New Zealand: Ultimate Self-Drive Journey

Cross an item off the Bucket List

Today you will be collected from your accommodation by your private guide to embark on an Auckland city tour. Auckland is set on 48 dormant volcanic cones, is known as the City of Sails, and is New Zealand’s largest and busiest city. Your morning tour is a journey of discovery, designed to not only show you the history, sights, and sounds but also to give you a glimpse of how Aucklanders live and play. The tour includes visits to Auckland University, Domain and Harbour Bridge, Queen Street and is complemented with stunning views across the Hauraki Gulf and back to the city from Mount Victoria on the North Shore. You’ll also visit Auckland’s Westhaven Marina, an excellent example of the city’s passion for sailing. After this privately guided experience, you will be transferred back to your accommodation.

Vintage Adventure

Travel with Fullers Ferry to Waiheke Island. It’s 92 square kilometers of sandy beaches, vineyards, native bush settings pristine coastline, olive groves, and laid-back seaside villages’ only 40 minutes cruise from downtown Auckland.

Take the ferry to Waiheke Island (own expense) to explore the island’s wineries. On this tour, you visit up to four vineyards. If you wish, one vineyard may be replaced with an olive oil tasting and/or an artist studio. Your local, wine-experienced guide has extensive knowledge of the island and its surroundings, making your day informative and entertaining. On Waiheke Island, which also known as New Zealand’s Island of Wine, is an abundance of vineyards. Wineries on your tour may for example include Obsidian, which is a boutique winery, established in 1993, with the single objective of producing a great Bordeaux-style red. They now make ten varietal wines, including several award winners. Their flagship wine is a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. Kennedy Point vineyard produces Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Chardonnay, and Rosé wines. You may also want to taste manuka and pohutukawa honey, estate–grown olive oil, and New Zealand avocado oil. The winery’s Syrah recently won the International Syrah Trophy, the New Zealand Syrah Trophy, the New Zealand Red Wine Trophy, and the Auckland Syrah Trophy at the International Wine Challenge. The tour starts at 10.00 a.m. and finishes at approximately 5 p.m. Lunch and the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke are not included.

Take the ferry to travel from Waiheke Island to Auckland Downtown.

Strolling the Magical Streets

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.

Leave the city via the southern motorway and after crossing the Bombay Hills, descend to the Hauraki Plains – once the bed of the Waikato River. The river eventually drained away here, forming the fertile alluvial soil which has made this area one of the most productive farming areas in New Zealand. Travel through this rich dairying country to the town of Matamata which provides most of the essential services for the area. Matamata is also well known for its famous thoroughbred horse studs and is the home of ‘Hobbiton’ from the Lord of the Rings movies. The Approximate non-stop drive time is 2 hours, covering 100 miles.

Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire that featured in the Peter Jackson directed films ‘The Lord of the Rings. Your tour starts with a drive through the picturesque 1,250-acre sheep farm with spectacular views across the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will escort you through the ten-acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton set was created. The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, Mill and other structures created for the Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ films can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth. Upon completion of your tour of the set, you will return to The Shires Rest. This shared Hobbiton tour takes approximately 2.5 hours and has a maximum group number of 40 participants. Please report to the Shire’s Rest, 501 Buckland Road.

On your way to Rotorua, you’ll come across the town of Tirau, known for its antique shops and animal-shaped corrugated iron buildings. Enjoy plantation pine forest and a refreshing patch of native bush, Fitzgerald Glade, before you encounter the unusual terrain of the Mamaku district. Mini volcanic cones dot the landscape, some showing their solidified lava core. The last part of your journey takes you past the gondola and luge rides of Mt Ngongataha. You’ll know you’ve arrived in the city of Rotorua when you see (and smell!) the geothermal steam plumes of Whakarewarewa. The approximate drive time is 1.5 hrs, covering 54 miles.

Lose Yourself in Nature

Discover Rotorua’s most popular geothermal parks on this half-day private tour, accompanied by a local naturalist guide. Begin with a scenic drive through volcanic landscapes dotted with farmlands as well as native and exotic forests where you’ll discover an area rich in geothermal activity, featuring not just volcanoes, but also geysers, New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool, and hot springs. On this adventure, you’ll visit two heritage parks that showcase a variety of geothermal activities; at Wai-o-Tapu, set your sights on amazingly colorful hot springs and a moon-like landscape, as well as the world-famous Lady Knox geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic Valley, follow your guide as the history of Mount Tarawera is detailed – focusing on the enormous 1886 eruption which formed or significantly altered several nearby lakes – while also learning about the region’s native flora and fauna. After spending the morning exploring these striking parks, you’ll be returned to your hotel in the early afternoon.

