Overview

Start your adventure in Queenstown, fittingly named ‘adventure capital’ of New Zealand, and end your trip in quirky Wellington, the capital. In between, visit Christchurch, see Mt. Cook National Park, and meet the wildlife of Kaikoura before making your way to the North Island crossing the Cook Strait.

Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch - Kaikoura - Interislander Ferry - Wellington

Map of 7 Day Queenstown to Wellington Highlights Self Drive
View itinerary for day 1
View itinerary for day 2
View itinerary for day 3
View itinerary for day 4
View itinerary for day 5
View itinerary for day 6
View itinerary for day 7
Welcome to Queenstown
Explore Queenstown and surrounds
Queenstown to Mt. Cook National Park
Mt. Cook National Park to Christchurch
Christchurch to Kaikoura
Kaikoura to Picton to Wellington
Depart Wellington

Day 1

Welcome to Queenstown

Day 2

Explore Queenstown and surrounds

Day 3

Queenstown to Mt. Cook National Park

Travel Time: 3 hrs

Distance: 256 kms

Day 4

Mt. Cook National Park to Christchurch

Travel Time: 3 hrs 40 mins

Distance: 327 kms

Day 5

Christchurch to Kaikoura

Travel Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Distance: 179 kms

Day 6

Kaikoura to Picton to Wellington

Travel Time: 2 hrs

Distance: 137 kms

Day 7

Depart Wellington

On arrival into Queenstown international airport you will be met from your flight by one of our representatives. They will deliver your tour document pack containing everything you will need and assist you on your way.

Collect your car rental

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Skyline Gondola and Luge

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak including gourmet BBQ dinner and a farm tour
Stay 2 nights Queenstown

Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic and scenic wonders.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Arrow River Half Day Supported Bike Tour

Leaving Queenstown you'll head through the Kawarau Gorge and over the historic Kawarau Bridge. Continue through the Gibbston Valley. As you leave the gorge you'll arrive in Cromwell, known for its many fruit orchards.

Cromwell itself sits at the head of the Kawarau Gorge and the old historic town is well worth the visit. Head over through the Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand’s highest roads. It's tussock covered hills are a barren but beautiful sight as you descend into the Mackenzie Basin. You'll go through the towns of Omarama and Twizel - the last stops before you arrive at Lake Pukaki and take the Mount. Cook Highway to arrive in the small village.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Glacier Explorers Mt. Cook
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Tasman Valley 4WD Tour
Stay 1 night Mt Cook

Leaving Mount Cook national park, travel a short distance before stopping at the visitor centre on the southern shores of Lake Pukaki. You’ll go through the small town of Tekapo, home to some of the most photographed subjects in the country, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog statue. From here you travel through Burkes Pass and into the rich farming valley that surrounds Geraldine. Continue on across the vast Canterbury Plains to arrive in Christchurch City, your destination for the night.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Christchurch Bike Tour

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Christchurch Gondola
Stay 1 night Christchurch

The drive north from Christchurch to Kaikoura takes you through the rolling hills of North Canterbury's major wine region, the Waipara Valley. Allow time for a detour and visit Hanmer Springs for a dip in the mineral hot pools. Continue on and cross the Hawkswood Range before descending to the spectacular Kaikoura coastline - where the road hugs the ocean for the last leg of the drive.

Stay 1 night Kaikoura

Today follow the coast to Picton, located at the top of the North Island.

Interislander ferry Picton to Wellington

The 92 km journey between Picton and Wellington takes around 3 hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary Night Tour

Stay 1 night Wellington

You will be collected from your Wellington hotel and transferred to the airport.

Day 1, Welcome to Queenstown

Welcome to Queenstown

On arrival into Queenstown international airport you will be met from your flight by one of our representatives. They will deliver your tour document pack containing everything you will need and assist you on your way.

