9 Day South Island Snow, Ski & Spa
South Island Self Drive Tour
Christchurch to Queenstown
Self Drive
Days: 9 days / 8 Nights
Accommodation: 4-5 star
Vehicle: Modern Toyota Rav4 + Full Insurance
From: $615 NZD Per Person, Per Day*
Price: $5525 NZD Per Person, Twin Share (*mid June to mid September only)
100% Customisable to Fit Your Budget!
All Inclusive & Customisable
Prepare for a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation on this 9 Day Ski & Spa driving holiday! Feel the rush as you carve through the pristine slopes, surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks at Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski fields. Indulge in the serenity of Tekapo Hot Springs and soak while gazing at the mesmerizing star-filled sky. This all inclusive road trip also offers a breathtaking experience at Milford Sound with a scenic Fly/Cruise/Fly adventure. Marvel at the awe-inspiring waterfalls cascading down towering mountains, immersing yourself in untouched beauty.
You’ll also explore Central Otago's finest and off-the-beaten-track cellar doors, including a visit to the famous Gibbston Valley underground wine cave. Complete your tour with a luxurious private bathing experience at Onsen Hot Pools Queenstown. Sink into a cedar-lined hot tub and enjoy a soak, surrounded by snow capped mountains and glacial lakes. A winter escape to remember!
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Canterbury's premium skiing destination, Mt Hutt ski package; lift passes & skis/snowboard + boot & pole hire
Fable Terrace Downs Resort - base of the alps dinner.
Soak and stargazing tour at Tekapo Hot Springs located on the edge of the lake
Milford Sound scenic Fly/Cruise/Fly including a 1.5 hour boat cruise featuring pristine waterfalls, towering mountains & picnic lunch
Onsen Hot Pools Queenstown - The Ultimate Private Bathing Relaxation Experience
Ski/Snowboard Coronet Peak - package includes; lift passes & skis/snowboard + boot & pole hire
World-class ski field The Remarkables featuring 360-degree views of Queenstown and the lake below. Includes lift passes & skis/snowboard + boot & pole hire
Queenstown Wine Sampler Tour Central Otago’s finest and off the beaten track cellar doors, including a visit to New Zealand’s famous Gibbston Valley underground wine cave
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8 nights in 4-5 star/best available motel, hotel, bed and breakfast or apartment featuring mountain, ocean and lake views (subject to availability)
9 days vehicle hire of a modern Toyota Rav4 or similar + GPS + full insurance
All meals as listed under each day's itinerary
All experiences as listed under each day's itinerary
All bookings and reservations + assistance for urgent matters during your trip via email and a free calling number
A digital travel guide APP outlining our top picks for what to see and do and where to eat along your route
The donation of 4 native trees – a sustainability initiative to offset carbon emissions and re-grow Aotearoa/New Zealand's forests
Arrival and departure flights not included
Detailed Itinerary - Day by Day
Day 1
Stay: Rydges Latimer
Your Day: Christchurch Arrival
Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal. Make your way to your inner city accommodation where the day and night are free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the wonderful winter ski adventure ahead.
Day 2
Driving Time: 154km, 2.5 hours Stay: Fable Terrace Downs
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Your Day: Christchurch to Mount Hutt & Terrace Downs
This morning you will make your journey inland and south to Canterbury's premium skiing destination, Mt Hutt. With its stunning location in the Southern Alps and reliable snow conditions, Mt Hutt offers a range of challenging terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. From beginners to seasoned experts, visitors can enjoy the resort's wide open runs, panoramic views, and exceptional facilities. Follwoing a full day up the mountain, drive a short distance down the road to Fable Terrace Downs Resort, where you will spend the night at the base of the alps and enjoy a complimentary dinner. Your ski package today includes lift passes & recreational skis/snowboard + boot & pole hire (Helmets additional. Goggles and gloves cannot be hired, only purchased).
Day 3
Driving Time: 189km, 2.5 hours Stay: Lake Tekapo Village Motel
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Terrace Downs to Lake Tekapo
Today you will make your journey south-west to Lake Tekapo, by initially following Canterbury’s inland scenic route. Along the way you will pass through high country sheep farming territory. Why not stop in the quaint little town of Geraldine and sample some of their New Zealand-famous jam. Arriving on the shores of the bright blue Lake Tekapo, stop and take a photo at the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd and then head further up the road to one of our favourite scenic spots in the country; Mt. John. At the summit of Mt. John, one feels like they are on top of the world with 360 degree views of the snow-capped Southern Alps, high country farmland and surrounding blue lakes. This evening you will enjoy a soak and stargazing tour at Tekapo Hot Springs, located on the edge of the lake. The ultimate in stellar relaxation, Tekapo Star Gazing is the only guided hot pools and star gazing experience in New Zealand. A two-hour experience, the first half of this guided indoor and/or outdoor tour introduces you to Tekapo’s amazing night skies with a unique combination of astronomy and storytelling. You will then enjoy exclusive use of a 37.5 – 38.5℃ hot pool; lie on a floating hammock and feel like you’re soaking in the stars as you explore the wonder of night skies!
