THE JOURNEY
THE JOURNEY
Set out from Christchurch across the Southern Alps, then follow the West Coast through rainforest, glacier country and the dramatic landscapes of Haast Pass. From Wānaka and Queenstown, the journey turns back through the high country toward Aoraki / Mount Cook and Tekapō before returning to Christchurch. In eight days, the scenery keeps changing—from alpine passes to a wild, rain-washed coast, then on to the open lakes and mountains of the interior.
DAY BY DAY
Arrive in Christchurch
Christchurch
Overnight: ChristchurchArrive in Christchurch and ease into the journey. Depending on your flight time, take a gentle first look around the city or simply settle in and rest. The loop begins properly tomorrow, so there is no need to turn arrival day into a checklist.
Cross the Alps to Punakaiki
Christchurch → Arthur’s Pass → Punakaiki → Greymouth
Overnight: GreymouthLeave Christchurch and cross the Southern Alps through Arthur’s Pass. As the landscape shifts from open Canterbury plains to mountain valleys and the rain-fed West Coast, stop at Punakaiki to take in its striking limestone formations and wave-shaped coastline before continuing to Greymouth.
Follow the coast into glacier country
Greymouth → Hokitika → Fox Glacier
Overnight: Fox GlacierTravel south along the West Coast, with time to pause in Hokitika before continuing through rainforest and coastal scenery toward Fox Glacier. The day brings a striking transition from small coastal-town life to the scale of the Southern Alps and glacier country.
CONDITIONAL
CONDITIONALThrough Haast Pass to Wānaka
Fox Glacier → Haast Pass → Blue Pools → Wānaka
Overnight: WānakaLeave glacier country and travel through the forests and river valleys of Haast Pass. Waterfalls, mountain scenery and deep-green rainforest make the road itself a highlight. If access and conditions allow, pause at Blue Pools before continuing to Wānaka for the evening.
Blue Pools access depends on current track status, weather and conditions.
From Wānaka to Queenstown
Wānaka → Queenstown
Overnight: QueenstownEnjoy the change of pace as the journey leaves Wānaka and heads toward Queenstown. Mountain roads, lake views and small-town stops make this a shorter transition between two distinct lakeside settings. Arrive with time to settle in and enjoy the evening.
A free day in Queenstown
Queenstown · Independent day
Overnight: QueenstownA day to make Queenstown your own. Slow down by the lake, explore the town or arrange an activity that suits your interests. Milford Sound can also be considered as a self-arranged optional experience, though it makes for a very full day. No driver-guide service is included today.
This is an independent day with no driver-guide service. Any activities, transport or Milford Sound visit must be arranged separately.
OPTIONAL
OPTIONAL
CONDITIONALFrom Queenstown to the high country
Queenstown → Aoraki / Mount Cook → Twizel
Overnight: TwizelLeave Queenstown and travel toward Aoraki / Mount Cook, where the scenery opens into glacial valleys, braided rivers and a vast alpine skyline. Take time to experience the scale of the mountains before continuing to Twizel for the night.
Mueller Hut is a possible extension, subject to suitable time, track conditions and weather. Snow and alpenglow are not guaranteed.
CONDITIONAL
CONDITIONAL
Across the Mackenzie to Christchurch
Twizel → Tekapō → Christchurch
Make a final stop in the Tekapō area before travelling north across the Mackenzie Basin and Canterbury plains to Christchurch. Lakes and mountains gradually recede behind you as the loop returns to its starting point. The journey concludes in Christchurch, with airport drop-off arranged around your flight and the day’s road conditions.
Airport drop-off timing should be planned around your flight and road conditions.
CONDITIONALFinal pricing depends on your group size, dates and itinerary. Get in touch for a quote.
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