Self Drive Holidays 6 Day Christchurch to Queenstown Food and Wine Self Drive

Private transfer Christchurch airport to your accommodation
On arrival you will be met by a private driver and delivered to your Christchurch accommodation.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Dinner on the Christchurch Restaurant Tram

Stay 2 nights Christchurch

Waipara Valley Wine Trail with lunch
North of Christchurch lies the Waipara Valley home to multiple award winning wineries that often fly under the radar, but should be included in any wine appreciators tour of the South Island. Today you’ll take a guided tour of the region visiting four boutique vineyards that have made a name for themselves producing a fine selection of both white and red wines, in particular pinot noir and chardonnay. Pegasus Bay, Torlesse, Mud House and Waipara Springs are all located in the Waipara area, well known for its warm dry climate and limestone rich soils, both ideal for quality wine production. Your tour includes lunch and wine tastings at these fabulous wineries. 

Collect your rental car

Christchurch to Mt. Cook National Park

Today you'll drive through the heart of the South Island, crossing the vast Canterbury plains. Catch your breath in Geraldine before continuing through Fairlie. Ascending Burkes pass you'll come to the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo.
Follow the road and take in the view of Aoraki Mt Cook (New Zealand's tallest mountain) from the shores of Lake Pukaki, known for its glacier fed turquoise blue colour. Continue along the lake to your final destination Mt Cook Village.
Please note: There are no food shops at Mt Cook, and dinner options are limited to one restaurant. If you wish to self-cater, you must stock up before arriving in Mt Cook, or make dinner reservations in advance.

The Alpine Restaurant Buffet Dinner
The Alpine Restaurant located at The Hermitage Hotel offers sumptuous buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, accompanied by spectacular views of Aoraki Mount Cook from every seat. Enjoy a vast buffet including a wide range of foods such as soup, salads, seafood, hot and cold meats and desserts with tea and coffee to follow.

Stay 1 night Mt. Cook

Leaving the alpine region of Mount Cook, you'll travel through the lakeside town of Twizel, then a little further to Omarama - the gliding capital of New Zealand. Continue on over the Lindis Pass and arrive in the quaint village of Tarras, then continue on a short way to the historic Bendigo Reserve.

Follow the road to Cromwell, and keep going through the sheer cliffs of the Kawarau Gorge towards the Gibbston Valley, one of New Zealand's premier wine growing regions. Approaching Queenstown, the Remarkables mountain range comes into view as you arrive into the adventure capital of New Zealand.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Skyline Gondola

Stay 2 nights Queenstown

Appellation Private Boutique Wine Tour

For the more discerning wine lover, or simply people who prefer the flexibility of a private tour. Join one of Appellation's senior wine guides on a wine tasting journey to some of New Zealand's most memorable vineyards, at your own pace. Your guides local knowledge and familiarity with the vineyards of Central Otago is at your disposal for an intimate half day wine experience in a thriving wine region. Packages are tailor made for you, and you are encouraged to advise of any varietal or vineyard preferences when booking.

The private boutique wine tour includes tastings at four vineyards, typically two in the Gibbston/Queenstown region and two in the Bannockburn/Cromwell region. You'll enjoy a delightful platter lunch at Carrick Winery with a glass of premium matched wine. You'll also explore the history and scenery of the region with a stroll through Old Cromwell Town and a stunning drive through the Kawarau Gorge. Tours last approximately 5 hours.

Depending on when your flight departs you might have time for one last Queenstown adventure before dropping your car off at the airport and catching your flight.