Enjoy a guided tour of the valley with one of Te Puia’s world-renowned guides. As part of the tour, you will visit New Zealand’s national carving and weaving schools and witness these disciplines in practice under the guidance of full-time master carvers and weavers. You will visit award-winning interactive galleries, see a kiwi bird up close, and most importantly, hear stories told by descendants of the valley. To conclude the first half of the tour you will visit the geyser and mud pools and then be invited to have a short rest prior to the beginning of the evening experience. Traditionally, Te Po is an intimate time for sharing knowledge while enjoying food, culture, and friendship. Taking place at Te-Heketanga-a-Rangi (The Heavenly Origins), which is an area comprising of twelve monumental carvings reaching skywards – each one representing a Maori deity – you’ll hear the stories of the past and see how these traditions live on today. Feeding guests is regarded by Maori as an honor and a sign of a tribe’s Mana (standing), and as a result, you can expect a lavish banquet meal during the evening. This meal combines contemporary cooking techniques with traditional Hangi (earth-cooked oven meal), where Kai (food) is steam-cooked by hot rocks in the earth, giving it a delicious smoky flavor. Following dessert, you will be transferred to the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley to take in the spectacular lighting. Here, you can wander around the illuminated natural attractions, including the Pohutu geyser. A shared outing, this tour can accommodate up to 160 guests.

A Bit of Time on Your Own

Rotorua sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of the city’s past and present. Explore the geothermal areas and discover the unique culture of New Zealand’s Maori people. Rotorua is entertaining in any weather, at any time of the year. The road to Taupo will keep you entertained with its unusual, volcanic geography. You’ll also drive through large tracts of plantation pine forest. Take a side road to a geothermal park, where you’ll discover geysers, silica terraces, and craters of boiling mud. Towards the end of your journey, you’ll encounter the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. Other diversions include Huka Falls and a world-acclaimed golf course. The resort town of Taupo sits on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake, which is well stocked with sizable trout. You’ll find everything a traveler could wish for, including an excellent choice of restaurants. Most accommodation establishments make good use of the underground thermal activity to provide hot spas for relaxation. The approximate drive time is 1 hour, covering 51 miles.

Enjoy some free time in Taupo, where your options for activities are endless. From trout fishing to golfing, thermal parks to lake cruising, you can choose an adventurous activity, or just enjoy a relaxing night out on the town. Participate in a bike tour, enjoy some hiking at Tongariro National Park, or enjoy a jet boat ride on the Huka Falls.

Take to the Trails

Today you will be collected at your hotel at 8:00 am to begin the Tongariro Crossing Hike. Said to be the greatest one-day hike in the world, the Tongariro Crossing is known for its unique, extraordinary landscapes – which were showcased in Lord of the Rings films – and its fascinating cultural significance. This 12-mile trail offers unrivaled adventure, while your accompanying guides provide interesting commentary regarding sacred areas along the way. Although this hike is very popular and a must-do for the intrepid traveler, it is important to understand this experience is best suited for those with a level of fitness capable of completing the eight-hour trek over hilly and arduous sections containing uneven ground. Appropriate footwear and clothing necessary for safe tramping are a must.

Audacious Architecture

The resort town of Taupo sits on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake, which is well stocked with sizable trout. You’ll find everything a traveler could wish for, including an excellent choice of restaurants. Most accommodation establishments make good use of the underground thermal activity to provide hot spas for relaxation. The major entertainment on the road from Taupo to Napier is the fantastic scenery. There’s a bit of everything—rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains, and huge vistas. At Tarawera, you can walk to the hot springs, which are above the Waipunga River. You might also want to stop at the Waialua Falls lookout, to view the twin waterfalls. The town of Eskdale heralds your arrival in Napier. In 1931 a devastating earthquake nearly leveled this city. It was rebuilt in the style of the times and is now considered the Art Deco Capital of the world. The vineyards of Hawke’s Bay are all within easy reach of Napier. Another attraction is the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. The approximate drive time is 2 hours, covering 87 miles.

