Southern Sensations - A Luxury Self Drive Tour Itinerary

Christchurch is the city of exploration, where urban regeneration and heritage thrive. The city is constantly evolving, always giving locals and visitors something new to explore. Expect street art and innovative projects, a bustling hospitality scene and established green spaces. The central city is filled with cutting-edge architecture alongside some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand. The Avon River intersects the city, bringing a natural landscape to the urban environment.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Today head westwards through the Canterbury plains - you will find a superb location for some great photos at Lake Tekapo. Tekapo is one of three significant, neighboring lakes that border the Mackenzie Valley in New Zealand's South Island. Golden tussock grass carpets the surrounding hillside and roll away into the distance where the Southern Alps frame the horizon. The charming 'Church of the Good Shepherd' sits alone on its shores and the views to our highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook are remarkable. 

Approximate Distance: 290 kms | 180 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Twizel - 2 Nights

Experience the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake and its icebergs, in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. A unique guided experience departing Aoraki/Mount Cook village by bus to the beautiful Tasman Valley followed by a 1/2hr gentle alpine walk. Board our MAC boat, and explore the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake, where you will discover the ever-changing ice face of the Glacier and icebergs, making each trip different from the last due to changing winds and currents. 

Knowledgeable guides, enhance your experience with their expertise and passion for this amazing alpine environment.  Have you ever been alongside, discovered, or touched an iceberg?

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 65 km | 40 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour (each way)

Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps, is New Zealand’s most celebrated destination.  Offering a wealth of experiences to be enjoyed – from adrenaline activities through to superb golf, gourmet food, and wine tours or romantic hot air ballooning.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 200 km | 124 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

Although celebrated as New Zealand's 'adventure capital' Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced action-packed holiday. Head down the Gibbston Valley wine trail to sample some of the region's best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's 'Rata.' - but if you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shot over Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Pre-Dinner Drinks and Canapes

Te Anau is another area of breathtaking natural beauty, and several key Lord of The Rings movie scenes were filmed amid the unspoiled forests and lakes of this region. Immerse yourselves in the gorgeous surroundings: flight-seeing, fly fishing, kayaking, sailing and horse riding are all on offer and are great ways to get up close to nature. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Pre-Dinner Drinks and Canapes

Approximate Distance: 175 km | 109 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Te Anau - 2 Nights

The Road to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, then you’ll ease into a beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park.

Look for the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain and the Mirror Lakes. The rough-hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. A cruise on Milford Sound will be an essential component of your time in Fiordland. Tall waterfalls, vertical rock faces, and seals are some of the things you’ll remember. An underwater observatory is an option with most cruises.

Then embark on a walk on the Milford Track return from Sandfly Point to giants Gate Falls.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Wānaka is located on the southern shores of Lake Wānaka, embraced by the majestic Southern Alps. The crystal-clear waters reflect the stunning peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park, as well as the famous lone tree that has become a symbol of the town. This picturesque setting, with its glacial valleys and rugged mountains, invites exploration and appreciation of the pristine wilderness. Wānaka's breathtaking landscapes make it a captivating destination for nature lovers.

Approximate Distance: 235 km | 146 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Wanaka - 2 Nights

Wānaka is a haven for nature enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in its stunning landscapes. Spend the day wandering through the area's extensive network of trails, where you can explore serene forests, crystal-clear rivers, and towering mountain peaks. The lake invites you to enjoy its peaceful shores, whether it's for a leisurely stroll or simply soaking in the views. Wildlife lovers can enjoy quiet moments spotting native birds in their natural habitat. With its mix of calm and adventure, Wānaka offers the perfect escape for those wanting to reconnect with the great outdoors.

For the adventure seekers' there's canyoning, skydiving, via ferrata, off road tours and airborne adventures. Summer is perfect for jet-boating, kayaking, sailing and paddle-boarding and in winter the snow-covered mountains, draw skiers and snowboarders from around the globe to three world-class ski fields.

Following the road to Cromwell, the fabulous scenery keeps on coming and during the stone fruit season, you can pick up bags of delicious cherries, apricots, and nectarines at any of the roadside stalls.

For a slice of paradise, drive past a trio of fantastic lakes including Lake Dunstan, Hawea, and Wanaka before traversing the Haast Pass where the Thunder Creek Falls makes for some more great photos. A short stroll amongst emerald rainforest refreshes prior to your arrival at Franz Josef - the world's most accessible glacier.

Approximate Distance: 290 km | 180 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 Nights

From Franz Josef Village fly over both the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, soaring first over the townships and then following the ice flow high up into the upper reaches. This 30-minute helicopter flight with an expert alpine pilot takes you over the twin glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, with a snow landing at the head of either one.

At the landing site above the icefalls, step out to marvel at the phenomenal glacial beauty of the crevasse-filled landscape below. Your helicopter tour soars above the magnificent carved valleys of the Southern Alps, and includes round-trip hotel transport to the tour base.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Travel to Greymouth where you leave your rental car and board the TranzAlpine. This rail journey is truly something special. Ranked among the world’s top 6 train journeys, these tracks flow through some of New Zealand's most splendid countryside from the Southern Alps to Christchurch. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see natural grandeur on such a scale. 

Approximate Distance: 175 kms | 109 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

We take care of your transfer to Christchurch Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.