New Zealand South Island Alpine Explorer

A comprehensive journey through the South Island's dramatic landscapes, from the turquoise lakes of Tekapo to the deep fjords of Milford Sound and the rugged glaciers of the West Coast.

• Christchurch Botanic Gardens
• Lake Pukaki Viewpoint
• Hooker Valley Track
• Te Anau Lakefront
• Milford Sound
• Skyline Queenstown
• Glenorchy Wharf
• Franz Josef Glacier Village

1. Arrival in the Garden City

   • Christchurch Botanic Gardens

     Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Christchurch, Canterbury, NZ

   • Riverside Market

     Riverside Market, Christchurch, Canterbury, NZ

2. Turquoise Lakes and Starlight

   • Church of the Good Shepherd

     Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo, Canterbury, NZ

   • Lake Pukaki Viewpoint

     Lake Pukaki Viewpoint, Lake Pukaki, Canterbury, NZ

   • Mount Cook Village

     Mount Cook Village, Aoraki Mount Cook, Canterbury, NZ

3. Alpine Valleys and Clay Cliffs

   • Hooker Valley Track

     Hooker Valley Track, Aoraki Mount Cook, Canterbury, NZ

   • Omarama Clay Cliffs

     Omarama Clay Cliffs, Omarama, Canterbury, NZ

   • Wanaka Lakefront

     Wanaka Lakefront, Wanaka, Otago, NZ

4. Wanaka Views and Alpine Passes

   • That Wanaka Tree

     That Wanaka Tree, Wanaka, Otago, NZ

   • Cardrona Hotel

     Cardrona Hotel, Cardrona, Otago, NZ

   • Te Anau Lakefront

     Te Anau Lakefront, Te Anau, Southland, NZ

5. The Road to Milford Sound

   • Eglinton Valley

     Eglinton Valley, Fiordland National Park, Southland, NZ

   • Milford Sound

     Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, Southland, NZ

   • Te Anau

     Te Anau, Te Anau, Southland, NZ

6. Adventure Capital Queenstown

   • Skyline Queenstown

     Skyline Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago, NZ

   • Queenstown Gardens

     Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown, Otago, NZ

7. Gold Rush History and Glenorchy

   • Arrowtown Historic District

     Arrowtown Historic District, Arrowtown, Otago, NZ

   • Glenorchy Wharf

     Glenorchy Wharf, Glenorchy, Otago, NZ

   • Queenstown

     Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago, NZ

8. The Haast Pass to Glacier Country

   • Blue Pools Bridges

     Blue Pools Bridges, Makarora, Otago, NZ

   • Thunder Creek Falls

     Thunder Creek Falls, Haast Pass, West Coast, NZ

   • Franz Josef Glacier Village

     Franz Josef Glacier Village, Franz Josef, West Coast, NZ

9. Glaciers and Coastal Wonders

   • Lake Matheson Walk

     Lake Matheson Walk, Fox Glacier, West Coast, NZ

   • Hokitika Gorge

     Hokitika Gorge, Hokitika, West Coast, NZ

   • Hokitika Beach

     Hokitika Beach, Hokitika, West Coast, NZ

10. The Great Alpine Highway

    • Arthur's Pass Village

      Arthur's Pass Village, Arthur's Pass, Canterbury, NZ

    • Castle Hill Rocks

      Castle Hill Rocks, Castle Hill, Canterbury, NZ

    • Christchurch City Center

      Christchurch City Center, Christchurch, Canterbury, NZ

• Book the Milford Sound cruise and glacier heli-hikes well in advance as they fill up quickly.
• Check road conditions for the Crown Range and Haast Pass, especially during shoulder seasons.
• Sandflies are prevalent in Fiordland and the West Coast; carry high-quality repellent.
• Fuel stations can be sparse between Te Anau and Milford Sound; fill up before departing.
• Day 8: 5h 3m driving — plan rest stops