New Zealand, the dazzling Southern Alps

CHRISTCHURCH
Departure from Christchurch, where you collect your rental vehicle.
In the afternoon, discover the city on a 3-hour guided tour aboard a traditional double-decker bus, in English. You’ll learn about the fascinating history of Christchurch, from its beginnings as a pioneer settlement to its transformation into a modern city. You’ll find a city still marked by the recent earthquakes it has endured, but which rebuilds itself step by step, undeterred.

We then recommend exploring the botanic gardens or the Re:START mall, built from shipping containers and home to numerous shops.

LAKE TEKAPO
Today, drive to Lake Tekapo in the Mackenzie region via the Inland Scenic Route 72. Roughly 3 hours’ drive south of Christchurch, Route 72 from Geraldine to Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook is one of the most scenic and beautiful roads in New Zealand. Take in the peaks of the Southern Alps and the numerous merino sheep stations grazing along the way.

On arrival in Tekapo, check into your hotel, then take time to explore the lake and its surroundings. Head to the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, which overlooks the turquoise glacial waters of Lake Tekapo. At an elevation of 710 metres above sea level, Lake Tekapo is renowned for having the clearest, purest air in the whole of the southern hemisphere. The region offers numerous beautiful walks with breathtaking views over the lake.

We recommend relaxing at the end of the day in the warm waters of Tekapo Springs.

After dinner, visit the Earth and Sky observatory, where you can admire the region’s remarkable night sky — soon to be UNESCO World Heritage listed for the clarity and purity of its Milky Way.

MOUNT COOK
We offer an optional scenic flight over the Southern Alps in a small aircraft departing from Tekapo. This activity allows you to take in the grand landscapes of the Mackenzie Basin, fly over Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, and view some of the region’s best-known glaciers, including the Tasman, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

Then head toward Mount Cook along the South Canterbury Heritage Trail. On arrival at Mount Cook Alpine Village, you’ll find yourself immersed in a true mountain atmosphere.

You can choose to explore the history of the mountaineering pioneers through the museum and planetarium, take one of the many walking trails starting from the hotel, or simply take in the 180° panorama over Mount Cook and its immaculate, permanent snows. This region is a remarkable, unforgettable natural landscape, largely untouched by human presence.

QUEENSTOWN
Early in the morning, the Glacier Explorers team will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the national park by four-wheel-drive vehicle. After a short approach walk (15 minutes), you’ll discover the vast glacial lake of the Tasman Glacier and board a breathtaking 1-hour cruise. You’ll come close to towering ice cliffs and enormous floating icebergs. With your guide’s commentary, you’ll learn about the region’s glacial history and how it was formed.
Then drive on to the lively town of Queenstown through the spectacular landscapes of the Southern Alps. You may choose to take a detour to Lake Wanaka (a one-hour round trip, 70km).
We suggest stopping at the picturesque village of Arrowtown, 20 minutes from Queenstown.

Arrowtown is a former gold-mining town built on the banks of the Arrow River. Wandering its streets and shops, you’ll relive 150 years of mining history. Today, we invite you to explore the town at your own pace.
Queenstown is a mountain resort town, spectacularly set between a lake and snow-capped peaks.
It’s well known for extreme sports, but also for its food and wine, lake cruises, hot springs, shopping and golf!
As an option, we suggest discovering the Queenstown Skyline, one of the town’s landmarks.

Located a 5-minute walk from downtown Queenstown, the Skyline offers sweeping views over the region and a range of fun activities, including luge rides. Take the Bob’s Peak gondola or enjoy a meal at the panoramic restaurant.

Return of your rental vehicle in town or at the airport.

Summary:
– 1 night in Christchurch in a 4* boutique hotel
– 1 night at Lake Tekapo in a 4* boutique hotel
– 1 night at Mount Cook in a 4* boutique hotel
– 1 night in Queenstown in a boutique hotel