Tour Milford Sound Spectacular - 7 Day Self Drive Tour

Accommodation

6 nights Hotel 3 star accommodation. This accommodation can be upgraded - contact us for more information.

Others

Private airport transfers Real Journeys Milford Sound nature cruise A superb range of rental cars to choose from Rental car insurance with full coverage (variable excess/deductible) Unlimited kilometres, GPS navigation, airport and ferry fees

Meals

6 x breakfasts

Transport

6 days car rental - Toyota Corolla Hatch automatic or similar (driver must be 21 years old) The minimum age to rent and drive a vehicle is 21. Please note there is an additional surcharge of $28.75 (including GST) for drivers aged from 21 to 24 years inclusive. The cost of this is payable directly to Europcar upon collection On collection you will require a credit card to collect your vehicle. Note debit or pre-loaded travel type credit cards may not be accepted. Europcar also require a bond of up tp NZ$350 in the form of a credit card imprint. This is only authorized and not debited to your card. This is fully refundable should no extra charges be incurred during your rental period. A full tank of fuel is provided on collection of the vehicle. Please return the car with a full tank to avoid any additional refuelling charges. Any number of drivers can be listed at no additional charge. All drivers must have a valid driving licence printed in English or a valid international licence. When you collect your rental car please ensure you are familiar with and understand the terms and conditions of renting a car.

Not included:

Guide

English commentary on Milford Sound cruise only

Insurance

Insurance is not included except car insurance

Optional

Other activities and services not included. Prebooking activities in the locations you are visiting is always recommended to avoid missing out - chat with us and we will be happy to assist you with this.

Others

Fuel. Claims administration fee between $50 for single vehicle accidents to $200 for third party accidents. insurance cover for reasonable damage to the front windscreen, headlights and tyre punctures. Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Christchurch
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To Christchurch

Welcome to Christchurch City

On arrival into Christchurch airport you will be met from your flight and a transfer will deliver you to your accommodation.

The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. Christchurch City is the largest city in the South Island. Often referred to as the Garden City it boasts one of the largest public parks in the country and the city centre is full of very impressive stone buildings reminiscent of the English university towns.

Private transfer Christchurch airport to your accommodation

On arrival you will be met by a private driver and delivered to your Christchurch accommodation.
Day 2 Day 2: Travel Through The Canterbury Plains Deep Into The Southern Alps
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Travel Through The Canterbury Plains Deep Into The Southern Alps

Collect your rental car

This tour can be priced with any of the rental cars available in our fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUV’s.

Christchurch to Mt. Cook National Park

Today you’ll drive through the heart of the South Island, crossing the vast Canterbury plains. Catch your breath in Geraldine before continuing through Fairlie. Ascending Burkes pass you’ll come to the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo.

Follow the road and take in the view of Aoraki Mt Cook (New Zealand’s tallest mountain) from the shores of Lake Pukaki, known for its glacier fed turquoise blue color. Continue along the lake to your final destination Mt Cook Village. Please note there are no food or shops at Mount Cook you will need to stock up prior to arriving in Mount Cook if you wish to self cater.

Driving Information:

Approximate distance and time for today’s driving leg is: 350 kms / 217 miles : 4.1 hours
Day 3 Day 3: Head South-West To Fiordland
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Head South-West To Fiordland

Mt. Cook National Park to Te Anau

Twizel, just south of Mt. Cook was the location of many Lord of the Rings movie scenes and a little further on is Omarama, the gliding capital of New Zealand. Wrinkly Rams is a local café and also offers an informative sheep shearing demonstration. The Lindis Pass is one of New Zealand’s highest roads with the summit reaching 971 metres. The tussock covered hills offer an unusual contrast as you pass from the Mackenzie Basin and into Central Otago. The first Central Otago settlement you reach is the quaint village of Tarras, which has a number of boutique stores and a lovely café.

A short drive further along is the historic and scenic Bendigo Reserve, which was one of Otago’s original gold mining settlements. Well marked paths will guide you to the remains of stone cottages and other buildings from this bygone era. Cromwell sits at the head of the Kawarau Gorge and the historic old town is well worth the visit, the buildings are now home to quaint shops and cafes. The old town buildings were relocated from the valley that now sits deep under Lake Dunstan.

