You will be met on arrival into Christchurch Airport and transferred to The George Hotel, for one night stay in a standard room close to the centre of New Zealand’s beautiful ‘Garden City’.

At approximately 09.00 hrs a representative will deliver your Intermediate Automatic rental car to your hotel (note – delivery available weekdays only excluding public holidays, at weekends it would be necessary to make your own way to the car depot). Drive to Franz Josef, set amongst the glacier country of Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the South Island’s dramatic West Coast, travelling via the Southern Alps and the lofty heights of Arthur’s Pass (approx 395 kms). Stay 2 nights in a suite at Westwood Lodge.

A full day at leisure to explore the remarkable landscapes around Franz Josef, whose immense glacier is continuing to move at an incredible rate of 1metre per day. Nowhere else at these latitudes can you find glaciers so close to the coast and there are numerous ways to see and explore the stunning beauty of Franz Josef and nearby Fox Glacier. Options include guided walks that will take you to the best viewpoints of the glaciers, scenic flights that soar over and around these frozen juggernauts, heli-hikes that allow you to get that much closer, and for those seeking a bit more adventure, you can try your hand at ‘ice climbing’ at the all-weather glacier centre.

Depart Franz Josef and drive to the lakeside setting of Wanaka, a quieter alternative to nearby Queenstown that also boasts the majestic splendours of Mount Aspiring National Park (approx 287 kms). Stay 2 nights at Lime Tree Lodge in a Guest Room. (Note: Lime Tree Lodge has a 2 night minimum stay between June-Sept, during this time you will stay at Wanaka Springs Lodge). Afternoon at leisure.

Depart Wanaka and drive to Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s most visually stunning regions and one of its most popular year round destinations (approx 85 kms) for a 3 night stay at the Dairy Private Luxury Hotel in a Standard Room. Afternoon at leisure.

Two full days at your own leisure. Nestling in Queenstown Bay, about midway along the eastern shores of the azure blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown lies in the stunning shadow of the towering Remarkable Mountains range. Whilst the town’s spectacular natural beauty presents the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the surrounding area, perhaps taking in some of its exceptional walking opportunities, or some genteel sightseeing from its Skyline Gondola, it is also renowned as New Zealand’s ‘adrenaline-activity capital’. You can try you hand at any number of exhilarating activities, including sky diving, jet boating, hang gliding, paragliding, rock climbing, kayaking, sailing and horse riding. For the serious adrenaline junkie you could try the terrifying Nevis High-wire bungy jump, a 134m high plunge over the Nevis River. Other alternatives include a cruise on the steam-powered TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu, or a wine tour of the region.

As above

Depart Queenstown and drive north, to Mount Cook and the breathtaking scenery of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, for a 2 night stay at the Hermitage Hotel. The drive today is approximately 314 kms.

A full day at leisure to explore Mount Cook. The park is home to 22 of the country’s 3000+m peaks and, at 3755m, Mount Cook is the highest, a factor that has earned it the title of Aoraki (Cloud Piercer). Options for today include a visit to the brand new Sir Edmund Hillary Centre, which houses a museum, planetarium and 3-D presentation, affording a fascinating insight into the cultural evolution of Aoraki. Alternatively you may like to take a scenic flight across the breathtaking panoramas of New Zealand’s highest peak, make a tour of the spectacular Tasman Glacier, board a glacier cruise, or even take a star spotting tour.

Depart Mount Cook today and return to Christchurch (approx 331 kms). Stay overnight at The George Hotel in a Standard. One of New Zealand’s most enchanting of cities; Christchurch is an engaging mix of modern style and colonial elegance. Afternoon at leisure.

Make your way to Christchurch Airport today and return your car to the Budget Depot. Depart Christchurch for your next destination.