8D7N South Island New Zealand’s Natural Wonders (Self Drive)

The group departs from Kuala Lumpur (or your location) and arrives in Queenstown, New Zealand. Upon arrival, a private driver will greet the group and transfer them to their Queenstown accommodation. After checking in, you’ll have some free time to explore Queenstown and enjoy the stunning scenery. A suggested activity is the Skyline Queenstown Gondola and 3 Luge rides, offering breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding mountains. Dinner and overnight stay in Queenstown.

After breakfast, the group will collect their rental cars and begin the scenic drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier. The journey will take them through the Crown Range, Wanaka, and the Blue Pools, where they can enjoy a short walk through the beech forest to a glacier-fed swimming hole. Lunch at Paringa Salmon Farm, followed by a visit to Fox Glacier. The day ends with a scenic helicopter ride over the famous Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Dinner and overnight stay in Franz Josef township.

After breakfast, the group will drive along the West Coast Highway, passing through Whataroa, Ross (an old gold mining settlement), and Hokitika, famous for its craft stores and Pounamu-greenstone. After reaching Greymouth, the group will drop off their rental cars and board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, one of the world’s great train journeys, traveling through Arthur’s Pass National Park to Christchurch. Upon arrival, a transfer will be provided to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, the group will collect new rental cars and head towards Aoraki-Mt Cook National Park. They will drive through the Canterbury plains, stopping at Geraldine and Fairlie, before arriving at Lake Tekapo for a beautiful photo opportunity with Mt Cook in the background. Continue to Aoraki-Mt Cook Village for check-in. A suggested activity is the Glacier Explorers tour, where the group will have the chance to view 500-year-old icebergs and the Tasman Glacier up close. Dinner and overnight stay in Aoraki-Mt Cook.

After breakfast, the group will depart for Dunedin, making a stop at Twizel (a filming location for Lord of the Rings) and the town of Oamaru, known for its white stone buildings and Steampunk influence. The group will also visit the Moeraki Boulders before arriving in Dunedin. Dinner at Larnach Castle, where they’ll enjoy a four-course meal in the grand Castle Dining Room. Suggested activity: Monarch Wildlife Cruise, where the group will witness incredible wildlife, including the Northern Royal Albatross, sea lions, and possibly dolphins. Overnight stay in Dunedin.

The group will depart Dunedin early and head towards Te Anau via Invercargill. The drive will take them through The Catlins, known for its rugged coastline and stunning natural beauty. They will stop at Kaka Point for a photo opportunity, then visit the famous Rawana Waterfalls and Ravana Cave Temple on the way to Te Anau. Upon arrival, they will check in at the hotel and enjoy dinner. Suggested activity: Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where the group will embark on a scenic cruise and explore the underground limestone caves to witness thousands of glowworms. Overnight stay in Te Anau.

After breakfast, the group will drive back to Queenstown, passing through the scenic Southland countryside and Mossburn. En route, they will enjoy stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. Upon arrival in Queenstown, the group will check in at the hotel and relax. Suggested activity: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner, where they will enjoy a gourmet meal in a beautiful lakeside setting, complete with a farm demonstration. After dinner, they will cruise back to Queenstown under the Southern stars. Overnight stay in Queenstown.

After breakfast, the group will return their rental cars and have some free time to explore Queenstown before heading to the airport for their flight back home. Farewell, New Zealand!