Alpine & Coastline Majesty – 12 Day Chauffeur Journey

Discover the best of the South Island on a 12 day chauffeur driven journey linking alpine towns, historic cities, wildlife coasts and glacier landscapes. Travel from Christchurch to Aoraki Mt Cook for a scenic flight, then on to Dunedin, Te Anau and Milford Sound. Enjoy Queenstown before a Franz Josef helihike, ending with a scenic return to Christchurch.

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PACKAGE

Itinerary

Itinerary Details

Day 1

Arrive in Christchurch, the Garden City

Arrive in Christchurch and meet your chauffeur for a private transfer to your hotel. Explore the Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market or enjoy a relaxing punt along the Avon River.

Overnight in Christchurch.
Day 2

Christchurch → Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

Travel across the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd, then continue to Aoraki Mt Cook. Enjoy your included Glacier Highlights Scenic Flight before relaxing in the village.

Overnight in Mt Cook.
Day 3

Mt Cook → Dunedin, City of Scottish Heritage

Journey from alpine landscapes to Dunedin via Twizel, Omarama and Oamaru’s Victorian precinct. Arrive in Dunedin with the evening free to explore its Scottish heritage.

Overnight in Dunedin.
Day 4

Otago Peninsula Wildlife & History

Enjoy the Castle to Cruise experience: visit Larnach Castle, cruise around Taiaroa Head for wildlife viewing, and join a penguin encounter at The Opera eco reserve.

Overnight in Dunedin.
Day 5

Dunedin → Te Anau, Gateway to Fiordland

Travel south through rural Southland toward Te Anau, with an optional route through the Catlins. Arrive by afternoon to enjoy lakeside walks and peaceful Fiordland scenery.

Overnight in Te Anau.
Day 6

Milford Sound Self-Drive + Pure Milford Cruise

Drive the Milford Road for your Pure Milford Cruise with picnic lunch. See waterfalls, cliffs and wildlife before returning to Te Anau at a relaxed pace.

Overnight in Te Anau.
Day 7

Te Anau → Queenstown, the Adventure Capital

Travel north toward Queenstown, following Lake Wakatipu’s dramatic shoreline. Afternoon free to explore the lakefront, boutiques or take the gondola.

Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 8

Queenstown at Leisure

Free day in Queenstown with chauffeur support. Explore Arrowtown, enjoy wine tasting, take a gondola ride or relax beside Lake Wakatipu.

Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 9

Queenstown → Franz Josef via Haast Pass

Drive via Crown Range, Wanaka, Lake Hawea and Haast Pass’s waterfalls and rainforest before reaching Franz Josef by evening.

Overnight in Franz Josef.
Day 10

Franz Josef Glacier Helihike

Experience your Franz Josef Glacier Helihike with scenic helicopter flight and guided glacier walk. Afternoon free for hot pools or village exploring.

Overnight in Franz Josef.
Day 11

Franz Josef → Christchurch (via Haast Pass & Mackenzie Country)

Return across Haast Pass, Wanaka and Lindis Pass into Mackenzie Country. Stop at Lakes Pukaki or Tekapo before arriving in Christchurch for your final night.

Overnight in Christchurch.
Day 12

Christchurch Departure

Return across Haast Pass, Wanaka and Lindis Pass into Mackenzie Country. Stop at Lakes Pukaki or Tekapo before arriving in Christchurch for your final night. Overnight in Christchurch.

Tour Highlights

Meet your private chauffeur at Christchurch Airport for a smooth transfer to your hotel.

Wander the Botanic Gardens, explore the Riverside Market, or enjoy local cafés.

Take a peaceful punt along the Avon River while learning about the city’s history.

Spend the evening relaxing or sampling Christchurch’s vibrant dining scene.
Travel across the Canterbury Plains into the Mackenzie Basin with mountain views ahead.

Visit Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing to Lake Pukaki.

Arrive in Aoraki Mt Cook Village and enjoy your Glacier Highlights Scenic Flight.

Relax in your alpine accommodation surrounded by New Zealand’s highest peaks.

Driving distance: 330 km / 205 miles (4.5 hours)

Included: Glacier Highlights Scenic Helicopter Flight
Journey through Twizel and Omarama before following the Waitaki Valley to the coast.

Stop in Oamaru to explore Victorian architecture and quirky steampunk boutiques.

Continue south to Dunedin, known for grand stone buildings and cultural character.

Check into your hotel and enjoy an evening exploring the Octagon and historic streets.

Driving distance: 320 km / 199 miles (4.5 hours)
Begin with a guided tour of Larnach Castle featuring elegant interiors and hillside gardens.

Cruise around Taiaroa Head on the MV Monarch, spotting albatross and marine life.

Visit The Opera eco reserve for a conservation-focused Yellow Eyed Penguin experience.

Return to your Dunedin hotel after a full day of wildlife and coastal scenery.

Driving distance: Local transfers only

Included: Castle to Cruise Tour + Penguin Experience
Travel through rolling farmland and classic Southland townships with scenic viewpoints.

Optional coastal detour through the Catlins for waterfalls and rugged beaches.

Arrive in peaceful Te Anau on the edge of Fiordland National Park.

