9 Day Queenstown to Wellington Adventure Self Drive

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.

Fly, Cruise, Fly Experience
Soar over Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. Cruise the majestic Milford Sound, then fly back over more breathtaking landscapes.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Private Airport Transfer
Your New Zealand adventure ends with a private transfer to Wellington Airport.