9 Days Southern Alpine Explorer Self Drive

Collect your rental car on arrival and begin exploring Christchurch, a city where historic heritage blends seamlessly with modern innovation. Stroll through the Botanic Gardens, relax besides the Avon River or enjoy the city's vibrant cafés before your alpine adventure begins.

Optional Experience: Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo
Step aboard Christchurch's beautifully restored heritage tram for a hop-on, hop-off journey past the city's most iconic landmarks before relaxing on a traditional punt along the tranquil Avon River. Guided by an expert punter in Edwardian attire, you'll glide through the Botanic Gardens and leafy parklands while learning about Christchurch's rich history and charming English-inspired heritage.

Journey across the wide-open Canterbury Plains into the stunning Mackenzie Country, where turquoise lakes and snow-capped mountains create one of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes. Arrive in the charming lakeside village of Tekapo with time to admire the famous Church of the Good Shepherd and breathtaking alpine scenery.

Included: Tekapo Stargazing Tour
Experience the magic of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the world's largest and most accessible Dark Sky reserves, renowned for its exceptionally clear skies and minimal light pollution. Accompanied by expert astronomy guides, you'll observe sparkling constellations, distant galaxies, planets and star clusters through powerful telescopes while learning fascinating insights into the southern night sky and Māori celestial traditions.

Enjoy a leisurely day soaking up the tranquil beauty of Lake Tekapo. Wander along the lakeshore, browse local galleries and cafés, or simply relax while surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps.

Included: Tekapo Springs Hot Pools
Set besides the shores of Lake Tekapo, Tekapo Springs offers a relaxing alpine retreat with a series of hot pools heated to soothing temperatures between 36.5°C and 38.5°C. Soak in the warm waters while taking in panoramic views of the turquoise lake and surrounding Southern Alps, creating the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring the Mackenzie region.

Follow the spectacular shoreline of Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain. Towering peaks, ancient glaciers and dramatic alpine landscapes make every kilometre of this drive an unforgettable experience.

Included: Stay at The Hermitage Hotel
Wake up surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park at New Zealand's most iconic alpine hotel. With unrivalled views of New Zealand's highest peak, The Hermitage offers an unforgettable mountain retreat in the heart of the national park.

Optional Activity: Mount Cook Glacier Explorers
Experience an unforgettable encounter with New Zealand's largest glacier on a guided boat tour across the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. Cruise among ancient icebergs that have calved from the glacier while your guide shares fascinating insights into the region's glacial history, geology and the ever-changing alpine landscape of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.

Spend the day discovering the remarkable alpine environment of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Enjoy scenic walks, admire the glacier-carved landscapes and immerse yourself in one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural settings.

Included: Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre – Explorer Pass
Step into the remarkable world of Sir Edmund Hillary through engaging museum exhibits that celebrate his legendary ascent of Mount Everest, Antarctic expeditions and lifelong humanitarian work. Your Explorer Pass includes access to the museum's interactive exhibits, a captivating planetarium show, and immersive digital theatre experiences that bring the region's mountaineering history, alpine environment and star-filled skies to life.

Optional Experience: Tasman Glacier Heli Hike
Soar above the breathtaking Tasman Glacier on a scenic helicopter flight before landing on the ancient ice for a guided hike through its spectacular ice formations, crevasses and glacial landscapes. This unforgettable adventure offers a rare opportunity to experience New Zealand's largest glacier up close while surrounded by the magnificent peaks of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.

Depart Aoraki / Mount Cook and follow the spectacular shores of Lake Pukaki before travelling through the rugged beauty of the Lindis Pass, one of the South Island's highest mountain roads. Arrive in the picturesque lakeside town of Wanaka and enjoy its vibrant cafés, boutique shopping and stunning lakeside setting.

Optional Activity: Boutique Central Otago Wine Tour
Discover the renowned wine region of Central Otago on a personalised small-group tour, visiting boutique vineyards celebrated for producing world-class Pinot Noir and other premium cool-climate wines. Meet passionate vineyard owners and winemakers, enjoy guided tastings of award-winning wines, and soak up the spectacular scenery of rolling vineyards, rugged mountains and picturesque valleys that make this one of New Zealand's premier wine destinations.

Enjoy another day in Wānaka, where outdoor adventures and spectacular scenery await. From peaceful lakeside walks to boutique shops and cafés, there's plenty to discover.

Included: Mou Waho Island Cruise & Guided Nature Walk
Cruise across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island, a predator-free nature reserve accessible only by boat and rich in native wildlife and conservation success stories. Accompanied by an experienced guide, enjoy a scenic walk to the island's unique summit lake—nestled atop the island itself—where spectacular panoramic views of Lake Wanaka, the Southern Alps and the surrounding peaks provide an unforgettable highlight of your visit.

Travel through the dramatic alpine landscapes of Central Otago before arriving in Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. Spend the afternoon exploring the lively waterfront, boutique shops and award-winning restaurants.

Optional Experience: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner & Vintage Steamship
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the iconic vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a gourmet BBQ dinner showcases premium New Zealand meats, fresh seasonal produce and delicious desserts. After dinner, enjoy a traditional farm demonstration before returning to Queenstown on a scenic evening cruise across the lake.

Optional Experience: Skyline Gondola & Buffet Dinner
Glide to the summit of Bob's Peak aboard the Skyline Gondola and take in breathtaking panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Complete your evening with a sumptuous buffet dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant, featuring fresh local produce and an impressive selection of New Zealand-inspired cuisine.

Your Southern Alpine adventure comes to an end today. Return your rental car before departing with unforgettable memories of towering mountains, turquoise lakes, star-filled skies and incredible alpine experiences.