10 Day Peaks and Pinots Tour 

Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival you will be picked up for your private transfer from Queenstown Airport to your hotel.

QUEENSTOWN/TAHUNA – is the South Island’s most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkables Ranges. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills, and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy-jumping, skiing and awe-inspiring scenery. Local story has it, that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as “fit for any Queen”, and so she was called Queenstown.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of fine wine and stunning landscapes on your Private Boutique Wine Tour with Appellation Wine Tours. This private tour is the perfect choice for wine lovers looking to explore Queenstown’s Central Otago wine region. You’ll visit four unique, smaller wineries and get to meet the winemakers themselves. The tour focuses on the region’s famous Pinot Noir, and your guide will provide a deep understanding of the winemaking process and the area’s unique terroir.

Today, you will uplift your Compact SUV rental car for your journey to Wanaka. The best way to do this trip is over the Crown Range Road, which is New Zealand’s highest main road. The views from the top are just breathtaking, with the entire Wakatipu Basin spread out below you. It’s a thrilling, winding journey that connects the lively atmosphere of Queenstown with the more relaxed vibe of Wānaka.

WANAKA – faces north across Lake Wanaka, to views of the surrounding mountains, which are often reflected on the Lake’s surface on calm days. Poplars and willows grow around the Lake’s edge, affording a colourful show during autumn. Wanaka is best known for boating, fishing and skiing at the Cardrona and Treble Cone ski-fields.

Wanaka also has a growing reputation for cool-climate wines of purity and finesse. We recommend booking an afternoon with Wanaka Wine Tours for tastings and access to the region’s hidden vineyard gems!

This is an incredibly scenic journey that links the adventure hub with the West Coast glaciers. You’ll travel over the Haast Pass, a route with lush rainforest and past towering mountains. The scenery transforms dramatically as you travel up the West Coast, with lush native bush and dramatic coastal views before you arrive at the glaciers.

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER/WAIAU – originally named Victoria, after Queen Victoria of England, geologist Julius Von Haast, renamed it, Franz Josef, after the current Emperor of his homeland, Austria. The Glacier is pale blue/green ice that has retreated and advanced many times over the years. A walk from the carpark to the Glacier terminal will give you some impressive views and an idea of the immense size of the Glacier itself. The township of Franz Josef is a small town based around the tourist and supply trade.

A free day exploring the charming Franz Josef Village. We suggest to fueling your adventurous spirit with an optional heli hike or the breathtaking Grand Traverse scenic flight. Or for a peaceful way to explore Franz Josef’s stunning natural beauty, we suggest an optional kayak and nature walk on the tranquil waters of Lake Mapourika. Paddle through pristine reflections and finish with a short walk in the lush, untouched Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (Southern Alps) rainforest.

Today you’ll drive from Franz Josef to Greymouth to drop your car off and begin an epic train journey aboard the TranzAlpine. Experience one of the world’s most scenic train rides, traveling through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. The journey takes you through the mountains of Arthur’s Pass to the farmlands of the Canterbury Plains through river gorges, offering incredible views from the open-air viewing carriage.

All aboard for the countries best train ride with The Great Journeys of New Zealand – TranzAlpine: Greymouth to Christchurch. Travel on the world famous TranzAlpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch, enjoying the incredible scenery along the way. The journey will take you coast-to-coast through the ‘Great Divide’ and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand’s South Island. From your carriage you’ll see the lush green valleys of the West Coast, the spectacular Southern Alps, beautiful gorges and river valleys and the fields of the Canterbury Plains. Your train journey is 223.8 kilometres long with 16 tunnels and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres. An open-air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots.

You will be met by Hallmark Limousines at the Christchurch Train Station for your private transfer to your Christchurch city hotel.

CHRISTCHURCH – Located on a level plain, Christchurch is defined by its historic past and vibrant future. The willow and oak-lined River Avon meanders through its heart, where you can enjoy a punt ride or explore the sprawling Botanic Gardens. Much of the city’s unique charm comes from its blend of old and new; elegant stone buildings sit alongside striking contemporary architecture. Following a series of earthquakes, the city has been thoughtfully and creatively rebuilt, resulting in innovative new spaces like the Transitional Cathedral and Margaret Mahy Playground. This spirit of renewal makes Christchurch an exciting hub for arts, culture, and dining, while its proximity to both the stunning Canterbury Plains and the volcanic Port Hills offers easy access to outdoor adventures.

Start the day with a relaxing Waipara Wine Trail Tour by Leisure Tours. This guided tour takes you north from Christchurch to the picturesque Waipara Valley, a region famous for its cool-climate wines and award-winning Pinot Noirs. You will visit several boutique wineries, sampling a variety of award-winning vintages, and learn about the unique characteristics that define the region’s viticulture. A delicious gourmet lunch is also included, paired perfectly with the local wines.

Today, you will uplift your next Compact SUV rental car and continue your South Island journey to Mount Cook. Prepare your camera for this spectacular trip that takes you inland from Christchurch. You’ll pass through the Canterbury Plains and enter the Mackenzie Country, with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. The route then leads you directly to Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

MOUNT COOK/AORAKI – whose Māori name “Aorangi” means “Cloud Piercer” is some 3753.5 metres high and surrounded by a host of massive peaks. Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain, and can quite often be surrounded by cloud, constantly vulnerable to the fast changing weather patterns of an alpine climate.

Before departing Mount Cook, you will take a Glacier Explorer boat cruise. This 2.5-hour tour is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. You’ll take a short walk to the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier, where you’ll board a boat to cruise among floating icebergs and get an up-close view of the glacier’s face. Your knowledgeable guide will share the history of the glacier and the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, providing a surreal and educational experience.

Then set off on your adventure further south to Queenstown. This is a spectacular journey from the heart of the Southern Alps to the adventure capital. You’ll leave the Mount Cook area and travel through the Mackenzie Basin, with views of the Southern Alps and the famous turquoise lakes. The journey continues through the rugged high country of Central Otago before you arrive in Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Head to Queenstown Airport and return your rental car. Sadly, leave New Zealand ready to share your extraordinary memories and plan your next trip down to see us.