Christchurch to Queenstown Luxury Explorer
Christchurch to Queenstown
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New Zealand tour itinerary name and information

Christchurch to Queenstown Luxury Explorer

Cross the Southern Alps via Arthurs Pass and then travel the West Coast to the Southern Lakes region and the adventure playgrounds of Wanaka and Queenstown, staying at premier lodges along the way.

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Quick Itinerary Details

South Island Self Drive

This suggested tour costs from NZD$5,131 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Queenstown

8 days/7 nights

Luxury Lodges & Hotels

 Rental car included

 Viewed 17 times in the last 7 days

Tour Inclusions

- Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation
Meals included: 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Tour at a glance

Day 1: Your time in Christchurch will begin with a transfer to your hotel, followed by the rest of the day at your leisure
Accommodation: The George Hotel

Day 2: Head inland to the Southern Alps and Arthurs Pass Wilderness Lodge
Accommodation: Wilderness Lodge, Arthurs Pass
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 137 kms / 85 miles : 1.7 hours

Day 3: Take advantage of some great activities all provided by the Wilderness Lodge
Accommodation: Wilderness Lodge, Arthurs Pass

Day 4: Descend to the ruggedly beautiful West Coast
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 229 kms / 142 miles : 2.7 hours

Day 5: Travel the spectacular Haast Pass to Wanaka
Accommodation: Tin Tub Luxury Lodge
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 283 kms / 176 miles : 3.3 hours

Day 6: It's just a short drive over the Crown Range to Queenstown and Azur Lodge
Accommodation: Azur Lodge
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 60 kms / 38 miles : 0.9 hours

Day 7: The day is yours to discover all the scenic spots and fun activities on offer in Queenstown
Accommodation: Azur Lodge

Day 8: Depart Queenstown today

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 8 kms / 5 miles : 0.2 hours

Tour full itinerary

Detailed itinerary: 8 day tour starting in Christchurch

Day 1 - Your time in Christchurch will begin with a transfer to your hotel, followed by the rest of the day at your leisure
Christchurch to Queenstown Luxury Explorer - Day 1
Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

Welcome to Christchurch City

Christchurch New Zealand's garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it is known for its wide tree lined avenues and lush gardens. A great way to explore the city or easy way to see the sights or ride the historic trams across town to the renowned botanic gardens and the unique cardboard Transitional Cathedral, that's right it is built of cardboard!

Your accommodation: The George Hotel

The George is the essence of supreme comfort. The award-winning 5 star hotel is opposite Hagley Park and just a few minutes stroll from the Botanic Gardens. It also has an award-winning restaurant, 50 Bistro onsite.
Day 2 - Head inland to the Southern Alps and Arthurs Pass Wilderness Lodge
Christchurch to Queenstown Luxury Explorer - Day 2
Collect your rental car

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.

Christchurch to Arthur's Pass

Crossing the Canterbury Plains, the rich farmland that attracted and helped settlers prosper becomes apparent as you head out of the city and towards the mountains.
The drive through the Waimakariri offers some spectacular views of the braided river valleys. Castle Hill Scenic Reserve sits in limestone country and the area is dotted with remarkable rock outcrops. Today its a popular location for climbers to practice but in the past it was also an important place for Maori in past years as they provided shelter on their seasonal journeys between the coasts. There is a network of walking paths allowing you to explore. The high country lakes and mountain landscape is unique. Arthur's Pass National Park covers 114,500 ha right in the heart of the Southern Alps.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Your accommodation: Wilderness Lodge, Arthurs Pass

Wilderness Lodge sits on it's own 3,000-hectare nature reserve and merino sheep farm and is surrounded by the mountains of Arthur's Pass National Park. Join nature guides to walk, canoe and discover kea parrots, giant buttercups, pygmy forests, alpine flower gardens and waterfalls.

