DAY 1: Depart for New Zealand
Cross the international dateline and arrive on Day 3
Day 3: Arrive in Christchurch
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Today is at leisure to relax and enjoy some of the sights in Christchurch such as the Museum, ride on the Christchurch Tram, punt on the River Avon or stroll through the Botanical Garden (own expense). Overnight: Christchurch, Holiday Inn City Center (standard), Millennium Christchurch (superior) or Elm Tree House (B&B)
DAY 4: Christchurch to Mt. Cook
(206 miles/4/hrs) Pick up your rental car from the central city depot. Drive south before heading inland through a scenic rural area to Tekapo. A stop at the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd is popular. Continue to Mt. Cook and enjoy the views of the surrounding Southern AlpAn optional scenic flight or a helicopter flight onta glacier is available (own expense, subject to weather conditions). Overnight: Mt. Cook, Hermitage Hotel (standard, superior and boutique B&B) (D)
DAY 5: Mt. cook - Dunedin
(206 miles/4 /2 hrs) Travel southeast this morning to the East Coast before journeying south to Dunedin. We recommend one of the optional tours/visits: Larnarch Castle; a cruise to an albatross colony; or a journey by rail through the Taieri Gorge (afternoon activities, own expense). Overnight: Dunedin, Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel (standard), Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (superior) or Elgin House (boutique B&B) (B)
DAY 6: Dunedine - Te Anau
(181 miles/4 hrs) Drive south via Milton before heading west to Te Anau. An optional trip to the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves is available (own expense). Overnight: Te Anau, Distinction Luxmore Hotel (standard), Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (superior) or Fiordland Lodge (B&B)
DAY 7: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
(257 miles/5 1/2 hrs) Depart Te Anau and head through the Eglinton Valley and the Homer Tunnel. Enjoy a cruise on majestic Milford Sound then return to Queenstown. Overnight: Queenstown, Copthorne Lakefront Hotel (standard), Heritage Queenstown (superior) or Brown’s Boutique Hotel (B&B) for 2 nights
DAY 8: Queenstown at Leisure
Today, enjoy one of the many excursions available in Queenstown. Cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu or enjoy a thrilling jet boat ride on the Shotover River (activities, own expense).
DAY 9: Queenstown - Fox Glacier
(236 miles/5 hrs)
Depart Queenstown and travel via the Kawarau Gorge and Lake Wanaka to the West Coast—a World Heritage area. Drive past towering rainforest, limestone landscapes, mountains, glaciers, lakes and rivers to Fox Glacier. Overnight: Fox Glacier, Heartland Hotel Glacier Country (standard) or Te Weheka Inn (superior & boutique B&B)
DAY 10: Fox Glacier - Christchurch
(261 miles/6 hrs)
Travel via Hokitika to the junction of the West Coast and Arthur’s Pass. Proceed through the majestic Southern Alps before arriving at the Canterbury Plains for the journey into Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch, The Charlotte Jane (standard and superior) or Elm Tree House (B&B) for 2 nights
TranzAlpine Option:
For those who prefer, you can drop off your car at the Greymouth depot and take the scenic TranzAlpine train service from Greymouth to Christchurch. Includes private car transfers to hotel on arrival in Christchurch and from hotel to airport on departure (day 10).
DAY 11: Christchurch at Lesuire
Today is free to explore Christchurch.
DAY 12: Depart Christchurch
Return your car to the rental car counter at Christchurch airport prior to your departing flight. |
