6D5N New Zealand Southern Highlights (Self Drive)

6D5N New Zealand Southern Highlights (Self Drive) GV2

Be charmed by magnificent vistas and majestic snow-capped mountains dotted with turquoise lakes under the world’s darkest skies with this New Zealand South Island Vacation Package

This is a great introduction to some of the most spectacular landscapes New Zealand has to offer.

Christchurch - Tekapo - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrive Christchurch

Upon arrival collect your rental vehicle and self drive to your accommodation. 

Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps.  This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River. 

Enjoy admission to the International Antarctic Centre today or tomorrow for an icy insight into this astounding continent.

Overnight: Christchurch

INCLUDED ACTIVITES: Antarctic Centre

DAY 2: Christchurch - Tekapo/Mt Cook Region

Depart a fertile patchwork made with every shade of green, to a scenic wonderland with golden tussocks, snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes.  At Lake Tekapo the solitary ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ takes pride of place against the backdrop of a vivid blue glacier-fed lake. Thought-provoking, educational and entertaining, the Dark Sky Experience is an experience which will forever change the way you see the night sky.  Lap up the  fresh air and sparling skies in this International Dark Sky Reserve.  Overnight: Tekapo or Mt Cook

Christchurch - Tekapo/Mt Cook: 230/330km (approx 3/4hrs)

INCLUDED ACTIVITES: Dark Sky Experience

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES: Glacier Explorer, Tekapo Springs Hot Pools

DAY 3: Tekapo/Mt Cook Region - Queenstown

Embrace the dramatic vast landscape of a rugged land of ice and rock that showcases multiple giant peaks including New Zealand's highest mountain.  Then hug the shores of beautiful Lake Pukaki before travelling through the historic 

Central Otago region to Queenstown.  Overnight: Queenstown

Tekapo/Mt Cook - Queenstown: 255/265km (approx 3hrs, 15mins)

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES: Skyline Gondola Ride

DAY 4: Queenstown

Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.

Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer. Overnight: Queenstown

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES: Shotover Jetboat Ride, Walter Peak Farm Excursion on TSS Earnslaw 9:00am

DAY 5: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses.  Today's stunning journey takes you past mirror lakes, spectacular waterfalls and water-sculpted rocks. Venture into Milford Sound, a New Zealand treasure carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your return to Queenstown. Overnight: Queenstown

Queenstown - Milford: 287km (approx 3hrs 50mins) each way

INCLUDED ACTIVITES: Milford Sound Cruise

DAY 6: Depart Queenstown

Arrangements conclude today with the return of your rental car to Queenstown Airport.

Please Note 

(i) Rental Car "Days" are based on a 24 hour hire.  

Early arrivals into and/or late departures out of New Zealand may necessitate a longer hire period.

(ii) Adding Optional Tours may necessitate an additional nights' stay in that location.

Included in this tour:

* 5 Day rental car hire with zero or reduced excess liability

* 5 Nights accommodation

* International Antarctic Centre

* Dark Sky Experience (Thu-Mon only)

* Milford Sound Cruise with lunch

Private Touring can be arranged upon request

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pricing Period: 1 October 2024 – 30 April 2025

Self Drive : Intermediate SUV (IFAR)

Superior Hotels: Single: $3,028 | Twin: $1,668 | Triple: $1,268

First Class Hotels: Single: $3,328 | Twin: $1,808 | Triple: $1,398

Option to add on breakfast $160 per person 

Self Drive : Full Size SUV (FFAR)

Standard Hotels: Single: $2,848 | Twin: $1,558 | Triple: $1,258

Superior Hotels: Single: $3,218 | Twin: $1,768 | Triple: $1,328

First Class Hotels: Single: $3,528 | Twin: $1,898 | Triple: $1,468

Option to add on breakfast $160 per person 

Pricing Period: 1 May 2025 - 30 September 2025

Self Drive : Intermediate SUV (IFAR)

Standard Hotels: Single: $2,628 | Twin: $1,448 | Triple: $1,158

Superior Hotels: Single: $2,928 | Twin: $1,608 | Triple: $1,248

First Class Hotels: Single: $3,538 | Twin: $1,908 | Triple: $1,498

Option to add on breakfast $170 per person 

Self Drive : Full Size SUV (FFAR)

Standard Hotels: Single: $2,828 | Twin: $1,558 | Triple: $1,228

Superior Hotels: Single: $3,138 | Twin: $1,708 | Triple: $1,318

First Class Hotels: Single: $3,738 | Twin: $2,008 | Triple: $1,558

Option to add on breakfast $170 per person 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------