Collect your car rental

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Skyline Gondola and Luge

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak including gourmet BBQ dinner and a farm tour
Stay 2 nights Queenstown

Day 2, Explore Queenstown and surrounds

Explore Queenstown and surrounds

Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic and scenic wonders.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Arrow River Half Day Supported Bike Tour

Day 3, Queenstown to Mt. Cook National Park

Queenstown to Mt. Cook National Park

Travel Time: 3 hrs

Distance: 256 kms

Leaving Queenstown you'll head through the Kawarau Gorge and over the historic Kawarau Bridge. Continue through the Gibbston Valley. As you leave the gorge you'll arrive in Cromwell, known for its many fruit orchards.

Cromwell itself sits at the head of the Kawarau Gorge and the old historic town is well worth the visit. Head over through the Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand’s highest roads. It's tussock covered hills are a barren but beautiful sight as you descend into the Mackenzie Basin. You'll go through the towns of Omarama and Twizel - the last stops before you arrive at Lake Pukaki and take the Mount. Cook Highway to arrive in the small village.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Glacier Explorers Mt. Cook
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Tasman Valley 4WD Tour
Stay 1 night Mt Cook

Day 4, Mt. Cook National Park to Christchurch

Mt. Cook National Park to Christchurch

Travel Time: 3 hrs 40 mins

Distance: 327 kms

Leaving Mount Cook national park, travel a short distance before stopping at the visitor centre on the southern shores of Lake Pukaki. You’ll go through the small town of Tekapo, home to some of the most photographed subjects in the country, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog statue. From here you travel through Burkes Pass and into the rich farming valley that surrounds Geraldine. Continue on across the vast Canterbury Plains to arrive in Christchurch City, your destination for the night.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Christchurch Bike Tour

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Christchurch Gondola
Stay 1 night Christchurch

Day 5, Christchurch to Kaikoura

Christchurch to Kaikoura

Travel Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Distance: 179 kms

The drive north from Christchurch to Kaikoura takes you through the rolling hills of North Canterbury's major wine region, the Waipara Valley. Allow time for a detour and visit Hanmer Springs for a dip in the mineral hot pools. Continue on and cross the Hawkswood Range before descending to the spectacular Kaikoura coastline - where the road hugs the ocean for the last leg of the drive.

Stay 1 night Kaikoura

Day 6, Kaikoura to Picton to Wellington

Kaikoura to Picton to Wellington

Travel Time: 2 hrs

Distance: 137 kms

Today follow the coast to Picton, located at the top of the North Island.

Interislander ferry Picton to Wellington

The 92 km journey between Picton and Wellington takes around 3 hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary Night Tour

Stay 1 night Wellington

Day 7, Depart Wellington

Depart Wellington

You will be collected from your Wellington hotel and transferred to the airport.

Additional Information

Pricing

Cost per Person

 Twin/Double
Motel Accommodation from NZ$1,648* per person
3-Star Accommodation from NZ$1,648* per person

* PLEASE NOTE

Price is based on two adults sharing a rental car and accommodation (twin/double-share).

Prices are estimates only, and are subject to availability and exchange rates when booking, seasonal or holiday price surcharges (such as Christmas/New Year and Easter); as well as special events that may be on. Please forward a request and we will be happy to forward a quote.

Payment

  • Deposit: 20% of the package cost or NZ$250 per person (whichever is the greater) at time of booking
  • Full Payment: 45 Days before travel
  • Airfares (if applicable): Paid in full at the time of booking

Cancellation Charges

  • Cancellation Fees up to 100% can apply after booking. Extra deposits or full payment may be requested to cover these charges prior to booking
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Includes

Includes:

6 nights accommodation

  • 2 nights Queenstown
  • 1 night Mt Cook
  • 1 night Christchurch
  • 1 night Kaikoura
  • 1 night Wellington

Rental Car Hire

  • Rental car insurance included: Fully inclusive with variable excess/deductible.
  • Rental car inclusions: GPS navigation. unlimited kms,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.

