Explore Christchurch and Akaroa, where you get the chance to swim with the rare Hectors Dolphins then loop south again o Dunedin for more wildlife encounters.  From Fiordland where you will cruise to Milford Sound, you'll return to Queenstown.

Starts in:     Queenstown
Finishes in:  Queenstown

Day 1:  Arrive in Queenstown
On arrival you will be met by a private driver and delivered to your Queenstown hotel.  A tour pack will be handed do you.  It will include a comprehensive, printed and bound version of your itinerary as well as clear driving instructions and maps for each leg of your journey.  It also contains all the reservation details for your accommodation and activities - along with relevant brochures and information.
Accommodation:  Garden Court Suites and Apartments x 2 nights

The Garden Court Suites and Apartments are located just seven minutes walk from the heart of Queenstown.  Self contained apartment rooms provide everything you need for your stay.

 
Day 2:  Explore Queenstown and Surrounds
Collect your rental car.  We have a fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUV's.
Catch a ride on the 100 year old steamship TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour or check out nearby historic Arrowtown and enhance your experience with a four wheel drive trip to Macetown.  And after all of that if you want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski.

Day 3:  Queenstown - Mt Cook National Park
Leaving Queenstown you'll head through the Kawarau Gorge and over the Kawarau Bridge - a popular bungy jumping location.  Continue through the Gibbston Valley and be sure to stop at one of its many vineyards for a tasting.  Head over through the Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand's highest roads, with the summit reaching 971 metres.  Its tussock covered hills are a barren but beautiful sight as you descend into the Mackenzie Basin.  You'll go through the towns of Omarama and Twizel - the last stops before you arrive at Lake Pukaki and take the Mount Cook Highway to arrive in the small village.  During the afternoon you will take a 45 minute flight over the full length of the Tasman Glacier and New Zealand's highest peak Aoraki Mt Cook before landing on the magnificent Tasman Glacier.
Accommodation:  Mt Cook Lodge & Motels

Mt Cook Lodge and Motels is located in the centre of Mt Cook Village.  The self-contained units are spacious and all are surrounded by alpine mountain views.  If you don't feel like cooking either visit the Chamois Bar and Grill onsite or take the courtesy shuttle to the Hermitage Hotel.

Day 4:  Mt Cook National Park - Christchurch
Leaving Mount Cook National Park, travel a short distance before stopping at the visitor centre on the southern shores of Lake Pukaki to learn about the formation of the region and take in the spectacular views of Mt Cook.  Travel through the small town of Tekapo, home to some of the most photographed subjects in the country - the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog Statue.  From here you travel through Burkes Pass and into the rich farming valley that surrounds Geraldine, then across the vast Canterbury Plains to arrive in Christchurch city, your destination for the night.
Accommodation:  Terra Vive Luxury Suites and Apartments

Terra Vive Luxury Suites and Apartments offer luxury accommodation in the heart of Christchurch city.  Situated within the beautiful tree-lined street of Bealey Avenue, Terra Vive is ideally located in close proximity to the shops, restaurants and cafes.

Day 5:  Christchurch - Akaroa
The Banks Peninsula offers a great contrast to the South Island's largest city.  Just around a 1.5 hr drive from the city centre are rolling green hills, streams, golden sand beaches and small settlements that offer a unique insight into New Zealand's history and development.  Akaroa is a beautiful place with sheer cliffs and the picuresque French inspired township is at its heart. 
Accommodation:  Criterion Motel 

The Crieterion Motel offers studio apartments with spectacular views over Akaroa Harbour.  You're also just a short walk from the fantastic cafes and restaurants that Akaroa offers.

Day 6:  Akaroa - Dunedin
Crossing the vast Canterbury Plains as you head south, State Highway 1 crosses many braided rivers that start their life as glacial melt water high in the Southern Alps.  New Zealand's longest bridge at Rakaia crosses such an example.  Further south at Moeraki stop and take a look at the incredible and unique Moeraki Boulders.  The last stretch of road follows the coastline before crossing the hills and descending into the city of Dunedin.
Accommodation:  Motel on York x 2 nights

Motel on York is located in the heart of Dunedin city.  The property offers superior accommodation only 300 metres away from cafes and restaurants.

Day 7:  Explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula
Known as the Edinburgh of the south, Dunedin city has a heavy Scottish influence.  Surrounded by rugged coastal plains and windswept beaches it's home to an eclectic mix of historical and modern architecture as well as industrial technology.  Explore the many cafes and wine bars in The Octagon, then continue on a self-guided walking tour of the internationally acclaimed Street Art dotted around the city.  Drive to the coast and explore Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle.  Be sure to head to the tip of Otago Peninsula to see the largest mainland Albatross colony in the world.  We recommend you take a behind the scenes tour to visit the exclusive viewing observatory at the nature reserve.

Day 8:  Dunedin - Te Anau
The drive to Te Anau takes you through classic Southland farming scenery.  Head off the beatean track and follow the coastline instead of the inland route.  Go through The Catlins area and be sure to take a detour to Kaka Point to view its majestic cliffs and pounding surf.  Continue through Invercargill then head north to Manapouri.  From here you can embark on a day or overnight cruise to the remote Doubtfjul Sound - renowned for its natural beauty.  Just a short way further will bring you to your lakeside destination of Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.
Accommodation:  Lakefront Lodge x 2 nights

Stylish self contained motel units less than one minute walk from Te Anau lakefront.  Close to shops, cafes and restaurants.

Day 9:  Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau
The road to Milford Sound offers some of the most beautiful and iconic scenery in the country.  From crystal clear lakes and towering mountains to lush glacier formed meadows, this area is dramatic and unyielding.  Arriving into the village of Milford, you will be greeted with an amazing view of Mitre Peak.  During the two hour nature cruise of spectacular Milford Sound you will experience tumbling waterfalls,, towering peaks, lush rainforest and native wildlife.  As you cruise, keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and penguins - frequent visitors to the fiord.

Day 10:  Te Anau - Queenstown
Today you'll cross vast tussock lands on your way to Queenstown.  Pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of the nation, then continue the journey through the Southland countryside to Queenstown.
Accommodation:  Garden Court Suites and Apartments.

Day 11:  Depart Queenstown 
Drop your rental car at the Queenstown airport today and farewell New Zealand.

This tour package can be customised to suit you precisely

• 10 nights motel accommodation
• Late model rental car including GPS, unlimited kms, airport fees, additional drivers
• Private airport transfers
• Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
• Aoraki Paradise Scenic Flight
• Wildlife cruise and Yellow Eyed Penguin colony, Dunedin
• Shotover Jet Boat ride
• Te Anau Glowworm Caves
• Milford Sound Nature Cruise