South Island Highlights New Zealand Self Drive
Christchurch
Explore the natural wonders of the South Island on this self drive.
Highlights
- Mount Cook
- Two days at leisure to explore Queenstown
- Wanaka Township
- Travel through Haast Pass
- Explore Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier region
- TranzAlpine Train
- Day 1 - Christchurch to Mount Cook
- Day 2 - Mount Cook to Queenstown
- Day 3 - Queenstown
- Day 4 - Queenstown
- Day 5 - Queenstown to Wanaka
- Day 6 - Wanaka to Fox Glacier/ Franz Josef Glacier
- Day 7 - Fox Glacier/ Franz Josef Glacier to Christchurch via Greymouth
- Additional Information
Approximately 374km (232 miles)
Journey to the Mount Cook region which is renowned for its incredibly clear starry nights, brilliant sunny days, remarkable turquoise blue lakes, valleys of emerald green and snow-capped mountains. Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain at 3,724 metres above sea level, towers over the expansive countryside.
The Hermitage Hotel
From an intrepid journey through glacial valleys to a mouth-watering culinary dining adventure, The Hermitage Hotel is the perfect place to base your adventure and discover why this region has endeared itself to Kiwi adventure seekers for so long.
Approximately 240km (149 miles)
Journey through the rugged and beautiful landscape of Otago to Queenstown.
Queenstown is snuggled into a picturesque valley beside Lake Wakatipu and with the Remarkables Ranges towering alongside. Known for the wide range of adventure and outdoor activities that make the most of the scenery and the environment, Queenstown also offers a wide range of shopping and dining options in and around the township.
Meals Included: RoHeritage Queenstown
The Heritage Hotel Queenstown is a ski lodge style building constructed from stone & Cedar, standing proud above the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with views of the majestic Remarkables Mountain Range. The main lodge building holds leisure facilities, bar and restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The property also features a secure ski and snowboard storage area.
A day at leisure to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand! Perhaps visit the icon of Milford Sound where you take a cruise past mile-high Mitre Peak, through glacially carved fiords and out into the open sea.
Meals Included: RoHeritage Queenstown
The Heritage Hotel Queenstown is a ski lodge style building constructed from stone & Cedar, standing proud above the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with views of the majestic Remarkables Mountain Range. The main lodge building holds leisure facilities, bar and restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The property also features a secure ski and snowboard storage area.
A day at leisure to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand! Perhaps visit the icon of Milford Sound where you take a cruise past mile-high Mitre Peak, through glacially carved fiords and out into the open sea.
Meals Included: RoHeritage Queenstown
The Heritage Hotel Queenstown is a ski lodge style building constructed from stone & Cedar, standing proud above the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with views of the majestic Remarkables Mountain Range. The main lodge building holds leisure facilities, bar and restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The property also features a secure ski and snowboard storage area.
Approximately 67kms (42 miles) via Cardrona & Crown Range Road
Approximately 114kms (71 miles) via Cromwell
Depart Queenstown and continue onto the Wanaka township, located beside the crystal-clear waters of New Zealand’s fourth largest lake, Lake Wanaka.
Meals Included: RoDistinction Wanaka Serviced Apartments
Property Location With a stay at Distinction Wanaka Serviced Apartments in Wanaka, you'll be convenient to Wanaka Golf Club and Gallery Thirty Three. This 4-star apartment is within close proximity of Picture Lounge and Mount Iron Lookout.
Approximately 262km (163 miles) Wanaka to Fox Glacier
Approximately 286km (178 miles) Wanaka to Franz Josef Glacier
Travel through the scenic wilderness of Haast Pass, stopping along the way to take advantage of many short nature walks and picnic spots before continuing to Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier region, an area of mountain peaks, impressive glaciers, tranquil lakes, raging rivers, lush rainforest and a magnificent coastline.
Meals Included: RoScenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is close to the edge of one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, welcoming you to this enticing and dramatic region.
Approximately 196km (122 miles) Fox Glacier to Greymouth
Approximately 173km (107 miles) Franz Josef to Greymouth
Journey north up the rugged West Coast and join the TranzAlpine Train back to Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island. Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains that stretch to the Southern Alps. Christchurch is a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions. The city centre is comfortingly compact and the most delightful central feature is the gently winding Avon River Darwin.
Meals Included: Ro- Deluxe Documentation Pack
- 6 nights accommodation, room only basis unless specified
- 7 days Hertz Group D car rental
Months: Year Round
Days: Daily
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Accommodation (Motel):
Mt Cook Mt Cook Lodge & Motel or similar
Queenstown Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar
Lake Wanaka Bella Vista Wanaka or similar
Franz Josef Glacier Punga Grove or similar
Accommodation (Hotel):
Mt Cook The Hermitage Hotel or similar
Queenstown The Heritage Queenstown or similar
Lake Wanaka Distinction Wanaka Alpine Resort or similar
Franz Josef Glacier Franz Josef Glacier Hotels or similar
Accommodation (Boutique):
Lake Tekapo (Mt Cook) Alpine Suites or similar
Queenstown Browns Boutique Hotel or similar
Lake Wanaka Wanaka Springs Lodge or similar
Fox Glacier Distinction Fox Glacier or similar
Blockout dates:
Please note additional blockout dates are subject to change. Additional block out dates may apply during special event and public holiday periods.
Motel:
Mt Cook Lodge and Motels: 28 Dec 20 - 03 Jan 21, 29 Jan - 18 Feb 21
Heartland Hotel Queenstown: 21 Dec 20 - 13 Jan 21
Hotel:
The Heritage Queenstown: 24 Dec 20 - 02 Jan 21
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier: 26 Dec 20 - 10 Jan 21