The drive from Hokitika to Franz Josef is a scenic journey that transforms from coastal landscapes to lush rainforest terrain.

Arrive in Franz Josef around lunchtime, giving plenty of time to experience the glacier itself, an iconic West Coast highlight. Get a shuttle to the beginning of the track and hike through native bush and across glacial streams to the terminal face for spectacular photos, or simply relax in the township and enjoy the views. For a closer look, an optional heli-hike lets you stand directly on the glacier.

• Free: Glacier Valley hike, bush track
  Optional (paid): Heli-Hike to Franz Josef Glacier, Shuttle to Track
  Accommodation: Franz Josef Motel (or similar)
  Meals Included: Breakfast

Start with a relaxed walk around Lake Matheson, known for its stunning views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, which reflects back onto the lake on still days. Next, visit charming Wanaka, famous for its lake and mountain scenery. Enjoy a late lunch and take time to soak in the views, and perhaps snap a picture of THAT Wanaka tree.

Afterward, make your way to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World” and spiritual home of bungy jumping. On arrival, head straight to your accommodation, which offers a swimming pool, fitness center, and sauna.

• Free: Lake Matheson scenic walk
• Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown (or similar)
• Meals Included: Breakfast. Local restaurants and cafes

Today is a free day in Queenstown. After breakfast, go explore the beautiful mountain scenery with one of the many free hikes, or join an activity of your choice. This evening, try the famous Fergburger, check out the nightlife, or enjoy a hot chocolate on the lakefront listening to the live artists scattered along the shore.

• Free: Hike Ben Lomond, the Queenstown Hill, or Bob’s Peak
• Optional (paid): Bungy, jet boating, skydiving, ziplining, horse riding, wine tasting, luging
• Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown (or similar)
• Meals Included: Breakfast. Local restaurants

Depart Queenstown for Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. On arrival, head to the Fiordland Cinema for the short film Ata Whenua – Shadowland, capturing the national park’s landscapes from above, a fitting preview before tomorrow’s Milford Sound cruise.

In the afternoon, take a water taxi across to Brod Bay to walk a part of the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, across the Coal Creek Bridge and along the shores of Lake Te Anau back to your accommodation (summer only). Spend the night in this serene lakeside town.

• Included: Entrance to Ata Whenua movie, Water Taxi to Brod Bay (October–April)
• Free: Kepler Track Great Walk
• Accommodation: Te Anau Distinction Luxmore Hotel (or similar)
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner. Local restaurants

This morning, depart Te Anau and head toward the iconic Milford Sound, where you’ll board a boat and cruise across the fjord (fun fact: it’s not actually a sound, it’s a fjord!) to see towering Mitre Peak plus rainforests, waterfalls, and loads of amazing wildlife like fur seals, penguins, and dolphins.

In the evening, you have the option to see the glowworm caves in Te Anau, go for a stroll through the town or around the lake, or relax at your accommodation.

• Included: Milford Sound Day Trip including Scenic Cruise
• Optional (paid): Glowworm Caves
• Accommodation: Te Anau Distinction Luxmore Hotel (or similar)
• Meals Included: Breakfast. Local restaurants

Depart Te Anau early to drive over the Lindis Pass and through the Mackenzie Country, past the vivid blue waters of Lake Pukaki, on the way to the base of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook. One of the most stunning drive days in the country.

Arrive in the early afternoon with time for an optional experience like a boat tour on a glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped alps. Alternatively, check out the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or one of the many great short walks in the park. The Hooker Valley Track (weather dependent) is one of the top shorter walks in New Zealand. If it’s a clear night, head outside to experience one of the best stargazing spots in the country.

• Free: Take photos of awe-inspiring scenery, walk the incredible Hooker Valley Track (weather dependent), stargazing
• Optional (paid): Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (entrance included May–September), Glacier Explorer boat tour
• Accommodation: Mount Cook Alpine Lodge (or similar)
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Mount Cook, make your way through a landscape made famous by The Lord of the Rings films. Stop to check out the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd, an iconic photo stop. If you like, relax in the Tekapo hot pools, do some snow tubing or ice skating (winter only), or hike up to the Mt John Observatory for incredible views of the lake from above. After lunch, continue to your final overnight stop in Christchurch, where you can head out for a final group dinner together (own cost) to celebrate an incredible journey around Aotearoa/New Zealand.

• Free: Hike to Tekapo Mt John Summit, check out the historic Church of Good Shepherd, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park
• Accommodation: Scenic Cotswold (or similar)
• Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we highly recommend exploring Christchurch. Wander the city streets and laneways to discover creative street art intended to bring cheer and color to a city once buried in rubble. Check out the modern shopping district, go for a beer at one of the quirky local pubs, spend an hour punting down the Avon River, explore the stunning Botanic Gardens, or hop on the historic tourist tram and see it all.

As this is the final day, it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers and tour guide, and go your separate ways.

• Meals Included: Breakfast