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 before heading to the lakeside resort town of Wānaka, home to the Mt Aspiring National Park and then on to discover the energy of Queenstown.
CANTERBURY
Enjoy Southern Alps, lakes & rivers.
Welcoming locals & untamed natural wilderness
From Greymouth head north to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks(opens in new window) and Blowholes to marvel at the unique formations of limestone that began 30 million years ago, and experience the stunning beauty of this rugged coastline.
For an active afternoon jump on a bike and explore the West Coast wilderness Trail(opens in new window), winding your way through the Southern Alps.
Be welcomed by locals and discover an untamed wilderness
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 and let it take you alongside ancient limestone cliffs, rivers, glowworm caves(opens in new window), mining heritage(opens in new window) and untamed native forest(opens in new window) to glacier(opens in new window) country.
WĀNAKA
An outdoor playground surrounds this lakeside town
From Fox Glacier(opens in new window) 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 Wānaka(opens in new window). Experience Mt Aspiring National Park on easy day walks(opens in new window) from Wānaka. Finally head to Queenstown in just 1 hour.
Stunning resort town on Lake Wakatipu
The alpine resort of Queenstown is exciting and fantastically attractive. 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), horse-trekking(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).
Getting around New Zealand is easy with familiar road signs and a great range of transport options available.
There are plenty of accommodation options for every budget and travel style.
Visit in spring or autumn to enjoy warm weather, lower prices and short queues.