Continue on through the sheer cliffs of the Kawarau Gorge as they guide you towards the Gibbston Valley, one of New Zealand’s premier wine growing regions. At the famous historic Kawarau Bridge you can take a bungy jump or sit back and enjoy the drama as visitors hurtle off the bridge. Approaching Queenstown the impressive Remarkables mountain range comes into view and then beautiful Lake Wakatipu as you head south. The lake guides you into Southland through its rich farming pastures and into Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Driving Information:

Approximate distance and time for today’s driving leg is: 419 kms / 260 miles : 4.8 hours
Day 4 Day 4: Explore The Milford Road And Cruise The Magnificent Milford Sound
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Explore The Milford Road And Cruise The Magnificent Milford Sound

Te Anau to Milford Sound and return to Te Anau

The road to Milford Sound offers some of the most beautiful and iconic scenery in the country. From crystal clear lakes and towering mountains to lush glacier formed meadows, this area is dramatic and unyielding. Stretch your legs on the Chasm Walk, a short stroll through native beech forest to see several powerful waterfalls.

Continue on through the Homer Tunnel, an engineering marvel at 1219 metres long. Arriving into the village of Milford,you will be greeted with an amazing view of Mitre Peak. A day cruise into the heart of the sound with Real Journeys is not to be missed. You’ll learn about how this magnificent area was formed and experience the wonder of the falls that line the Fiord before back-tracking the way you came.

Milford Sound Nature Cruise

A two and a half hour nature cruise of spectacular Milford Sound. On board one of three purpose built vessels you’ll experience tumbling waterfalls, towering peaks, lush rainforest and native wildlife. Learn about the region, its history and natural surroundings while enjoying a delicious picnic lunch. As you cruise, keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and penguins - frequent visitors to the fiord.

Driving Information:

Approximate distance and time for today’s driving leg is: 233 kms / 145 miles : 3.6 hours
Day 5 Day 5: Cross The Southland Countryside Towards Otago And Dunedin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Cross The Southland Countryside Towards Otago And Dunedin

Te Anau to Dunedin

The drive from Te Anau to Dunedin takes you through classic Southland farmland scenery but if you want to spend the whole day exploring a little off the beaten path than taking the Southern Scenic Route through The Catlins is highly recommended. Following the incredible Otago coastline to Invercargill the route passes through Manapouri and onto Tuatapere before Colac Bay and the fishing town of Riverton. From Invercargill the route hugs the coastline and there are many side-trips to secluded and deserted beaches and bays to explore before you arrive into the remarkable Edwardian City of Dunedin.

Driving Information:

Approximate distance and time for today’s driving leg is: 285 kms / 177 miles : 3.3 hours
Day 6 Day 6: Follow The Coast North To Christchurch, Be Sure To Stop At The Moeraki Boulders
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Follow The Coast North To Christchurch, Be Sure To Stop At The Moeraki Boulders

Dunedin to Christchurch

Heading north from Dunedin your first stop should be Moeraki to explore the famous and unique Moeraki Boulders strewn on the beach. Following a look at these incredible and unique geological features don’t miss a visit to Fleur’s Cafe in Moeraki Township for the freshest seafood you’ll experience.

The town of Oamaru is most famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. Explore the old quarter or if you don’t mind a late arrival into Christchurch then stay longer to see the blue penguins come ashore at dusk. The port town of Timaru is next and then the vast Canterbury Plains. Crossing New Zealand’s longest bridge at Rakaia you can view some great examples of the South Island’s famous braided rivers. Arriving into Christchurch City puts you close to the airport and the International Antarctic Centre, a visit is highly recommended. Here you can get as close to experiencing life on the frozen continent without actually visiting plus see New Zealand little blue penguins and ride in a Haaglund Tracked vehicle.

Driving Information:

Approximate distance and time for today’s driving leg is: 346 kms / 215 miles : 4.2 hours
Day 7 Day 7: Depart Christchurch Today
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Depart Christchurch Today

Depart Christchurch today

Explore more of Christchurch before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Driving Information:

Approximate distance and time for today’s driving leg is: 7 kms / 5 miles : 0.2 hours

7 days tour

Milford Sound Spectacular - 7 Day Self Drive Tour

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Milford Sound Spectacular - 7 Day Self Drive Tour

Day 1: Welcome To Christchurch

Day 2: Travel Through The Canterbury Plains Deep Into The Southern Alps

Day 3: Head South-West To Fiordland

Day 4: Explore The Milford Road And Cruise The Magnificent Milford Sound

Day 5: Cross The Southland Countryside Towards Otago And Dunedin

Day 6: Follow The Coast North To Christchurch, Be Sure To Stop At The Moeraki Boulders

Day 7: Depart Christchurch Today

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