12 day Ultimate South Island

This 12 day tour starts in Queenstown and finishes in Queenstown.

Starting and finishing in the alpine adventure capital of Queenstown, this route circumnavigates the Southern Alps and its dramatic peaks, glaciers and lakes.

Experience what New Zealand is all about. Visit Wanaka before discovering the beauty of the West Coast and glacier country before making your way to Arthur's Pass National Park. On route back to Queenstown you will take an overnight stop in the majestic Mt. Cook National Park.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Boutique lodges & hotels.

Rental car insurance included

Rental car inclusions: Unlimited kilometres,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.

Tour pack: Includes detailed driving instructions, maps, guide books and much more.

This tour can be customised to suit you precisely - just request here.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Private Transfer Queenstown Airport to your Accommodation

Included activity: Travel guide and in-country support

Included activity: Glacier Explorers

Included activity: TSS Earnslaw Gourmet BBQ Dinner Cruise

Included activity: Cruise and Island Nature Walk

Included activity: Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools

Included activity: Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter Line

Included activity: The Panorama Room, Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook

Meals included: 10 breakfasts, 4 dinners

Itinerary summary for: 12 day Ultimate South Island

Day 1: Arrive into Queenstown and be transferred to your accommodation
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Day 2: Collect your rental car this morning and head to the alpine lakeside town of Wanaka
Accommodation: Lakeshore Springs Apartments

Day 3: Explore Wanaka today. Visit famous Mou Wahu Island
Accommodation: Lakeshore Springs Apartments

Day 4: Drive through Mt Aspiring National Park and onto the Wild West Coast and Glacier Country
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 5: This morning take a helicopter onto the glaciers. This afternoon time to self explore
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 6: Head into the Southern Alps and the glorious Arthurs Pass National Park and Wilderness Lodge
Accommodation: Wilderness Lodge, Arthurs Pass

Day 7: A full day to enjoy the activities on offer at the lodge
Accommodation: Wilderness Lodge, Arthurs Pass

Day 8: Onto the Canterbury Plains and foothills today
Accommodation: Terrace Downs Resort

Day 9: Take the inland scenic route to Mt Cook National Park via Lake Tekapo
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium Plus

Day 10: Some time to explore the walks or Mt Cook Village before taking to the glacier lake
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium Plus

Day 11: Continue your drive south into Central Otago, through the Gibbston Valley and back to Queenstown. Cross the lake to Walter Peak Station for dinner tonight
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Day 12: Your final day in Queenstown