This is a suggested independent itinerary that you customize. Please select the best flights, hotels, trains, activities, transportation and number of nights in each destination to fit your needs.
Discover amazing cities along the New Zealand's South Island with a Rental Car!. From Christchurch (biggest city in the South Island), pick up your car and visit along the Island West Coast: Greymouth (with its TranzAlpine train journey); next, is the charming Franz Josef (with one of most publicly-accessible glaciers in New Zealand); then head to Lake Tekapo (the second-largest of three roughly parallel lakes running north–south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island of New Zealand) and Wanaka (a town known for its turquoise lakes, snow-capped mountains, and incredible scenery as well as it famous willow trees). Follow this, visit Te Anau (the gateway to Fiordland, with the Milford Sound showcases majestic mountains, fiords, waterfalls and wildlife like penguins, dolphins and seals). Finally, have an unforgettable stay in "the adventure capital of the world"; Queenstown, before heading back home. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
This 11 night sample itinerary includes:
Flight into Christchurch and out of Queenstown
Rental Car for 12 days
Hotel for 2 nights in Christchurch
Hotel for 2 nights in Greymouth
Hotel for 1 night in Franz Josef
Hotel for 2 nights in Lake Tekapo
Hotel for 1 night in Wanaka
Hotel for 1 night in Te Anau
Hotel for 2 nights in Queenstown
Driving Time Christchurch - Greymouth: 3 hrs. 15 mins. approx. Greymouth - Franz Josef: 2 hrs. 15 mins. approx. Franz Josef - Lake Tekapo: 5 hrs. 55 mins. approx. Lake Tekapo - Wanaka: 2 hrs. 20 mins. approx. Wanaka - Te Anau: 2 hrs. 55 mins. approx. Te Anau -Queenstown: 2 hrs. 5 mins. approx.
The largest city in the South Island of New Zealand is the charmingChristchurch. The eclectic energetic city has something to offer everyone, bordered by the ocean and hills the activities here are endless. Hike through the magnificent mountains rangers including Mt Cook, go white water rafting, mountain biking, surfing, whale watching, you name it, Christchurch has it. Along with vibrant street art, delicious food and a unique container mall the city that was so badly affected by the earthquakes is re-building itself.
Recommended Stay:At least 3 nights Must See`s:
Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Square, Hagley Park, Avon River, Christchurch Art Gallery, Quake City, Christchurch Tramway, Christchurch Gondola and so much more!
2 nights in Greymouth
The wildest side of New Zealand, the West Coast has an impressive landscape of brooding mountains, icy glaciers and surreal coastal formations. Greymouth, the largest town in this region, is a peaceful place: the residents are friendly and the city has a unique flavor of both English culture as well as some Maori. It is both rich in history and steeped in Maori heritage. South of Greymouth, nearby Shantytown offers a fascinating insight into the gold rush days of the 1880's, re-creating the atmosphere of the era.
Recommended Stay:At least 3 nights Must See`s:
Walk the Brunner Mine Site, Go Off-Roading Adventure, Take a Day Trip to Lake Brunner, Take the transalpine through Arthur`s Pass, Taste the famous beer at the original Monteith`s Brewhouse, and so much more!
1 nights in Franz Josef
Franz Josef is a small town in the West Coast region of the South Island of New Zealand. The glacier's terminal face is 3 miles from the town and its accessibility makes it a major tourist attraction and the main reason to visit Franz Josef. The scenery changes every day on the glacier because it is constantly moving and new routes are always being made. If you budget permits you, try the scenic helicopter flight with the glacier landing, it will be unforgettable. If you're into hiking, there are full day and half day options and easy/ beginner climbs to difficult/more competent climber routes. If you're lucky you'll spot a 'kea' or alpine parrot.
Recommended Stay:At least 3 nights Must See`s:
Hike to Alex Knob, Take a hike in the Tartare Tunnel and check out the glow worms, Chase waterfalls, Explore Peter`s Pool, take the challenge on Roberts Point Track, Take the Callery Gorge Hike and view the Waiho River, Kayak on Lake Mapourika, and so much more!
2 nights in Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is a village located at the southern end of the lake of the same name in the inland South Island of New Zealand. From New Zealand`s best walking trails and the South Island`s largest lake to glowworm grottos and nerve-jangling jet boats, there are so many reasons to visit this beautiful little town.
Recommended Stay:At least 3 nights Must See`s:
Marvel at the beautiful lake, Take a short walk to the Church of the Good Shepherd, Take flight with an Air Safari, Visit the Mount John University Observatory, Discover the Tekapo Springs, Spend a day on the slopes at the Roundhill Ski Area, and so much more!
1 nights in Wanaka
Lake Wanaka is the perfect setting for an unhurried weekend getaway, an action packed outdoor adventure, a leisurely family holiday and a photographer`s dream. There`s no shortage of activities for all ages on land, on water or in the air. It is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. With its beautiful lake and mountain views, Wanaka has become a popular tourist resort.
Recommended Stay:At least 3 nights Must See`s:
Lake Wanaka, Roys Peak, Rippon Vineyard, Mou Waho Island, Cardrona Valley Ski Resort, Warbirds and Wheels Museum, Wanaka Lavender Farm, and so much more!
1 nights in Te Anau
Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Te Anau, at the borders of Fiordland National Park the town of Te Anau is the gateway to a wilderness area famous for breathtaking sceneries and beautiful eco locations. Fiordland Wildlife Park is home to many species of birds, notably the endangered Takahe. Known as the Walking Capital of the World, Te Anau is located close to the main southern walking tracks, including the Milford, Hollyford and Kepler Tracks. Tourists can choose from a wide variety of activities including scenic flights, launch cruises, sea kayaking, underwater diving, cycling, fishing and more. The unique Te Anau Glowworm Caves are another main feature of Te Anau. Just a twenty minutes drive from Te Anau you will rich the picturesque Lake Manapouri.
Recommended Stay:At least 3 nights Must See`s:
Te Anau Glowworm Caves, Hike one of New Zealand`s Great Walks, Visit Milford Sound, Discover Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, Enjoy the Lake, Eat Local Food, Check out Doubtful Sound, Play on of the world`s most scenic golf courses, and so much more!
2 nights in Queenstown
Queenstown is the epicenter for adventure in New Zealand, known as the `Adventure Capital of the World`. The town is built around an inlet on Lake Wakatipu and has spectacular views of nearby mountains. Queenstown provides a wide variety of sports including skiing, jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking and hiking. In the winter time Queenstown is a major gathering place for snow sports with people from all over the country, and the world for that matter, traveling to ski here. Locally, Queenstown has a reputation as one of New Zealand's wine and cuisine centers and also feature a vibrant nightlife.
Recommended Stay:At least 3 nights Must See`s:
Queenstown Beach, Lake Wakatipu, Skippers Canyon, Bob`s Peak, Skyline Gondola and Luge, Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown Hill, Coronet`s Peak, Onsen Hot Pools, Otago Wine Region, Arrowtown and so much more!
Located in the South Pacific Ocean, off the southeast coast of Australia, New Zealand is made up of two spectacular islands. The North Island is well known for its beaches, islands, volcanoes, geothermal areas, and Maori heritage, while the major cities of Auckland and Wellington, are also exciting hubs of culture, cuisine and nightlife.
The South Island is famous for its dramatic landscapes, outdoor activities, and astounding wildlife. The majestic Southern Alps stretch almost the length of the island, sheltering glaciers, alpine lakes, and some of the world's best skiing.
The largest city in the South Island of New Zealand is the charmingChristchurch. The eclectic energetic city has something to offer everyone, bordered by the ocean and hills the activities here are endless. Hike through the magnificent mountains rangers including Mt Cook, go white water rafting, mountain biking, surfing, whale watching, you name it, Christchurch has it. Along with vibrant street art, delicious food and a unique container mall the city that was so badly affected by the earthquakes is re-building itself.
Recommended Stay:At least 3 nights Must See`s:
Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Square, Hagley Park, Avon River, Christchurch Art Gallery, Quake City, Christchurch Tramway, Christchurch Gondola and so much more!
The wildest side of New Zealand, the West Coast has an impressive landscape of brooding mountains, icy glaciers and surreal coastal formations. Greymouth, the largest town in this region, is a peaceful place: the residents are friendly and the city has a unique flavor of both English culture as well as some Maori. It is both rich in history and steeped in Maori heritage. South of Greymouth, nearby Shantytown offers a fascinating insight into the gold rush days of the 1880's, re-creating the atmosphere of the era.
