Fiords, Glaciers and Mountains self drive tour

Description

This 10 day tour takes you to the icons of the South Island, with extra nights in Christchurch, Fiordland and Queenstown you’ll have time to discover the charms of each destination. You begin with a journey past the mountains of the Southern Alps and turquoise waters of alpine lakes before arriving into Mt. Cook National Park.  Next you venture further south to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park.  Here you’ll explore the pristine wilderness on a Milford Sound nature cruise.  In Queenstown, the Adventure Capital, there’s time to enjoy the scenery and endless activities on offer before returning to Christchurch via the magnificent West Coast Glaciers.

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch City

Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 2: A day to explore the evolving city of Christchurch

Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 3: Today you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country

Accommodation: Mt Cook Lodge & Motels
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 350 kms / 217 miles : 4.1 hours

Day 4: Follow the dry lands to Lindis Pass which leads into Central Otago, then through the Kawerau Gorge and Southland to Te Anau

Accommodation: Lakefront Lodge
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 419 kms / 260 miles : 4.8 hours

Day 5: Take the spectacular Milford Road to Milford Sound for your nature cruise

Accommodation: Lakefront Lodge
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 233 kms / 145 miles : 3.6 hours

Day 6: Travel through rolling Southland countryside then follow Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown

Accommodation: Garden Court Suites and Apartments
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 164 kms / 102 miles : 1.9 hours

Day 7: Take in the stunning alpine scenery of Queenstown on one of the many great activities

Accommodation: Garden Court Suites and Apartments

Day 8: Take the Crown Range Road to Wanaka before travelling the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast

Accommodation: Bella Vista Franz Josef
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 350 kms / 217 miles : 4.6 hours

Day 9: Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch

Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 170 kms / 106 miles : 2.1 hours

Day 10: Depart Christchurch today