South Island Adventurer

Day 1 – Arrival and sightseeing Christchurch

You will be met at the airport by one of our friendly guides who will transfer you to your hotel (guided tours only) or one of our friendly representatives who will give you your route notes and hand over the keys to your rental vehicle (self-driven tours). In the afternoon you could take a Christchurch city tour. Christchurch is known throughout New Zealand as ‘The Garden City’. This city tour could include a visit to ‘The Sign of the Kiwi’, the most panoramic of Christchurch’s viewpoints, a stroll in the botanic gardens and drive around the bays of Christchurch taking in Lyttelton which was the gateway for many of Christchurch and the Canterbury region’s first settlers.

Day 2 – Christchurch to Punakaiki via Tranz Alpine Train + Drive to Punakaiki – 4.5 hour train journey + 40 minute drive

Today you will take a journey across the Canterbury Plains and through the Southern Alps to Greymouth. This was voted one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Keep a look out for the Bealey River and lakes Pearson and Lyndon with the towering Alps above. After tunneling through the Alps, you will reach the West Coast of the South Island and the Tasman Sea. After disembarking in Greymouth, heading North you will follow ‘ The Coast Road’ voted New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal road to arrive at your destination in Punakaiki; home to the world famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes.

Day 3 – Punakaiki to Franz Josef Glacier – 220km (3 hours drive)

This morning we recommend taking the 20 minute loop walk to view the pancake rocks and blowholes along the coastline. If you’re lucky enough to be there at high tide, the power of the blowholes will astound you! Heading south down the West Coast Road; known by many as the most picturesque coastal road in New Zealand, you will see rainforest and the shores of the Tasman Sea side by side, along with cliffs, waterfalls and green paddocks. Take the side trip to Hokitika Gorge and see the glorious turquoise waters, while our native fantails dance around you. At the end of all this, you arrive at a Glacier! Franz Josef Glacier is unique in the fact that it is surrounded by rainforest. You can take a walk to the base of the glacier and look up to the rugged mountains. This afternoon or early tomorrow morning you will have the option of a flight over or heli-hike on the majestic Franz Josef Glacier, one of the only glaciers in the world to be flanked by rainforest on both sides (optional – extra cost). Tonight you have the opportunity to relax and unwind in the thermal hot springs located in native rainforest in Franz Josef Village (optional – extra cost).

Day 4 – Franz Josef Glacier to Wanaka – 280km (4 hours drive)

One of the prettiest and most dramatic journeys in the country is what you can experience on this tour over the Haast Pass through to Wanaka. En route you will visit Lake Matheson, otherwise known as ‘Mirror Lakes’ where on a clear day it is possible to see the reflection of New Zealand’s highest mountain Mt Cook (3754m/12,316ft). The walking possibilities are endless today around Haast and Haast Pass and you can do one of or several walks, some of which feature spectacular waterfalls and deep blue coloured pools where it is possible to see trout swimming. One of our favourite spots at The Road Trip is Ship Creek, an isolated beach featuring native totara trees hugging rugged coastline. Tonight you will stay in Wanaka, one of the most popular kiwi vacation hot spots situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka.

Day 5 – Wanaka to Queenstown – 82km (1.5 hours drive)

This morning in Wanaka there are several options. Perhaps enjoy a horse-back ride in the Cardrona Valley, hire a paddle boat or kayak on the lake, climb up Mt. Iron for stunning 360 degree views, or try out Puzzling World. After further exploring Wanaka, your South Island tour takes you over The Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest highway to Arrowtown, an important location in the gold rush of Central Otago in the 1860s. Your next potential stop is Amisfield Winery ,where you can taste the area’s finest wines including the trademark Pinot Noir. Arrive in Queenstown where the afternoon is free to spend as you wish (all activities mentioned are optional – extra cost).

Day 6 – Queenstown

Today is free to explore Queenstown at leisure and take part in some of the fantastic activities that this ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ has to offer. Options for the adventurous include: Skydiving, Bungy Jumping, Jet Boating, Canyon Swings, White Water Rafting, Flyboarding and Paragliding. If you feel like taking a more relaxed approach to the day, a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw 100 year old steam ship or a walk through Queenstown’s Botanic Gardens are not to be missed. Perhaps drive out to the head of Lake Wakatipu and experience the breath-taking scenery of the Glenorchy area. A popular option with our clients is a helicopter flight to the top of Coronet Peak, where passengers are able to get out on the snow 365 days a year! (Weather permitting). In the evening, take a trip to the top of the Skyline Gondola to view Queenstown from a 360 degree panoramic viewpoint and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant (included).

Day 7 – Queenstown to Lake Tekapo via Mt Cook – 360km (4.5 hours drive)

You leave Central Otago today through the Kawarau Gorge and Cromwell where you can make a stop en route and visit a local fruit shop for a chance to try real fruit ice cream and perhaps sample New Zealand famous manuka honey products. From there, cross the Lindis Pass (965m) to the Mackenzie Country, known for its Merino Sheep and wool industry. Weather permitting you can take a short walk at the foot of Mt Cook – New Zealand’s highest mountain. En route to Lake Tekapo, perhaps take a trip to the top of Mt John to experience the feeling of being on top of the world. This boasts stunning 360 degree views of the Mountains and turquoise coloured lakes (Road open until 5pm – $8 entry fee). Tonight you will stay in the town of Lake Tekapo and enjoy its turquoise coloured waters. On a clear night there will be the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour to Mt John Observatory and its spectacular night sky (optional – extra cost).

Day 8 – Lake Tekapo to Christchurch – 250km (3 hours drive)

This morning you will drive through to Christchurch where the rest of the afternoon can be spent exploring. Options include: The Tannery with its boutique shops, the Canterbury Museum, the Christchurch Art Gallery, a drive around Banks Peninsula or perhaps a visit to Christchurch’s International Antarctic Centre (all activities optional – some with an extra cost). Tonight you can enjoy a meal in the central city at one of the many new and exciting restaurants in Christchurch (optional – extra cost).

Day 9 – Departure day

Today you will be transferred to your onward travel arrangements. We hope you have enjoyed your experience with ‘The Road Trip’.

“Thank you for organising such an amazing trip for us! We had an absolutely fantastic time.”

Deb Gould – England, December 2017