Arrive into Christchurch airport picking up car hire before heading west across the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass, taking in stunning scenery & the outstanding natural beauty of the West Coast.

Renowned for their friendliness & hospitality, only 32,000 people inhabit the West Coast region Arthur’s Pass National Park is in the heart of the Southern Alps. It’s high mountains with large scree slopes, steep gorges and wide braided rivers, straddles the main divide – the ‘back bone’ of the South Island – between Canterbury and the West Coast. There are many short bush walk options around the Arthur’s Pass village where native birds such as the kea, tui and bellbird can commonly be seen.

Hokitika has a vibrant artisan community. Inspired by local landscapes and raw materials (jade, gold and other minerals, driftwood, timber, clay, shell, bone and fibres) it is no coincidence that craft artists, sculptors, jewellers, painters and poets have chosen the Hokitika area as their home.

Travelling Time: approx 4 hours drive

Accommodation: The Shining Star Beachfront Chalets, Hokitika

The road to the glaciers is rural, but with a wild streak. The farmland is trying to turn back into forest, and the beauty of the rivers is raw and primeval. At Ross there’s a goldfield walkway to explore, or enjoy a picnic by the shores of Lake Ianthe. The Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers grind down through temperate rainforest to just 250 meters above sea level (this is the only place outside Argentina where this occurs).

At Franz Josef Glacier visitors can walk to the terminal of the glacier in about 10 minutes. The terminal face of Fox Glacier is just 5 kilometres from the township that serves it. The road to the walking track crosses ancient moraine from earlier advances and retreats.

Staying at Fox Glacier travellers have the option to visit Lake Matheson. Take a short walk to Lake Matheson and capture the perfect photograph of snow capped Mount Cook reflected in the dark waters.

Travelling Time: approx 2 hours 15 minutes drive

Accommodation: Lake Matheson Motel, Fox Glacier

We recommend staying two nights at Fox Glacier (or in the glacier region), allowing you a full day to explore the glacier region, perhaps taking a helihike up onto the glaciers to experience their awesome beauty first hand with a local guide. There are also many stunning short walks throughout this region.

Accommodation: Lake Matheson Motel, Fox Glacier

Drive to Wanaka via the Haast Pass allowing plenty of time for the journey over Haast Pass from the coast. Many short walks begin at the road's edge, leading through rainforest to fabulous waterfalls.

Lake Wanaka is a region of striking mountains, deep alpine lakes and air as clear as crystal. The town of Wanaka is a resort town and gateway to the Mt Aspiring National Park. Those with a passion for aviation will love all the many options available at Wanaka Airport.

Travelling Time: approx 4 hours 45 minutes drive

Accommodation: The Wanaka Hotel, Wanaka

There are two ways to drive between Queenstown and Wanaka, and the Crown Range Road via the Cardrona Valley is the most memorable. The Crown Range road is the highest main road in New Zealand.

Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is New Zealand’s premier four season lake and alpine resort. Adventure activity options include skydiving, bungy jumping, jetboating, canyon swinging, white‐water rafting, parapenting and heli‐skiing.

Travelling Time: approx 4 hours 45 minutes drive

Accommodation: Breakfree The Point, Queenstown

Free day to experience some of the many activities available in this region. Dwarfed by the surrounding mountains, there are amazing views from everywhere. There’s also a permanent buzz in the downtown area where you’ll find a lively café/bar scene and excellent shopping.

From the mild to the wild you'll find your adventure threshold here. The expansive natural physical environment offers superb air, water and land based activities. Go walking, sailing, hiking, climbing, fishing, cycling, golfing, off-roading, skiing or mountain biking.

You may like to take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu, or try rafting on the Shotover or Kawarau Rivers. Glenorchy is a rustic town at the western end of Lake Wakatipu & a 45 min drive along it’s shores offers stunning scenery set against a backdrop of native beech forest and towering snow-capped mountains. This is the gateway to the Routeburn, Caples, Greenstone, Rees & Dart Valley walking tracks and is also the place to organise jetboating or kayaking trips on the Dart River.

Accommodation: Breakfree The Point, Queenstown

Fiordland has achieved World Heritage status and is renowned as the home of Mitre Peak and the Fiords of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Also well know are the Great Walks (the Milford Track, Routeburn Track, and Kepler Tracks), within the Fiordland National Park and Mount Aspiring National Park.

Day trips from Queenstown can be made either by coach & nature cruise, or for awe inspiring views of the fiord, mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes & lush rainforest nothing compares with the 40 min scenic flight from Queentown to Milford Sound (subject to weather conditions).

Accommodation: Breakfree The Point, Queenstown

Travel back to Christchurch Airport (flight time approx 1 hour). Depending on flight departure time, visitors may have time to experience more activities from the list of suggested Queenstown activities above.