1 day - Christchurch to Queenstown

This tour is an alternative to the large coach transfers or flying between Christchurch and Queenstown with a chance to experience this part of South Island at leisure…

Journey across the Canterbury Plains to the foothills of the Southern Alps. Your journey will take you across the wide expanse of the Canterbury Plains and then across the Rakaia River and its gorge. Heading south, you will travel through small picturesque country towns and a visit can be made to “The Tinshed”, an extremely popular woolen wear country store. Crossing Burke’s Pass, enter the MacKenzie High Country, which was named after a sheep rustler and pass the glacial formed high country Lakes – Tekapo and Pukaki. A stop can be made at Tekapo to see the famous lakeside church and for views of the lake and the distant Godley Peaks. At Pukaki, glorious views of Mt Cook may be seen. Plenty of opportunities for photo stops. (Views are weather dependent).

Travelling on, pass through Omarama (world renowned as a gliding centre), then head over the Lindis Pass and into the Otago Province. Here, a dramatic change in the landscape occurs as you head towards Queenstown. A stop can be made in the Kawarau Gorge to view the Bungy bridge (where it all started!) Once you are in Queenstown, your guide will provide a brief familiarization of the town and its environs before dropping you at your accommodation and bidding you a farewell.

This tour can also be extended by going into the Mount Cook National Park if pre-arranged.

Please note this tour can begin in Queenstown and finish in Christchurch.