8 day South Island 4WD Journey

Christchurch
Today you will pick up your rental car and have ample free time to explore, here are some of our suggestions:

• Willowbank Wildlife Nature Park is where you will be able to see a wide variety of animals, but the main interest of this visit is the investment of this establishment in the protection of the kiwi bird. Part of the price of your entry will finance this project. The tour ends with a visit to a kiwi house.
• Sumner Bay & Lyttelton are great options for a stroll along the beach.
• Christchurch Farmer’s Market, an open-air market along the Avon River, is a wonderful stop for breakfast or for a picnic in the shade of century-old trees.
• Ballooning, best at sunrise, is the best way to fly above the Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps in the background.

Overnight: Christchurch City Hotel, executive studio
Meals: Breakfast, cooked

Christchurch – Blenheim
After breakfast travel to Blenheim (approx. four-hour drive). After you arrive, take some time to enjoy the different vineyards and other activities this farming town has to offer:

• Omaka Aviation Center, this aviation museum is exceptional for history buffs, particularly on the 1st and 2nd World War and its air battles.
• The Wine Station is an opportunity to taste up to 80 wines from the region in a renovated historic building.
• Bladen is a family vineyard where the harvest is still done by hand, and a must see.

Overnight: 14th Lane Urban Hotel, laneway king studio or laneway super king
Meals: Breakfast, continental

Blenheim – Hanmer Springs
Today you can adventure to the Molesworth Road. This is the longest track in the country, at more than111 miles. You first drive along a river before gradually gaining altitude to arrive in more mountainous atmospheres. You will meet many animals and sometimes even herds of cows or sheep. The Historic Molesworth Cob Cottage is a good lunch break. If you want to stretch your legs, you can go to the Trig lookout or even continue to Mt Chisolm.

Overnight: Hanmer Springs Hotel, superior room
Meals: Breakfast, cooked

Hanmer Springs – Mt Somers – Mt Sunday – Geraldine
Following breakfast you will drive to Mount Somers to access Mount Sunday. Monday Sunday is better known as Edoras in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, a beautiful place between mountains, lakes, and rivers whose visual appeal is outstanding, even if you are not a fan of the trilogy.

As you make your way there, you will also pass Lake Camp and Lake Clearwater, a holiday destination for Canterbury kiwis.

Overnight: The Vicarage Geraldine, superior king room
Meals: Breakfast at Barker’s Food Store & Eatery, cooked

Geraldine – Lake Tekapo
Today you will travel to Lake Tekapo (approx. one hour drive). Following check in, feel free to roam at your leisure, here are some of our recommendations to check out:

• Mt Cook National Park is the summit of New Zealand where you can enjoy walks, a heli hike, a heli flight, a cruise or kayak on Lake Tasman.
• Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935 in memory of the pioneers who settled in the Mackenzie region. Located at the edge of the lake, it is one of the most picturesque locations and is a must see for a successful trip to New Zealand.
• Plunge into Willow Bay for a cool swim in a glacial lake.
• Observatory of Mt John, while perched at an altitude of 3375 feet, is considered one of the best places in the world to observe the Milky Way.

Overnight: Galaxy Boutique Hotel Tekapo, deluxe lake view room
Meals: Breakfast, cooked

Lake Tekapo – Kurow – Duntroon – Danseys
After breakfast you will begin on a multi stop adventure. Starting with Hakataramea Valley, a trail that alternates between valley and highlands from Tekapo to Kurow. It is known to the locals but is little known to others. On the first part of the track, do not hesitate to make a few stops to photograph the mountains of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.  Plan your lunch break at the picturesque, unmissable Kurow Hotel, with its blue and yellow colors (approx. two-hour drive). Next you will begin the journey to Danseys Pass. There will be many photo stops through this portion, including the short detour to Elephant Rock and colorful landscapes. This will take you to your hotel for the evening (approx. two-hour drive).

Overnight: Danseys Pass Coach Inn
Meals: Breakfast, continental

Maniototo – Wanaka
After a relaxing morning, you will head to Wanaka (approx. 2hr, 15min drive). Spend the day exploring this real kiwi atmosphere with some of these options:

• Kayak for a short or a long trip on the lake.
• Visit Rob Roy Glacier.
• Puzzling World has different rooms that are dedicated to optical illusions and holograms. It also houses one of the largest 3D labyrinths in the world.
• Vineyards, less than an hour’s drive towards Cromwell has some incredible wineries including, Bald Hills and Mt Difficulty.
• Mou Waho Island Nature Tour, a half-day hiking excursion, where you will observe a unique and magnificent view of the lake
• Cromwell, a small fruit town whose gold rush has left a quaint little town center with a Wild West vibe. Pretty art and artist shops or a small cafe on the Clutha River awaits you.
• Mont Aspiring, you have to drive a bit, but it’s worth it. The road itself is very
  beautiful from the first 20-25 km you can easily see the glaciers.
• Via Ferrata, for the more adventurous we recommend this activity for a good
  dose of adrenaline. The route is suitable for children from 9 years old.
• Parachute Jump, this is one of the most beautiful regions to enjoy this
  adventure. The view is just breath-taking! We have several options to offer
  you, do not hesitate to contact us.
• Bicycle, it’s nice to rent and ride around the lake.
• Kayak for a short or a long trip on the lake.

Overnight: Waiorau Homestead, Harakake or Kahurangi room
Meals: Breakfast, cooked

Wanaka – Queenstown
After breakfast head to Queenstown (approx. one hour drive) where you will drop off your rental car at Queenstown Airport.

Meals: Breakfast

• Rippon Valley is one of the most southern vineyards in the world. Do not hesitate to schedule a tasting there. This will be accompanied by a dominant view of Lake Wanaka and the mountains.
• Mou Waho Island Nature Tour, a half-day hiking excursion that we particularly like. You will discover this island in the middle of Lake Wanaka, you will observe its flora and fauna and enjoy the unique and magnificent view of the lake. Do not hesitate to contact us to reserve this activity for limited places.
• Cinema Paradisio, a cinema “like at home”. Do like kiwis, buy a bag of popcorn or the still warm double chocolate cookie (a delight), take off your shoes and sit comfortably in the sofas. The films parade as the day progresses.
• Wine Tasting, in order to fully enjoy your wine tasting, why not opt for a guided tour in a small group? Our partners will make you discover the essential vineyards of the region, and we have several options to offer you from a few hours to the full day.
• Chat with Locals to measure the importance that the inhabitants of Wanaka attach to their quality of life, go and meet them in the bars and restaurants of the city.
• Combo Jet Boat, Helicopter scenic flight and walk, this 4-hour activity will allow you to live an amazing experience in the middle of river, snow, glacier and forest.