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 137 kms / 85 miles : 1.7 hours

Day 3 - Take advantage of some great activities all provided by the Wilderness Lodge
Christchurch to Queenstown Luxury Explorer - Day 3
Explore Wilderness Lodge, Arthur's Pass

Nestled in mountain beech forest, midway between Christchurch and the West Coast, Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass offers stylish accommodation, great food, and warm hospitality in a spectacular mountain setting.
Set on a 4000 acre working sheep farm and nature reserve in the heart of the Southern Alps, a daily program of guided activities will be the highlight of your visit. Join naturalist and farmer guides to hike alpine trails, kayak wildlife refuge lakes, and experience life on a working farm.

Meals included: Breakfast

Your accommodation: Wilderness Lodge, Arthurs Pass

Wilderness Lodge sits on it's own 3,000-hectare nature reserve and merino sheep farm and is surrounded by the mountains of Arthur's Pass National Park. Join nature guides to walk, canoe and discover kea parrots, giant buttercups, pygmy forests, alpine flower gardens and waterfalls.
Day 4 - Descend to the ruggedly beautiful West Coast
Christchurch to Queenstown Luxury Explorer - Day 4
Arthur's Pass to Franz Josef Glacier

Travel through the Otira Gorge towards the wild West Coast. The next town is Hokitika and this is a great place to explore the craft and gift stores. The Jade or Greenstone on offer in Hokitika is probably some of the best you will see in the country. The Hokitika Gorge, off the beaten track and inland a little is a spectacular 45-minute detour. Turquoise waters flow through a narrow gorge. A great short walk will deliver you to this piece of paradise. Heading south Ross is the next town this is the site of an old gold mining town and still to this day a working gold mine and there is an option to pan for your own. Continuing south Hari Hari is the township that Guy Menzies decided to land in (or rather crash land) as he became the first person to fly solo across the Tasman. Whataroa, a small township on the main road is where you would head off to see one of the world's rarest birds. The entire population (somewhere between 150 and 200 birds) of the New Zealand white heron or Kotuku nest at the Waitangi Roto Nature Reserve and guided tours from October to March will take you there. Arriving in Franz Josef township is a lively place with a great atmosphere, restaurants including Blue Ice and Snakebite are worth a meal. This small town is packed with walks, adventure, and scenic activities, something for everyone.  

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter Line

Take a spectacular scenic flight over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers. Land at the head of one and view the incredible sight of this frozen ...

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Take a spectacular scenic flight over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers. Land at the head of one and view the incredible sight of this frozen river as it winds its way through ancient carved valleys. Should weather not be suitable to take this flight you are able to transfer your booking onto a similar tour on any of the Helicopter Line's operations in Queenstown or Mt Cook.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Your accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Nestled amongst native West Coast rainforest at Franz Josef is a very special five-star retreat. Designed with utmost care of its precious environment, guests at Te Waonui Forest Retreat will find themselves encircled by rainforest and accommodated in natural and sustainable luxury.

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 229 kms / 142 miles : 2.7 hours

Day 5 - Travel the spectacular Haast Pass to Wanaka
Christchurch to Queenstown Luxury Explorer - Day 5
Franz Josef to Wanaka

Heading south you will climb over the Fox hills before arriving at the small town of Fox Glacier. If it's a nice day enjoy spectacular reflections of snowcapped mountains in Lake Matheson, located just 5 minutes west of Fox. Heading south from fox enjoy the amazing scenery of the Southern Alps, and sneak peeks of the rugged beaches while winding through ancient temperate rainforests. Paringa Salmon Farm is worth a stop to stretch your legs, feed the fish, and stop for lunch and refreshments. At Knights Point Lookout, elephant seals can often be seen basking on the sandy beaches at the far end of the point. Crossing the Haast River you’ll turn inland and through the mountainous valley littered with waterfalls. A great suggested stop along this route is the Blue Pools. Continue on past lakes Hawea and Wanaka into the alpine township of Wanaka.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Lake Wanaka Cruise and Island Nature Walk

Lying close to the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. A unique glacial remnant of the last ice age, the island is also the histo...

