Classic South Island
Welcome to New Zealand’s South Island, dubbed by many as a ‘Paradise on Earth’. On this amazing 9 day tour you can expect to see snow-capped mountains, bright turquoise coloured lakes, waterfalls, glaciers surrounded by rainforest and rugged beaches. Highlights include stunning Lake Tekapo, Queenstown; ‘The Adventure Capital of the World’, Franz Josef Glacier, Lake Wanaka and the jewel in the South Island’s crown: Milford Sound!
This classic South Island tour can be enjoyed in two ways:
Self Drive: We plan the whole adventure and make all reservations for you, and away you go in your rental vehicle + GPS with a specially prepared travel guide to enjoy the South Island on your terms!
OR
Private Guided: We plan the whole adventure and make all the reservations for you, and we pair you up with one of our local expert driver/guides and you enjoy an entirely private & flexible chauffeur driven service for 9 days in paradise!
Day 1 – Christchurch Arrival
Guided Tour Option: Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport, a shuttle driver will be waiting for you as you clear customs. This driver will be holding a signboard with your name on it and will take you to your accommodation in the city. The day and night are free to spend at your leisure and your guide will meet you tomorrow morning.
Self Drive Option: Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport you will be met by one of our friendly representatives who will give you your route notes and assist you with the collection of your rental vehicle and The Road Trip begins! Make your way to your inner city accommodation where the day and night are free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Overnight: Rydges Latimer Christchurch – Superior King Room or similar
Day 2 – Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier – 380km (5 hour drive)
Today drive through the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass. Keep a look out for the Bealey River and lakes Pearson and Lyndon with the towering Alps above. In Arthurs Pass we will mark some of our favourite walking spots and points of interest on the map for you. Be sure to keep a look out overhead for the Kea (New Zealand’s native alpine parrot ). Our favourite secret spot features stunning 150 metre waterfalls and spectacular views of the mountains as we peek through native beech forest. Driving further you can stop in Hokitika to have a look at the greenstone factory where you can view up close how the local people carve necklaces and sculptures from the precious stone. Next up check out the stunning Hokitika Gorge with its beautiful bright blue waters and surrounding native forest. This afternoon or early tomorrow morning you will have the option of a flight over the majestic Franz Josef Glacier, one of the only glaciers in the world to be flanked by rainforest on both sides (can be booked in advance).
Overnight: Aspen Court Franz Josef – Executive Spa or similar
Breakfast included Today
Day 3 – Franz Josef Glacier to Wanaka – 250km (4 hour drive)
This morning you will have the opportunity to enjoy a short scenic helicopter flight with snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier, or a 3 hour guided heli-hike on the ice of glacier itself! (Optional – Not Included in Quote). 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 stay in Wanaka, one of New Zealand’s most popular holiday spots.
Overnight: Edgewater Hotel Wanaka – Lakeview Hotel Room or similar
Day 4 – Wanaka to Te Anau – 260km (3 hour drive)
This morning you will be flown back to Wanaka to be met by your private driver. For those feeling adventurous you can take a walk up one of our favourite look out spots featuring 360 degree views of Lake Wanaka, Aspiring National Park and the Clutha River. 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. Perhaps browse the preserved Chinese gold mining village or wander the boutique shops the town has on offer. Your next stop is Amisfield Winery where you will enjoy a 4 course lunch overlooking beautiful Lake Hayes. This afternoon you will drive a further 2.5 hours to Te Anau.
Your accommodation for the next 2 nights is set on a superb site commanding spectacular views of Lake Te Anau. Enjoy spectacular seasonal fare and a connection to the land with fantastic cuisine in the lodge restaurant.
Overnight: Fiordland Lodge – Lakeview Lodge Room or similar
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included today
Day 5 – Milford Sound Day Trip – 240km (4 hour return drive)
Be prepared for one of the jewels of the New Zealand landscape. The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular in the world and certainly a highlight on any New Zealand tour. En route you will see spectacular valleys, breath taking mountains and hopefully spot the cheeky Kea (New Zealand’s mountain parrot). This morning you will experience all that the fjords have to offer with a 1.5 hour boat cruise featuring pristine waterfalls and towering mountains plunging into the Tasman Sea (included activity). Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and the Fiordland crested Penguin. On your trip back to Te Anau there is the opportunity to take some short walks in the Fiordland National Park. Enjoy another delicious dinner at your lodge tonight, followed by a private hot tub under the stars.
