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Road trip through postcard-worthy landscapes
Pave your own path through New Zealand's jaw-dropping South Island! Roam far and wide in your very own rental car and enjoy stays in Christchurch, Mount Cook, Dunedin, Te Anau, and Queenstown. You'll also be treated to unique experiences, like a Milford Sound Nature Cruise, a Skyline Gondola Ride, a tour through the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, and much more!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Christchurch (CHC), out of Queenstown (ZQN)
- Automatic rental car for the duration of your trip - includes unlimited mileage, insurance & GPS
- 2 nights in Christchurch at Sudima Christchurch City Hotel, or similar
- Half-Day Christchurch City Tour
- 1 night in Mt. Cook at the Hermitage Hotel or similar
- 2 nights in Dunedin at the Distinction Hotel or similar
- Royal Albatross Centre admission
- Entrance to Larnach Castle
- 1 night in Te Anau at the Distinction Hotel and Villas or similar
- Te Anau Caves Cruise
- 2 nights in Queenstown at the Heritage Queenstown Hotel or similar
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise
- Skyline Gondola Ride
- Breakfast daily
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
Great Ways to Explore
-
Stop off in Oamaru, known for its Blue Penguin colony!
- Venture through Fiordland National Park, home to some of New Zealand's most jaw-dropping views.
-
Take in breathtaking views from the Skyline Queenstown Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the southern hemisphere!
-
Cruise through the twinkling Te Anau caves, home to tens of thousands of luminescent glowworms.
-
Spot seals, dolphins, and many other species of wildlife throughout your adventure.
Ready, set, adventure! Drive through New Zealand's stunning South Island and enjoy stays in vibrant cities and areas of natural beauty. With included tours, admissions, and excursions, this package offers the perfect balance of guided exploration and independent discovery.
Kick off in Christchurch, where you'll pick up your rental car. Get to know this spirited city as you meander through lush gardens, historic buildings, and streets lined with shops and restaurants. Next, venture to Lake Tekapo and majestic Mount Cook!
Enjoy some leisure time in Dunedin, and take advantage of included admission to Royal Albatross Centre and Larnach Castle. From Dunedin, journey to Fiordland National Park and feast your eyes on unbelievable landscapes.
During your stay in Te Anau, you'll visit the famous Te Anau Caves, home to countless glowworms that create a luminescent spectacle! Next, head to Milford Sound, where you'll embark on a once-in-a-lifetime nature cruise to the Tasman Sea. Spot seals, penguins, dolphins, and more wildlife as you sail!
Last but not least, you'll arrive in Queenstown. Enjoy a wonderful ride on the Skyline Gondola, which grants breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, Lake Wakatipu, Bob's Peak, and more.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Christchurch (CHC), out of Queenstown (ZQN)
- Automatic rental car for the duration of your trip - includes unlimited mileage, insurance & GPS
- 2 nights in Christchurch at Sudima Christchurch City Hotel, or similar
- Half-Day Christchurch City Tour
- 1 night in Mt. Cook at the Hermitage Hotel or similar
- 2 nights in Dunedin at the Distinction Hotel or similar
- Royal Albatross Centre admission
- Entrance to Larnach Castle
- 1 night in Te Anau at the Distinction Hotel and Villas or similar
- Te Anau Caves Cruise
- 2 nights in Queenstown at the Heritage Queenstown Hotel or similar
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise
- Skyline Gondola Ride
- Breakfast daily
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
Great Ways to Explore
-
Stop off in Oamaru, known for its Blue Penguin colony!
- Venture through Fiordland National Park, home to some of New Zealand's most jaw-dropping views.
-
Take in breathtaking views from the Skyline Queenstown Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the southern hemisphere!
-
Cruise through the twinkling Te Anau caves, home to tens of thousands of luminescent glowworms.
-
Spot seals, dolphins, and many other species of wildlife throughout your adventure.
Package Overview
Ready, set, adventure! Drive through New Zealand's stunning South Island and enjoy stays in vibrant cities and areas of natural beauty. With included tours, admissions, and excursions, this package offers the perfect balance of guided exploration and independent discovery.
Kick off in Christchurch, where you'll pick up your rental car. Get to know this spirited city as you meander through lush gardens, historic buildings, and streets lined with shops and restaurants. Next, venture to Lake Tekapo and majestic Mount Cook!
