Cross the Southern Alps via Arthurs Pass and then travel the West Coast to the Southern Lakes region and the adventure playgrounds of Wanaka and Queenstown, staying at premier lodges along the way.

Highlights

• New Zealand's highest sealed road
• Amazing views of the Southern Alps
• Native West Coast rainforest
• Otira Gorge Viaduct, length 440m, height 35m
• The stunning southern lakes
• Queenstown, adventure capital of NZ

Departure Dates

Any date to suit your plans

Day 1:  Arrive in Christchurch
Welcome to Christchurch.  You will lbe met at the airport by a private driver, handed your detailed tour pack and delivered to your accommodation.
Accommodation:  The George Hotel

Day 2:  Christchurch to Arthurs Pass (111 kms / 76 miles : 1.5 hrs)
Collect your rental car and head inland to the Southern Alps and Arthurs Pass.  Twice daily complimentary guided trips include Sheep Farm Discovery, Birds and Special Plants of the Mountain Beech Forest, McKay Moa Forest Hike, Stars of the Southern Night Sky.
Accommodation:  Wilderness Lodge

Day 3:  Arthur's Pass to Franz Josef Glacier (229 kms / 142 miles : 2.7 hrs)
Descend to the ruggedly beautiful West Coast, a land of extreme climate, extreme geography, extreme ecosystems and, above all, extreme scenery.  It is a place of majestic beauty.
Accommodation:  Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Day 4:  Franz Josef to Wanaka (283 kms / 176 miles :3.3 hrs)
Travel the spectacular Haast Pass to the alpine township of Wanaka.  After crossing the Haast River you'll turn inland and through the mountainous valley littered with waterfalls.
Accommodation:  Wanaka Haven

Day 5:  Wanaka to Queenstown (60 kms / 38 miles : 0.9 hrs)
Leaving Wanaka you head over New Zealand's highest sealed road, the Crown Range Road, before dropping into Queenstown.  This drive should be planned as a whole day to really enjoy the scenery and allow time to explroe the walks, and many stops enroute.
Accommodation:  Azur Lodge x 2 nights

Day 6:  At Queenstown 
The day is yours to discover all the scenic spots and fun activities on offer in Queenstown

Day 7:  Depart Queenstown today
Depending on when your flight departs you might have time for one last Queenstown adventure before dropping your car off at the airport and catching your flight
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is 8 kms / 5 miles : 0.2 hrs

• Accommodation for 6 nights staying in Luxury Lodges & hotels
• Rental car hire for the duration of the tour package.  Inclusions: GPS navigation, unlimited kms, airport fees, additional drivers
• Tour pack including details driving instructions, maps, guide books and much more
• Daily breakfasts
• 2 dinners
• Private airport transfer at Christchurch

• Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight, Franz Josef
• Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
• Lake Wanaka Cruise and Island Nature Walk
• TSS Earnslaw cruise & Buffet BBQ dinner at Walter Peak Station
• Shotover Jet, Queenstown
• Milford Coach & Cruise from Queenstown
• Queenstown Wine Trail
• Queenstown Gondola & Taste of NZ Buffet Dinner