Visit the Wheels at Wanaka event (8th & 9th April 2023) for 2 full days exploring New Zealand's largest display of anything on wheels, tracks or rollers! Plus enjoy some exclusive specials. Take a couple of additional days in Queenstown to enjoy some of the regions iconic attractions such as Walter Peak on the steamship TSS Earnslaw and of course a tour to Milford Sound.
South Island Self Drive
This suggested tour costs from NZD$1,544 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Queenstown, finishes in Queenstown
6 days/5 nights
Motels
Rental car included
Viewed 56 times in the last 7 days
Day 1: Welcome to Queenstown, collect your rental car and rest of the day to explore
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Day 2: Today take a drive to Te Anau and onto Milford Sound for a spectacular cruise
Accommodation: Lakefront Lodge
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 394 kms / 245 miles : 5.4 hours
Day 3: Travel back to Queenstown today. This evening take a cruise to Walter Peak Station on board the TSS Earnslaw
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 164 kms / 102 miles : 1.9 hours
Day 4: Head to Wanaka for Day 1 of Wheels at Wanaka
Accommodation: Edgewater
Day 5: Day 2 of Wheels at Wanaka
Accommodation: Edgewater
Day 6: Depart for home today
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 1 kms / 1 miles : 0.0 hours
Renowned for its adrenaline inducing activities Queenstown is synonymous with adventure. Parked on the shores of Lake Wakatipu this small alpine town is nestled below soaring vistas of The Remarkables Mountain Range. While arguably the brightest gem in New Zealand’s crown, Queenstown offers far more than an action-packed getaway. Spend time on the Gibbston wine trail and end with a meal at Michelin star chef Josh Emett’s restaurant, Rata. Take a trip down memory lane on a 100 year old steamship the TSS Earnslaw. Soak in the scenery on your walk around the lake, or venture further afield into Fiordland National Park. Head over the hill to resort town Wanaka, or re-live scenes from Lord Of The Rings by four wheel drive. But - if you really do want that rush - head out on the Shotover Jet, dive off the Nevis Bungy, freefall on the Canyon swing or Zip line the Gondola. Just be sure it's done on an empty stomach – don’t say we didn’t warn you!
This tour can be priced with any of the rental cars available in our fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUV's.
Your accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Blue Peaks Lodge offers well equipped self contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five minutes walk to the Queenstown lakefront.Following the shores of Lake Wakatipu south the Remarkable mountain range towers over you as you approach township of Kingston. Then into Southland and rolling fertile farm country. Crossing the rolling tussock lands you pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of New Zealand and into Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Passing Te Anau you joining the Milford Road which takes you to Milford Sound. This stretch of road has countless photo opportunities and short walks. The Mirror Lakes create perfectly clear reflections of the surrounding mountains and glacier formed meadows. Further along the road The Chasm Walk includes two walking bridges over the dramatic Cleddau River, while the surrounding ancient native beech forest creates a fascinating landscape. You'll pass through the Homer Tunnel, an incredible feat of engineering at 1219 metres long. Milford Sound is the only sound accessible by road, making it very popular to visit. Coming into the village you'll be greeted with an amazing view of Mitre Peak which rises spectacularly from the waters up to the sky. Real Journey cruises can take you out into the sound where you'll receive a wealth of information on how this magnificent area has been formed and experience first-hand the multitude of waterfalls that line the fiord.
Get up close and personal with Milford Sound on a leisurely cruise of this spectacular fiord. From thundering waterfalls to sky-high mountains to lush rainforests, Milford has it all. Experience the spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces. Informative, participative and relaxed, this is the perfect way to experience Milford Sound to the fullest.
Today you'll return on the Milford Road from Milford Sound to Te Anau. You'll have time to explore any of the walks and viewing points that you missed on the drive in.
Your accommodation: Lakefront Lodge
Stylish self contained motel units less than one minute walk from Te Anau Lakefront. Close to shops, cafes and restaurants.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 394 kms / 245 miles : 5.4 hours
Today you’ll cross vast tussock lands on your way to Queenstown. Pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of the nation. Continue on through the Southland countryside where the road begins to hug the lake edge and the Remarkables mountain range towers over your approach into the adventure capital of New Zealand.
Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience, a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship.
Enjoy the ambience of the heart of the stately homestead while your Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant chef prepares a gourmet BBQ dinner. Your seasonal menu includes an extensive selection of local New Zealand produce, including succulent meats and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Complete your meal with your choice of delicious desserts, New Zealand cheeses, tea and coffee.
After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals. Finally, cruise home under the southern stars and enjoy the fresh night air as the lights of Queenstown draw ever closer.
Your accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Blue Peaks Lodge offers well equipped self contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five minutes walk to the Queenstown lakefront.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 164 kms / 102 miles : 1.9 hours
Today cross the Crown Range, New Zealand's highest sealed road, to Wanaka to enjoy an action packed day at wheels at Wanaka. This event is an ALL vehicle, ALL machinery “history-in-motion” vintage fair - including steam engines, tractors & farming heritage, cars, motor-bikes, trucks, earthmovers and heavy machinery. You name it, they have got it on show! Buzzing with energy, Wheels at Wanaka is huge! With over 50 acres of entertainment from with tractor pulling & Enduro-X competitions to ATV and rally car demos, an earthmoving extravaganza and a non-stop parade ground program - a weekend is barely enough to see everything! The event attracts well over 20,000 visitors and enthusiasts of all ages travel to Wanaka for the weekend.
As a VIP guest you get:
Return to Queenstown for the night.
Your accommodation: Edgewater
Edgewater is Wanaka's leading hotel located right on the edge of Lake Wanaka. A short stroll to the town centres shops, cafes and restaurants and close to many walking trails the resort is ideal to explore this wonderful Alpine setting.Return to Wanaka via the Kawarau Gorge today to enjoy a different route through Cromwell.
Wheels at Wanaka 2023 is a not for profit trust with all surplus funds supporting local registered charities in the region. With a myriad of activities to explore along with trade stalls selling gadgets, spares and all things mechanical and collectable and a great range of food and drink stands. Displays by tractors, steam engines, vintage cars to the latest sports models are dotted around the 50 acres of entertainment.
Return to Queenstown via the Crown Range this evening.
Your accommodation: Edgewater
Edgewater is Wanaka's leading hotel located right on the edge of Lake Wanaka. A short stroll to the town centres shops, cafes and restaurants and close to many walking trails the resort is ideal to explore this wonderful Alpine setting.Drop your rental car at the Queenstown airport today and farewell New Zealand.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 1 kms / 1 miles : 0.0 hours