Pick your currency
Our currency converter is based on weekly exchange rates and is provided to give you an idea of the itinerary prices in your local currency. The final cost for itineraries can be confirmed by our team of consultants.
Pick your currency
Our currency converter is based on weekly exchange rates and is provided to give you an idea of the itinerary prices in your local currency. The final cost for itineraries can be confirmed by our team of consultants.
Get ready for nine days of pure South Island magic on a self drive tour with five star accommodation. glacier valleys, alpine lakes, stargazing at Mount Cook, and optional activities like flying high over the jaw-dropping Milford Sound. With one epic view after another and one extraordinary experience after another to this adventure packs the best of New Zealand’s South Island into one unforgettable trip. Talk to us today about all the fun activities we can add to this 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.
Today you will pick up your Intermediate SUV Budget rental car for your journey to Franz Josef.
This is a long and incredibly scenic journey from Queenstown, 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. Be sure to stop at Lake Matheson, where crystal-clear reflections of snowcapped peaks make for truly unforgettable scenery.
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.
Prepare to be blown away as today you will experience, Franz Josef Glacier Guides Heli-Hike. This tour is consistently rated as a highlight of any New Zealand trip. After a thrilling helicopter flight over the glacier, you’ll land high on the ice fall. Equipped with boots and crampons provided by the company, your expert guide will lead you on a two-and-a-half-hour hike through an ever-changing landscape of ice caves, crevasses, and towering ice formations.
Spend an unforgettable afternoon in Franz Josef. Whether you’re seeking exhilarating outdoor adventures or a tranquil, scenic stroll.
Today you’ll drive from Franz Josef to Greymouth and return your rental car. Take 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. Offering incredible views from the open-air viewing carriage this is an unforgettable experience that introduces you to the true majesty of the South Island landscape.
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. With the Scenic Plus experience, savour regionally inspired cuisine paired with wine and beer from the comfort of your luxurious seat as you soak in the spectacular scenery – a hosted dining experience like no other.
You will be met by Hallmark Limousines at the Christchurch Train Station for your private transfer to your Christchurch city hotel.
CHRISTCHURCH/OTAUTAHI – 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.
Spend a free day in Christchurch at your own pace – wander the city’s streets, discover hidden gems, or book optional tours to explore more of its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, fascinating stories of resilience, or take a trip to charming Akaroa with its French-inspired streets, harbour views, and playful Hector’s dolphins.
Today you will pick up your Intermediate SUV Budget rental car for your journey further south 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 Maori 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.
This evening you’ll love The Hermitage’s Big Sky Stargazing Tour. Join an expert astronomy guide for a mesmerizing 90-minute journey through the cosmos. You’ll be taken to a purpose-built viewing platform where, on a clear night, you can explore the Southern Cross, planets, and galaxies through powerful telescopes. Your guide will share their knowledge of the night sky, creating an unforgettable experience in this internationally recognized dark sky reserve.
Before you leave today you can book yourselves in on one of our highlighted optional tours with your consultant however if you want to hit the road early and get to Queenstown then 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.
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.
A day to enjoy the many activities Queenstown has to offer. Choose from one of our popular optional tours below or talk to your consultant about our many tours on offer.
Today you’ll return your rental car today and leave New Zealand ready to share your extraordinary memories and plan your next trip down to see us.
It is nine days of non-stop wow. It’s the kind of trip that’s packed with epic views, unforgettable experiences, and just the right mix of adventure and comfort.
Packed with lots of tips, highlights, activities and helpful information of our diverse country.
Downloading this brochure adds you to our email list, you can unsubscribe anytime with one click. Copyright Urban Napflin.
