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Self Drive

Alpine Delights

Book Now 9 day self drive tour
from $1,181.00 per person based on double occupancy

This tour highlights the South Island’s rugged scenery, from Franz Josef Glacier to Milford Sound, and includes 3 days on the North Island in Auckland and Rotorua. 

INCLUSIONS
  • 3 nights Queenstown
  • 2 nights Rotorua
  • Spectacular Milford Sound cruise
  • Opportunity to visit famous Franz Josef Glacier
  • TranzAlpine scenic rail journey (Seat-in-Coach only)
  • Waitomo Glow Worm Caves

ITINERARY

DAY 1 Arrive Christchurch
Welcome to Christchurch, the Garden City. Perhaps visit the International Antarctic Center the must see attraction in Christchurch, a unique experience located right next to the International Airport.

DAY 2 Christchurch/Aoraki/ Mt Cook/Queenstown (369 miles)
(optional meal plans begin today) Today travel south across the Canterbury Plains, through the Mackenzie Country via Lake Tekapo. Continue on to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. We suggest a scenic flight over some of the finest alpine scenery. Continue on to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital.

DAY 3 Milford Sound Day Excursion
Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park. From the Homer Tunnel emerge into the Cleddau Valley. Join your Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise for an unforgettable experience, and explore the wonder of this majestic fiord. Return to Queenstown.

DAY 4 Queenstown
A free day to enjoy the many leisure pursuits on offer. Staff at The Station Information Center can assist with information and reservations for a huge selection of things to see and do.

DAY 5 Queenstown/Franz Josef (251 miles)
Travel north today via Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Enjoy the rugged West Coast scenery through the Haast Pass and continue on to Franz Josef. Try an optional scenic glacier flight to enjoy the stunning scenery this region offers.

DAY 6 Franz Josef/TranzAlpine Train/Christchurch (249 miles)
Travel to Greymouth and board the scenic TranzAlpine train (Seat-in-Coach only) for a journey famous for its spectacular mountain scenery as it traverses the Southern Alps, which divide the East and West Coasts of the South Island. Travel across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

DAY 7 Christchurch/Rotorua (airfare not included)
Fly to Rotorua, New Zealand’s thermal wonderland. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. An optional visit to the Polynesian Spa for a relaxing soak is recommended for this evening.

DAY 8 Rotorua Sightseeing (dinner included)
Today experience the many varied sights that Rotorua has to offer. Visit Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Learn about traditional Maori crafts at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, before traveling to Rainbow Springs and Rainbow Farm Show. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. This evening enjoy a unique Maori Hangi (feast) and concert.

DAY 9 Rotorua/Waitomo/ Auckland (226 miles)
(lunch included) Travel north this morning to the fascinating Waitomo Caves, where you will enjoy lunch. Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of the famous Glow Worm Grotto. Continue on to downtown Auckland. This tour can be taken in the reverse direction, starting from Auckland and concluding in Christchurch.