Enjoy a private guided walking tour of Napier’s Art Deco Quarter, experiencing a new perspective of the city’s fascinating architectural history. Your personal guide will tailor the walking tour to your pace and your particular interests, making this a unique and highly personalized experience. Learn how Napier was once devastated by natural disasters and then rebuilt in the styles of the times, combining Mission Revival architecture, 20th-century Stripped Classicism, and, of course, Art Deco. Guides are available to lead private walks any day of the week at a time that best suits you and your itinerary.

Cultural Immersion

Delicious foods, fruit and wine, Maori elders, and artists are all to be found in beautiful Hawke’s Bay. Meet wonderful characters, hear their stories, and – above all – have fun. Walk among a collection of unique art deco buildings in Napier, visit creative food producers on their land where you can taste, touch, and smell the wide range of tantalizing products. Visit a rural coastal settlement and talk with an elder who can provide spiritual insights into Maori culture. Taste beautifully crafted local wines at prestigious wineries and speak with some of the personalities involved in making the wines. Meet fascinating artists in their studios and view their paintings, sculptures, or pottery. Explore the Hawke’s Bay countryside and discover a stunning historic country garden, a remote coastal beach, or native bushland; the choice is yours on this privately guided excursion. Whatever you decide, you are sure to experience the essence of this beautiful country on this tour that features the best of the bay.

The Journey Continues…

Napier to Hastings – Fabulous parks and delicious ice cream are two reasons to visit Hastings. In the apple and pear season, there’s no better place to be – Hastings is New Zealand’s leading pip-fruit region. Enjoy clean, green scenery as you drive south through a procession of friendly townships. Waipukurau and Waipawa both have historic, Dannevirke locally made knitwear and Woodville with antique shops. Carterton is a good place to shop for paua shell souvenirs, while Greytown has beautiful Victorian architecture and a quaint museum. In recent years, Martinborough has become the gourmet capital of the lower North Island. It is home to over 25 boutique vineyards and several fabulous restaurants. From the charming town square, you can walk to most of the local attractions. After the town of Featherston, you’ll climb up and over the Rimutaka Range – great views in every direction. Once the mountains are behind you, it’s easy driving for the rest of your journey. You’ll wind through the picturesque Hutt Valley then a fast-moving motorway will whisk you into the city. The approximate drive time is 4 hours 12 minutes, covering 200 miles.

During your afternoon at leisure in Wellington, consider visiting the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Here you can learn about the art, culture, and natural history of the region with a particular focus on Maori and Pacific cultures. A massive museum, the various collections include roughly 70,000 bird specimens, the largest example of the colossal squid, and approximately 13,000 items from historic and contemporary cultures throughout the Pacific Islands.

Sights and Insights

Meet your private local guide at the Bolton Hotel to set off on a walking tour of compact Wellington, New Zealand’s capital and hub of artistry. Whether it’s through rich art history, cutting-edge innovation, or contemporary architecture, Wellington is a cosmopolitan gem where creativity takes center stage. Before beginning your walking tour, your private guide will introduce you to the artworks found at the Bolton Hotel, many of which were created by pioneering painter Rita Angus. You’ll next view the 19th-century built Rita Angus cottage, the studio now devoted to housing emerging artists through a residency program. Explore Wellington’s Parliament Grounds, comprised of four buildings that serve as the country’s core of democracy. Among these buildings is the Executive Wing, also known as the Beehive, so nicknamed for its shape reminiscent of a beehive variety known as a skep. View the Waka Landing Point, Old Government House, and Wellington Railway Station among sites of interest on your journey. Your Wellington walk also includes a visit to the NZ Portrait Gallery, showcasing the stories of New Zealanders through dynamic and ever-changing exhibitions. Wander by the city’s waterfront, a beautiful sprawl of summertime markets and eateries amid a backdrop of picturesque harbor views.

A Change of Scenery

Please note that as New Zealand car rental companies require their vehicles to be picked up and dropped off on the same island, today you will need to drop off your car before boarding the ferry in Wellington. Upon disembarkation from the ferry, you will then pick up your next vehicle in Picton for the onward journey.

The Premium Lounge onboard the Kaitaki or Aratere offers the most comfortable and luxurious way to cross the Cook Strait. A Kaitaki Plus ticket will allow access to an exclusive, premium, onboard lounge boasting comfortable lounge-style seating, free WIFI internet access, the latest magazines and newspapers, light snacks, local and imported wines, and beers, coffee, tea, juices, and soft drinks.

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.

