From Christchurch to Dunedin then around the southern highlights, including Lake Te Anau, Milford Sound and Queenstown, then the West Coast glaciers with optional TranzAlpine train back over the mountains.

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
Overnight in Christchurch

Ashleigh Court Motel
Chateau on the Park
Copthorne Central Christchurch
Heritage Christchurch
Cashel Apartments
The George

Day 2: Christchurch - Dunedin
Travel south across the Canterbury Plains through seaside Timaru, and historic Oamaru to Dunedin – "the Edinburgh of the South".
Overnight in Dunedin.

Carisbrook Motel
Quality Hotel Cargills
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin

Day 3: Dunedin - Te Anau
Drive through the rolling hill country of South Otago and Southland. After the farming community of Gore, cross the Waimea plains towards Fiordland.
Overnight in Te Anau.

Anchorage Motel
Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
Luxmore Hotel

Day 4: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Drive through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. We recommend a cruise on the majestic Milford Sound and then in the afternoon drive on to the dramatic southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown.

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Blue Peaks Lodge
Sherwood Manor
Oaks Shore Apartment
Kingsgate Hotel Terraces Queenstown
The Heritage Queenstown
Peppers at the Beacon Queenstown

Day 5 & 6: At Queenstown
Two days free for you to enjoy this fabulous Alpine resort.. There are dozens of optional activities as well, from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris, bungy jumping.

Day 7: Queenstown – Glaciers
Drive to Cromwell and on through the Southern Lakes district to the Haast Pass then north, through dense rain forest broken by rugged coastal vistas, towards the glaciers. A short side trip will take you to view one of these massive rivers of ice.
Stay 2 nights at either Fox or Franz Josef Glacier townships.

Fox Glacier Fox Glacier Hotel
Glacier View Hotel
Glenfern Villas
Glenfern Villas

Day 8: At the Glaciers
A full day to explore this remote and beautiful area. Walks are available to the glaciers or we recommend a visit to the colony of the beautiful white heron (Kotuku).

Day 9: Glaciers – Christchurch
Travel north along the narrow, bush clad, coastal plain past Hokitika, to Greymouth. Turn inland towards the mountains to travel through the Otira Tunnel, over Arthur’s Pass and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Overnight in Christchurch

Ashleigh Court Motel
Chateau on the Park
Copthorne Central Christchurch
Heritage Christchurch
Cashel Apartments
The George

Day 10: Depart Christchurch
Return your car at the airport in time to catch your onward flight.