Lakes and Glaciers: South Island, New Zealand
Set your own pace on a nine-day self-drive loop through New Zealand’s South Island. From Christchurch, cross Arthur’s Pass to the West Coast glaciers, continue over Haast Pass to Queenstown, then return through the Mackenzie Basin past Aoraki Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo. Included experiences add the International Antarctic Centre, Queenstown’s Skyline Gondola and a TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak for a gourmet barbecue lunch. Milford Sound can be added as an optional full-day journey. Rental car hire and eight nights’ accommodation are included, while international flights are arranged independently. This itinerary suits travellers who value scenic roads, flexible days and the freedom to linger rather than follow a fixed coach timetable.
A Glimpse of Your Journey
- ◆Self-drive — 8-day rental car, zero/reduced excess, Christchurch loop
- ◆International Antarctic Centre — penguins, Hagglund ride, included
- ◆West Coast glaciers — two nights at Franz Josef and Fox, own pace
- ◆TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak — 1912 steamship, BBQ lunch included
- ◆Aoraki Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo — the Mackenzie Basin drive back
Itinerary & Route
Collect the rental car at Christchurch Airport, ten kilometres and a 20-minute drive from the centre — this is where the zero or reduced excess liability terms are confirmed, so read them before signing. The International Antarctic Centre sits right next to the terminal, and today or tomorrow morning is the better window to use the included admission: live penguins, a Hagglund ride, and a storm simulator that's worth the two hours. The Botanic Gardens and Avon River are an easy walk from most central accommodation if there's daylight left.
Collect the rental car at Christchurch Airport, ten kilometres and a 20-minute drive from the centre — this is where the zero or reduced excess liability terms are confirmed, so read them before signing. The International Antarctic Centre sits right next to the terminal, and today or tomorrow morning is the better window to use the included admission: live penguins, a Hagglund ride, and a storm simulator that's worth the two hours. The Botanic Gardens and Avon River are an easy walk from most central accommodation if there's daylight left.
What's Included
- hotel
Accommodation
8 nights’ accommodation
- restaurant
Meals
Walter Peak gourmet BBQ lunch
- airport_shuttle
Transport
8-day rental car with zero or reduced excess liability
- local_activity
Activities
International Antarctic Centre, Skyline Gondola and TSS Earnslaw cruise
Dates & Prices
Dates are flexible
This is a private, ground-only itinerary — travel on dates that suit you. Enquire and we'll quote you for your preferred dates.