The journey from Picton to Kaiteriteri, just outside of Abel Tasman National Park. Spent a bit of time on the beach in Kaiteriteri, explored the area. A trip to New Zealand’s South Island, wouldn’t be complete without staying in Picton to explore the majestic Marlborough Sounds and Marlborough’s diverse landscape. A truly special experience for all visitors to New Zealand. The spectacular Abel Tasman National Park is a mere 15 minutes north of Kaiteriteri. The approximate drive time is 3 hours, covering 104 miles.

Venture into the Outdoors

Meet your group guide in the morning, then set out to join a cruise with service to the magnificent coastline of Torrent Bay. After arriving at Torrent Bay Lodge, participate in a full training session and safety briefing before heading back onto the water – now by kayak – to discover the beautiful beaches, tidal estuaries, and rivers of the most scenic kayaking area of the park. Pause at a sheltered cove for lunch and enjoy some time to relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sands. On your return journey, if the winds are favorable, kayak sails are hoisted and you sail back to Torrent Bay at leisure, stopping at Pinnacle Island to view the seal colony there. Sea birds working the shoals of fish or resting on the rocky outcrops add to the experience. With luck, you may even spot some of the blue penguins that live here. Back at Torrent Bay Lodge, freshen up with a hot shower and rejoin the boat to cruise back to Kaiteriteri, where a motor coach will be waiting to return you to Nelson. Please be sure to bring a dry bag for your clothing, towel, hat, sunscreen, wind jacket, swimsuit, a change of clothes, and walking shoes.

Wind Down

The Nelson region offers enormous diversity both in the landscape and various activities; from snow-capped mountains to rolling vineyards to golden beaches and outdoor adventure to learning Maori weaving whilst visiting local markets. Enjoy the day shopping for locally made clothing and handicrafts, visit the weekend farmers market, leisurely stroll the coastline or dine at any of Nelson’s many fine restaurants. Spend the day exploring the Abel Tasman National Park.

En Route

Depart Nelson and follow the coast past the boulder bank the port’s natural breakwater, which may be seen at a distance offshore. Continue, passing over the Whangamoa Hill and the Rai Saddle before running down to Pelorus Bridge in its beautiful bush setting, to Havelock. From here the road leads southward through low hills before crossing the Wairau River and turning east to Blenheim, chief town and center of the Marlborough wine region. The approximate drive time is 1.5 hours, covering 71 miles.

Taste and Tipple on a Vineyard Visit

Discover the very best of Marlborough aboard a luxury vehicle with a driver, accompanied by an experienced local tour guide. Enjoy a fabulous mix of natural scenery around Marlborough with a two-hour walk within a native forest on the famed Queen Charlotte Track, an incredibly picturesque region north of Blenheim. You’ll also enjoy a picnic morning tea while taking in excellent views over the Marlborough Sounds, then visit a nearby vineyard to dine on a platter lunch paired with wine samples in the famous Marlborough wine region. Although select wine samples are included, beverages are excluded.

A Dazzling Drive

Blenheim is the heart of wine-growing Marlborough. You’ll find a pleasing selection of cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops, and golf courses. Character accommodation is another Blenheim delight—everything from homestays to boutique hotels. State Highway 1 takes you through the coastal foothills, and then out into the picturesque Awatere Valley. In the township of Seddon, you’ll find authentic New Zealand crafts. The Lake Grassmere saltworks is an interesting stop—the ponds turn coral pink in late summer. After the small town of Ward, the road turns toward the awesome beauty of the Pacific Coast. Just north of the Ure River is a road that leads to the walking trails of the Sawcut Gorge. Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds—it’s also a great place to eat crayfish. A whale watch tour can take you to see Minke, Humpback, and Southern’s Right whales mixing it with dolphins and orcas. Continue south,  along the edge of the rugged coastal ranges. From Cheviot, you can detour to Gore Bay to see the fascinating cliff formations. The landscape becomes gentler as you approach Waipara – a region known for its vineyards and olive groves. The last leg of your journey takes you past the surf beaches of Amberley, Leithfield, Waikuku, and Woodend. The South Island’s largest city, Christchurch is an entertaining mixture of refined lifestyle and cultural excitement. The tranquil Avon River meanders through the city, historic buildings house a lively arts community, and restored trams make it easy to get around. Visit heritage sites, museums, and art galleries, and enjoy the highly developed restaurant scene. The combined drive time is 4.5 hours, covering 196 miles.