Spend your evening lakeside, exploring cafés or enjoying mountain views.

Driving distance: 290 km / 180 miles (4–4.5 hours; longer via Catlins)
Follow the famous Milford Road past Mirror Lakes, alpine valleys, and glacier-fed rivers.

Travel through the Homer Tunnel before emerging into iconic Milford Sound scenery.

Board your Pure Milford Cruise with picnic lunch and enjoy waterfalls and wildlife.

Return to Te Anau with relaxed sightseeing stops and short walks along the route.

Driving distance: 240 km / 150 miles return (approx. 4 hours + stops)

Included: Pure Milford Cruise + chauffeur transfers
Travel north along scenic countryside toward the Remarkables mountain range.

Follow Lake Wakatipu’s winding shoreline into Queenstown’s alpine landscapes.

Arrive by midday and explore the lakefront, gondola, boutiques, or cafés.

Enjoy a free evening with dining and entertainment at your own pace.

Driving distance: 170 km / 106 miles (2.5 hours)
Enjoy a full free day with your chauffeur available for short local transfers.

Explore Queenstown, visit Arrowtown, or stroll the lakeside boardwalks.

Optional activities include wine tasting, jet boating, or gondola and dinner.

Relax in the afternoon and take in Queenstown’s spectacular mountain surroundings.

Driving distance: Minimal local/regional driving (up to 60 km)
Cross the Crown Range or travel via Cromwell before arriving in Wanaka.

Continue past Lakes Wanaka and Hawea into the dramatic Haast Pass.

Journey through rainforest, river gorges, waterfalls, and rugged alpine terrain.

Arrive in Franz Josef village surrounded by glacier valleys and lush forest.

Driving distance: 350 km / 217 miles (5.5–6 hours)
Walk or request a short transfer to the heli base just minutes from most hotels.

Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight followed by a guided hike on Franz Josef Glacier.

Explore crevasses, ice formations, and dramatic glacial landscapes with expert guides.

Spend your afternoon relaxing in town, visiting hot pools, or enjoying local cafés.

Included: Glacier Helihike + scenic flight + guided glacial hike
Retrace the route over Haast Pass with waterfalls, photo stops, and short trails.

Continue through Wanaka and Cromwell before crossing the sweeping Lindis Pass.

Pause at Lakes Pukaki or Tekapo for final Alpine and turquoise-lake vistas.

Arrive in Christchurch for your final night on the South Island.

Driving distance: 450 km / 280 miles (7 hours)
Enjoy a relaxed final morning exploring Hagley Park, cafés, or the Botanic Gardens.

Meet your chauffeur for your airport transfer at the scheduled time.

Depart Christchurch carrying memories of glaciers, lakes, mountains, and fiord landscapes.

Your chauffeur-guided South Island journey comes to a comfortable close.

Driving distance: 10 km / 6 miles (20 minutes)

Accommodations

1 night in Christchurch at a 3 Star Hotel with breakfast.
1 night in Mt Cook Village at a 3 Star Hotel.
2 nights in Dunedin at a 3 Star Hotel with breakfast.
2 nights in Te Anau at a 3 Star Hotel with breakfast.
2 nights in Queenstown at a 3 Star Hotel with breakfast.
2 nights in Franz Josef at a 3 Star Hotel with breakfast.
1 night in Christchurch at a 3 Star Hotel with breakfast.

Guests may request to upgrade to 5 Star hotels. Upgrades are subject to availability and additional costs.

Package Includes

Chauffeur Service

Private chauffeur driven vehicle for 12 days.
Fuel, parking, tolls and driver expenses included.
Standard operational charges included.
Airport, hotel and activity pick up and drop off.

Exclusive Experiences

Glacier Highlights Scenic Flight (Mt Cook).
Larnach Castle tour and gardens (Dunedin).
Otago Peninsula wildlife cruise and penguin experience.
Pure Milford Cruise with picnic lunch from Te Anau.
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-hike with Glacier Guides.
Freedom to explore at your own pace with curated activity suggestions.
Accommodation in a 3 Star Hotel for 11 nights with Breakfast.

Disclaimer:
To comply with NZTA regulations, drivers are limited to 14 hours of duty per day (including required breaks) and must have a minimum 10-hour rest period each night. Driving times are approximate, and additional breaks may be required. Local driving within a region is charged additional cost per hour.

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What Travelers Are Saying About Our Tours

Freya H.

3 days ago

The South Island Signature Circuit was such an incredible journey. Dunedin’s railway, Fiordland’s beauty, and the West Coast glaciers made every day exciting. The 12-day pace was perfect, and the self-drive setup felt really smooth and easy.

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Lucas D.

1 week ago

I loved the mix of structured experiences and optional adventures. The Taieri Gorge Railway and Milford Sound cruise were unforgettable, and the heli-hike in Franz Josef was a standout. Everything was well-planned from start to finish.

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Naomi R.

4 days ago

This itinerary offered amazing variety—wildlife, mountains, glaciers, and charming towns. Queenstown was a highlight, and the freedom to add activities made the trip feel personalised. A brilliant way to explore the South Island.

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