13 Day Routeburn Great Walk & South Island Wonders Self Drive

Arrive in Queenstown, a spectacular alpine town set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and framed by the Remarkables mountain range. Known for its energy and scenery, it offers a perfect introduction to the South Island’s natural beauty and adventure culture.

Included: Private Transfer Queenstown Airport to your Accommodation
Enjoy a seamless arrival with a private transfer directly to your hotel. This comfortable service allows you to relax and take in your first views of Queenstown’s alpine landscapes.

Suggested Activity: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard a historic steamship to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner and lakeside setting, followed by a scenic return under the evening sky.

Spend the day exploring Queenstown, a destination that blends alpine scenery with a lively atmosphere. Whether you prefer relaxation or adventure, there is no shortage of experiences to enjoy.

Take a stroll along the lakefront, ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views, or venture into the nearby Gibbston Valley wine region. For something more adventurous, options like jet boating on the Shotover River or exploring Glenorchy offer unforgettable highlights.

Suggested Activity: Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour with Nomad Safaris
Journey into the dramatic Skippers Canyon, following a historic road carved into steep cliffs above the Shotover River. Along the way, visit heritage sites such as the Skippers Suspension Bridge and learn about the region’s gold mining past.

Begin your guided Routeburn Track experience, travelling into the heart of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks. This world-renowned hike offers a journey through diverse alpine landscapes and native forest.

The day starts with a scenic drive via Te Anau to the Divide before setting out on foot. Highlights include Key Summit’s sweeping views, Lake Howden, and the impressive Earland Falls before arriving at your lodge.

Enjoy a fully guided hiking experience with expert commentary on the region’s ecology and history. The journey includes transport, meals, and support, allowing you to focus on the stunning surroundings.

Continue your journey along the Routeburn Track, climbing above the treeline into alpine terrain. This section offers some of the most expansive views across the Southern Alps.

Walk through a changing landscape of alpine meadows, mountain passes, and glacial valleys. Your guides provide insight into native flora, birdlife, and the surrounding environment.

Pass through areas such as Ocean Peak Corner and Harris Saddle, with optional side trips to viewpoints like Conical Hill. The route continues past Lake Harris and into the upper Routeburn Valley before reaching your lodge.

Complete your final section of the Routeburn Track, descending through native forest and river valleys. The journey follows the Routeburn River, offering a gentle and scenic conclusion to your hike.

Along the way, pass through the Routeburn Flats and enjoy views of the surrounding peaks before reaching the road end. From here, return to Queenstown via Glenorchy, a picturesque lakeside township, known for its stunning lake and mountain backdrop.

Depart Queenstown and travel across the Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest sealed road, into Central Otago. The journey continues past Wānaka, Lake Hāwea, and through Mount Aspiring National Park towards the West Coast.

Descending via Haast Pass, you’ll encounter waterfalls, rivers, and dense rainforest before reaching the remote coastal wilderness of Lake Moeraki. This region forms part of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area.

Included: Collect Rental Car and Self Drive to Lake Moeraki
Begin your self drive journey with a scenic route through alpine and coastal landscapes. The drive offers a variety of stops including the Blue Pools near Makarora and numerous lookout points.

Spend the day immersed in the untouched wilderness of the West Coast. Surrounded by rainforest, lagoons, and rugged coastline, this is a place to slow down and connect with nature.

Explore walking trails through native forest, kayak across the calm waters of Lake Moeraki, or relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Guided nature experiences also offer insight into the region’s unique ecosystems and wildlife.

Travel north along the West Coast, where rainforest meets wild beaches and distant alpine peaks. Enjoy a scenic journey along the West Coast highway with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore. The route showcases a unique blend of coastal and alpine environments.

Pass through Fox Glacier, where you can visit Lake Matheson for its famous reflections of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Continuing over the Fox Hills, arrive in Franz Josef, a lively glacier village surrounded by rainforest.

Suggested Activity: Franz Josef Nature Tour
Explore the glacier valley with an expert guide, learning about the region’s geology, flora, and wildlife. The walk takes you through rainforest and along glacier-fed rivers with stunning views.

Suggested Activity: Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight
Take to the air for a spectacular flight over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Landing on the snow offers a rare opportunity to experience this icy landscape up close.

Travel north along the West Coast to Greymouth, passing through towns such as Hokitika, known for its pounamu craftsmanship. The journey highlights coastal scenery, historic settlements, and native forest.

Return your car at Greymouth, and board the TranzAlpine train for a spectacular journey across the Southern Alps to Christchurch. This iconic rail journey showcases river valleys, mountain passes, and vast plains.

Included: TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Christchurch
Travel through Arthur’s Pass National Park with panoramic views of alpine scenery. The journey is considered one of the world’s great train experiences.

Included: Private Transfer Christchurch Train Station to Accommodation
Enjoy a convenient transfer to your hotel on arrival. This ensures a smooth and easy transition after your journey.

Included: Collect Rental Car
Leave Christchurch and travel across the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps. The landscape gradually transforms from farmland to alpine scenery.

Pass through towns like Geraldine and Fairlie before reaching Lake Tekapo, known for its turquoise waters and mountain backdrop. Continue alongside Lake Pukaki, where views of Aoraki Mount Cook dominate the horizon.

Suggested Activity: Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Learn about the life and achievements of Sir Edmund Hillary and the history of mountaineering in the region. The centre also features films and exhibits showcasing the alpine environment.

Spend the day exploring Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak and vast alpine landscapes. The area offers a range of activities from short walks to scenic flights.

Visit locations such as the Tasman Glacier, Kea Point, or the Hooker Valley Track for stunning mountain views. As night falls, the region’s dark sky reserve offers exceptional stargazing opportunities.

Included: Mountain High Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing
Take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps and land on a glacier high in the mountains. This experience provides a unique perspective of the region’s scale and beauty.

Here are a few popular walks to explore:

Bowen Bush Walk: 10-minute return
Glencoe Walk: 10-minute return
Red Tarns Track: 2-hour return
Kea Point Walk: 2-hour return
Sealy Tarns Track: 3 - 4 hours return

Depart the national park and travel past Lake Pukaki through the Mackenzie Basin and Central Otago. The journey offers a mix of alpine scenery, historic sites, and changing landscapes.

Pass through Twizel and Omarama before crossing the Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand’s highest roads. Enjoy a scenic drive through Central Otago’s diverse landscapes. Continue through Cromwell and the Kawarau Gorge, with views of vineyards and rugged cliffs.

Your journey concludes in Queenstown, surrounded by mountains and lake views. Take time to enjoy a final stroll or café visit before departure.

Included: Return Rental Car at Queenstown Airport
Return your vehicle at the airport depot before continuing your onward journey. This simple process ensures a smooth and stress-free departure.