All Trips · Oceania
Southern Alps, Lakes & Milford Sound
ourney through the spectacular heart of New Zealand’s South Island, from turquoise alpine lakes and snow-covered mountains to the dramatic wilderness of Milford Sound.
Duration
13 Days / 12 Nights
Starts
Christchurch
Ends
Queenstown
Car
Kia Stonic or Similar
Hotels
6 Cities
Stay as many nights as you wish
Your package price updates instantly
Hotels & rental car included — flights optional
Secure online payment
Overview
Discover some of New Zealand’s most extraordinary landscapes on this unforgettable self-drive journey from Christchurch to Queenstown. Travel through the Southern Alps, admire the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, spend time beneath New Zealand’s highest mountain, and experience the relaxed beauty of Wānaka.
Continue into Fiordland National Park for the magnificent road to Milford Sound before finishing with four nights in Queenstown. The suggested itinerary gives you plenty of time to enjoy each destination without rushing—and the duration and hotels can be adjusted to create your perfect New Zealand journey.
Perfect for
Self-Drive Explorers
Mountain Scenery
Couples
Photography Lovers
Hikers & Walkers
Food & Wine Lovers
Adventure Seekers
Stargazing Fans
Your Itinerary Overview
13 Days · 12 Nights
Christchurch
Lake Tekapo
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre Larch Grove
Wānaka
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels Manapouri Te Anau Highway
Queenstown
Your route. Your pace.
Add or remove nights at every destination. Your itinerary and package price update instantly.
1
Start
Arrive in Christchurch
Bealey Quarter
2
Day 2
Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Haka House Lake Tekapo
3
Day 3
Lake Tekapo to Aoraki/Mount Cook
YHA Mount CookStay 2 Nights · Days 3–5
4
Day 4
Explore Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
YHA Mount Cooknight 2 of 2 · Same accommodation
5
Day 5
Aoraki/Mount Cook to Wānaka
Haka House WanakaStay 2 Nights · Days 5–7
6
Day 6
Discover Wānaka
Haka House Wanakanight 2 of 2 · Same accommodation
7
Day 7
Wānaka to Te Anau
Te Anau Top 10 Holiday ParkStay 2 Nights · Days 7–9
8
Day 8
Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park
Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Parknight 2 of 2 · Same accommodation
9
Day 9
Te Anau to Queenstown
Pinewood QueenstownStay 4 Nights · Days 9–13
10
Day 10
Explore Queenstown
Pinewood Queenstownnight 2 of 4 · Same accommodation
11
Day 11
Glenorchy or Arrowtown
Pinewood Queenstownnight 3 of 4 · Same accommodation
12
Day 12
Queenstown at leisure
Pinewood Queenstownnight 4 of 4 · Same accommodation
13
Day 13
Depart Queenstown
Departure day · No overnight stay
Choose your rental car
Prices shown for a 13-day rental.More rental cars available — drag sideways or use the arrows to explore
Type
Why You'll Love This Trip
One scenic road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown — no backtracking
Enough time at each stop to actually enjoy it
Two full nights at Aoraki/Mount Cook with glacier walks on your doorstep
Optional Milford Sound cruise with seals, dolphins and waterfalls
Freedom to explore at your own pace with a rental car
World-class stargazing at Lake Tekapo's dark sky reserve
Duration and hotels can be tailored to suit you
Important travel information
This is a suggested 13-day itinerary. The duration, hotels, room category and rental-car category can be changed to suit your travel plans.
New Zealand drives on the left-hand side of the road. Driving times are approximate and do not include sightseeing, refreshment or photography stops.
The roads around Mount Cook, Fiordland and Milford Sound are scenic but can be affected by rain, snow, ice or strong winds. Always check the latest road and weather conditions before departure.
Milford Sound is reached by the same road in both directions. An organized excursion from Te Anau is recommended for travelers who prefer not to complete the return drive themselves.
The rental-car driver must meet the supplier’s age and license requirements. An International Driving Permit or approved English translation may be required when the original license is not in English.
A one-way rental charge may apply between Christchurch and Queenstown. Any applicable charge must be displayed in the confirmed rental-car price.
Accommodation in Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook and Te Anau is limited during popular travel periods. Early booking is strongly recommended, particularly between November and March.
What's Included
Accommodation for 12 nights in the selected hotel category
Daily breakfast where specified by the selected hotel
Rental car from arrival in Christchurch until departure from Queenstown
One-way rental between Christchurch and Queenstown
Unlimited kilometers where included in the selected rental rate
Standard rental-car insurance and mandatory local charges as specified during booking
Detailed day-by-day itinerary
All applicable hotel taxes and service charges
24-hour emergency assistance during your journey
What's Excluded
International or domestic flights unless specifically selected and shown in your booking
Fuel, parking charges, road tolls and traffic fines
Milford Sound cruise and other optional excursions
Meals and drinks unless specifically mentioned
National park activities, scenic flights and attraction entrance fees
Additional rental-car insurance or excess reduction
Personal expenses and gratuities
Travel insurance
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority, visa or visitor levy where required
From per personUS$1,522