Mt Cook, Arthurs Pass, West Coast and Wanaka

The best of Mackenzie Basin, Mt Cook, Scenic Inland Route via Rakaia River, TranzAlpine, Arthurs Pass, south part of West Coast and Wanaka

Queenstown is a great base to start a trip from! Experience Mt Cook from both sides of Southern Alps, lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, less traveled scenic inland highway 72 via Mt Summers, Arthurs Pass, the best of the south part of the West Coast with some hidden gems such as Okarito Lagoon and Jackson Bay.

The itinerary can be adjusted according to your group preferences (e.g. perhaps you don't like jet boats or would like to stay 2 nights in one place). There are many options to choose from. Don't be shy and ask for recommendations on how to make the most of your holiday - we will do our best to implement your travel wishes. This tour is designed as a 9 day trip, however it can be easily extended to see and experience more along the route (e.g. walk to Clay Cliffs, enjoy more time in Mt Cook area, visit Geraldine Vintage Car & Machinery Museum, etc.).

Welcome to our small-group (10 maximum) tour onboard our modern minibus, where you will be escorted around the area’s highlights.

Day 2: Cromwell, Lindis Pass, Omarama, Mt Cook

We will travel via Kawarau Gorge and visit Cromwell Historic Precinct before climbing up to Lindis Pass and down to MacKenzie Basin. In the afternoon we will enjoy short walks under Mt Cook, optionally you can take a scenic helicopter flight.

Accommodation: Twizel (or Mt Cook Village)

Day 4: Arthurs Pass & Greymouth

In the morning we will take the TranzAlpine Train from Springfield to Arthurs Pass. This is the best part of the journey with winding railway tracks above Waimakariri River. (If you don't like to go by train, a driver can take you to Greymouth via Castle Hill) We will spend the afternoon around the Arthurs Pass village enjoying the alpine environment and you can walk to Devils Punchbowl Waterfall. From the village we will continue in the minibus via Otira Gorge with a few scenic stops on our way to Greymouth.

Accommodation: Greymouth

Day 6: Franz Josef, Fox Glacier and Haast

In the morning we will visit Franz Josef Glacier (fancy a scenic helicopter flight?) and continue to Fox Glacier village where we can walk around beautiful Lake Matheson. Later we will continue south along the Southern Alps with a few scenic stops and a walk amongst prehistoric kahikatea trees.

Accommodation: Haast

Day 8: Wanaka

In Wanaka we can visit Rippon Vineyard (must be booked in advance) with perhaps the best views in NZ and taste special biodynamic wines. Really worthwhile is a cruise to Mou Waho Island. Alternatively you can visit local museums, we can enjoy several walks or just relax :-)

Accommodation: Wanaka

Optional Extensions

We are happy to assist with all bookings and adjust your itinerary accordingly.

• Te Anau & Milford Sound, Fiordland- visit for a day, two or more...

• Doubtful Sound cruise - full day or two days (overnight cruise) add a day or two in Fiordland. Doubtful Sound’s fjord is a less famous neighbour of Milford Sound. However, being far larger and more remote many travelers regard it as superior. Access to Doubtful Sound is only via Lake Manapouri or in a helicopter. For overnight cruises we recommend travelling on a smaller vessel which offers a more intimate experience.