6 Days 768 km

Highlights

  • TranzAlpine train journey
  • Ancient glaciers
  • Adventure capital of New Zealand

Proximity

INCLUDES CAR-FREE TRAVEL OPTIONS

Spend some time exploring vibrant Christchurch before you head across the Southern Alps to the untamed West Coast.

Discover a region where temperate rainforest meets glaciers and dramatic coastlines, explore the lakeside resort town of Wanaka, home to the Mt Aspiring National Park and experience the energy of Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital.

Day 1: Spend the day in Christchurch

Christchurch - Canterbury
Punting on the Avon River, Christchurch - Canterbury
christchurch-canterbury

CANTERBURY

Stretching from the ocean to the Southern Alps.

Highlights

  • Punting on the Avon River
  • World-famous Botanic Gardens
  • Mountain bike trail in the Port Hills

TOP EXPERIENCES IN CHRISTCHURCH

Enjoy shopping, art, great food & wine and stunning scenery in Christchurch.

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Spend the first day of your journey exploring the fast-changing and funky city of Christchurch, South Island's largest city.

Old English gardens contrast with pop-up bars and innovative precincts in this enduring centre.

Favourite activities include punting down the Avon River, biking in the Port Hills, visiting Sumner Beach, or taking a day trip out to the French colonial settlement of Akaroa.

For a truely magical experience try hot air ballooning over the patchwork Canterbury Plains.

 

Day 2: Christchurch - Greymouth via Arthurs Pass

Christchurch - Canterbury
TranzAlpine Rail Journey, Christchurch - Canterbury
west-coast

WEST COAST

Rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures.

Enjoy Southern Alps, lakes & rivers.

Highlights

  • TranzAlpine train journey
  • Arthur's Pass National Park
  • Gold mining history in Greymouth

Proximity

Catch the world famous TranzAlpine scenic train from Christchurch to Greymouth or drive across the stunning Southern Alps to discover the untouched beauty of the West Coast.

Along the way take time to visit Arthur's Pass National Park, where you will discover beautiful beech forests, cheeky wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Stretch your legs with a short walk to the stunning Devil's Punchbowl Falls.

Greymouth is rich with gold mining history and a centre for pounamu (New Zealand jade), with many specialist art galleries.

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Day 3: Greymouth to Fox Glacier

West Coast
Fox Glacier/Te O Tuawe Valley Walk, West Coast

Highlights

  • Ancient West Coast glaciers
  • Glowworm caves
  • Lake Matheson Walk

Proximity

TOP EXPERIENCES ON THE WEST COAST

Rugged natural beauty, unique experiences and gold mining history.

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Head south down the Great Coast Road(opens in new window), one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world according to Lonely Planet. Travel alongside ancient limestone cliffs, rivers, glowworm caves(opens in new window), mining heritage and untamed native forest to glacier(opens in new window) country.

Fox and Franz Josef are New Zealand's most accessible glaciers. Easy walking trails to the glacier's terminal face pass through scarred ancient valleys dotted with morraines.

For the ultimate view, take a scenic heli-flight or ski plane to the glacier's top.

Day 4: Fox Glacier to Wanaka

Wānaka
Roys Peak Track, Wānaka
lake-wanaka

WANAKA

The most tranquil set of the South Island lakes.

Highlights

  • Stunning walking and hiking trails
  • Kayaking on Lake Wanaka
  • Tour wineries and a whiskey distillery

Proximity

Head inland past waterfalls and river scenery as you leave the coast, taking a break to explore the Haast River Valley on a guided safari(opens in new window) before heading to the lakeside resort town of Wanaka.

Combining small town tranquility with exciting outdoor adventure, Wanaka is a great place to visit any time of year. In winter, skiers and snowboarders head to Cardrona and Treble Cone ski fields.

Mt Aspiring National Park offers a plethora of day and short walks, the clear waters of Lake Wanaka are perfect for kayaking and the surrounding mountains offer bike trails, and climbing adventures.

Day 5: Wanaka to Queenstown

Queenstown
KJet, Queenstown
queenstown

QUEENSTOWN

Home of the ultimate adventure bucket list.

Highlights

  • Bungy, skydiving, rafting and jetboating
  • Golf courses, winery tours & hot pools
  • Skiing and snowboarding in winter

Proximity

The alpine resort of Queenstown is exciting, sophisticated and fantastically scenic.

It’s the place to source almost any kind of adventure, including 4WD adventures(opens in new window), bungy(opens in new window), jet boating(opens in new window)rafting(opens in new window) and river surfing(opens in new window).

It’s also a destination for luxury experiences – gourmet food and wine, spa treatments(opens in new window) and leisurely games of golf(opens in new window).

Day 6: Explore Queenstown and surrounds.

Queenstown
Horse trekking in Glenorchy, Queenstown

Highlights

  • Horse riding in Glenorchy
  • Gold mining heritage in Arrowtown
  • Walking and cycling trails

Proximity

  • by car:

    50 min | 46 km to Glenorchy

  • 20 min | 20 km to Arrowtown via Malaghans Rd

  • Visit the i-SITE for local day tour options

TOP EXPERIENCES IN QUEENSTOWN

Explore wineries, epic film locations and adventure activities.

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Spend your last day exploring the fascinating Queenstown region. 

Nearby Arrowtown is rich with gold mining history and one of New Zealand's most picturesque towns. Wander through the remains of the Chinese gold rush village, visit the Lake District Museum(opens in new window) or pan for gold in the Arrow River.

Discover spectacular scenery and famous filming locations with a horse trek in Glenorchy or spend the day exploring the vineyards of Central Otago.

View the route below

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