Be charmed by magnificent vistas and majestic snow-capped mountains reflected in stunning turquoise lakes on this splendid South Island Road Trip.
Over six days driving yourself, you will pass through Christchurch, Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, and Mount Cook while seeing some of the most beautiful landscapes under the world’s darkest skies.
This is a great introduction to some of the most spectacular panoramas New Zealand has to offer!Be charmed by magnificent vistas and majestic snow-capped mountains reflected in stunning turquoise lakes on this splendid South Island Road Trip.
Over six days driving yourself, you will pass through Christchurch, Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, and Mount Cook while seeing some of the most beautiful landscapes under the world’s darkest skies.
This is a great introduction to some of the most spectacular panoramas New Zealand has to offer!
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Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Christchurch
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Upon arrival, you will collect your rental vehicle and drive to your accommodation. Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps. This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner-city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River. You'll have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to explore after checking into your hotel.
Accommodation
The Ashley Hotel Christchurch★3 star
Activities
ChristchurchOptional Activity
International Antarctic CentreOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Christchurch International Airport to The Ashley Hotel Christchurch
Destinations
Christchurch
Day 2
Self-Drive from Christchurch to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo
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This morning, you'll depart across the Canterbury Plains, a fertile patchwork made with every shade of green, to a scenic wonderland with golden tussocks, snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes. At Lake Tekapo, the solitary ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ takes pride of place against the backdrop of a vivid blue glacier-fed lake. Continuing south, you'll hug the shores of beautiful Lake Pukaki and through the historic Central Otago region to Queenstown, where you'll be staying for a few nights.
Accommodation
Heartland Hotel Queenstown★3 star
Activities
Lake TekapoOptional Activity
The Church of the Good ShepherdOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Christchurch to Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Christchurch
Lake Tekapo
Queenstown
Day 3
Self-Drive Day Tour to Milford Sound
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Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Today's stunning journey takes you past mirror lakes, spectacular waterfalls and water-sculpted rocks to Milford Sound. You'll venture into Milford Sound, a New Zealand treasure carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. After a big day out, you'll reflect on memories of a lifetime as you drive back to Queenstown.
Accommodation
Heartland Hotel Queenstown★3 star
Activities
Milford Sound Cruise
Transportations
Rental Car from Queenstown to Milford Sound, New Zealand
Rental Car from Milford Sound to Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast and lunch
Destinations
Queenstown
Milford Sound
Day 4
Free Day in Queenstown
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Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World. Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer to your itinerary in this exciting town.
Accommodation
Heartland Hotel Queenstown★3 star
Activities
Shotover Jet QueenstownOptional Activity
QueenstownOptional Activity
Skyline Gondola BaseOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Queenstown
Day 5
Return to Christchurch from Queenstown via Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
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Today, you'll return north through a picturesque sheep farming country to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. On your driver, you can embrace the dramatic vast landscape of a rugged land of ice and rock that showcases multiple giant peaks including New Zealand's highest mountain. Then, heading east, you’ll witness the return of the braided rivers and familiar plains that signal your arrival into Christchurch for your final night.
Accommodation
The Ashley Hotel Christchurch★3 star
Activities
Mount CookOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Queenstown to Christchurch
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Queenstown
Canterbury
Christchurch
Day 6
Departure from Christchurch
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Today, your South Island road trip comes to an end. After a morning exploring Christchurch, you'll drive to the airport and turn your rental car before boarding your flight.
Activities
ChristchurchOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Christchurch to Christchurch Airport
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Christchurch
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What’s included?
5 nights accommodation
1 activity
5 breakfasts and 1 lunch
Entrance fees
Ground transportation
What’s not included?
Airport transfer
Alcohol beverages
Domestic flights
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Gratuities
International flights
Laundry
Licensed English speaking guides
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 1,041/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
New Zealand in 6 days
3-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer