New Zealand Discovery – Featuring Self-Drive

Vitamin Sea

The Banks Peninsula was formed following the violent eruption of two volcanoes. A crater nurses the picturesque harbor of Akaroa with many smaller bays indenting the coastline. Sighted by Captain Cook in 1770, the Peninsula was then inhabited by Maori. In 1840, French settlers arrived at Akaroa, which had just been claimed under the Treaty of Waitangi by the English. The charm of this old French town with incredible scenery has ensured Akaroa’s position as a must-see destination. Visit Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory for cheese tasting, then stroll past quaint colonial-style buildings and wander through the charming 150-year-old French harborside village of Akaroa with its museum of settlers’ history, craft shops and studios, cafes, and wine bars. Afterward, take part in an eco-marine adventure, swimming with Hector’s dolphins, the smallest and rarest marine dolphins on the planet. This tour departs at 8:30 am and takes approximately nine hours and 30 minutes to complete, and operates with a maximum of eight guests.

High in the Sky

Pick up your rental car to explore the beautiful expanse of New Zealand. An intermediate SUV (or similar) has been reserved in your name. For upgrade options, please speak to your Destination Expert.

Depart Christchurch and travel southwards across the Canterbury Plains. The longest bridge in New Zealand takes you across the Rakaia River, a typical New Zealand ‘braided river’ where numerous channels of water flow across a wide gravel bed. The river originates in the Southern Alps which can be seen to the west as you continue over the flat land through Ashburton, the center of this large sheep and wheat farming area. Shortly after crossing the Rangitata River, turn inland to Geraldine. From here, enter the Mackenzie District and travel onward over undulating sheep country to Fairlie. Take State Highway 8 from Fairlie through Burkes Pass to Lake Tekapo, where the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd perches on the lakeside. Continue through a landscape of scrub and tussock to Lake Pukaki and drive up the western shore, following the Tasman River to Mt Cook village. The Approximate non-stop drive time is 4 hours, covering 205 miles.

Mount Cook is far from the city lights and therefore has some of the darkest skies in New Zealand – perfect for viewing the night sky! Begin with an introduction and orientation in the Theatre Planetarium using a special live Digital Sky presentation highlighting unique features in the southern sky. The informative astronomy guides then take you on a short drive (transport provided) to an outdoor stargazing site for spectacular views of that southern sky. Using the naked eye, high-powered binoculars, and state-of-the-art telescopes, you will tour the Milky Way and beyond. Unleash your imagination as you explore our neighborhood in the universe including the Southern Cross, star clusters, planets, moons, and distant galaxies.

Lace-Up for Some Fresh Air

Today you’ll set out on a guided group tour of Hooker Valley, a land of breathtaking views and host to some of New Zealand’s highest and most enthralling peaks. A knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide will tell you all about the unique flora and fauna of the region as well as the local history while you trek through this amazing landscape. Departing from The Hermitage Hotel, you’ll head to the White Horse Hill camping ground. The journey takes in the poignant Alpine Memorial and passes over the turbulent Hooker River twice by swing-bridge to unsurpassed vistas of Aoraki Mount Cook’s south face and the surrounding glaciers and mountains. Covering a beautiful stretch of the Hooker Valley that spans roughly 3 miles (4.5 kilometers) along a well-maintained track, please be sure to wear appropriate hiking gear, and also be sure to bring your camera to capture the spectacular scenery.

This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace or relax at your hotel.

A Change of Scenery

Mt Cook Village to Twizel: The road to Twizel hugs the edge of Lake Pukaki. The exquisite opaque turquoise color of this lake and others in the area is caused by fine, glacier-ground rock particles held in suspension. The landscape is a mixture of high country tussock, farmland, and snow-capped mountains. Twizel is a well-placed base for mountain climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, horse trekking, and hiking. It’s also a place to spy on the rarest wading bird in the world—the Black Stilt. If you don’t have the time to catch your own salmon, the local salmon farm sells it— fresh or smoked.

Twizel to Omarama: Twizel is a well-placed base for mountain climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, horse trekking, and hiking. It’s also a place to spy on the rarest wading bird in the world— the Black Stilt. If you don’t have the time to catch your own salmon, the local salmon farm sells it—fresh or smoked. The easy drive to Omarama takes you through picturesque sheep farming country fringed with mountain ranges. You’ll have the chance to detour the fascinating Paritea cliffs, which are constantly being exposed by the active Osler fault line. You could also pause to cast a line into the Ahuriri River—famous for sizable rainbow and brown trout.

Omarama to Queenstown: You’ll know you’re in Omarama when you see the giant merino sheep statue. This area’s unique geography has made it a magnet for gliding enthusiasts. Your trip to Queenstown begins with the beautiful Lindis Pass—just magic when there’s snow around. The alpine resort of Queenstown is exciting, sophisticated, and fantastically scenic. It’s the place to source almost any kind of adventure, including bungee, jet boating, horse trekking, rafting, and river surfing

The approximate drive time is 3 hrs, covering 149 miles.

After packing up, make your way to the rental car drop-off center and return your vehicle.

Cross an item off the Bucket List

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and travel from Queenstown along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, through the scenic rolling countryside to Te Anau. After a short break at Te Anau, continue via the spectacular Milford Road to Milford Sound. Here you’ll board a vessel that hosts up to 150 guests, features three viewing decks, and embark on a relaxing cruise of Milford Sound. The cruise provides excellent opportunities to take in the incredible scenery of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and wildlife, all while an onboard naturalist guide provides insights into the region throughout the journey. After the cruise, settle in for a coach transfer to Milford Airport to board a twin-engine aircraft for the return flight to Queenstown (weather permitting). During this 35 minutes scenic flight, take in panoramic views of the spectacular alpine scenery as you are returned to Queenstown.

Venture into the Outdoors

Take part in the world-famous Dart River Wilderness Safari. The tour includes a jetboat ride, a short guided bushwalk, and a backroad adventure in a 4-wheel drive coach. Always dress warmly, wear comfortable walking shoes/boots and bring eyewear (sunglasses or prescription glasses). Bring a sun hat and sunscreen in summer and a warm hat and gloves in winter. Approximately 45 minutes are allowed for refreshments prior to the coach departing Glenorchy for Queenstown. The trip starts at 7.40 a.m. (weather permitting) and takes 6 hours. Upon completion of your tour, you will be returned to Queenstown.

Bon Voyage

A private vehicle will provide a transfer between the airport and your hotel.