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Self Drive
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No minimum number of passengers
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English
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Standard, Superior, or First Class Hotel
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Christchurch
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Christchurch
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All meals included
Glacier Wonder – Self-Drive Tour | South Island Highlights
Begin your South Island adventure in Christchurch, where you collect your rental car and set out across the wide Canterbury Plains toward the wild West Coast. Christchurch offers a relaxed start to the journey, blending green spaces, river precincts, and a creative urban feel before the landscapes quickly become more dramatic as you head west.
Arriving in the West Coast Glacier Region, you are immersed in one of New Zealand’s most striking environments. Here, dense temperate rainforest meets towering mountains and ancient ice. Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers flow down from the Southern Alps toward the coast, creating a rare and powerful contrast of landscapes. Optional experiences such as scenic flights or guided glacier walks allow you to appreciate the scale and beauty of this icy wilderness.
The route then leads south and inland toward Queenstown, spectacularly set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by alpine peaks. Known for its dramatic scenery and vibrant atmosphere, Queenstown offers time to relax, explore lakeside walks, or enjoy optional adventure and sightseeing experiences at your own pace.
From Queenstown, journey through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders. A scenic cruise through the fjord reveals sheer rock faces, cascading waterfalls, and rainforest-clad cliffs shaped by ancient glaciers. After this unforgettable highlight, continue to the peaceful lakeside town of Te Anau.
Next, travel east to Dunedin, a city celebrated for its historic architecture, dramatic coastline, and rich wildlife. Nearby coastal areas provide opportunities to encounter native species, while the city itself adds cultural depth and character to the journey.
The final stage of the tour takes you inland to the breathtaking Lake Tekapo and Aoraki / Mount Cook region. Brilliant turquoise lakes, vast alpine landscapes, and star-filled night skies define this area, offering a serene and scenic conclusion to your adventure. The journey then returns to Christchurch, completing this unforgettable Glacier Wonder self-drive experience.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking scenic freedom, glacier landscapes, alpine beauty, and some of the South Island’s most iconic natural highlights, all experienced at a comfortable and flexible pace.
Highlights
- 10 Day Rental Car
- 10 Nights Accommodation
- International Antarctic Centre
- Milford Sound Cruise including Lunch
- Argo Wildlife Tour
- Private Touring can be arranged upon request
