New Zealand : Winter Wonderland Self Drive

Note that due to to the current situation in Christchurch, some adjustments may be necessary to this itinerary. Please contact us for details.

Day 1 arrive Christchurch meet and greet on arrival and private transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 Christchurch-Greymouth shuttle transfer to the rail station and depart on the TranzAlpine train to Greymouth, enjoying spectacular views of the Southern Alps as you cross Arthurs Pass. Collect your rental car on arrival.

Day 3 Greymouth-Franz Josef (179km) follow the rugged coast road to Franz Josef.

Day 4 Franz Josef-Wanaka (287km) make your way inland over Haast Pass to Wanaka.

Day 5 Wanaka at leisure - you may wish to ski at nearby Treble Cone or Cardrona, or simply enjoy the scenery with a flight over Mt Aspiring National Park.

Day 6 Wanaka-Queenstown (117km) drive south to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Day 7 Queenstown today you will enjoy a snowshoeing adventure, exploring the pristine backcountry surrounding Queenstown. Snowshoeing in Queenstown offers a peaceful harmonious exploration of the wilderness. It is the perfect way for non-skiers to explore this mountainous wilderness away from the crowds.  Walking time is 3-5 hours and walking distance is 4-5 kilometres of moderate difficulty. 

Day 8 Queenstown today is a full day at leisure.

Day 9 Queenstown-Ranfurly (262km) make your way to Ranfurly in the heart of Central Otago. 

Day 10 Ranfurly try your hand at the Olympic sport of curling today; this has been a popular pasttime in this area since the late 1870’s! Next door to the Maniototo Indoor curling rink is the outdoor (artificial) ice rink which is available (optional at extra cost) for ice skating, ice hockey, and the traditional style of curling from crampits.

Day 11 Ranfurly-Lake Tekapo (362km) travel north to Tekapo, set on the shore of a beautiful glacial lake and backed by snow-capped mountains.

Day 12 Lake Tekapo a full day to enjoy the Alpine Springs and Snow Park, where you can relax in the hot pools or try ice-skating and snow-tubing (similar to a bobsleigh). Also on site is an Ice Skating Rink (Skating is optional and at extra cost) and a full Health Spa (optional - treatments at own cost).

Day 13 Lake Tekapo-Christchurch (230km) make your way over the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch for your final night’s accommodation.

Day 14 depart Christchurch return your rental vehicle at the airport and depart.