5 Day Lakeland Independent Coach Tour

You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the coach stop in time for your departure.

Dunedin to Te Anau
Enjoy this scenic coach trip across the magnificent Southland Countryside from the Edinburgh of the South, Dunedin, to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park
Stay 1 night Te Anau

From Te Anau, you travel by coach along the spectacular Milford Road. Photo stops are made on the way into Milford, with additional photo stops and a short walk on the return journey. Real Journeys experienced drivers enjoy sharing their knowledge of the area. On reaching Milford Sound, you join a Nature Cruise for a leisurely cruise the full-length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. A nature guide provides fascinating interpretation throughout the cruise. Lunch options and complimentary tea and coffee are available on board the vessel.

Milford Nature Cruise
An extended and leisurely cruise of Milford Sound on board a modern vessel, purpose built for operating in a fiord environment. Designed along the lines of a traditional trading scow, they have real character. These relaxing cruises have special appeal for the independent traveller and an on board nature guide provides detailed interpretation and commentary. There is plenty of time available to explore points of interest and to view the stunning scenery, including waterfalls, rainforest and the towering peaks. Keep a lookout for dolphins, seals and penguins. Includes picnic boxed lunch.

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. Head down the Gibbston valley wine trail to sample some of the region’s best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's ‘Rata.’ Check out nearby historic Arrowtown and enhance your experience with a four wheel drive trip to Macetown. Drive through Lord Of The Rings country - or for the really fanatic, jump aboard one of many dedicated LOTR tours. And after all of that - if you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or White Water rafting.

Skyline Gondola
Hop aboard the Skyline Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the Southern hemisphere - and take in the awe-inspiring views of this spectacular landscape. Sit back and relax as you enjoy panoramic views of The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak and Coronet Peak - one of Queenstown’s Ski field.

Departing Queenstown in the morning you travel through the Kawarau Gorge towards Cromwell, a major fruit growing region.  If time allows you’ll visit the Jones Family Orchard, where you can sample the local produce from Cromwell and surrounds.  From Cromwell you’ll follow the edge of Lake Dunstan, passing through ruggedly beautiful dry hills landscape.

Continuing on you cross the Lindis Pass which is one of New Zealand’s highest roads with the summit reaching 971 metres, this also marks the border between Central Otago and the Mackenzie Country.  The first town you pass in the MacKenzie Country is Omarama where a short tea stop is available (own expense).  Then pass by Twizel , the surrounding countryside was the location of many Lord of the Rings movie scenes.

A short drive past Twizel you turn off the main road and follow the scenic drive along the edge of  Lake Pukaki, which delivers you into the heart of Mt Cook National Park. At Mt Cook Village you’ll enjoy a three-course lunch at the famous Hermitage Hotel. After lunch you’ll have time to explore the village and soak up the view. Alternatively you can experience a scenic helicopter or ski plane flight for incredible views of mountain peaks and glaciers (additional cost, weather permitting – this flight can be arranged with your driver guide on the day).

After lunch you’ll continue north to the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo.  You’ll enjoy a short stop here to take in the picturesque lake and one of the most photographed buildings in the country, the Church of the Good Shepherd.

As you traverse Burkes Pass you leave the MacKenzie Country behind and enter the vast Canterbury Plains, which take you all the way to Christchurch.

You will need at least a night in Christchurch after this your.