9 Day Queenstown to Wellington Adventure Self Drive
This unforgettable journey showcases the very best of New Zealand from the Southern Alps to the capital city. Enjoy a perfect mix of alpine scenery, dramatic coastlines, unique wildlife and vibrant towns along the way. Every day reveals a new landscape and a fresh perspective.
From flying into Milford Sound to walking beneath glaciers on the West Coast, the experiences are immersive and varied. Scenic rail travel across the Southern Alps and a beautiful ferry crossing complete the adventure. This itinerary balances comfort, exploration and flexibility for a truly memorable holiday.
Note: All self-drive packages are fully customisable and can be tailored or combined to match your travel plans. Just let us know your preferences in the enquiry form!
Includes:
8 nights in comfortable motel accommodation (upgrades available)
Intermediate late model rental cars, with unlimited kms (upgrades available)
Fully inclusive rental car insurance (excess may apply)
Afterhours emergency support while touring
Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App
The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course
Included activity: Private Transfer Queenstown Airport to your Accommodation
Milford Sound Fly, Cruise, Fly with Milford Sound Scenic Flights
Franz Josef Nature Tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours
TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch
Shared Transfer from Christchurch Train Station to Christchurch CBD Accommodation
Interislander Ferry Picton to Wellington
Private Transfer Wellington Ferry Terminal to Hotel
Private Transfer Wellington Hotel to Airport
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Queenstown
Private Transfer from Queenstown Airport to Your Accommodation You’ll be met on arrival and privately transferred to your Queenstown hotel.
Explore Queenstown This alpine town sits on Lake Wakatipu beneath The Remarkables. From wineries and lake walks to iconic thrills like the Shotover Jet or Canyon Swing, Queenstown has it all.
Accommodation: Stay 3 nights at Scenic Suites Queenstown
Enjoy 4‑star comfort with mountain or lake views. The perfect place to unwind after your flight.
Day 2: Milford Sound Flight & Cruise
Fly, Cruise, Fly Experience Soar over Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. Cruise the majestic Milford Sound, then fly back over more breathtaking landscapes.
Day 3: Explore Queenstown
Collect Your Rental Car Pick up your included intermediate vehicle, or upgrade to suit your travel style. Take in lakefront walks, the TSS Earnslaw cruise, or panoramic gondola views. Or get your adrenaline fix with bungy, ziplining or a heli-hike.
Suggested experiences:
Shotover Jet Boat Ride – race through narrow canyon walls on one of Queenstown’s most iconic thrill rides.
Central Otago Boutique Wine Tour – sample cool-climate wines across Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell, paired with a relaxed vineyard lunch.
Skyline Gondola & Luge – glide to Bob’s Peak for panoramic views, then enjoy a thrilling luge ride back down.
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner – cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard a historic steamship to a lakeside farm for a gourmet BBQ and evening cruise under the stars.
Day 4: Queenstown to Franz Josef
Scenic Alpine Drive Cross the Crown Range to Wānaka and continue past Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. Walk to the Blue Pools before heading north through lush rainforest and wild coastlines.
Arrive in Franz Josef Pass Fox Glacier before reaching your alpine retreat for the night.
Travel Time: 4.6 hours
Distance: 350 kms
Accommodation: Stay 2 nights at Aspen Court Franz Josef
Surrounded by native bush, this motel offers peace and comfort with modern amenities.
Day 5: Explore Franz Josef
Glacier Valley Eco Tour Join expert local guides for a gentle walk through forest and riverside trails. Learn about glaciology, flora, fauna, and local legends.
Optional Add-On:Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight Fly over both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Land high on the ice for unforgettable views (weather permitting).
Day 6: Franz Josef to Christchurch via TranzAlpine
Drive to Greymouth & Return Car Head north via Hokitika and Ross, known for pounamu and gold history. Drop your car at the Greymouth station.
TranzAlpine Scenic Train Travel from coast to coast on one of the world’s top rail journeys. Pass through Arthur’s Pass and lush Canterbury Plains en route to Christchurch.
Transfer to Hotel Meet your driver at the station for a quick ride into town.
Travel Time: 2.1 hours
Distance: 170 kms
Accommodation: Terra Vive Luxury Suites and Apartments
Located near central cafes and shops, this is a stylish and spacious place to recharge.
Day 7: Christchurch to Kaikoura
Pick Up New Rental Car Choose your preferred vehicle and head north through wine country.
Scenic Drive to Kaikōura Pass Waipara vineyards and the Hawkswood Range. Arrive along the stunning Kaikōura coastline.
Optional Activity:Ocean’s Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikōura Spot sperm whales, dolphins and seabirds on this unforgettable marine tour.
Travel Time: 2.5 hours
Distance: 179 kms
Accommodation: The White Morph, Kaikōura
Enjoy sweeping ocean views with the mountains at your back.
Day 8: Kaikōura to Wellington
Drive to Picton via Blenheim Stop at Ohau Point for fur seals. Then cruise through Marlborough vineyards before reaching Picton.
Interislander Ferry to Wellington Sail through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait. Keep an eye out for dolphins and lighthouses on the way.
Private Transfer to Hotel A friendly driver will meet you at the terminal.
Travel Time: 2 hours
Distance: 137 kms
Accommodation: Adina CityLife Wellington
Stay in the heart of the capital, close to all the city’s top sights.
Day 9: Depart Wellington
Private Airport Transfer Your New Zealand adventure ends with a private transfer to Wellington Airport.
Self Drive Holiday Packages
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Nature & Wildlife
Scenic Plane Flights
Train & Rail Journeys
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