Recommended Stay:At least 3 nights Must See`s:
Walk the Brunner Mine Site, Go Off-Roading Adventure, Take a Day Trip to Lake Brunner, Take the transalpine through Arthur`s Pass, Taste the famous beer at the original Monteith`s Brewhouse, and so much more!
Franz Josef is a small town in the West Coast region of the South Island of New Zealand. The glacier's terminal face is 3 miles from the town and its accessibility makes it a major tourist attraction and the main reason to visit Franz Josef. The scenery changes every day on the glacier because it is constantly moving and new routes are always being made. If you budget permits you, try the scenic helicopter flight with the glacier landing, it will be unforgettable. If you're into hiking, there are full day and half day options and easy/ beginner climbs to difficult/more competent climber routes. If you're lucky you'll spot a 'kea' or alpine parrot.
Recommended Stay:At least 3 nights Must See`s:
Hike to Alex Knob, Take a hike in the Tartare Tunnel and check out the glow worms, Chase waterfalls, Explore Peter`s Pool, take the challenge on Roberts Point Track, Take the Callery Gorge Hike and view the Waiho River, Kayak on Lake Mapourika, and so much more!
Lake Tekapo is a village located at the southern end of the lake of the same name in the inland South Island of New Zealand. From New Zealand`s best walking trails and the South Island`s largest lake to glowworm grottos and nerve-jangling jet boats, there are so many reasons to visit this beautiful little town.
Recommended Stay:At least 3 nights Must See`s:
Marvel at the beautiful lake, Take a short walk to the Church of the Good Shepherd, Take flight with an Air Safari, Visit the Mount John University Observatory, Discover the Tekapo Springs, Spend a day on the slopes at the Roundhill Ski Area, and so much more!
Lake Wanaka is the perfect setting for an unhurried weekend getaway, an action packed outdoor adventure, a leisurely family holiday and a photographer`s dream. There`s no shortage of activities for all ages on land, on water or in the air. It is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. With its beautiful lake and mountain views, Wanaka has become a popular tourist resort.
Recommended Stay:At least 3 nights Must See`s:
Lake Wanaka, Roys Peak, Rippon Vineyard, Mou Waho Island, Cardrona Valley Ski Resort, Warbirds and Wheels Museum, Wanaka Lavender Farm, and so much more!
Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Te Anau, at the borders of Fiordland National Park the town of Te Anau is the gateway to a wilderness area famous for breathtaking sceneries and beautiful eco locations. Fiordland Wildlife Park is home to many species of birds, notably the endangered Takahe. Known as the Walking Capital of the World, Te Anau is located close to the main southern walking tracks, including the Milford, Hollyford and Kepler Tracks. Tourists can choose from a wide variety of activities including scenic flights, launch cruises, sea kayaking, underwater diving, cycling, fishing and more. The unique Te Anau Glowworm Caves are another main feature of Te Anau. Just a twenty minutes drive from Te Anau you will rich the picturesque Lake Manapouri.
Recommended Stay:At least 3 nights Must See`s:
Te Anau Glowworm Caves, Hike one of New Zealand`s Great Walks, Visit Milford Sound, Discover Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, Enjoy the Lake, Eat Local Food, Check out Doubtful Sound, Play on of the world`s most scenic golf courses, and so much more!
Queenstown is the epicenter for adventure in New Zealand, known as the `Adventure Capital of the World`. The town is built around an inlet on Lake Wakatipu and has spectacular views of nearby mountains. Queenstown provides a wide variety of sports including skiing, jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking and hiking. In the winter time Queenstown is a major gathering place for snow sports with people from all over the country, and the world for that matter, traveling to ski here. Locally, Queenstown has a reputation as one of New Zealand's wine and cuisine centers and also feature a vibrant nightlife.
Recommended Stay:At least 3 nights Must See`s:
Queenstown Beach, Lake Wakatipu, Skippers Canyon, Bob`s Peak, Skyline Gondola and Luge, Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown Hill, Coronet`s Peak, Onsen Hot Pools, Otago Wine Region, Arrowtown and so much more!
Sample Itinierary