New Zealand
Rental Car Tour
Southern
Itinerary:
Christchurch - Nelson - Greymouth - Franz Josef -
Queenstown - Te Anau - Queenstown -
LakeTekapo - Christchurch
Thursday, Day 1
Kia Ora !
We start our trip in Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island.
Friday, Day 2
Christchurch - Nelson
After breakfast you pick up our rental car from the rental office and start on the Pacific Alpine Triangle around the coast. The scenery is stunning, with the Pacific Ocean on the right and mountains on your left.
You pass through the Marlborough wine-growing area, through Picton, and on to Nelson. Nelson and its surrounding region receive more hours of sunshine than any other city in New Zealand.
Saturday, Day 3
Nelson
Day 3 is a rest day. You are free to go sightseeing in Nelson, take a trip to the Abel Tasman National Park or Cape Farewell, or just to relax.
Sunday, Day 4
Nelson - Greymouth
Your trip takes you south along the Buller Gorge Road to Westport, where you meet the Tasman Sea and there are beaches crowded with sea lions. You cross Cape Foulwind and
head south again to Pancake Rocks, where you get a close-up view of blowholes created by the sea. You spend the night in Greymouth.
Monday, Day 5
Greymouth - Franz Josef
You continue south through the old gold mining town of Ross. The scenery is breathtaking, with the Tasman Sea on the right and mountains and lush green rain forest on the left. You spend the night below Franz Josef Glacier. If you wish, you can take a helicopter flight to the glacier or walk to its base.
Tuesday, Day 6
Franz Josef - Queenstown
Passing Fox Glacier, another majestic glacier, you leave the coast and head east over Haast Pass to beautiful Lake Wanaka and the town of Wanaka itself before travelling on to Queenstown, justly famous as the adventure capital of the world. You will be given a short tour of a typical New Zealand working farm before the evening meal at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant on the Walter Peak High Country Sheep Farm.
The farm is reached by a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu on the oldest steamship in New Zealand, the TSS Earnslaw.
Wednesday, Day 7
Queenstown - Te Anau
You have a relaxing morning after your excellent meal last night before heading on to Te Anau around noon.
Thursday, Day 8
Milford Sound
This is one of the highlights of your trip and a spectacular natural wonder. You will have plenty of time to absorb the scenery and enjoy one of New Zealand’s most famous regions. You set off for Milford Sound through the Homer Tunnel before boarding a boat to cruise the 10-mile long fiord. You will have the opportunity to see blue penguins, sea lions, and dolphins, not to mention the stunning combination of green rain forest, mountains, and blue, clear water flowing toward the ocean. You return to Te Anau for the night.
Friday, Day 9
Te Anau - Queenstown
You travel back to Queenstown where the rest of the day is free for you to do as you wish. Queenstown specialises in adventure activities and has much to offer, including bungee jumping, parasailing, jet boat rides, and skydiving. We will help you book any activities you wish to go on.
Saturday, Day 10
Queenstown - Lake Tekapo
On Day 10 you travel to the foothills of Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain at a height of 3754 m (13,316 feet). You stop for coffee and a spectacular view of the snow-covered mountain at the famous Hermitage Hotel, a truly special place with unmistakeable charm.
You end the day riding along back Lake Pukaki before spending the night at your hotel at Lake Tekapo.
Sunday, Day 11
Lake Tekapo - Christchurch
You end your tour with more unforgettable views. You visit the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Takapo before travelling across the South Island on the Inland Scenic Route to Christchurch, where you drop off your rental car at the rental office.
The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Christchurch.
New Zealand Video Impressions
