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Travel from Christchurch to Queenstown on this unforgettable South Island road trip. Our New Zealand holiday packages include activities, accommodation, and a rental car for ultimate convenience.
Highlights of this Christchurch to Queenstown road trip include a Franz Josef Glacier helicopter flight with a snow landing, a Milford Sound Cruise, and a stay in Queenstown.
Perfect for couples, families, and travellers of all ages, this Christchurch to Queenstown road trip travels at a comfortable pace.
Read on for more details of the 7 Day South Island Coast to Coast Package.
Arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand’s Garden City. Collect your rental car from the airport and make your way into the city. Explore Christchurch or relax in your accommodation.
In the evening, start your holiday by experiencing the luxury of a 36 seater colonial style dining tram. Enjoy fabulous dining at your private table with a sightseeing tour showcasing Christchurch’s inner city vibrancy and heritage.
Stay 1 night in Christchurch.
Driving time Christchurch to Greymouth 244 km / 151 miles, 3.5 hours
The Arthur’s Pass Highway through Porters Pass and Arthur’s Pass National Park is one of the most stunning drives in New Zealand. This coast-to-coast route traverses the Southern Alps. Highlights include passing the impressive Waimakariri and Otira River gorges, driving along the Otira Viaduct and exploring natural wonders like the rocks at Castle Hill and the narrow limestone cave at Cave Stream Reserve.
Explore Greymouth for the afternoon. You have the option to visit the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, which look like giant pancakes. The curious limestone formations are especially spectacular at high tide in a westerly sea. Mildly acidic rain, wind and seawater sculpted the bizarre shapes.
Stay 1 night in Greymouth.
Driving time Greymouth to Franz Josef 173 km /108 miles, 2.5 hours
Continue south through dense rainforest towards New Zealand’s most famous glaciers. Stay at Franz Josef Glacier township.
In the afternoon, explore the glacier country on a stunning scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier with a snow landing!
In the evening, option to visit Glacier Hot Pools for a relaxing spa under the stars.
Stay 1 night in Franz Josef.
Driving time Franz Josef to Wanaka 286 km / 177 miles, 4 hours
The change in landscape will amaze you as you travel down the West Coast, with glimpses of the Tasman Sea showing beneath rugged cliffs. Take the Haast Pass Highway inland and admire waterfalls and many viewing points and short walks along the way before reaching Wanaka, an alpine paradise with views so good it’s hard to put down your camera.
Stay 2 nights in Wanaka.
Relax and explore Wanaka – you may want to visit Puzzling World, Wanaka’s illusional attraction, or the National Toy and Transport Museum. Other options include strolling along one of Wanaka’s stunning walking tracks, relaxing on the lake’s edge or browsing through Wanaka’s boutique shops.
You could also visit Rippon Vineyard and Tasting Room to sample local wines, or catch a film at Cinema Paradiso, Wanaka’s quirky local theatre.
Driving time Wanaka to Queenstown 69 km / 43 miles, 1.5 hours
Drive over the Crown Range, one of New Zealand’s highest alpine roads, and admire the fantastic views along the way to the stunning alpine resort of Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital.
Relax and explore Queenstown in the afternoon or choose from an exciting range of optional activities including thrilling jet boat rides, rafting, scenic flights, 4WD safaris and many more.
Stay 2 nights in Queenstown.
Enjoy a scenic coach journey through heartland New Zealand to reach Milford Sound, where you will enjoy a 2.5 hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Milford Sound is sure to impress! Sheer cliffs, towering snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, hanging valleys, sub-tropical rainforest, marine life… words just don’t do it justice, you have to see it for yourself! After your cruise, relax while your coach returns through stunning scenery before delivering you back to your Queenstown accommodation.
Drop your rental car off at Queenstown Airport and depart Queenstown.
We take the stress out of travel planning with all-inclusive packages incorporating the highlights of New Zealand. Our itineraries are carefully designed to maximise sightseeing and experiences and minimise driving.
In addition, our New Zealand holiday packages are fully customisable. This means we can change the inclusions, schedule, or accommodation level to match your preferences. You may wish to browse our other 7 Day South Island Packages for inspiration.
Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to begin planning your South Island road trip.
Fill in this quick form to receive your FREE personal holiday quote from us...
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