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10-Day New Zealand Southern Panorama

Customisable Itinerary
4.9 • 2 travellers have booked with Simon B.

Trip Overview

Take in New Zealand's southern panorama on this ten-day journey by private car, rental car and plane!

Beginning in the capital city which sits on the tip of the North Island, Wellington, you'll explore the city and all its sights before jumping aboard the Interislander Ferry across the water to the South Island. Here, you'll pick up your own transport and resume your journey to Kaikoura, the whale watching capital of New Zealand.

Your next journey will take you to Christchurch, the Garden City, before you cross the great Canterbury Plains to Mount Cook National Park. After a snapshot of Mount Cook, you'll hop in your rental ar again for a scenic drive over Lindis Pass to Queenstown, an area renowned for its vineyards, orchards and some pretty special views.

During your time in Queenstown, you'll have plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the adrenaline-fuelled activities on offer as well as visiting the stunning Milford Sound on a day tour. After flying back to Christchurch, you'll have 24 hours to explore this city with a hop on hop off pass!
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing

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Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Wellington

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Welcome to Wellington

On arrival at Wellington Airport, you will be met and transferred by private car and driver to your hotel. After checking in, you'll have the rest of the day free to spend as you wish. After your long journey, you may simply wish to relax at your hotel or alternatively, you can set out on foot to explore the capital of New Zealand!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Novotel Wellington

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in WellingtonOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Wellington International Airport to Wellington

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

Day 2

Discover Wellington

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Discover Wellington

Today, you'll head out on the Hammonds City and Coastline Tour of Wellington which includes visits to the best attractions and must-see landmarks. Take in a beautiful 360° view of Wellington from Mount Victoria, experience the rugged South Coast, and explore quaint villages throughout the city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure which presents the perfect opportunity to take the cable car for a stunning view of the city and harbour.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Novotel Wellington

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hammonds City and Coastline Tour of Wellington

    Mount VictoriaOptional Activity

    Free Time in WellingtonOptional Activity

    Wellington Cable CarOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

Day 3

Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton and Scenic Drive to Kaikoura

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Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton and Scenic Drive to Kaikoura

This morning, you'll leave North Island behind and cruise across the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry to Picton on the South Island. On arrival in Picton, you'll collect your rental car and drive to Kaikoura, a two-hour drive away. There are plenty of stops along the way so take the journey at your leisure. Upon arrival, you'll check into your accommodation and then have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to explore on your own.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The White Morph4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Interislander Ferry - Wellington to Picton

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Picton to Kaikōura

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

    Kaikoura

Day 4

Whale Watching in Kaikoura and Scenic Journey to Christchurch

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Whale Watching in Kaikoura and Scenic Journey to Christchurch

Kaikoura is home to an abundance of marine animals and one of the few places in the world where you can see sperm whales so close to shore. This morning, it is recommended that you take a trip with Whale Watch Kaikoura to see the whales in all their glory. In the afternoon, after some time for lunch, you'll jump in your rental car and journey to your next destination, Christchurch.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Rydges Latimer Christchurch

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Whale Watch KaikouraOptional Activity

    ChristchurchOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Kaikōura to Christchurch

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Kaikoura

    Christchurch

Day 5

Explore Christchurch and Drive Across Canterbury Plains to Mount Cook

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Explore Christchurch and Drive Across Canterbury Plains to Mount Cook

Christchurch is a vibrant city that is traditionally known as the Garden City due to its award-winning botanical gardens which are over 150 years old and host a great array of exotic and native plants. The city holds an eclectic mix of historic elegance and contemporary culture; this morning, you'll explore the city on your own using the beloved hop-on hop-off tram to get around. In the afternoon, head to Mount Cook over the Canterbury Plains, through Burkes Pass and the Mackenzie Country.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Rydges Latimer Christchurch

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Explore Christchurch using the Hop-On Hop-Off Tram

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Christchurch

Day 6

Depart from Christchurch and travel to the Beautiful Lake Tekapo

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Depart from Christchurch and travel to the Beautiful Lake Tekapo

After breakfast, checkout of the hotel. Depart Christchurch and travel over the Canterbury Plains towards Lake Tekapo. Upon arrival, check in at your new hotel.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Lake TekapoOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Christchurch

    Lake Tekapo

Day 7

Travel to Queenstown

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Travel to Queenstown

Enjoy a relaxed start to the day before checking out of the hotel. Once you leave Lake Tekapo, you will drive over the Lindis Pass towards Queenstown.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Heritage Queenstown4 star

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Lake Tekapo to Queenstown

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Lake Tekapo

    Queenstown

Day 8

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour from Queenstown

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Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour from Queenstown

Today, you'll be up early for your coach and cruise tour to Milford Sound. Upon boarding your luxury coach in Queenstown, you'll travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside. This is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Accompanied by a nature guide, you'll join an extended and leisurely cruise of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea on the Milford Mariner or Milford Wanderer. Keep a lookout for wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Heritage Queenstown4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Milford Sound Luxury Coach Tour and Cruise from Queenstown

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

    Southland

Day 9

Discover Queenstown

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Discover Queenstown

Today is a day at leisure to explore Queenstown. Perhaps you can take a gondola ride to witness Queenstown’s most spectacular views! The gondola rises 450 vertical metres above Queenstown on an average incline of 37.1 degrees to the Skyline complex on Bob’s Peak. Alternatively, you can visit Arrowtown, a charming, quirky and delightful gold rush village nestled beside the sparkling Arrow River and below magnificent peaks.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Heritage Queenstown4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    QueenstownOptional Activity

    Queenstown Skyline GondolaOptional Activity

    ArrowtownOptional Activity

    GlenorchyOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

    Arrowtown

    Glenorchy

Day 10

Departure from Queenstown

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Departure from Queenstown

Check out of hotel and drive to Queenstown Airport. Drop off your rental car and check in for your departure flight. Time to bid a fond "e noho ra" to the Land of the Long White Cloud, as today you leave New Zealand. We wish you a smooth trip home and hope you enjoyed your time in New Zealand!

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Christchurch to Christchurch Airport

    Rental Car from Queenstown to Queenstown Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

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What’s included?

  • 9 nights accommodation
  • 4 activities
  • 9 breakfasts and 1 lunch
  • Airport transfer
  • Ground transportation

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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