Highlights
- Cycle from Lake Tekapo to Twizel for an explosion of colorful scenery
- Roll along secluded trails near Wanaka before flying over Franz Josef Glacier
- Enjoy the stunning shades of blue at Hokitika Gorge and bike the hidden trails
- Take the scenic TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch to see spectacular landscapes
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Christchurch & Explore | Christchurch |
| Day 2 | Drive to Twizel, Cycle from Lake Tekapo to Twizel | Twizel |
| Day 3 | Scenic Drive to Queenstown | Queenstown |
| Day 4 | Drive to Wānaka, Cycle from Hawea to Wānaka | Wānaka |
| Day 5 | Drive to Franz Josef Glacier, Glacier Helicopter Flight | Franz Josef Glacier |
| Day 6 | Drive to Hokitika, Discover Hokitika Gorge | Hokitika |
| Day 7 | Scenic Mountain Bike Ride | Hokitika |
| Day 8 | Drive to Punakaiki, Take the TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch | Christchurch |
| Day 9 | Depart Christchurch |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch & Explore
Day 2: Drive to Twizel, Cycle from Lake Tekapo to Twizel
Pick up your rental car this morning and leave Christchurch, driving inland and south toward Lake Tekapo, a turquoise lake in Mackenzie Country. The 3.5-hour route takes you through the pastoral Canterbury Plains, and you can take a break in Geraldine, a small town by the woods with plenty of cafés, shops, and restaurants. Continuing, you'll pass gorgeous scenery, like the aptly named Beautiful Valley. The last part of the drive climbs Burkes Pass, bringing you to the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo. From there, it's just 45 minutes to Twizel, where you'll check in at your hotel.
After stretching your legs, take a shuttle with your cycling group, returning to Lake Tekapo to start your cycling route. It's an easy ride following the canal as it flows from Lake Tekapo to Lake Pukaki. Pass the Mount Cook Alpine Salmon Farm located in the canal, and a few minutes later, reach the top of Tekapo B Power Station. See brilliant views of Lake Pukaki, the Southern Alps, and the surrounding Mackenzie Basin. Further on, the lower section of Lake Pukaki begins, and the trail gradually leaves the lake, and crosses Twizel Flats, an alpine tussock plain, before reaching Twizel.Day 3: Scenic Drive to Queenstown
Continue south on today's 2.5-hour drive to the adventure capital of Queenstown. Cross the Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand's highest roads, as you pass from the Mackenzie Basin into Central Otago. Stop at Bendigo to explore one of Otago's original gold mining towns, where well-marked paths allow you to explore the remains of stone cottages and other buildings from this era.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Drive to Wānaka, Cycle from Hawea to Wānaka
It's just a short hour's drive this morning as you leave Queenstown and cross New Zealand's highest sealed road, the Crown Range. Stop in Cardrona and try a tasting at the Cardrona Distillery before arriving in the resort town of Wānaka. Check in at your hotel to freshen up and get ready to pedal! Meet your guide and bike to take this fantastic 18-mile (30 km) scenic ride, ideal for getting you away from the city and setting the pace while exploring the beautiful surroundings. Before stopping for lunch, take a Grade 2 trail that follows the Hawea and Clutha rivers. Then, you'll be transported to Lake Hawea to finish on Wānaka's lakefront.
Day 5: Drive to Franz Josef Glacier, Glacier Helicopter Flight
Today's epic four-hour drive takes you north up New Zealand's wild West Coast. Follow the shores of Lakes Wānaka and Hawea before you enter the village of Makarora, the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. Don't miss the Blue Pools, just outside Makarora, reached via a 30-minute walk through native beech forest. Descending into Mount Aspiring National Park and toward the Haast Pass, you'll cross the Haast River and soon see Fox Glacier welcoming you to the glacier region. Finally, you'll reach your destination for the night in the village of Franz Josef / Waiau.
After you've settled in at your hotel, visit the Department of Conservation information center in to plan a hike in the area. Some of the most popular trails include the Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere walk and Sentinel Rock walk, which provide views of the mighty Franz Joseph Glacier. Then there's the Lake Wombat track and Terrace walk, which take you through the forest and past former gold mining operations.
Later in the afternoon, meet at the glacier's edge to take a breathtaking helicopter flight over some of New Zealand's most famous glaciers. Land at the head of one and take in incredible views of this frozen river of ice as it winds through ancient valleys carved from the mountainside.
Day 6: Drive to Hokitika, Discover Hokitika Gorge
Driving north from Franz Josef / Waiau for 1.5 hours takes you through a historic gold mining region to reach the town of Hokitika, where you'll stay for two nights. A busy port in its heyday, Hokitika became a center for the West Coast gold rush and, more recently, has become known for its jade and greenstone crafts. The town has some significant old buildings, and you'll also find some excellent restaurants and cafés. Once you arrive, check in to your hotel and head back out to Hokitika Gorge.
A 45-minute drive from the town center, this stunning granite gorge is lined with beautiful native bush. A short walk from the car park takes you to a swinging bridge over the milky blue-green pools, and on to an otherworldly landscape of large, moss-covered boulders.Day 7: Scenic Mountain Bike Ride
Day 8: Drive to Punakaiki, Take the TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch
The hour's drive north to Punakaiki takes you along the beautiful coast with ample opportunity to view the surf and the steep bush-clad mountains. Located in the heart of the Paparoa National Park, the area offers beaches, forest and mountain walks, canoeing, and horse trekking. Punakaiki is most famous for the Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Exploring the famous pancake rocks is best at high tide, with the incoming ocean waves sending seawater up the blow holes to create spectacular plumes.
You'll have plenty of time to explore Punakaiki this morning before enjoying the scenic 40-minute drive back along the coast to Greymouth. where you'll drop your rental car and catch the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train to Christchurch. Crossing the South Island from west to east and cutting through Arthur's Pass National Park, the TranzAlpine is considered one of the world's most incredible train journeys.
From the comfort of your carriage, you'll spot lush forests, dramatic river valleys, and the soaring peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend into the sweeping Canterbury Plains before arriving back in Christchurch. Upon arrival, a driver will meet you at the train station and take you to your hotel. You're free to explore tonight. Perhaps have dinner in a historic colonial-style tram that makes the rounds of the city's top attractions.
Day 9: Depart Christchurch
It's time to say goodbye to New Zealand! A driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight home at the appointed time.
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