7 Day The Interisland Self Drive Experience

Today you arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s famed adventure hub, where mountain views meet lakeside charm. With your rental car sorted, you’re free to start exploring this vibrant town at your own pace. Your tour price includes a compact vehicle for relaxed touring, and you’re welcome to choose a different model from a wide range of available cars to suit your style.

Suggested Activity — Skyline Queenstown Gondola & Luge
Ride the gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for sweeping views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, then enjoy the thrill of racing down the luge tracks.

Suggested Activity — TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Cruise on the historic steamship across Lake Wakatipu to a beautiful high‑country farm for a hearty BBQ dinner and farm dog demonstration.

Queenstown is world‑renowned for its bold adventures, from jet boats to bungy jumping, yet it also invites you to soak up its natural beauty and relaxed lakeside culture. Take today to balance some action with scenic strolls, local eats and unforgettable views.

Suggested Activity — Shotover Jet Canyon Ride
Hold tight as you skim through the dramatic Shotover River canyons aboard the iconic jet boat, complete with thrilling 360‑degree spins.

Suggested Activity — Bridges Trail E‑Mountain Bike Ride
Set off from central Queenstown and cycle scenic trails through historic Arrowtown and the Gibbston wine region before savouring a local glass of wine.

Today’s drive leads you from alpine Queenstown through rugged gorges and high plains to the majestic Aoraki‑Mt Cook National Park. Expect ever‑changing landscapes and plenty of photo opportunities as you travel through Central Otago and the Mackenzie Basin.

Suggested Activity — Glacier Explorers Tour
Get closer to ancient icebergs on a unique boat tour across the Tasman Glacier terminal lake, with unforgettable iceberg views.

Suggested Activity — Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Discover the history of New Zealand exploration and climbing, plus enjoy immersive films and exhibits about Sir Edmund Hillary.

This morning you’ll take in the beauty of Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo before heading across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. The mix of bright lakes, sweeping farmland and distant mountains makes this leg a scenic delight.

Suggested Activity — Discover Christchurch Afternoon Tour
Enjoy a half‑day sightseeing tour of Christchurch, highlighting its heritage, renewal and green spaces.

Suggested Activity — Christchurch Gondola
Ride up above the city to take in panoramic views of Lyttelton Harbour, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps beyond.

Your journey north hugs rolling hills, coastal scenery and even an optional hot pools stop in Hanmer Springs. Arriving in Kaikōura, you’ll find one of New Zealand’s best places for marine wildlife encounters.

Suggested Activity — Ocean’s Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikōura
Head out on the water with New Zealand’s premier whale‑watching company to spot majestic sperm whales and other ocean wildlife.

Follow the dramatic Kaikōura coastline up to Picton, with scenic stops and Marlborough wine country to enjoy along the way. After arriving in Picton, you’ll board the picturesque ferry across the Cook Strait to Wellington.

Interislander Ferry — Picton to Wellington
Relax on the scenic three‑hour ferry ride through the Marlborough Sounds with frequent sightings of dolphins and seabirds.

Private Transfer — Wellington Ferry Terminal to Hotel
On arrival in Wellington, you’ll be met and taken straight to your accommodation for a smooth start to your city stay.

Suggested Activity — Zealandia By Night Tour
Explore the sanctuary at night to see rare native wildlife in a peaceful forest setting just minutes from the city.

Your trip concludes with a private transfer to Wellington Airport, giving you time to reflect on the incredible landscapes and experiences you’ve enjoyed. Take home brilliant memories of Aotearoa’s beauty and flair — in te reo Māori, mā te wā, which means not goodbye, but see you again soon!