we will suggest walks varying in length depending on your level of activity. Tonight you will stay in the town of Lake Tekapo and its turquoise coloured waters.
~ Driving distance and time: 360km / 4.5 hours
Stay overnight in Lake Tekapo
In clear weather there is the possibility to take a one hour flight around Mt Cook and its spectacular surrounding valleys. There may even be time for one of the many short walks in the area each with its superb views. You can also take the trip to one of our favourite look-out spots with views over Lake Tekapo where one has the feeling of being on top of the world.
~ Driving distance and time: 250km / 3 hours
Stay overnight in Christchurch
Depart Christchurch and proceed to your onward destination or fly home
Contact us to create personalized journeys based on your preferences and budget