Overnight: Fiordland Lodge – Lakeview Lodge Room or similar
Breakfast and dinner included today
Day 6 – Te Anau – Queenstown 175km (2 hour drive)
This morning in Te Anau you will take a tour by boat across Lake Te Anau to the glow worm caves to view the shimmering light of thousands of luminous glow-worms in a 12,000 year old grotto (included). Following this you will head to Queenstown, ‘New Zealand’s adventure capital of the world’. Skirting your way around Lake Wakatipu makes for some stunning photography and you will be amazed by the Remarkables Mountain Range, one of the most famous back drops for Lord of the Rings. The rest of the afternoon is free to spend in and around Queenstown, and there is plenty to see and do!
Overnight: The Rees Hotel – Lakeview Hotel Room or similar
Breakfast included today
Day 7 – 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 enjoy a drive to the head of Lake Wakatipu to experience breath-taking scenery, or venture to the Bannockburn region for wine tasting. The choice is yours!
Overnight: The Rees Hotel – Lakeview Hotel Room or similar
Breakfast included today
Day 8 – Queenstown to Lake Tekapo via Mt Cook – 356km (4.5 hour 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. Tonight you will enjoy a guided tour to Mt John Observatory to witness the spectacle of this dark sky reserve, known as one of the best places on the planet to view the night sky! (included).
Overnight: Peppers Bluewater Resort – Deluxe Lakeview Hotel or similar
Breakfast included today
Day 9 – Lake Tekapo to Christchurch + Departure – 230km (2.5 hour drive)
This morning after breakfast and further exploring Lake Tekapo, you will journey through to Christchurch where you will be transferred to your onward travel arrangements. We Trust that you have had a memorable exclusive tour with us!
Breakfast included today
Self-Drive Package for 2 Includes:
6 nights in 4 or 5 star/best available lodge, motel, hotel, bed and breakfast or apartment accommodation featuring mountain, ocean and lake views (subject to availability) [Double or Twin Share]
2 nights Luxury Lodge Accommodation (Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau)
9 days vehicle hire of a modern spacious SUV (Toyota Rav4 or Similar) + GPS & full insurance
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch (Amisfield Winery 4 Course), 2 dinners
Cruise Milford 1 hour 45 minute Milford Sound Cruise
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour
Dark Sky Project Summit Experience
All reservations
The donation of a large native tree – a sustainability initiative to offset carbon emissions
A Bespoke Welcome Pack:
*A friendly welcome upon arrival + assistance collecting your vehicle + presentation and explanation of your bespoke published travel guide with all our top picks for what to see and do and where to eat, maps and interesting facts
*Our full support during your trip via a free calling number
From $3,600 NZD per person*
*Indicates Low Season Pricing. For a Comprehensive Quote Please Enter Your Details in the Blue Enquiry Form on this Page
Privately Guided Package for 2 Includes:
8 days service from your own private local expert driver/tour guide (quote includes the cost of your guide’s accommodation, food allowance, wages, travel)
8 days vehicle hire of a modern spacious SUV (Skoda Kodiaq or Similar) + fuel & full insurance
6 nights in 4 or 5 star/best available lodge, motel, hotel, bed and breakfast or apartment accommodation featuring mountain, ocean and lake views (subject to availability) [Double or Twin Share]
2 nights Luxury Lodge Accommodation (Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau)
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch (Amisfield Winery 4 Course), 2 dinners
Cruise Milford 1 hour 45 minute Milford Sound Cruise
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour
Dark Sky Project Summit Experience
All reservations
The donation of a large native tree – a sustainability initiative to offset carbon emissions
From $6,800 NZD per person*
*Indicates Low Season Pricing. For a Comprehensive Quote Please Enter Your Details in the Blue Enquiry Form on this Page
“Overall, our experience with The Road Trip not only met, but exceeded our expectations. We cannot thank you all enough for being an integral part of our epic adventure!”
Ronald Buel and Family – USA, February 2020