8 day private tour
8 Day South Island Glaciers & Lakes
Arrive in Christchurch, cross the Southern Alps to Franz Josef, travel through Wānaka to Queenstown, then return to Christchurch.
Tour overview
Begin with an easy arrival day in Christchurch before crossing Arthur's Pass to the West Coast rainforest and spending two nights in glacier country. Travel south through the Haast Pass to Wānaka, then settle in for three nights in Queenstown, including two days to explore at your own pace. On Day 8, return across the South Island to Christchurch. Your private driver guide and vehicle are with you throughout, leaving you free to enjoy the journey rather than the road.
Best for: First-time visitors with a week in the South Island
Highlights
- Castle Hill walk
- Devils Punchbowl waterfall
- Arthurs Pass visit
- Heli Hike
- Scenic Helicopter flight
- kayaking
- Fox Glacier lookout
- Thunder Creek Falls
- Lake Matheson
- Lake Hawea
What's included
- Private driver guide for every day of the tour
- Private vehicle sized to your group
- Seven nights of accommodation at your chosen level
- All driving, fuel, road user charges and parking
- Free sightseeing stops and short walks along every leg
- Your driver guide's own accommodation and costs
Not included
- Flights into and out of New Zealand
- Meals and drinks
- Paid activities such as glacier heli-hikes and cruises
- Travel insurance
Full itinerary
Pick an exact start date in the booking panel to see real dates here.
Arrive in Christchurch and meet your private driver guide. Settle in for your first night, with time to wander the Botanic Gardens, explore the riverside city centre or simply rest after your journey. The drive across the island begins tomorrow.
Accommodation: Motels (3 star) in Christchurch
Read our Christchurch destination guide →
Customise this tour
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the number of nights in each place?
Yes. Open the Customise this tour tab and add or remove nights anywhere on the route, or add another destination. The price updates instantly.
Is this tour private?
Completely. It is just your group, your driver guide and your vehicle. There are no other travellers and no fixed departure dates.
What is the best time of year for this route?
It runs all year. Summer brings long days for the West Coast and lakes, autumn brings Central Otago colour, and winter offers snow-capped alpine scenery. Weather can affect glacier activities and travel times, so we keep the day flexible.
How firm is the price?
It is an instant estimate built from our live operating costs for the month and group you selected. We confirm it in writing before anything is booked.
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