Itinerary
This 8-day adventure takes you on a self-drive and rail journey through the South Island's breathtaking landscapes.
Welcome to Queenstown! Upon your arrival collect your rental car and make your way to your accommodation. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace.
Today join your guided coach tour to Milford Sound where you will travel south around the edge of Lake Wakatipu towards Te Anau and Fiordland National Park. The first stop will be a morning tea break at Te Anau where you’ll have time purchase food and souvenirs before travelling into Milford. There are various photo stops on your way into the Sound with lots of opportunities to marvel at the beauty of the region. The magnificent Mitre Peak will greet on arrival into Milford Sound where the tour connects with a Boutique Small Boat cruise. Enjoy your packed lunch box and complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits on-board while cruising past sheer cliff faces and cascading waterfalls. The wonder of Milford Sound is breath taking on an epic scale. You’ll journey back to Queenstown in the comfort of your guided coach arriving back at approximately 7.30pm.
After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and farewell Queenstown. Heading out of town make a pitstop in Arrowtown, a quaint historic village with crafts, boutique shops and top-rated restaurants to visit before leaving the Southern Lakes region. Travel north over the Crown Range, through Wanaka, out to Haast on the West Coast heading up to Glacier Country. Enjoy the diverse landscapes of the rugged West Coast where beaches meet rainforests.
The day is yours to explore. There is an abundant range of things to see and do including an optional Heli Hike to experience the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. A visit to the West Coast Wildlife Center is highly recommended. This is an indoor, all-weather attraction that offers an insight of bringing nature, conservation and wildlife together including a chance to see New Zealand’s rarest kiwi, the Rowi.
This morning you’ll depart Franz Josef for Greymouth. Moving north along the coastline takes you through Hokitika, famous for Pounamu (Jade Greenstone), this beachside town is the perfect morning tea stop. A short drive north is Greymouth, here you will drop off your car before boarding the famous TranzAlpine train to Christchurch. This scenic journey takes you through Arthurs Pass and the Canterbury Plains before arriving into the charming and beautiful city of Christchurch. You will then be transferred into Christchurch City, where you will enjoy a lovely two night stay.
Enjoy today at leisure. Take a stroll along the Avon River, head out to the Port Hills and up the Gondola, take a tram around the city and discover the rebuild and rejuvenation of Christchurch. The new Riverside Farmers markets is a must see, offering local produce and bespoke shopping. There are restaurants, cafes and bars catering to locals and visitors alike.
An early start today as you catch the Coastal Pacific train from Christchurch further north to Picton. This rail journey hugs the coastline offerings views of the Waipara wine region, the seaside town of Kaikoura and into the iconic Marlborough wineries before arriving at Picton. Then, you will board the Interislander ferry for the 3-hour sailing across the Cook Strait to the North Island and capital city of Wellington. Upon arrival into Wellington, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Fit in some last-minute sightseeing of New Zealand’s capital this morning before you prepare to depart for your next adventure.
