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7-Day Milford Sound Spectacular

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Overview

Starting in Christchurch, travelling into Mackenzie county to Mount Cook, Queenstown, Te Anau and Dunedin, this seven-day tour allows you to see the beauty of New Zealand's South Island!

From Mount Cook, you'll journey south via Queenstown to Te Anau. From there, you'll take the scenic route along the stunning Milford Road and enjoy a Milford Sound nature cruise.

The next day, you'll travel through Southland to Otago, stopping in Dunedin before heading back to Christchurch.
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing
Cruising
Adventure
Beach & Sea

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Christchurch!

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Welcome to Christchurch!

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation. You'll then have the day free to discover the magic of Christchurch. A perfect activity for you is the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus which takes you to the key sights of the city in closed and open-top buses whilst learning about its fascinating history through a commentary and admiring the views.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Heartland Hotel Cotswold3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour 24-Hour PassOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Christchurch

Day 2

Scenic Drive Through Canterbury & Mackenzie Country to Mt. Cook National Park

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Scenic Drive Through Canterbury & Mackenzie Country to Mt. Cook National Park

Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country to Mt Cook National Park. You'll catch your breath in Geraldine before continuing through Fairlie and 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 colour.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Hermitage Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Glacier Explorers Tour of Mount CookOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Christchurch

    Aoraki/Mount Cook

    Canterbury

  • notes icon
    Notes

    This morning, you'll collect your rental car and begin your drive to Mount Cook.

Day 3

Scenic Journey from Mount Cook to Te Anau via Lindis Pass and Kawerau

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Scenic Journey from Mount Cook to Te Anau via Lindis Pass and Kawerau

The Lindis Pass is one of New Zealand’s highest roads reaching 971 metres as you pass from the Mackenzie Basin and into Central Otago. The first village you reach is the quaint Tarras. it's then a short drive to Bendigo Reserve, once a gold mining settlement with ruined cottages from this bygone era. You'll drive through Kawarau Gorge and Gibbston Valley, one of New Zealand's premier wine-growing regions. Then, it's onto Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu which guides you into Te Anau, where you stop.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Distinction Luxmore Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Scenic Drive from Mount Cook to Te Anau

    Te Anau Glowworm CavesOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Aoraki/Mount Cook

    Lindis Pass

    Te Anau

    Fiordland National Park

Day 4

Journey to Milford Sound for the Day

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Journey to Milford Sound for the Day

Today, you'll make the beautifully scenic journey to Milford Sound. You'll get up close and personal with a leisurely Milford Sound nature cruise of this spectacular fiord. From thundering waterfalls to sky-high mountains to lush rainforests, Milford has it all. Experience the spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces. Informative, participative and relaxed, this is the perfect way to experience Milford Sound to the fullest.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Distinction Luxmore Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Milford SoundOptional Activity

    Milford Sound Cruise with Real Journeys

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Te Anau to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

    Rental Car from Milford Sound / Piopiotahi to Te Anau

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Te Anau

    New Zealand

    Southland

Day 5

Scenic Drive from Te Anau to Dunedin

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Scenic Drive from Te Anau to Dunedin

The drive from Te Anau to Dunedin takes you through classic Southland farmland scenery. With a little more time, the Southern Scenic Route through the Catlins is highly recommended. Following the incredible Otago coastline to Invercargill, the route passes through Manapouri and the fishing town of Riverton. From Invercargill, the route hugs the coastline before you arrive into the remarkable Edwardian city of Dunedin.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Heritage Dunedin Leisure Lodge4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Monarch Wildlife CruiseOptional Activity

    Larnach CastleOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Te Anau to Dunedin

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Te Anau

    Dunedin

    Otago

Day 6

Scenic Drive from Dunedin to Christchurch

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Scenic Drive from Dunedin to Christchurch

Heading north from Dunedin, your first stop should be Moeraki to explore the famous and unique Moeraki Boulders strew on the beach. The town of Oamaru is most famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. 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.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Heartland Hotel Cotswold3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Moeraki Boulders BeachOptional Activity

    ChristchurchOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Dunedin to Christchurch

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Dunedin

    Hampden

    Christchurch

Day 7

Departure from Christchurch

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Departure from Christchurch

This morning, after breakfast, you'll be collected and taken to the airport for your departure flight.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Christchurch to Christchurch International Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Christchurch

Included in Price

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • 2 activities
  • 6 breakfasts
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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