NZ$ 1,784 BOOK NOW
Includes: 8 nights accommodation plus:
Allows full days at Mt Cook, Queenstown and Fox Glacier, excursions optional
Experience the highlights of the South Island and some of the best driving in the region...
Christchurch - Designed to be a piece of ordered English class structure instead of just another shabby colonial outpost, Christchurch is the most 'English' of New Zealand's cities. Stroll through exquisite gardens, punt on the Avon River, ride a tram or people-watch in Cathedral Square.
Mt Cook - The first day's drive gets you in the mood for the brilliant roads to follow as it twists over mountain passes and along turquoise lakes with snow-capped mountains in the background. The mighty Mt Cook is the highest peak in Australasia and a must-see. You can add an optional day to explore Mt Cook National Park.
Fjordland - More superb roads and a day of great driving brings you to Fjordland
National Park. This indescribably beautiful area is on every tourist's
agenda and you'll quickly discover why. You'll have an extra day
here to visit Milford Sound for a spectacular cruise and do some
touring in the area. There is only one road in and out but you
won't mind driving it twice, it's as scenic as they come. No matter
how you say “steep ravines, deep fjords, blue shimmering
crevasses, snow-covered Alps, blue seas and thundering waterfalls”
the words just cannot do this area justice. Take a look at the
pictures and you'll see what we mean!
Queenstown - The 'adrenaline capital of the world' has plenty to keep you
busy. Choose from bungy jumping, jet-boating, white-water rafting,
river surfing, white-water sledging, paragliding, parachuting,
canyoning, mountain biking and aerial sightseeing! I'm out of
breath just saying all of that. Still not enough? Add fishing,
water-skiing, windsurfing, yachting, horseback riding and rock
climbing. You have an extra day here to make the most of the activities
on offer. For the not-so-active it has some of the best restaurants
on the South Island in one of the most scenic spots in the world
on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Or you could simply collapse onto
a sofa....
Westland National Park - If Queenstown didn't provide enough adrenaline, the shortcut via Cardrona to Wanaka will! Then drive over the Alps via the beautiful Haast Pass. The road winds along steep slopes with huge views over the glacier lakes Hawea and Wanaka and down to the same named town. After a great drive you'll arrive at two of the most prolific glaciers in the world - Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier are tumbling rivers of ice streaking down the valleys towards the sea. There are plenty of great walks in the area but the best way to see the glaciers is via helicopter. Add an optional day if you'd like more time for sightseeing, it's worth it.
Returning to Christchurch you’ll leave the west coast and
drive one of the most beautiful roads in New Zealand. Arthur's
Pass is the highest, most impressive and by far the twistiest
highway over the Southern Alps! It's a long day in the saddle
but also one of the best of the trip. Thick rain forest, steep
slopes, strange rock formations, snow-covered mountains, deep
blue icy rivers, colossal valleys and flat plains are all within
just 250 kilometres of each other.