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Lying close to the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. A unique glacial remnant of the last ice age, the island is also the historic site of early shipbuilding and used to be a stopping place for the steamers and log rafts that once plied the lake. Accessible from Wanaka by a 35-minute boat cruise, the landing is on the eastern side of the island where the remnants of the early settlement remain; a stone wharf and a hut. A well-formed track leads from the landing and climbs steadily through native bush to near the top of Tyrwhitt Peak. Just before the top, we see Arethusa Pool, a small lake on the island with small islands in it - very intriguing! From the top, we have a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its surrounding mountains and valleys, and below Arethusa Pool. The perfect spot to stop for tea or coffee. Going back down the track gives us more time to take in our surroundings, listening to and watching the lively bird-life, and just enjoying this unique wildlife reserve. You will feel well rewarded as you re-join the boat for the cruise back to Wanaka. Total cruise time is 1.5 hours. The trip runs subject to weather and lake conditions. Depending on the planting season, you can help The Reforestation of Mou Waho by planting a tree.

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Meals included: Breakfast

Your accommodation: Tin Tub Luxury Lodge

Experience the Tin Tub Luxury Lodge in Wanaka, an alpine hideaway you won’t want to leave. Enjoy the magnificent views while you relax in the heated swimming pool or from your personal balcony.

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 283 kms / 176 miles : 3.3 hours

Day 6 - It's just a short drive over the Crown Range to Queenstown and Azur Lodge
Christchurch to Queenstown Luxury Explorer - Day 6
Wanaka to Queenstown

Leaving Wanaka you head over New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road before dropping into Queenstown. This drive should be planned as a whole day to really enjoy the scenery and to allow time to explore the walks and many stops en route, including the Cardrona Distillery, Arrowtown and the wineries in Gibbston.

Meals included: Breakfast

Your accommodation: Azur Lodge

It's hard to imagine a more perfect view than the one from Azur Lodge, this luxury accommodation offers amazing vistas of Lake Wakatipu & the surrounding mountains. As well as the luxury guest villas, there is a main lodge for guest use, breakfast dining room & stunning guest lounge.

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 60 kms / 38 miles : 0.9 hours

Day 7 - The day is yours to discover all the scenic spots and fun activities on offer in Queenstown
Christchurch to Queenstown Luxury Explorer - Day 7
Explore Queenstown and surrounds

Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic and scenic wonders.
Head down the Gibbston Valley wine trail to sample some of the region’s best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw -  to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's ‘Rata.’ Check out nearby historic Arrowtown and enhance your experience with a four wheel drive trip to Macetown.
Take a leisurely lakeside stroll or ride the gondola for breathtaking views. Drive through Lord Of The Rings country - or for the really fanatic, jump aboard one of many dedicated LOTR tours. If you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shotover Jet, Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski.
Finally, if you're lucky enough to visit in winter (July-September) there are four ski resorts close by. You can head up to Coronet Peak and the Remarkables close to Queenstown, or head to Wanaka for Cardrona and Treble Cone.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Dart River Wilderness Jet

Journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park, where myth, heritage and fantasy come to life. As one of Queenstown&rsquo...

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Journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park, where myth, heritage and fantasy come to life. As one of Queenstown’s most exhilarating activities, the Wilderness Jet adventures on a spectacular journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mount Aspiring National Park.

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Meals included: Breakfast

Your accommodation: Azur Lodge

It's hard to imagine a more perfect view than the one from Azur Lodge, this luxury accommodation offers amazing vistas of Lake Wakatipu & the surrounding mountains. As well as the luxury guest villas, there is a main lodge for guest use, breakfast dining room & stunning guest lounge.
Day 8 - Depart Queenstown today
Christchurch to Queenstown Luxury Explorer - Day 8
Return your vehicle to Queenstown Airport

Explore more of Queenstown before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Meals included: Breakfast

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 8 kms / 5 miles : 0.2 hours

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Christchurch to Queenstown Luxury Explorer

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Remember - we can create this itinerary with any style of accommodation or customise to suit your interests and timeframe. Just contact us here.

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