All Aboard!

Journey across the rich agricultural belt of the Canterbury Plains to Springfield to take photos of the mountains rising above you while aboard the famed TranzAlpine train. The voyage through the gorge is spectacular and leads to the massifs of the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass. Having arrived at Arthur’s Pass village, join your guide on an adventure that best suits your interests. The first option is the set off to view the Waimakariri River and its unique braided river system. To do so, you’ll follow the old stagecoach route, viewing the spectacular Otira Gorge – a testament to the road builders of the 1860s and the route taken by the Maori in their quest for greenstone – along the way before arriving at the Cave Stream where a thread of water has carved a circular tunnel through an area of limestone cliffs, gorges, and craggy outcrops. The area was featured in the film adaptation of CS Lewis’s The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe, making it a site of particular interest for nature enthusiasts who also enjoy a good movie. Alternatively, set off with your guide to visit the incredible Castle Hill rocks, unique weather-worn rain outcrops of limestone widely regarded as sacred by the Maori. These incredible formations are simply mesmerizing, made all the more impressive by the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Following your privately guided adventure in Arthur’s Pass, you’ll return to Christchurch via Porter’s Pass and the Canterbury Plains. Please note: The weather is extreme and unpredictable. In order to ensure an enjoyable experience, please wear a wind- and water-proof jacket, sweater, breathable hiking gear, comfortable hiking shoes, and hat, as well as a day pack with room for water, snacks, camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm.

On the Road Again

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.

Breathe the Mountain Air

Enjoy a memorable and amazing up-close encounter with the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest glacier. Explore, learn and discover the ever-changing glacial landscape as you journey across the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake in a custom-built MAC Boat alongside an experienced guide. With the effects of global warming and other climatic processes taking their toll on New Zealand glaciers, it is obvious that their retreat is imminent. Now approximately 17 miles (27 kilometers) long and 1965 feet (600 meters) deep, the Tasman Glacier is melting and calving at an increasing rate. In recent years the Tasman Glacier has changed from a ’melting’ to a ’calving and melting’ terminus, resulting in a terminal lake that is rapidly increasing in size. This results in icebergs of every shape and size imaginable periodically tearing away from the terminal face of the glacier into the rapidly growing lake below. On either side of the Terminal Lake, lateral moraines rear up almost 665 feet (200 meters) to remind us of the scale and grandeur that the glacier has reached in previous times – the last ice age finishing in just 1890.

Experience the flight of a lifetime, the ”Grand Traverse” is a spectacular scenic flight that explores the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks. The Grand Traverse is recognized as the premier Aoraki Mount Cook flight-seeing experience; this magnificent flight encompasses two World Heritage National Parks and 160 miles (200 km) of New Zealand’s most memorable and breathtaking scenery. The highlights of the Grand Traverse include beautiful turquoise glacial lakes, golden tussock lands, the braided river systems of the Mackenzie basin, remote high country sheep stations, glacial valleys, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park – a magical world of permanent ice and snow, New Zealand’s highest mountains and largest glaciers – including Aoraki Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier, The Westland Tai Poutini National Park encompassing the magnificent Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers spilling down to the rainforests of the west coast. The aircraft operated by Air Safaris are ideal for New Zealand’s conditions, offering a window seat for every passenger and have wings above to ensure unobstructed viewing below. Your friendly pilot will provide an informative and enjoyable commentary in addition to all passengers receiving the Air Safaris multi-language flight guide. The Grand Traverse is approximately 50 minutes flight time.

En Route

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.

Chasing Waterfalls

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Queenstown to begin the lakeside drive which breaks from the city into the lush green of Southland’s alpine farming country before heading for the unforgettable scenery of the Fiordland. After passing along the shores of New Zealand’s second-largest lake, Te Anau, continue to Milford Sound, enjoying the scenery en route which reveals extraordinary beauty at every bend. Your experienced driver-guide knows all the best photography stops; in some cases, short walks uncover otherwise hidden waterfalls, small placid lakes, and snow-capped peaks clad in thick native bush. Awaiting at the harbor in the fiord is a cruise vessel which you’ll board to begin a relaxing 90-minute journey of discovery in scenery unchanged since Captain Cook’s arrival. It’s a place of towering mountains, rainforests, wildlife, and glorious peace and calm, all of which you’ll discover in intimate detail before being returned to your hotel.

Rock and Roll

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

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