Lakes, Alps and Glaciers: 10 Day South Island Chauffeur Explorer

Discover the South Island’s iconic landscapes on a ten day chauffeur driven journey focused on comfort, flexibility and immersion. Travel from Christchurch through Mackenzie Country to Aoraki Mt Cook, then continue to Queenstown for Fiordland options and a Prestige Wine Experience. Explore Wanaka, Haast Pass and Franz Josef before returning to Christchurch.

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Duration

10 Day / 9 Night Tour

Price

$6,149

PEOPLE GOING

85+ Booked

PACKAGE

Itinerary

Itinerary Details
  1. Day 1
    Welcome to Christchurch

    Arrive in Christchurch and meet your chauffeur for a private transfer to your hotel. Spend the day exploring the Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market or enjoy a peaceful punt on the Avon River.

    Overnight in Christchurch.

  2. Day 2
    Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Mt Cook

    Travel across the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo, stopping at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue into the Mackenzie Basin and arrive in Mt Cook Village surrounded by alpine scenery.

    Overnight in Mt Cook.

  3. Day 3
    Alpine Wonders of Mt Cook

    Enjoy a full day in Mt Cook. Walk the Hooker Valley Track, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or relax under the region’s Dark Sky Reserve.

    Overnight in Mt Cook.

  4. Day 4
    Mt Cook → Queenstown

    Drive through Mackenzie Country and Central Otago via Cromwell and Kawarau Gorge before arriving in Queenstown. Evening at leisure along the lakefront.

    Overnight in Queenstown.

  5. Day 5
    Milford Sound Cruise (Self-Drive)

    Journey to Milford Sound via Te Anau and Fiordland’s dramatic scenery. Enjoy your included Pure Milford Cruise with picnic lunch before returning to Queenstown.

    Overnight in Queenstown.

  6. Day 6
    Gibbston Valley Prestige Wine Experience

    Experience the Prestige Wine Tour in Gibbston Valley with cave tastings, vineyard tour and a two-course paired lunch. Afternoon free in Queenstown.

    Overnight in Queenstown.

  7. Day 7
    Queenstown → Franz Josef Glacier

    Travel via Wanaka and Hawea before crossing Haast Pass into Glacier Country. Arrive in Franz Josef and enjoy walks, hot pools or local views.

    Overnight in Franz Josef.

  8. Day 8
    Franz Josef & West Coast Wildlife Centre

    Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre to see rare Rowi Kiwi, then explore rainforest trails or Lake Matheson. Optional glacier helicopter flights available.

    Overnight in Franz Josef.

  9. Day 9
    Franz Josef → Christchurch

    Return through Haast Pass, Central Otago and Lindis Pass into Mackenzie Country. Enjoy views of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki before reaching Christchurch.

    Overnight in Christchurch.

  10. Day 10
    Farewell from Christchurch

    Relax in Christchurch before your chauffeur transfers you to the airport. Explore the gardens or Riverside Market if time allows. Journey concludes today.

Tour Highlights
    • Arrive in Christchurch and meet your private chauffeur for a smooth transfer to your hotel.
    • Explore the city at your own pace, from riverside pathways to charming local markets.
    • Wander through the peaceful Botanic Gardens or browse artisan stalls at Riverside Market.
    • Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with optional punting along the Avon River.
    • Driving distance: 10 km / 6 miles (20 minutes)
Accommodations
  • 1 night in Christchurch at a 3 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 2 nights in Mt Cook Village at a 3 Star Hotel.
  • 3 nights in Queenstown at a 3- Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 2 nights in Franz Josef at a 4 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 10 days.
  • Fuel, parking, tolls and driver expenses included.
  • Standard operational charges included.
  • Airport, hotel and activity pick up and drop off.

 

Exclusive Experiences

  • Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
  • West Coast Wildlife Centre.
  • Freedom to explore at your own pace with curated activity suggestions.
  • Accommodation in a 3-4 Star Hotel for 9 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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