Alpine Horizons: 5 Day South Island Discovery

Experience the South Island’s finest landscapes on a five day chauffeur driven journey designed for comfort and relaxed exploration. Start in Queenstown beside Lake Wakatipu, with time for adventures. Visit Milford Sound’s cliffs and waterfalls, then travel north to Franz Josef’s glacier and rainforest. Finish with a drive through Mackenzie Country to Christchurch.

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PACKAGE

Itinerary

Itinerary Details

Day 1

Arrival in Queenstown

Arrive in Queenstown and meet your chauffeur for a private transfer to your hotel. Explore the lakeside promenade, shops and cafés, or relax with Central Otago wine while enjoying mountain views.

Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 2

Queenstown at Leisure

Enjoy a free day in Queenstown with your chauffeur available for local transfers. Stroll the lakefront, relax in town or join optional activities such as a jet boat ride or a Central Otago wine tour.

Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 3

Queenstown to Milford Sound Return

Travel the stunning Milford Road through Fiordland’s lakes, forests and dramatic valleys. Optional Milford Sound cruise to see waterfalls and wildlife. Return to Queenstown after a full day of unforgettable scenery.

Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 4

Queenstown to Franz Josef (Glacier Country)

Journey via Arrowtown and the lakes of Wanaka and Hawea into Haast Pass’s waterfalls and rainforest. Arrive in Franz Josef to explore trails, hot pools or visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre.

Overnight in Franz Josef.
Day 5

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

Travel back through Haast Pass, Wanaka and Cromwell before crossing Lindis Pass into Mackenzie Country. Enjoy lake views at Tekapo and Pukaki before continuing across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch for departure.

Tour Highlights

Arrive in Queenstown and meet your private chauffeur for a smooth transfer to your hotel.

Settle into this alpine lakeside town framed by the Remarkables and crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu.

Stroll the lakefront promenade, browse boutique shops, or unwind in a cosy café or wine bar.

Enjoy a relaxed evening taking in Queenstown’s mountain views and vibrant atmosphere.

Driving distance: 10 km / 6 miles (20 minutes)
Spend a free day exploring Queenstown with your chauffeur available for local transfers.

Wander along the lakefront, relax in cafés, or enjoy leisurely sightseeing in the town centre.

Choose optional adventures, from a high-speed jet boat ride to an afternoon exploring local vineyards.

Take in Queenstown’s mix of alpine tranquillity and lively energy at your own pace.

Driving distance: Minimal local driving
Journey along Lake Wakatipu before entering Fiordland’s dramatic landscapes and rainforest valleys.

Travel the Milford Road, passing alpine lakes, towering granite peaks, and scenic photo stops.

Optionally cruise Milford Sound, gliding past waterfalls and sheer cliff faces while spotting wildlife.

Return to Queenstown after a spectacular full-day adventure through glacier-carved wilderness.

Driving distance: 574 km / 357 miles return (9.5 hours with stops)
Travel north through the historic village of Arrowtown before continuing past Lakes Wanaka and Hawea.

Cross Haast Pass, surrounded by waterfalls, rainforest, and rugged mountain scenery.

Arrive in Franz Josef, nestled between lush rainforest and its world-famous glacier.

Spend the afternoon walking local trails, relaxing in hot pools, or visiting the West Coast Wildlife Centre.

Driving distance: 350 km / 217 miles (5.5 hours)
Begin your journey east across alpine valleys and through the rainforest landscapes of Haast Pass.

Travel via Wanaka and Cromwell before ascending Lindis Pass with its sweeping tussock plains.

Stop for views of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, known for turquoise waters and alpine backdrops.

Continue across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch for airport drop-off or onward travel.

Driving distance: 450 km / 280 miles (7 hours)

Accommodations

3 nights in Queenstown at a 4 Star Hotel with breakfast..
1 night in Franz Josef at a 4 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 5 days.
Fuel, parking, tolls and driver expenses included.
Standard operational charges included.
Airport, hotel and activity pick up and drop off.

Exclusive Experiences

Freedom to explore at your own pace with curated activity suggestions.
Accommodation in a 3-4 Star Hotel for 4 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

Zara C.

4 days ago

This five-day trip was short but filled with amazing sights. Starting in Queenstown set the tone, and the drive to Milford Sound was absolutely worth it. Every part of the itinerary felt smooth and well-planned. Such an enjoyable self-drive experience.

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Logan F.

6 days ago

I was impressed by how much beauty was packed into this route. Franz Josef, Haast, and the alpine passes were stunning, and having everything organised made the trip so easy. A perfect way to see the South Island in just a few days.

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Ava D.

2 days ago

The mix of lakes, mountains, and coastlines made this journey unforgettable. Lindis Pass and Mackenzie Country were highlights for me. The itinerary flowed naturally, and the freedom to explore each stop made it even better. Would book again for sure!

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