Enjoy some leisure time in Dunedin, and take advantage of included admission to Royal Albatross Centre and Larnach Castle. From Dunedin, journey to Fiordland National Park and feast your eyes on unbelievable landscapes.
During your stay in Te Anau, you'll visit the famous Te Anau Caves, home to countless glowworms that create a luminescent spectacle! Next, head to Milford Sound, where you'll embark on a once-in-a-lifetime nature cruise to the Tasman Sea. Spot seals, penguins, dolphins, and more wildlife as you sail!
Last but not least, you'll arrive in Queenstown. Enjoy a wonderful ride on the Skyline Gondola, which grants breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, Lake Wakatipu, Bob's Peak, and more.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Package ID: PK-GC4P-SH-NZSSI-CHC
Day 1. Welcome to Christchurch!
Get ready for the vacation of a lifetime! Upon arrival in Christchurch, pick up your rental car and head to your first hotel.
Settle in, then spend the rest of your day exploring the area!
Check-in - Sudima Christchurch City Hotel
Christchurch,
New Zealand
Sudima Christchurch City Hotel is a new boutique hotel can be found among the bustling cafes, bars, and restaurants on Christchurch's Victoria Street. The hotel is in close proximity to Christchurch's CBD and Hagley Park. After an invigorating day of sightseeing, head back to the hotel for canapes and a refreshing cocktail or kick back in your spacious guestroom for a good night's sleep.
Day 2. Christchurch
Rise and shine! Grab your camera and get to know Christchurch on a fascinating half-day tour. Follow your guide and explore the history, architecture, and gardens that make this city so special.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure!
Half-day Christchurch city tour
The tour commences in the central city of Christchurch and covers the area which was completely devastated by the Christchurch earthquakes in February 2011. The guide will explain both the history of the city and the effects of the earthquake, you will see for yourself both the destructive powers of nature and the rebuild taking place. On leaving the inner city, the tour travels to Mona Vale a historic homestead and gardens. We then travel to the Sign of the Takahe, an historic building with a lookout providing spectacular views over the city, Canterbury Plains and to the Southern Alps. The tour then travels via the Port Hills and Lyttleton Harbour by way of the Sign of the Kiwi and Governors Bay to the Port of Lyttleton. The tour proceeds through the Lyttleton harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and cave rock before returning to the central city where the tour will conclude.
Day 3. Christchurch - Mt. Cook
Today, drive southwest towards Geraldine and Fairlie until you reach Lake Tekapo. Feel free to visit the famous Good Shepherd Church along the way!
Your final destination for the day is Aoraki National Park, Mount Cook. Check into your hotel, then explore this stunning glacial area!
Check-in - The Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook
Mount Cook,
New Zealand
Nestled in Mount Cook National Park, this beautiful hotel offers majestic mountain views, comfortable rooms, and stylish decor. Check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team, then walk up to your room. Open the door and find free WiFi, flat-screen TV, plush bedding, and luxurious bath amenities. Many rooms feature a balcony or patio with stunning scenic views! Once you're all settled in, stroll around the hotel's gorgeous grounds or inquire about hiking and biking. When you work up an appetite, treat yourself to a delicious meal at the onsite restaurant, which boasts great food and panoramic views.
Day 4. Mt. Cook - Dunedin
Take one last look at Mount Cook before you drive southeast through Twizel and Omarama towards Dunedin. During your journey, feel free to stop in Oamaru, known for its Blue Penguin colony!
In the afternoon, you'll arrive in Dunedin, the largest city in the Otago Province! Check-into your Dunedin accommodation and settle in. While in Dunedin, you may enjoy included admission to the Royal Albatross Centre and Larnach Castle.
Check-in - Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Dunedin,
New Zealand
Elegant and contemporary, this former 1930s post office boasts modern amenities, luxurious rooms, onsite dining, and much more! It's center-city location offers easy access to the very best of Dunedin. Upon arrival, check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team and admire the lobby's stylish decor. Then, head up to your room, where you'll find crisp air conditioning, comfy bedding, free WiFi, flat-screen TV, kitchenette facilities and more!