Private airport transfers

Interislander Ferry from Picton to Wellington

Options

Travel Insurance

If you are going overseas, then travel insurance is a necessity.

Accommodation

There is a choice of accommodation available on all packages, which depending on locations, includes motels, 3 star hotels, 4 star hotels, boutique lodges & hotels and luxury lodges and hotels. We are happy to quote on alternate accommodation requests.

Airfares

International flights can be included from Australia for all Australian residents.

Optional Extras

Explore Queenstown

Skyline Gondola and Luge

In the heart of Queenstown, located 450 metres above town in Ben Lomond Scenic Reserve is the Skyline Complex. Catch a gondola to the summit for awe-inspiring views and delicious local fare with view. Ride the 800 metre luge track, then for added thrill, choose to tandem paraglide back to base.

Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure

Riding the iconic ‘Big Red’ Jet Boat through the narrow Shotover Canyon is an exhilarating experience not to be missed. Your skilled jet boat driver pushes the boat to 85 kph, skimming across shallow water and past towering canyon walls. This 25 minute white water ride includes 360 degree spins and maximum thrills.

Explore Mt Cook

Tasman Valley 4WD Tour

See New Zealand’s longest glacier when you embark on this 90 minute four wheel drive adventure in Mount Cook National Park. Travelling by Argo - an eight wheel all terrain vehicle - you’ll get to see some of the most spectacular scenery in the park including a short hike to see the Tasman Glacier. During the spring and summer an abundance of local flora such as Mount Cook Lilies, Celmesia Daisies, Golden Spaniard Speargrass and many more delicate mountain flowers can be seen. You may also see the Kea, New Zealand's native alpine parrot.

Explore Christchurch

Christchurch Gondola

In the Heathcote Valley, just fifteen minutes from the heart of Christchurch city, ride the Christchurch Gondola for nearly a kilometre to the collapsed rim of an extinct volcano - which exploded six million years ago. Take in the panoramic 360-degree views of the central city, Lyttelton Harbour, Banks Peninsula, Canterbury Plains and the distant peaks of the Southern Alps. Wander the summit complex and choose one of many nature walks or visit the Time Tunnel - a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the Port Hills and Christchurch.

Explore Wellington

Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary Night Tour

Taking a night tour of Zealandia wildlife eco-sanctuary is an unforgettable experience and one that comes highly recommended. A conservation success and safe haven for some of New Zealand's rarest native animals, Zealandia is home to many remarkable species of birds, reptiles and insects living wild within a beautiful 225 hectare (one square mile) valley – just 10 minutes from the central city.

Your tour begins with an interactive exhibition before you walk through the gates of Zealandia predator-exclusion fence into the sanctuary. Your guide will then lead you on a torch-light walk through the native New Zealand bush. Possible sights include Kiwi foraging on the forest floor, tuatara hunting for food, glowworms shining, tiny Maud Island frogs in their enclosure, pateke (brown teal) ducks feeding at night and kaka (parrots) coming in to roost.

Zealandia is one of the best places to see kiwi in the wild. Over 100 of these nocturnal birds live freely in their natural environment inside the safety of the sanctuary valley – so your chances of seeing one is very good.

Highlights

Interislander Ferry from Picton to Wellington

The 92 km journey between Picton and Wellington takes around 3 hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. Around one hour of the cruise takes you through the Marlborough Sounds. This region of bush covered mountains, small islands, crystal clear waters and secluded bays offer remarkable photographic opportunities.

From the Cook Strait, spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island can be enjoyed and often dolphins and sea birds are seen. After crossing the strait you approach Wellington Harbour and pass many interesting points such as Pencarrow Head on top of which is New Zealand's oldest lighthouse (1859). Red Rocks is home to a seal colony and Oterangi Bay is the site which recorded the country’s highest ever wind speed of 268 kph (167 mph).

 

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7 Day Queenstown to Wellington Highlights Self Drive

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