5 Days, 4 Nights
Tour Highlights:
Day One Highlights:
✔ Depart Christchurch
✔ Take in the views at Castle Hill
✔ Marvel at scenery long Arthurs Pass
✔ Try and spot a Kia (unique parrot species native to New Zealand's Southern Alps)
✔ Explore Hokatika Township
✔ Pass by beautiful lakes on the way to Frenz Josef
Day Two Highlights:
✔ Drive through the Haast Pass
✔ Journey over the spectacular Haast Pas
Let us take you on one of the most amazing road trips in the world. Known for its breathtaking variety of landscapes and unforgettable natural beauty.
You’ll travel from the rolling hills and farmland of Canterbury to the wild, rainforest-covered West Coast. From there, the road winds through the dramatic Haast Pass, revealing waterfalls, turquoise rivers, and mirror-like lakes before reaching the alpine charm and adventure-filled energy of Queenstown. The journey to Aoraki/Mount Cook takes you through the surreal blue waters of Lake Pukaki and into the heart of New Zealand’s highest mountains. This loop offers constantly changing scenery—snow-capped peaks, ancient glaciers, serene lakes, and iconic lookouts—making every stretch of road an experience in itself.
With a vehicle exclusive to your group, see what you want, stop where you want, and travel at your own pace in total comfort and privacy. This premium small group tour is ideal for travellers wanting to experience the South Island’s highlights in a limited timeframe.
Day Three Highlights:
✔ Drive through the Haast Pass
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Day Four Highlights:
✔ Drive through the Haast Pass
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Day Five Highlights:
✔ Drive through the Haast Pass
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Day One: Christchurch → Franz Josef
Depart Christchurch at 9:00 AM and journey across the South Island in style, travelling from the Canterbury plains to the wild West Coast. Enjoy scenic stops at the limestone landscapes of Castle Hill, alpine views in Arthur’s Pass, and the chance to spot the native kea parrot. Visit the artisan town of Hokitika before continuing past pristine lakes and rainforest to Franz Josef, where you’ll stay the night surrounded by glacier-carved wilderness. Choose to stop at Devils Punchbowl at Arthur's Pass Village for a stretch of your legs or take an easy 45 minute walk along the Hokatika Gorge Walk.
Spend the night in the charming alpine township of Franz Josef, nestled at the foot of the glacier. Enjoy the opportunity to explore the region with a guided glacier walk, an unforgettable scenic helicopter flight, or an exhilarating heli-hike onto the glacier itself. Discover local artisan shops and take in the crisp, fresh alpine air.
OVERNIGHT IN FRANZ JOSEF
Day Two: Franz Josef → Queenstown
The next morning, depart Franz Josef around 9:00 AM and journey over the spectacular Haast Pass, arriving in Queenstown by late afternoon.
Traveling down New Zealand’s wild West Coast is nothing short of breath-taking, with towering mountains, native rainforest, and dramatic landscapes revealing themselves around every turn. The drive takes approximately six hours with scenic stops along the way—perfect for photos and a relaxed pace. Due to limited dining options en route, we recommend a later lunch stop of your choice - your driver will be happy to discuss this during your journey.
OPTION TO ADD WANAKA
Day Three: Queenstown
While in Queenstown, you’ll have access to a wide range of unforgettable experiences. Choose from iconic adventures like a bungy jump, jet boat ride, gondola ride, or indoor skydiving. For something more relaxed, enjoy tenpin bowling at Kingpin, cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw with a BBQ lunch at Walter Peak Station, or explore the charming gold rush village of Arrowtown. We’re also happy to arrange a full-day tour and scenic cruise to the world-renowned Milford Sound.
*OPTION TO ADD ADITIONAL NIGHT IN QUEENSTOWN*
Day Four: Queenstown→ Mount Cook
As you leave Queenstown, you will begin to see the landscape change into turquoise alpine lakes, rolling farmland, and panoramic mountain views before arriving at the breath-taking Aoraki Mount Cook Village. Optional visits include a stop at the famous Alpine Salmon Farm and New Zealand’s highest lavender farm.
Day Five: Mount Cook → Christchurch
Start your day with a morning hike on the stunning Hooker Valley Track, a Tasman Glacier boat ride, or even a scenic helicopter flight. Then, we say goodbye to Lake Tekapo and head back through the rolling Canterbury Plains to the City of Christchurch.
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Additional Activities: Peters Pools, Glowworm forrest walk, Scenic Glacier Walk, Lake Matheson