Once you get settled, lace up your sneakers and work all your stresses away in the fitness center! Work up an appetite? Treat yourself to a delicious meal at onsite Parcels Restaurant, or unwind with a drink at Post Bar.
Royal Albatross Centre Admission
Entry fee is included to Royal Albatross Centre, where you could learn more about these formidable marine birds. Once they take flight, they could go for months and months at a time before they arrive to firm land!
Larnach Castle Admission
Larnach Castle is the only European Castle rebuilt in New Zealand! Enjoy entry to this spectacular attraction!
Day 5. Dunedin
Enjoy a day at leisure in beautiful Dunedin! You may want to explore the Otago Peninsula, a long, hilly stretch of land filled with penguins, wildlife, and stunning views.
Dunedin, New Zealand
Day 6. Dunedin - Te Anau
Today, depart Dunedin and explore Fiordland National Park! Gawk at incredible scenery as you journey to Te Anau.
Get ready for a unique experience this afternoon! Embark on an amazing tour of the Te Anau Caves, which are home to tens of thousands of glowworms! Ride a small boat through beautiful streams illuminated by these little insects!
Check-in - Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Te Anau,
New Zealand
Overlooking sparkling Lake Te Anau and the breathtaking Fiordland ranges, this luxurious hotel boasts elegant decor, relaxing amenities, and comfortable rooms. After checking in with the friendly staff, open the door to your room, where you'll be greeted with a garden or lake view. Relax in your plush bed, surf the web on the hotel's free WiFi, or watch satellite TV!
Unpack your swimsuit and make a splash in the heated pool, or steam your stresses away in the sauna. Why not treat yourself to a decadent massage? When it's time to eat, consider a meal at the onsite Mac Kinnon Room Restaurant, which offers delicious New Zealand cuisine and panoramic views of Lake Te Anau.
Te Anau Caves Cruise
Check in at Real Journeys office to embark in a cruise taking you to the other side of the lake. You will visit along with your guide the cave system which houses tens of thousands of glow-worms. At the end of tour, you will ride on a small boat to the end of the underground stream where you’ll be guided by the glare of the luminescence irradiated by these little insects.
Day 7. Te Anau - Queenstown
Check out of your Te Anau hotel and prepare for your journey to Queenstown.
On the way, make magical stops at must-see points of natural beauty! Pass Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, Gunn Lake, Homer Tunnel, and the Chasm before reaching the one and only Milford Sound. Enjoy an included nature cruise through Milford Sound, and keep your eyes peeled for amazing marine life!
Check-in - Heritage Queenstown
Queenstown,
New Zealand
Heritage Queenstown features beautiful views of the surrounding area, including Lake Wakatipu. Guests will enjoy comfortable rooms stocked with fluffy bathrobes, free WiFi, television, and more. Mackenzies Restaurant and Bar serves dishes that feature fresh, local ingredients. Guests can dine outside on the balcony or by the fire, depending upon the season. The hotel also features a pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and gym. Heritage Queenstown is located just a 5 minute drive from the center of town.
Milford Sound Nature Cruise
Sail from the beautiful fiord out to the Tasman Sea! Keep your eyes peeled for seals, penguins, and dolphins - all frequent visits to these icy waters!
Day 8. Queenstown
Nothing like a day at leisure in Queenstown! Spend today however you please, but be sure to use your included tickets for the Skyline Gondola! You may want to go in the morning, so you have as much time as possible at the top of Bob's Peak. Sit back, relax, and take in the views!
Make the most of your last night in New Zealand! This evening, treat yourself to a memorable last night dinner.
Skyline Gondola Ride
Ride a gondola to the top of Mount Bob for amazing panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables in the background!
Day 9. Depart New Zealand
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage and drive to the airport. Return your rental car, check in for your flight, and find your gate.
Spend your flight home replaying wonderful memories and dreaming about your next adventure!
Fly home!
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Christchurch, New Zealand
Sudima Christchurch City Hotel
A stylish city stay
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Mount Cook, New Zealand
The Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook
Stylish retreat with jaw-dropping views
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Dunedin, New Zealand
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Stylish comfort in the heart of Dunedin
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Te Anau, New Zealand
Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Contemporary comfort on Lake Te Anau
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Queenstown, New Zealand
Heritage Queenstown
Beautiful hotel with views of Lake Wakatipu
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