Day 4
Driving Time: 256km, 3 hours Stay: Rydges Resort Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Lake Tekapo to Queenstown
This morning you will skirt around beautiful Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo and See New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook. You could stop at the beautiful Mount Cook View Point before travelling over the Lindis Pass (965m) to Central Otago, known for its Merino Sheep and wool industry. First perhaps stop at a local salmon farm and sample fresh or smoked salmon, or pop in for a visit at Omarama Hot Tubs for a soothing break from driving (optional - not included in quote). From there you head through to Cromwell where you can visit a local fruit shop for a chance to try ‘Real Fruit Ice cream’, take a tour of a local fruit orchard (including tasting some fresh fruit! – optional activity) and sample a few of the New Zealand famous manuka honey products. Arrive in beautiful Queenstown in the afternoon.
Day 5
Stay: Rydges Resort Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Your Day: Milford Sound Scenic Fly/Cruise/Fly RTN
Be prepared for one of the jewels of the New Zealand landscape! This morning you will enjoy a spectacular Fly/Cruise/ Fly and a chance to see spectacular Milford Sound. Your will enjoy a incredible scenic flight to Milford sound and you will experience all that the fjords have to offer with a 1.5 hour boat cruise featuring pristine waterfalls and towering mountains plunging into the Tasman Sea. Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and the Fiordland crested Penguin. You will return this afternoon and enjoy the rest of your day in Queenstown.
Day 6
Driving Time: 32km, 45 minutes driving return
Stay: Rydges Resort Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Ski/Snowboard Coronet Peak
Today is a full day dedicated to hitting the powder. The beautiful Coronet Peak ski area sits above Arrowtown, with stunning high points and rolling trails offering seasoned skiers and snowboarders an experience to remember, while the gentle lower slopes are perfect for beginners. Sitting at 1649m above sea level, don’t forget to take in the stunning views of the valley and surrounding snow capped peak. By the end of today’s ski run you should be really getting the hang of the kiwi ski style – both on and off the slopes! Head back to town and perhaps enjoy the evening with a visit to Queenstown’s iconic Ice Bar or snuggle up in a cosy bistro in front of the fireplace. Your ski package today includes lift passes & recreational skis/snowboard + boot & pole hire (Helmets additional. Goggles and gloves cannot be hired, only purchased).
Day 7
Stay: Rydges Resort Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Ski/Snowboard The Remarkables
This morning you will head to the top of the Remarkables to hit the slopes. The Remarkables are a superb place to test out the New Zealand conditions. This world-class ski field really lives up to its name! There are breathtaking views to be admired, both from the slopes and from look out spots on the drive, featuring 360-degree views of Queenstown and the lake below and also many sites used in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. The Remarkables features a fantastic network of progressive terrain parks with wide, gentle slopes for beginners of all ages and big mountain steeps for the experts in the family. This field also boasts purpose built snow tubing lanes. After a fantastic day skiing we will head back down to Queenstown where there is the opportunity to dine in one of Queenstown’s many fine lakefront establishments. Your ski package today includes lift passes & recreational skis/snowboard + boot & pole hire (Helmets additional. Goggles and gloves cannot be hired, only purchased).
Day 8
Stay: Rydges Resort Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Queenstown Wine Sampler Tour & Onsen Experience
Did someone say Queenstown wine tour? It’s time to pinot! Travel in premium Mercedes vehicles visiting four of Central Otago’s finest and off the beaten track cellar doors, including a visit to New Zealand’s famous Gibbston Valley underground wine cave. Look, smell and taste over 18 spectacular cool-climate wines and enjoy an optional scrumptious lunch (additional cost ordered on the day) whilst your charismatic wine guide and knowledgeable cellar staff educate and amuse you with local winemaking facts and stories. This evening you will indulge in a private bathing experience at Onsen Hot Pools Queenstown. Your experience begins with a 45-minute soak in a cedar lined hot tub while you enjoy a complimentary drink and snack and soak up the incredible views of the quintessential southern landscape. Once relaxed, calm and warm, you will then be treated to your choice of face or body treatments in Onsen Queenstown's peaceful day spa room with 1 hour spa packages available.
Day 9
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Queenstown Departure Day
Today you will transfer to Queenstown Airport for your further travel arrangements. We trust you've had a wonderful time here in New Zealand!
Onward flight is not included.
Here's how it works.
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Step One.
Enquire by filling out our form with a few more details about your driving holiday plans. Our driving holiday experts will be in touch to discuss options and ideas with you.
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Step Two.
We will help match you to your perfect New Zealand driving holiday itinerary, complete with all the destinations you want to visit and any additional activities you would like to include.
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Step Three.
Once you are happy with everything, we can take a small deposit and you can get excited to hit the open road and explore New Zealand. With our 24/7 support, you can rest easy knowing that everything is arranged.
Plan your ultimate New Zealand driving holiday today with our expert travel agency.
Our team of specialists will help you create a seamless travel solution, tailored to your specific touring plans and desired duration.