11 Day Fiords, Glaciers & Mountain Escapes Self Drive

On arrival at Christchurch International Airport, you’ll be met by a private driver and transferred to your central city accommodation. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy Christchurch’s leafy streets, riverside paths and flourishing dining scene.

Collect Rental Car & Explore the Garden City

Collect your rental car and spend the day discovering Christchurch at your own pace. Highlights include the Botanic Gardens, riverside punting on the Avon, heritage trams and the striking Cardboard Cathedral.

Suggested activity:
Christchurch Triple Pass – combine the tram, gondola and punting experience for an easy and varied introduction to the city.

Drive south across the Canterbury Plains, stopping in Geraldine or Fairlie before climbing Burkes Pass to Lake Tekapo. Continue alongside the vivid turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, with uninterrupted views toward New Zealand’s highest peak.

Suggested activity:
Glacier Explorers – cruise among ancient icebergs on Tasman Glacier Lake beneath towering ice cliffs.

Travel through the Mackenzie Basin and over Lindis Pass into Central Otago, passing historic towns and vineyard landscapes. Skirt Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu before continuing south into the farming heartland of Southland and on to Te Anau.

Included experience:
Te Anau Glowworm Caves – cruise across Lake Te Anau and drift through underground caverns lit by thousands of glowworms.

Waitai Lodge Experience – Day One

Transfer to Milford Sound and take a scenic helicopter flight to remote Martins Bay. Enjoy lunch in a private wilderness setting, then spend the afternoon exploring coastal dunes or unwinding at the lodge with lake views and outdoor hot tubs.

A three-course dinner rounds out an unforgettable day in one of New Zealand’s most isolated landscapes.

Jet Boat, Helicopter & Milford Sound Cruise

Wake to birdsong before a jet boat journey across Lake McKerrow through rainforest and wetlands. Later, return by helicopter to Milford Sound for a luxury nature cruise beneath sheer granite cliffs and waterfalls.

After the cruise, return to Te Anau with your guide.

Drive north through rolling tussock lands and along Lake Wakatipu via the dramatic Devil’s Staircase. Arrive in Queenstown, framed by alpine peaks and lakeside views.

Suggested experiences:

Shotover Jet – a thrilling canyon ride through narrow river gorges.

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner – a classic lake crossing paired with a high-country farm dinner.

Cross the Crown Range to Wānaka, then follow Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea toward Makarora. Stop at the Blue Pools for a short forest walk before continuing through Haast Pass and into the wild West Coast.

Arrive in Franz Josef Village, surrounded by rainforest and ice-clad peaks.

Suggested activity:
Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight – soar above Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers with a snow landing.

West Coast Drive & TranzAlpine Scenic Train

Drive north through Whataroa, Ross and Hokitika, known for greenstone carving and rugged coastline views. Continue to Greymouth, return your rental car and board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

Travel east through Arthur’s Pass National Park and across the Canterbury Plains before arriving back in Christchurch, where a shared transfer takes you to your hotel.

Private Airport Transfer

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Christchurch International Airport for your onward journey.

Farewell Aotearoa New Zealand with memories of fiords, glaciers, alpine passes and unforgettable wilderness experiences. As the locals say, mā te wā — see you again soon.